Diving Catalina
Diving Catalina
5
Scuba & SnorkellingWater SportsEco ToursNight ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
At Diving Catalina, Your Adventure Awaits! Located at the world-famous Casino Point Dive Park, we offer guided scuba and snorkeling, Discover Scuba introductory dives and many certification classes for all ages and levels of experience. We offer a one-of-a-kind experience - our team of expert divers will lead you on the excursion of a lifetime- no experience needed. Just need to rent gear? We can provide whatever you need - full sets of gear plus tanks and weights are available. Want to record your own experience? Ask about GoPro rentals! When you make your reservation with us, you can rest assured you're in good hands!
Avalon, California
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
249 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
12
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
5
side241
San Juan, Puerto Rico39 contributions
Jun 2020
Diving Catalina and instructors David and Rain were awesome. My 19 year old daughter is a bit shy, but felt totally comfortable, safe, and relaxed during her four days getting certified as an open-water diver. Last year she did an intro dive with Dave and felt the same way, which is why we chose them for the full certification. We had an odd-schedule, and they were super accommodating, professional, and knowledgeable. Also, their equipment is top-knotch and in great condition, and their supply van is parked literally a few steps away from the dive park entrance. We stayed on my friends boat with his wife and daughter, and they are going to book certification for the whole family this summer. I have over 2,000 dives solo and with several different dive shops around the world, and these guys are up there with the best.
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you chose us for your daughter to obtain her Open Water Dive Certification. She has a whole lifetime of fantastic adventures under the sea waiting for her! We hope you and your family get the opportunity to dive with us again someday soon.
Written June 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Micahs M
1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Couples
Loved our instructor Rain. He was very informative, patient, and answered all of our questions. I felt that he was very knowledgeable which made me feel safe on our dive. Would recommend this company for anyone looking for a tour guide or diving in Catalina for the first time.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you enjoyed your dive with us. We hope you get the opportunity to visit us again soon.
Written June 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vanessa souisa
3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
This is not only the best location to dive at, but it is also the best company to dive with. They go over every procedure and safety measure before you dive and you will never feel unsafe or unsure of what you're doing. If it's your first time diving I highly recommend doing the introductory dive! They also provide certifications in all forms of scuba diving if you want to tune up or advance your skills as well. I came for the intro course two weeks ago and I'm back to get certified because this company made me fall in looooove with diving. PLEASE if you go to anyone out here, IT HAS TO BE DIVING CATALINA! Diver Dave is so funny, kind, and helpful, and takes safety seriously, but also allows you to have the time of your life underwater!!! He knows where all the eels, lobsters, and octopus are. There are even giant sea bass! Take a diving course with them and you will definitely get your money's worth! 10/10 would recommend!
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am so glad you had such a great experience! I hope you come dive with me again soon!
Diver Dave
Written August 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
May Tran
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
So I recently booked a midday snorkeling tour for my partner and I through Groupon ($37 + $7 extra fee from Diving Catalina's full site).I was very excited for my trip and diving experience . Due to it being our first time on the island, we didnt realize that tickets for the Catalina Express from Long Beach to the island would runs out for really early that day. Realizing that means we would miss our tour, I called Catalina Diving promptly and let them know about our situation, asking them if they would kindly reschedule us for a different day if possible and I wouldnt mind paying a bit extra. At first, they said they couldn't find our reservation. Then, they said that they would not be able to reschedule us for tomorrow unless I purchase 2 new full prices tickets ($59/ each person). Upon reading the fine prints, which said that "Within 7 days on the original booking date, a re-booking fee of 25% of the full internet tour rate will be applied." I then asked the owner again that if it possible to honor the fine prints, I would be more than happy to pay the 25% of the tickets I already bought, also there was nowhere which said rebooking within 1-2 days were not possible.
The owner then became upset at me telling me that he "hated repeating himself" and "there was no way he would just take us on the boat by ourselves, causing his business to loose money" while solely placing the blame on me by saying that I was being dishonest.
Beside not having the integrity to honor what was put on their tickets, I think that the company owner should not be talking to their customers that way. He was thinking of his company's benefit while disregarding the customer's. During our conversation, he kept backtracking on what he said, and changing things as he goes along. At the end of the day, I understand time is difficult and I truly want to support small businesses. I wouldn't have mind spending more money if they were up front that they could not honor the fine prints, it would cost them too much to operate a boat for just two people and it would help if I pay more. However, placing the blame solely on your customers isn't an honest and resepctful way to run a business.
