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Guided Snorkeling - Catalina Island
Pricing
Ages 8+
Description
Guided Snorkeling Tour in Catalina Island's Casino Point Dive Park
You don't need to dive deep to discover an underwater wonderland. This guided snorkel tour keeps you right at the surface of Casino Point Dive Park, a well-established marine preserve where visibility ranges from 40 feet on a slow day to 80–100 feet on a good one. An informative Divemaster leads the way, pointing out the best of what Catalina Island's waters have to offer.
Glide above a legendary kelp forest and past schooling fish while your guide shares insight on the local marine life. Keep an eye out for colorful garibaldi, schooling blacksmith fish, kelp bass, bat rays, and — if you're lucky — one of the giant black sea bass that call this preserve home, some weighing up to 400 lbs. The park itself has deep roots in local diving history, first designed in 1962 and formally established in 1965 as one of the area's original protected dive sites.
Duration
- 2 hours
- Two departures available daily, at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Location / Where to Meet
- 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704 — the historic Catalina Casino building
- Shore entry directly into Casino Point Dive Park; this excursion does not involve a boat
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- Must be able to swim and feel comfortable in deep water
What's Included
- Guided snorkel tour with a Divemaster
- Access to Casino Point Dive Park
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
What to Bring / Wear
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Reef-safe, reef-friendly sunscreen (non-nano mineral formulas recommended)
- Reusable water bottle
- Required paperwork, including any signed waivers
- 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
Where does the guided snorkel tour take place?
The tour takes place at Casino Point Dive Park, one of California premier marine protected areas. Nearby Lovers Cove is another excellent snorkel spot with colorful Garibaldi, calico bass, and sheepshead visible in the shallow, clear water.
Do I need swimming experience?
You need to be comfortable swimming and navigating in deeper water. The snorkel tour takes place in the open ocean and participants will be snorkeling for the full duration of the experience.
What will I see?
Casino Point regularly offers sightings of Garibaldi (California state marine fish), calico bass, sheepshead, bat rays, sea lions, horn sharks, and schools of blacksmith fish moving through the kelp forest. On some trips dolphins have been spotted.
When is the best time to snorkel at Casino Point?
Visibility varies day to day, ranging from around 40 feet on a lower-visibility day up to 80–100 feet on a good one. Your guide can offer the best insight on conditions closer to your visit.
Is this a shore or boat snorkel tour?
This is a shore snorkel tour. You'll enter the water directly from Casino Point Dive Park — no boat is involved.
Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No experience is necessary. Casino Point's calm, protected waters make it a great spot for first-time snorkelers, and your Divemaster is there to guide you the whole way.
How's the visibility?
It varies by day — expect at least 40 feet of visibility on a slower day, and up to 80–100 feet when conditions are at their best.
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
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Location
Address
1 Casino Way
Avalon, CA, 90704
US
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