Catalina Scuba & Freediving Adventure
September 3-8, 2026
Escape to the rugged beauty of Catalina Island this September for a one-of-a-kind ocean adventure built for both scuba diving and freediving. Just off the coast of Los Angeles, California, Catalina offers crystal-clear waters, thriving kelp forests, and abundant marine life—from playful sea lions to bright orange Garibaldi. Conditions in early fall are ideal, with warm water, excellent visibility, and calm seas creating the perfect environment for both certified divers and those looking to finish their certifications.
This curated getaway is designed for ocean lovers of all levels, combining the opportunity to boat dive, shore dive, explore the island, and have plenty of time to unwind island-style. Explore iconic sites like Casino Point Dive Park, where towering kelp forests and rocky reefs create a truly immersive underwater landscape. Above the surface, enjoy charming coastal scenery, waterfront dining, and laid-back island energy that makes Catalina feel worlds away. Whether you're descending on scuba or gliding silently on a single breath, this trip delivers an unforgettable connection to the Pacific.
Trip Details
- Roundtrip ferry tickets to/from Long Beach to Avalon
- 5-Nights stay in a curated VRBO
- 2 Days of 2-tank boat diving (scuba & freediving) including lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Daily shore diving including scuba dives and line diving for freedivers
- Weight and tank rentals, including nitrox for certified divers
- Group Escorts: Ali Miller & Rae Lewark
- Roundtrip Airfare to/from Long Beach, California
- Ground transfers to/from the airport to the ferry terminal
- Meals and beverages not mentioned above
- Personal dive equipment
- Certification/Training Dives/Courses
- Gratuities
- Dive Insurance and Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Additional optional day trips
- Dive Accident Insurance (required)
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- Any unforeseen additional expenses not specified
Certification Requirements:
Scuba Divers: To participate in scuba diving, you must have at least completed your class and pool sessions and be signed off as a "Referral Diver". If you would like to dive with a dry suit, you must be certified to use a dry suit.
Freedivers: In order to participate in line diving, you must have completed at least your Pool Freediver course. Those who just want to snorkel, there is no pre-requisite or certification requirement.
Payment Schedule:
- A non-refundable $500 deposit due to confirm space on the trip
- Final payment due July 1, 2026
Please refer to our Denver Divers Travel Participant Terms & Conditions for full details on our booking terms.
Catalina Scuba & Freedive 2026 Brochure
Required Paperwork:
- Denver Divers Travel Participant Terms & Conditions
- If you do not use our booking software to fill out participant information, you can fill out our Travel Participant Application instead.
Continuing Education Course Recommendations:
- Dry Suit Diver
- Deep Diver
- Underwater Photo and Video
- Underwater Navigation
- Marine Ecology
- Minimum 7mm full wetsuit (water temperatures can range between 56°F to 65°F)
- Underwater Dive Light
We will also be providing a full specialty packing list prior to departure.
Weather Conditions: We will be traveling during the late summer/early fall in Southern California, which is the perfect time to dive in the cool Pacific waters. Expect air temperatures in the low to mid 70's and sunny skies.
Water Conditions: Water temperatures will typically be between 56-65 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend diving in a thick wetsuit or dry suit. This is also typically the clearest time of year for visibility, but you can expect some turbidity in the water year-round in Catalina.
Typical Animal Sightings:
- Garibaldi
- California Sea Lions
- Sea Hares
- Bat rays
- Kelp Bass
- Horn sharks
Physical Activity Level: We recommend that you have at least some experience with colder water and that you are in good physical condition, able to swim well and walk up steep stairs with your scuba gear (with assistance).
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