Hello Divers, here is some information for diving at Casino Point on Catalina Island.
First you will want to book your spots on the Catalina Express. It appears that in September 2023 they stopped just doing a credit card authorization and are now charging the full price at the time of booking.
Catalina Express – https://www.catalinaexpress.com/ – Phone: 800.613.1212 (Daily 6:30am – 4:30pm)
We normally leave from the Downtown Landing to Avalon on the 6am boat or the earliest. We also try for the 3:55pm return trip.
When you arrive at the Catalina Express Downtown Landing (320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802) you can drop off your gear and guests at the curb, then go park in the parking structure. Cost is approximately $22.95 per 24hour period. (this cost is subject to change)
After you get your tickets, you will get in line for the boat. You are only allowed 1 trip down the ramp, so pack accordingly. Bags should not weigh more than 50lbs. There are times they will weigh your bags.
Catalina Baggage Company
When you arrive at the Avalon Port (Approx 1hr crossing), if you walk to the end of the landing buildings, you will find The Catalina Baggage Company. I always get their card when I check in my dive bag as they have changed their number over the years. It is also on the luggage tags. They will take 1 Dive Bag, 1 Tank and Weight Bag as 1 luggage fee. Bags should not weigh more than 50lbs.
You can also take a taxi from the port to the Casino Point.
You will then walk along the water edge towards the Casino Point, which is the round building you see on the other side of the harbor.
When you arrive, if you need to rent any gear from the local dive shop, Catalina Divers Supply is located at the Casino Point. It is recommended to rent tanks and weights from them as that is less gear that you have to lug around. Students and Divers are responsible to pay for any services provided through Catalina Divers Supply.
There is a new dive operator Dive Catalina that has a tank rental package for $35 you can have unlimited tanks and weights (Per person, no sharing) – CLICK HERE TO RESERVE