Catalina Scuba

Located in the heart of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, Catalina Scuba is a specialist centre dedicated to the unique marine environment of the California coast. The centre operates primarily out of the Casino Point Underwater Dive Park, a protected marine reserve where fishing is prohibited, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for divers to explore.

You can reach the island via the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer ferries, with a short walk or local bus ride taking you directly to the dive park. The centre's proximity to the ferry terminal makes it an accessible base for those looking to dive the famous kelp forests and rocky reefs of the region.

The team is led by owner and training director Chris Howard, a PADI MSDT Instructor with extensive technical qualifications including PADI Tech 40, 45, 50, and Trimix, as well as rebreather certification and gas blending expertise. He is also an Atomic Repair Technician, ensuring high standards for the centre's equipment.

Nikki Howard, also a co-owner, is a PADI Staff Instructor with over 20 years of experience, specialising in adaptive diving for children and divers with disabilities. The instructional team is supported by Divemasters Gus Morrow and Kara Mariah, both of whom are Emergency First Responder certified.

Instruction is highly personalised, catering to the specific needs and interests of each diver, whether they are completing their first Open Water Diver course or training for professional roles such as Divemaster or Assistant Instructor. The centre also facilitates freediving and underwater photography sessions.

Catalina Scuba offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses, beginning with the Open Water Diver and moving through to Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver. For those looking to progress their careers, the centre provides training for Divemaster and Assistant Instructor levels.

Specialty training is extensive, covering Peak Performance Buoyancy, Enriched Air Diver, Deep Diver, Dry Suit, and Underwater Navigator. Technical and self-reliant divers can access the Self-Reliant Diver course, as well as more advanced training for those moving into the professional or technical spheres. Freediver training is also available on-site.

The centre provides full equipment hire for all tours, maintaining a high standard of kit that includes Atomic regulators and Shearwater computers for every diver. This ensures that even those travelling without their own gear can dive with reliable, modern technology.

For those requiring specific gases, Nitrox and Trimix are available. The facility also supports technical divers with rebreather capabilities. On-site, divers can access shower facilities within a five-minute walk of the dive park, including both free and paid options.

The kelp forests of Casino Point are home to a diverse array of large species. You will regularly encounter Giant Black Sea Bass, Kelp Bass, Sheephead, and various species of rockfish. The rocky structures and kelp hold many more residents, including Moray eels, Bat Rays, and Leopard sharks.

In the sandy patches and along the reef, look for Horn sharks, Yellow Tail, and Garibaldi. The area is also a frequent meeting place for larger pelagic visitors like Harbor seals and Sea lions, which add a sense of life to the underwater landscape.

For those interested in macro life, the reef offers plenty of smaller treasures. You can find various Nudibranchs, Sea hares, and Sea stars tucked into the crevices, while more mobile creatures like crabs and smaller fish navigate the reef flat.