AVALON SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
When Day Surrenders: Night Scuba at Catalina’s Avalon
A guided night dive off Catalina Island that shows certified divers how familiar reefs and kelp beds rearrange themselves after dark — this guide explains what to expect beneath the beam of your dive light.
When Day Surrenders: Night Scuba at Catalina’s Avalon.
A guided night scuba dive around Avalon at Catalina Island flips the familiar into the uncanny: reefs and kelp that you’ve seen by day become a stage for nocturnal feeders and shy, emerging creatures once the sun slips below the horizon. Under a diver’s torch, the seafloor reconfigures into pockets of activity and silence, a compelling reason to try a nighttime outing with an experienced guide.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Nocturnal marine spectacle
At night the scene changes as day creatures retire and nocturnal organisms emerge — a core draw of this guided Catalina night dive.
Guided small-group exploration
This is a guided night dive designed to reveal underwater behaviors after dark; lights can be provided on request for an additional fee.
Small bookings and private-option note
The operator accepts bookings for up to five people; if you arrive with no other divers scheduled, a $100 private fee applies.
What the day feels like
What the Dive Feels Like
Dropping beneath the surface at night, the familiar contours of Catalina’s kelp and rock take on depth as isolated patches of life animate under the cone of a dive light. The guide escorts the group through these scenes, calling attention to creatures and behaviors that only appear after dusk.
Plan for an outing of roughly three hours from start to finish.
THE NIGHT
Nocturnal marine spectacle
At night the scene changes as day creatures retire and nocturnal organisms emerge — a core draw of this guided Catalina night dive.
THE GUIDE
Guided small-group exploration
This is a guided night dive designed to reveal underwater behaviors after dark; lights can be provided on request for an additional fee.
THE SETUP
Small bookings and private-option note
The operator accepts bookings for up to five people; if you arrive with no other divers scheduled, a $100 private fee applies.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this dive suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Night dive lights can be provided upon request for an additional fee; confirm lighting and any other equipment needs with the operator before arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the outing?
The guided night dive outing runs approximately 3 hours.
What is the cost?
The rate is $199 per person (ages 15 and up).
What are the age or certification requirements?
Participants must be at least 15 years old; the dive is intended for certified scuba divers.
How many people can join a dive?
You can book the dive for up to five people.
Is there a private-dive fee?
Yes — if you arrive and no one else is on the schedule, a $100 private fee will be charged.
Are lights provided?
Lights are available upon request for an additional fee.