AVALON SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Kelp Forest Cathedral: Two Guided Dives at Casino Point, Avalon
Two guided tank dives through Catalina’s famed Casino Point Underwater Park for certified divers—this guide lays out what you’ll see, what’s included, and who should go.
Kelp Forest Cathedral: Two Guided Dives at Casino Point, Avalon.
Catalina Island’s Casino Point Underwater Park, on the shore of Avalon, is a world-class diving venue where dense kelp forests and protected reef habitat host an array of marine life; this outing delivers two guided dives through that underwater landscape led by Catalina Scuba’s instructor staff.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ranked kelp forests in a compact park
Catalina’s giant kelp forests are internationally celebrated and form the backbone of every dive at Casino Point, where divers move through dense blades and holdfasts that shelter an abundance of life.
Close encounters with iconic California species
Guided dives routinely showcase Giant Black Sea Bass, Garibaldi (the state fish), kelp bass, sheephead, rays, eels and nudibranchs, with the occasional playful sea lion, harbor seal, leopard shark or horn shark.
A protected marine reserve minutes from Avalon
Casino Point is a designated Marine Reserve in Avalon — no fishing or removal of marine life — and is regularly dived by local operators, making it accessible from the town and ideal for repeatable, wildlife-focused dives.
What the day feels like
What the two-tank day feels like
You join an instructor-led small group for two guided dives at Casino Point: expect organized briefings, guided underwater navigation through kelp and reef, and focused wildlife viewing during two 50-minute tank dives supplied by Catalina Scuba.
THE KELP
Ranked kelp forests in a compact park
Catalina’s giant kelp forests are internationally celebrated and form the backbone of every dive at Casino Point, where divers move through dense blades and holdfasts that shelter an abundance of life.
THE WILDLIFE
Close encounters with iconic California species
Guided dives routinely showcase Giant Black Sea Bass, Garibaldi (the state fish), kelp bass, sheephead, rays, eels and nudibranchs, with the occasional playful sea lion, harbor seal, leopard shark or horn shark.
THE SETTING
A protected marine reserve minutes from Avalon
Casino Point is a designated Marine Reserve in Avalon — no fishing or removal of marine life — and is regularly dived by local operators, making it accessible from the town and ideal for repeatable, wildlife-focused dives.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this dive suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Regulators (Atomic & Scuba Pro) with dive computers are included with the dives; the operator also provides or arranges other gear upon request.
If you need gear, the operator can supply it—ask when booking so rentals and sizing can be arranged in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the dives?
The tour includes two 50-minute tank dives.
What is the price?
The rate is $169 per person for ages 12 and up.
What is the minimum age to join?
Participants must be at least 12 years old.
Is gear included?
Regulators and dive computers (Atomic & Scuba Pro) are included; additional gear is available on request.
How many people can join a dive?
You can book up to six people for a dive; if you arrive and are the only person on the schedule, a $30 private fee per dive will be charged.
Are night dives available?
Night dives are offered on request—ask the operator when booking to arrange them.
What marine life might I see?
Divers commonly see Giant Black Sea Bass, Garibaldi, kelp bass, sheephead, rays, eels, various nudibranchs and the occasional sea lion, harbor seal or shark species.