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Discover Scuba Diving
Pricing
Ages 10+
Ages 10+
Ages 10+
Description
Discover Scuba Diving in Catalina Island's Casino Point Dive Park
Ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? This is your chance to find out. No certification, no prior experience — just curiosity and a sense of adventure. Your instructor will walk you through the basics of scuba gear and safety on land before you take your first breaths beneath the surface at the world-famous Casino Point Dive Park, a protected marine preserve right in the heart of Avalon.
After a quick skills practice in the shallows, your guide leads you into the majestic kelp forest that has made this dive park legendary among divers of every level. Expect close encounters with garibaldi, kelp bass, and maybe even a giant sea bass gliding past, all set against towering kelp fronds and some of the clearest water in Southern California. Fair warning: many first-timers leave hooked for life.
Duration
- 3 hours total, including topside instruction, gear fitting, and your guided dive
Location / Where to Meet
- 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704 — ground floor of the historic Catalina Casino building
- Shore entry directly into the Casino Point Dive Park
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 10 years old
- Must be able to swim and feel comfortable in deep water
- Sessions are conducted in English only — no bilingual instructors are available
- A PADI medical questionnaire and e-learning module (sent via the PADI App through your confirmation email) must be completed before your booking date
- Certain medical conditions may require prior physician approval before participating
What's Included
- Full scuba gear rental (wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, and weights)
- Topside instruction and safety briefing from a PADI instructor
- One guided shore dive through the Casino Point kelp forest
- Access to on-site showers and restrooms
Not Included
- Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, consider gifting 10–25% to your guide; cash is easiest, though guides typically accept Venmo or PayPal
- Underwater photographer add-on — can be arranged for an extra fee by calling ahead
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit or swim trunks to wear underneath your wetsuit
- Towel
- Reef-safe, reef-friendly sunscreen (non-nano mineral formulas recommended)
- A change of clothes for after your dive
- Water and snacks
- Any required paperwork, including your completed medical questionnaire and waiver
- A waterproof camera, if you'd like to capture the experience (the outfitter isn't responsible for damaged or lost items)
- Please remove jewelry, watches, or anything that could get lost or damaged in the water
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Catalina Divers Supply
FAQs
Do I need any experience to do Discover Scuba?
No experience at all. Discover Scuba Diving is specifically designed for complete beginners. Your five-star PADI instructor provides all training and is with you throughout the entire dive.
Where will we dive?
The dive takes place at Casino Point Dive Park, the famous underwater park located directly below the iconic Catalina Casino building. The park is a marine protected area and home to over 800 species of marine life, including Garibaldi, calico bass, bat rays, sea lions, and giant black sea bass. The park also has easy stairs for water entry and exit.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Casino Point is renowned for its kelp forest diving. Common sightings include the brilliant orange Garibaldi (California state marine fish), calico bass, sheepshead, sea lions, leopard sharks, octopus, and nudibranchs. On a good day, giant black sea bass are possible.
Is the dive in the ocean?
Yes. The dive takes place in the Pacific Ocean at Casino Point, which is classified as a shore dive — meaning you enter directly from the concrete stairway, making it one of the most accessible ocean dives in California.
Will I be certified as a scuba diver after this experience?
No. Discover Scuba Diving is a guided introductory experience only. You will not be a certified diver afterward and cannot dive independently based on this program alone.
How big are the groups? Can I book a private dive?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 6 guests per guide. If you'd prefer a 1:1 experience, you can book a private dive at checkout.
I'm nervous about breathing underwater for the first time — is that normal?
Completely normal! Your instructor spends time on land walking you through your gear and practicing basic skills before you head into the water, so you'll feel prepared and comfortable before your dive begins.
Can I fly after diving?
Flying too soon after scuba diving can be dangerous and may lead to decompression sickness. Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines recommend waiting at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive before flying or driving above 1,000 ft (305 m) elevation, and longer if you complete multiple dives. Please check with your instructor before making travel plans.
Can I dive with a mustache or beard?
You can dive with facial hair, but it may prevent a tight seal between your mask and face, which can let water leak in. Shaving your mustache beforehand is often recommended, or you can apply petroleum jelly or chapstick along the mustache line to help create a seal.
Can I wear glasses or contacts while diving?
You can't wear glasses under a dive mask, but contacts work well and are often the best option for clear vision underwater. Prescription masks are welcome if you have your own, since rental shops typically don't carry them.
What sunscreen can I use, and why does it matter?
Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that damage coral reefs and marine life. Please use a reef-safe, non-nano mineral sunscreen, and avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens. Sun-protective clothing like a rash guard is a great alternative.
What certification or safety oversight do the guides have?
All dives are led by PADI-certified instructors who guide you through both the topside briefing and your time in the water.
What marine life can I see when diving at Casino Point?
The kelp forest at Casino Point is home to garibaldi, kelp bass, sheepshead, moray eels, octopus, and even giant sea bass. Visibility here regularly exceeds 50 feet, making it one of the best shore diving spots for spotting marine life in Southern California.
Cancellation Policy
There is no penalty for cancellations received 7 days prior to your activity. If you need to cancel between 48 hours and seven days we will attempt to rebook your activity, but you may be assessed a rebooking fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of your scheduled activity. No-shows will be charged the full price. If you arrive and your instructor determines that you are not eligible for your activity, either due to lack of certification or a safety issue, you will not be issued a refund. Anyone who arrives under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to participate and there will be no refund. Customers will receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
1 Casino Way
Avalon, CA, 90704
US
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