The Underwater Dive Park is located next to the world famous Casino Building. First established in 1964, this park is the first nonprofit underwater park in the country (and maybe the world), and offers some of the best shore diving in California! This site has become a Mecca to divers worldwide.

Those who come to enjoy our clean, clear waters and abundant sea life find it free of mainland pollution and surf. The depth ranges from the rocky shore to 95 feet deep. Primarly the park consists of the fastest growing plant in the world, giant kelp (Macrocystis). The park's bottom contour reveals rock walls, pinnacles and a sandy plane on its outer edges, which is truly representative of Catalina Island's different characteristics.

Water temperatures ranges from 57-61 degrees in the winter to 70-74 degrees in summer, with August to mid September being the warmest. Because of strict local laws prohibiting taking of game or salvaging artifacts, the park has become a home for a large variety of marine life. Plant life of all colors abounds, from the giant kelp to the smallest algae. Living within the rocky reef are lobsters, abalone, octopus, small fish and moray eels, including our friendly "Fang". Numerous mollusks and nudibranches also make their homes on the reef.

Swimming freely in the kelp forest are calico bass, senorita fish, sheephead, opaleye, blacksmith and garibaldi. Where the rocky reef ends and sandy bottom begins one may find angel sharks, bat rays, banded guitar fish and halibut. Numerous wrecks are also found in the sandy areas, which have become home to many types of marine life. The newest addition to the dive park is the archaeological site constructed by Sealab Catalina.

Learn about our Guided Tours and our Certification Classes.

For those who always wanted to try but were not certified, THIS DIVE IS FOR YOU!

An Introductory Scuba Dive is an orientation to scuba that allows non-divers the experience of diving in the ocean, under the direct supervision of an instructor. Enjoy the Introductory Dive in the Avalon Underwater Park, one of few underwater parks in the world and marvel at the complex marine environment found in the kelp forests.

Your 2½ hour tour includes: Your guide, a knowledgeable and experienced instructor and an expert on Catalina Island marine life, scuba equipment and wet suit. Participants must be at least 10 years of age and be medically cleared.

Please allow approximately 2½ hours for the tour and reservations are required.

The price for this tour is $129.00 for a private dive or $99.00 for 2 or more participants.