Discover Catalina Island’s vibrant nocturnal marine life on a guided night dive. Experience underwater wonders after dark and see marine creatures in their natural night-time routines.
Discover Catalina Island’s vibrant nocturnal marine life on a guided night dive. Experience underwater wonders after dark and see marine creatures in their natural night-time routines.
Book with Diving Catalina
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Diving Catalina · Avalon, California
Catalina Island's underwater world takes on a whole new character once the sun sets. Located off the coast of Southern California, this volcanic island offers a prime setting for night diving at Even Casino Point, renowned for its clear waters and abundance of marine life. Step into the wetsuit and gear up for an adventure unlike any other, where the glow of your dive light reveals a nocturnal parade of creatures you won't encounter during daylight hours. You'll glide past colorful kelp forests, encounter curious lobsters, and spot glowing anemones, all while navigating through a landscape that seems transformed under the cover of night. Experienced guides lead the way, teaching essential night diving techniques like buoyancy control and navigation, ensuring safety and confidence for divers of all levels. This trip provides a rare chance to witness behaviors and species invisible during daytime, making it a highlight for underwater enthusiasts seeking a new perspective. Since Catalina Island is easily accessible from Los Angeles and other nearby cities, it’s a perfect overnight or day-trip adventure for those craving marine encounters after hours. The area is part of the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, meaning the environment is protected, and wildlife is thriving, making each dive both exhilarating and responsible. Whether you're a seasoned diver or trying night diving for the first time, this experience pushes the boundaries of typical ocean exploration and immerses you in the vibrant nightlife of the sea. It's not just a dive; it’s a chance to see a hidden world illuminated by your flashlight, offering both thrill and education in one unforgettable outing.
moderate.
2 hours.
Average fitness required, able to swim comfortably with basic diving skills
Yes, night diving requires at least open water certification and some experience in basic scuba skills.
When guided by experienced instructors and with proper equipment, night diving is a safe and thrilling experience.
Bring your certification card, dive gear, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
A beginner with open water certification and some dive experience can join, provided they are comfortable in the water.
You might see lobsters, octopuses, moray eels, and glowing invertebrates.
Healthy marine activity occurs year-round, but summer offers warmer water and longer days.
Catalina's waters have been navigated by local sailors for over a century, with many shipwrecks adding historical depth to the marine landscape.
As part of the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, the area is protected, promoting sustainable diving and marine health.
Diving Catalina is a dive operator based on Catalina Island, California, offering guided scuba and snorkeling experiences around Casino Point Dive Park and nearby sites. The company provides a range of services for beginners, certified divers, and certification students, including equipment rentals, introductory dives, guided kelp forest and reef dives, night dives, and specialty excursions using diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) and power snorkel scooters. Instructors lead Introductory Scuba Dives and Casino Point Snorkel Tours, introducing guests to vibrant marine life, kelp forests, and the protected, pollution-free waters of California’s first nonprofit underwater park. Referral Dives and Open Water Classes allow divers to complete certification dives on Catalina Island with instruction from agency-affiliated professionals. An Enriched Air Diver specialty course is also offered for certified divers seeking extended bottom time. Diving Catalina supports returning divers through 1-Tank Refresher Dives to rebuild skills and confidence and provides 1-Tank DPV and 1-Tank Guided Kelp Forest Dives for more expansive underwater exploration. Night Dives showcase nocturnal species and teach night dive techniques, buoyancy, and navigation under instructor supervision. Power Snorkel EXTREME gives snorkelers motorized assistance to cover more distance safely and enjoyably. All trips emphasize safety, local site knowledge, and equipment access through scuba rentals and guided formats. Divers and snorkelers can expect professionally led outings in a scenic marine environment on Catalina Island, focused on education, wildlife observation, and memorable underwater experiences. Reservations, rental availability, and schedule information are provided directly by Diving Catalina through its booking channels on Catalina Island and staff.
Book with Diving Catalina