Even experienced California divers will find value in visiting — and revisiting — the park. Here are some tips to make your excursions to this underwater treasure even more enjoyable:
Get the map. The new dive store onsite in the Casino building carries laminated cards that serve as an excellent guide to the layout of the bottom of the park. On the flip side of the map, you’ll find a fish identification guide created by Franko Maps. You can also purchase these maps online in advance of your visit. They will give you the highlights of the park — the wrecks, reefs, kelp forests, and, of course, the location of the Cousteau Memorial.
Plan your dives to avoid peak crowds. The park is a very popular location for classes, cruise ship passengers and recreational divers. Crowds are typically highest on weekends, so try to plan your dive for midweek if possible. Mondays and Wednesdays are usually the best days to avoid the crowds from cruise ships. Additionally, diving as early in the morning as possible will help you avoid the busiest times — and increase your chances of getting a coveted bench spot close to the stairs leading to the water.
Make it easy on yourself. First, consider taking a taxi to the park. Although Avalon is easy to navigate on foot, a taxi ride is relatively inexpensive and will allow you to relax and easily transport your gear. Second, consider renting heavy gear, like tanks and weights, at the onsite dive shop.
Plan to make multiple dives. It is nearly impossible to see the entire park in just one dive. To experience the diversity of the Avalon Underwater Park, plan to make at least two dives — one on the east side and one on the west side of the park. Better yet, plan for three dives, or dive the park twice each day for two days. You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll see with multiple dives. And consider returning throughout the year to observe the seasonal changes in the underwater world of Catalina Island.
Take some time to enjoy the magnificent architecture of the Casino building.
Bring a snack and a (reusable!) bottle of fresh water. It’s important to stay hydrated and energized between dives.
Loop each dive. Instead of going out and back at the surface, descend to your maximum depth (always stay within your skill and comfort level) and then loop back toward the shallows for a slow ascent and safety stop.
Zigzag. While a straight line is suitable for navigation training, if you are comfortable, try using a zigzag or search pattern on your dive. This is an excellent opportunity to spot a giant sea bass. These massive creatures tend to congregate at the thermocline, which is typically located between 35 and 50 feet, depending on currents and the time of year.
Observe giant sea bass responsibly. From April to early fall, giant sea bass are frequent visitors. They are often spotted here in groups of three to six. It’s important to approach these huge animals slowly and gently — do not chase or harass them.