- Ages 8+
- 90 minutes
Immerse yourself in the blue Pacific with the perfect intro to the underwater world, snuba diving! It’s like scuba diving but you don’t have to be certified.
Quick Details
Go Scuba Diving from Catalina Island
- Participants first watch a video and go through a series of briefings with their scuba diving instructor.
- After that, you hit the water. The time you spend below is totally dependent on how quickly you breathe through your tank of air.
- Usually, guests spend anywhere from 15 – 45 minutes below the surface on their first dive.
- This dive can count toward scuba certification. Ask your dive professional for further details!
*Refunds & exchanges are subject to availability. Click below to read our cancellation policy.
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If you have always wondered what it would be like to explore underwater, this is your chance! This three-hour activity provides all the instruction and gear for your first scuba dive. The Discover Scuba Diving program is the perfect way to take that first step toward underwater exploration at the Avalon Underwater Dive Park. Scuba diving is one of the most popular things to do on Catalina Island. Filled with majestic kelp and schooling fish, your first breath underwater will definitely be one to remember.
What is included with my Discover SCUBA Diving experience? All required gear & equipment is provided including wetsuit plus you’ll go through a full safety training onsite in addition to your online training before you come to the island.
What do I need to bring with me? Bring a towel, a bathing suit, dry clothes to change into, plus your sense of adventure. Plan on a total of 3 hours to complete this experience – this includes time to get fitted for and return gear plus your time in the ocean. Sunscreen is also recommended before you hop in the ocean.
What happens after I purchase my experience? You will receive a confirmation email from us after purchase. Within 24 hours of booking, we will send you an email to complete your PADI online eLearning and your waiver. This is a required training and waiver for all guests. We’ve set up our system to send you reminder emails about your SCUBA experience as it gets closer to the date of travel. Upon check-in, at the start of your tour time, you will do some learning in a classroom environment and be fitted for a wet suit, fins, and mask. Once everyone is geared up and training/orientation is complete you’ll head out of the dive shop toward the water – you’re all set to get wet! Enjoy your first SCUBA experience with your local guide in the Avalon Dive Park near the majestic Casino. You’ll access the water via a set of stairs (the number of stairs varies based on the tide – approximately 1-2 dozen steps). Time in the water varies based on a number of factors.
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Guests cannot fly within 24 hours of their dive. You will be required to complete a health and travel waiver prior to check-in. Please ensure that you review this waiver before coming to the island to ensure you are able to dive safely.
For your safety, you should be in good health & free from high blood pressure, heart, neck or back problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this tour. The weather may impact this excursion. Please contact us in the event of inclement weather. For safety reasons, all guests must be able to speak English well enough to communicate with their instructor.
Single Diver Fee: Discover Scuba Diving generally requires a minimum of 2 (two) guests to operate. In the event that your purchase does not meet the minimum and yours is the only ticket, there is a $20 individual diver fee. The Catalina Tours Reservations Team will contact you should this be the case to advise of the fee and confirm how you would like us to proceed or the Catalina Divers Supply Team will advise you upon check-in.
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Complete your PADI eLearning before you come to Catalina (required – link will be in your confirmation). Wear your bathing suit, sunscreen and bring a beach towel with you, plus a change of clothes for after your experience. All of the necessary equipment and training are included in the price of the dive.
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Discover Scuba Diving on Catalina Island
1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA, United States -
There is no penalty for cancellations received 7 days prior to your activity. If you need to cancel between 48 hours and seven days we will attempt to rebook your activity, but you may be assessed a rebooking fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of your scheduled activity.
No-shows will be charged the full price. If you arrive and your instructor determines that you are not eligible for your activity, either due to lack of certification or a safety issue, you will not be issued a refund. Anyone who arrives under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to participate and there will be no refund.
Customers will receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by email to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.
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Do I need a reservation for the Discover Scuba Diving experience?
Yes. Because of the intimate nature of this experience and the limited number of guides, a reservation is highly recommended.
Where can I put my personal belongings while on tour?
Each location provides an area to store your belongings. It is always best to bring only necessities to your activity as storage space may be limited. Catalina Tours and its vendors are not responsible for the loss, damage or theft of personal property.
Are there any other restrictions I need to be aware of regarding the Discover Scuba Diving experience?
YES! Guests may not travel via helicopter or airplane for a period of 24 hours after their dive. If the dive ends at 4 p.m. on Saturday, you cannot fly until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Guest must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water. For your safety, you should be in good health & free from high blood pressure, heart, neck or back problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Guests with a pacemaker may not participate. For safety reasons, all guests must speak English well enough to communicate with the dive instructor. Please note that guests are able to do a Parasail ride after their dive experience since the elevation of the Parasail experience we offer is less than 1000’.
How far is the Discover Scuba Diving check-in location from certain areas?
Walking time to common locations:
- Cabrillo Mole Area: 5-6 minutes
- Basketball/Volleyball/Old Ben Park Area: 3-4 minutes
- Green Pleasure Pier/Island Tour Plaza: 1-2 minutes
- Casino Building: 10-15 minutes
- Descanso Beach: 15-20 minutes
Is there food provided with the Discover Scuba Diving experience?
Due to the active nature of this experience, food & beverage is not included.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.