Exploring Catalina underwater

It’s hot.

Even with its cooling ocean breezes keeping the temperature well below what it is on the mainland, there’s no doubt that it’s summer on Catalina Island. With high temperatures approaching 90 degrees, the siren call of the cool Pacific cannot be ignored. In honor of getting wet and cooling off, here are our three favorite ways to explore Catalina underwater.

Snorkeling – Requiring little more than a mask, snorkel and fins, snorkeling on Catalina Island is a great way to both cool off and open your eyes to the wonders of the undersea gardens. Lovers Cove, with its protected environment and vast schools of nearly tame fish, is a favorite spot but we also enjoy the Avalon Dive Park and Descanso and Hamilton coves. Underwater explorers can rent gear and check things out on their own or – for a more in-depth experience – take a Guided Snorkel Eco Tour.

Scuba Diving – Catalina Island is widely considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in North America. With its wide array of marine life and experiences for any level of diver, it’s not hard to see why. Scuba diving offers unparalleled freedom to explore beneath the surface and its allure creates life-long aficionados, many of which return to Catalina time and time again to experience its ever-changing marine environment. Intrigued with the idea but not quite sure if you are ready to commit to certification class? Check out a Discover Scuba Diving experience, where you’ll learn the basics and begin to explore with a dive instructor.

Snuba – The idea transition between snorkeling and scuba diving is snuba, which allows underwater explorers to experience depths up to 20 feet while breathing surface supplied air. While on a Snuba Diving Adventure, you can expect to see garibaldi, sheepshead, blacksmith and many more species of fish and other marine life.