Santa Catalina Island, Channel Island of California Most popular Channel Island

Location: 23 Miles from Long Beach Access: Boat and Shore Entry Depths: All Ranges Photography: Easy Booking Trips 310-398-5759

Catalina Island is a favorite destination for many divers. Just two hours from the Los Angeles Harbor. With great kelp beds, a variety of life, pinnacles and walls, it offers something for all divers. With visibility of 40 to 100 feet, photography and sightseeing are popular activities.

The "front side" is the leeward (sheltered side) of the island and offers some of the best water clarity (30' to 100'+) and the best diving conditions in Southern California for photographers and the mellow diver. Currents are generally mild and there's always a calm and clear site to dive.

Most Popular Dive Sites

Marine park: Marked by buoys and rope . Numerous wrecks and marine life. Beware of heavy boat traffic when outside of park. Dive permit required from Avalon Harbormaster prior to diving the Valiant or inside Avalon Harbor (no charge).

Farnsworth Bank
Farnsworth is one of the most sought-after dive spots in California. Weather conditions have to be just right to reach it, because it's on Catalina's exposed backside, but the marine life here is very rich and includes the rare and beautiful purple hydrocoral. Several different sea mounts actually make up this area, the shallowest coming to within 60ft/18m of the surface. The diving is advanced, due to the depth and current and the need to watch out for fishermen near the surface. Most dive boats depart from Los Angeles.

Farnsworth is home to the rare Allopora californica or Purple Hydrocoral. Hard corals are rare in cold water and this is one of the few species that exists in our waters. The pinnacle is covered with the coral and makes great picture opportunities. Some experts have suggested that the coral variety found at Farnsworth Bank is a distinct species that is unique to this site. Look but don't touch as the coral is protected. There are ample picture opportunities and Farnsworth Bank is also a great place for deep diver training. Little Farnsworth should not to be confused with the real Farnsworth Banks. This deep rock pile is located close to the city of Avalon and is a beautiful dive.

Dive Spots:

Sea Fan Grotto