The owner then became upset at me telling me that he "hated repeating himself" and "there was no way he would just take us on the boat by ourselves, causing his business to loose money" while solely placing the blame on me by saying that I was being dishonest.
Beside not having the integrity to honor what was put on their tickets, I think that the company owner should not be talking to their customers that way. He was thinking of his company's benefit while disregarding the customer's. During our conversation, he kept backtracking on what he said, and changing things as he goes along. At the end of the day, I understand time is difficult and I truly want to support small businesses. I wouldn't have mind spending more money if they were up front that they could not honor the fine prints, it would cost them too much to operate a boat for just two people and it would help if I pay more. However, placing the blame solely on your customers isn't an honest and resepctful way to run a business.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You called this morning to inform us that you were unable to make reservations for the ferry to get to the island because they were sold out. When you submitted your reservation form you were asked: Have you reserved your transportation to Catalina Island?" You answered "Yes". Had you answered correctly and said "NO" a pop-up window saying this would have appeared: "Please call ASAP to reserve your transportation to the Island! PLEASE BOOK YOUR TRANSPORTATION TO CATALINA IMMEDIATELY. BOATS TO THE ISLAND SELL OUT FREQUENTLY." and then followed by the ferry service contact information. We couldn't be more clear in letting you know that you needed to make reservations in advance to get to the island; we even supplied their phone numbers.
You also agreed to our cancellation policy which states "If you fail to arrive at your scheduled time, you are considered a "no-show". Diving Catalina will not refund or re-book those who are a no-show. This includes missing your boat".
I did not offer to reschedule you for the following day because we do not have a tour available. I offered to reschedule you for a later date and WAIVE our standard 50% rescheduling fee, but you declined and instead said you would write a horrible review solely to hurt my small business
Written August 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doug-Out
Kansas City7 contributions
Aug 2020
Our introductory dive lesson with Dave was an outstanding experience. I had been certified before with basic and advanced scuba certification, but since that was years ago I wanted to have an introductory lesson with my daughter as this was her first scuba dive. Dave’s pre-dive instruction and briefing was THE BEST I have had! It was clear, concise, relevant to our dive, and easy to understand. Then to dive in one of the most beautiful and popular dive spots in California at Casino Point among the towering kelp forest and brilliant, golden orange Garibaldi was a spectacular event. The underwater visibility was around 45 feet, and with the wet suits we did not notice the water temperature at 76 degrees. Dave was ever mindful and attentive to our safety and comfort as he guided us to see the marine habitats of a lobster and moray eel and pointed out a seal as it darted in and out of visibility. I would definitely dive again with Diving Catalina to revisit this inspirational corner of creation.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is so important that your first dive experience be a good one. We are thrilled that you and your daughter get to share this memory forever. And also so glad you got to see a seal! That doesn't happen every day. We hope that you and your daughter get the opportunity to dive many more times together. Come visit us again someday!
Written August 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia K
Irvine, CA15 contributions
Jul 2020
My husband and I did a refresher dive with Rain and Lisa. It had been 25 years since my last dive and I was a little nervous (although I had completed the PADI eLearning Refresher course online more recently). Its a bit like riding a bike however and felt good once I hit the water. Rain was very thorough in all instruction/education given prior to diving. He went over all our gear and helped us get suited up. A nice stairway into the sea at Avalon Point makes for an easy descent and ascent from the water. He lead the group and Lisa followed, and I felt very safe and well-taken care of. I had some trouble with buoyancy in the shallows so Rain popped another weight into my BC to help me descend. My husband got tangled in some Kelp on the dive and Lisa cut him free. Rain knew all the nooks and crannies in the cove to point out Moray eel, Lobster. Saw some Giant Black Seabass, sculpin, and plenty of Garibaldi. The kelp forest was beautiful. Two hour refresher course was about 50 minutes of instruction, 25 minutes of suiting up and other prep and 45 minute dive time. Just right.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Refresher Dive is such a great idea when it's been a few years since you've been diving. We are glad you had a great experience, and hope you get the chance to dive with us again soon.
Diver Dave
Written August 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darcy Segura
Los Angeles, CA5 contributions
Aug 2020
My husband and I had never been snorkeling, and were so excited to try. Lisa was a GREAT guide, getting the group ready to enter the water, and then in the water, gave us the very interesting information about what we were seeing.
The company had great communication, and when we were running a few minutes late getting to the meet point, they were very gracious in making sure that we would be able to participate.
