Catalina Island Info

[mselenaous]

Is it still possible/ worthwhile to dive Catalina in November? I will be there for a couple of days on a stopover and wondered if it´s worth the trip.

Thanks

Catalina is lovely year round. Always something to see. A day on the ferry over to Avalona to dive the Casino Point Dive Park, or one of the many SoCal charter boats for a 3 tank dive around the island is definitely worth a stopover. Enjoy your trip.

 

[dwaters]

cathm, November is one of the best times to dive Catalina.... less crowds if going to Avalon for your stay.... water is just starting to cool off and usually before our rains and storms...water is near the best viz for the year, etc. We love Fall/Winter diving in Catalina. Enjoy!

 

[drbill]

Most assuredly Ron Moore's shop should be included in the sticky. As mentioned, he was CDS' DM and head instructor for some time and has a several decades of diving under his weight belt! In addition, Ron & Connie will be getting a dive boat that might add another niche to the dive boat options here on the island. The shop is small and doesn't carry as much gear, etc., as Scuba Luv's but it certainly deserves to be among the options listed!

 

[chrisculina]

I'm planning a two week trip to Catalina in June. What can I expect with regard to visibility and temperature?

 

[MaxBottomtime]

In June the temps are usually in the upper 60s. We have a plankton bloom which occurs in the spring, reducing visibility. At Catalina it usually remains better than 30-40 feet in most places. I've seen incredible vis in the summer at Catalina and less that eight feet once at Bird Rock. Chances of having good dives in June are about 95%.

 

[chrisculina]

In June the temps are usually in the upper 60s. We have a plankton bloom which occurs in the spring, reducing visibility. At Catalina it usually remains better than 30-40 feet in most places. I've seen incredible vis in the summer at Catalina and less that eight feet once at Bird Rock. Chances of having good dives in June are about 95%.

Sounds good.

Is June part of the high season? Anyone know how far in advance I should book diving and accommodation?

 

[MaxBottomtime]

If you plan to stay at a hotel on the island you may want to book the room soon.
Catalina Island - Number One Website for Packages, Hotels, Transportation and Activities

 

[strobeless]

Hello chrisculina. I am new to this board, so new I haven't even posted in the greets section, that's my next stop, but I wanted to add something before it slipped my mind.

Don't forget to also book your reservations for the Catalina Express boat. It would be terrible to book a room, get to the boat terminal, and discover that the boat was all booked up.

Enjoy Catalina, it's impossible not to

 

[drbill]

At Catalina it usually remains better than 30-40 feet in most places. I've seen incredible vis in the summer at Catalina and less that eight feet once at Bird Rock. Chances of having good dives in June are about 95%.

Actually Phil is being a bit overly optimistic... I'd put the chances of a good dive in June closer to 93%.

Early June is still not peak season for most hotels. It starts mid-June or Fourth of July. Because school is often still in session, the island doesn't usually get really busy (at least mid-week) until then.

Always a good idea to make your reservations ahead of time... a few weeks is usually enough.

 

[austinspace]

Thanks for this great information! Planning to spend last weekend of August in Avalon, with the idea of diving at Casino Pt each day. We might also book a boat dive one day for some variety.

Wondering what time in the morning would we need to hit the water to beat the crowds at Casino Pt?

Also, what might the water temp be at that time at, say, 50fsw ?