Diving Through The Kelp Forests Of Catalina Is A Magical Southern California Adventure That Will Light Up Your Soul

Catalina Island’s Avalon Bay, just 22 miles off the coast of California, is known for its gorgeous turquoise waters. From kayaking and sailing to snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours, visitors love taking to the water off the island's shore. What many don't know is that the best dive site in Southern California lies right near Avalon's famous Casino building.

There are several coves and areas that are good for snorkeling, but the Casino Point Dive Park offers a truly enchanting dive spot that does not disappoint.

To access the 2.5-acre underwater park, head to the jetty that extends from the rear of the Avalon Casino building.

A set of steps on the jetty make it safe and easy to reach the dive site, whether you join a guided tour or venture out on your own.

If you would like to get your diving certification, have an expert guide show you the way, or rent quality scuba gear, we recommend visiting Diving Catalina. They even rent Go-Pro cameras to film your adventure.

The clear blue waters of Casino Point reach as deep as 95 feet below the surface and are home to stunning kelp forests.

The water around Catalina is warmest

during September and October when visibility is also incredible.

Along the reefs, you will see a world of color, such as Soft Coral and the impressive Gorgonian Sea Fan.

One of the most common fish that occupy the Catalina waters is the brightly-colored California Garibaldi. Their color is bold and so is their personality. They are not afraid to come quite close to human visitors, some even having eaten from divers' hands.

You will have to keep a keen eye out to see these giant kelp-fish. Despite their size, they can be hard to spot because of their coloring and markings that make them blend in with the leaves of kelp around them.

There is so much life in every area of the Dive Park. In the caves and crevices of the rocky reef, you will often find Moray eels, lobsters, and abalone.

Have you ever seen a Nudibranch? These strangely-shaped and vibrantly-colored fish are a highlight of many divers' experiences and are sought out by underwater photographers.

You will truly feel like you are in the tropics if you catch sight of a green sea turtle.

Toward the surface, you are also likely to see California sea lions swimming and playing.

Another amazing, and somewhat surreal, sight is a huge, shimmering school of mackerel.

From the stony reef to the sand beyond, countless creatures go about their lives. You should not be surprised to see an octopus, a halibut, bat rays, or even angel sharks.

In the sandy areas past the reef, there are numerous boat wrecks which have also become home to a variety of sea critters.

There is an unbelievable underwater world waiting to be explored at Southern California's best dive site. Have you been diving or snorkeling around Catalina Island? What do you think of Casino Point Dive Park? If you are looking for another great undersea area in SoCal, check out our other article on diving and snorkeling in La Jolla.