The company had great communication, and when we were running a few minutes late getting to the meet point, they were very gracious in making sure that we would be able to participate.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are thrilled your first snorkeling adventure was a great! We hope you get the opportunity to visit us again and snorkel with us some day soon.
Written August 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mamwarren
San Juan Capistrano, CA2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Went to Catalina Island for a two week family trip and get antsy just being at the beach. As an avid surfer and water-person my wife encouraged me to get my diving certification. After some research on the operators on the Island we choose Diving Catalina with Dave L and his wonderful staff. I was able to do my e learning a week in advance then take 3 days of water instruction right at the Casino Landing to get my certification. We were so impressed that on the 2nd week of our vacation I signed up for advanced diver and finished that up as well. 5 wonderful adventure dives - Deep, Wreck, Navigation, Night and DVP what fun. The team put a premium on safety and really did a good job of teaching concepts on land and in the water to make the experience fun and comfortable. I have been waiting 61 years to to this. They have all the equipment and the water access is super easy no long boat rides.
Thanks Dave the wait is over.
Mark W an Old Surfer Dude
Thanks Dave the wait is over.
Mark W an Old Surfer Dude
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You were an excellent student! I hope you get the opportunity to join me on a dive again soon!
Diver Dave
Written August 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark Warren
San Juan Capistrano, CA1 contribution
Jul 2021
Dave and his team of Rainn, Lisa, Chad and Thresher ( what a great name for a dive instructor) at Diving Catalina were exceptional. My family and I did multiple dives over the July the 4th week. Even though their business was buzzing with activity they were very methodical to take time to make sure we were safe and equipped properly for the 6 dives that we did. Each one was its own adventure and it just seemed like Dave and Team continued to help us build a truly remarkable experience. They have a new truck and lots of gear so the options are many and the location at the dive park can't be beat. Have referred numerous friends over the years and they all have said they enjoyed the experience.
Love those Giant Black Seabass
Love those Giant Black Seabass
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brit P
2 contributions
Jul 2020
This was an AMAZING experience!! I'd never scuba dived before and was somewhat nervous but Dave and his team made it absolutely incredible. The training and safety instructions are clear and easy to follow and I felt safe and comfortable under the water. Dave continuously checked in with hand signals under the water and ensured I was safe. I highly recommend Diving Catalina. Thank you, Dave!!
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you had an incredible experience with us. We hope you get an opportunity to visit our little island again soon.
Diver Dave
Written August 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Looking to go here mid August 2023. Do you snorkel and have the gear?
Thanks,
Tom
Written July 8, 2023
DivingCatalina
Catalina Island, California
Sorry we missed your question, Josh C! But yes, we are open every day of the year for dive tours.
Written September 13, 2020
Can I reschedule a dive that I have already booked?
Written August 14, 2018
DivingCatalina
Catalina Island, California
Yes, please reply to your confirmation email and request a new date.
Written August 15, 2018
Had you ever gone scuba diving before? How difficult was it?
How long were you under the water diving? Any advice or suggestions? Thank you.
G
Written February 19, 2018
My family is planning a vacation to Catalina this summer. My husband would like to take the kids snorkeling, but what is the suggested age for beginners? Also, how much does it generally cost to rent the equipment?
Written February 19, 2018
Rental is much cheaper and you have many options around the island. Just snorkel on your own and don’t waste money in this company. We took a group of 7 ( beginners and experienced) for their snorkel tour and had a horrible experience.
Written July 30, 2019
Hi there, I and my gf are going to Catalina this weekend. For Scuba diving or Snorkling, Can I do it in one day trip or two day trip ? considering I have never done it before. Or I need classes or certification of any sort before doing it? I have booked oneday trip for now but can stay 2 nights if have to and its fun. thanks in advance.
I am good swimmer, my gf not.
Written March 23, 2016
You can definitely snorkel on a day trip, it's really easy even for a beginner and there is a lot to see. You can do an intro to scuba tour without being certified which can also be done in a day trip but scuba is a bit more difficult. I struggled my first time diving in Catalina and I am not a great swimmer, like your girlfriend. I would suggest snorkeling. I have done it a ton in Catalina and there a few great spots where you can just rent gear and jump in (Casino Point is a short walk from the pier and there is a nice stair entry into the water and a place to rent gear and buy fish food right there), or you can buy a snorkel tour. You may want to consider renting a wetsuit this time of year.
Written March 23, 2016
do you provide an underwater camera to take pictures for you?
Written November 29, 2015
Do you have to have a PADI certificate for this tour?
Written April 27, 2015
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