OUTDOORS
SNORKEL & SCUBA IN CATALINA'S WORLD-FAMOUS WATERS
S cuba and snorkeling fans from around the world flock to Catalina to dive, swim and explore the crystal-clear waters around the Island. From the moment you arrive on Catalina Island, it’s difficult to miss the inviting waters and impressive kelp forest teeming with friendly sea life, including the bright orange garibaldi—California’s marine state fish. While in the water, adventurers can find an abundance of sea life, a few shipwrecks and even a plaque dedicated to Jacques Cousteau, who enjoyed exploring Catalina’s underwater world. WHO CAN DIVE? For first timers, several companies lead snorkeling, power snorkeling and introductory diving tours at the Casino Point Marine Park, located behind the famous Casino. Certified guides lead WRITTEN BY ASHLEE POLAREK
WHAT TO LOOK FOR? Depending on the season, explorers can expect to find a large array of sea life as they swim, dive and splash in the waters off Catalina. Sea life like the garibaldi, schooling blacksmith, kelp bass, bat rays, lobster, giant black sea bass and more are often found near the Casino Point Dive Park. In waters near other points of the Island, divers may find moray eels, torpedo rays, bat rays, angel sharks, perch, purple hydrocoral, sea lions and more. WHAT ABOUT GEAR? Catalina Diver Supply, Dive Catalina, Scuba by Design and other Island dive shops offer daily rentals for all of your diving and snorkeling needs including air tanks, suits, fins, masks, weight belts, gloves, regulators and more. Many tours come with gear although some require you to provide or rent your own, so be sure to check with your tour provider beforehand. For information about Catalina Express’ policy on dive gear, please see page 69.
tours into the water from the launch staircase, where groups will have the chance to spot fish among the stunning kelp forests. Certified divers can explore the water around the Island without a guide, or they can hop on a dive boat and head to deeper waters with a tour company like Catalina Divers Supply. WHERE TO GO? Certified scuba divers can explore dive sites that encircle the Island, so long as they have access to a boat. Popular dive locations include Cherry Cove, Lions Head and Sea Fan Grotto. Snorkelers can jump in the water at the Casino Point Dive Park, Descanso Beach Club or Lovers Cove Marine Reserve; an area teeming with fish. Many of the fish, in both Lovers Cove and the Dive Park, are familiar with people and will swim right up to look at you. Casino Point Dive Park is a popular spot for both snorkelers and divers as it’s rich with sea life and kelp.
66 CATALINA EXPRESS MAGAZINE
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