- Catalina Island is located off the coast Los Angeles and has been named one of the top scuba diving spots in the United States.
- The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the largest diving organisation in the world, determined these rankings.
- Catalina Island has been recognized for its diverse wildlife and kelp forests, as well as its marine protected areas.
As cold seawater seeps through my gloves, small bubbles tickle my nose. The instructor’s black fins are in front of my eyes, but a shadow is staring at me between two looming plants of kelp. I first thought it was a submerged relic or statue that had been placed there for divers to find. When I realized there was a submerged relic, I did a double-take. shouldn’t Be a statue that is 50 feet under the surface.
I gasp—no easy feat with a regulator in my mouth—as I lock eyes with a giant sea bass. With a weight of nearly 250 pounds, this critically endangered species drifts effortlessly through its natural environment.
It is not unusual to see encounters such as this off the coast Catalina IslandThe renowned Southern Californian beach,. Channel Islands. Cataline is a diver’s dream, thanks to its lush kelp forests. Recently, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors has recognized Cataline as a diver’s paradise.PADIThe largest diving organization in the world, (), named it the top place to scuba-dive in the United States.
According to PADI Catalina The vibrant marine life and unique wreck diving, as well as the magnificent kelp forest that can reach 100 feet high, make this one of the world’s most popular dive spots.
Catalina’s diving scene is famous for its divers. Jacques Cousteau, the man whose innovative underwater diving revolutionized the sport, who fought for marine life protection, and who educated the whole world through his powerful documentaries. Cousteau’s Catalina documentary was so well-known that a plaque is placed 40 feet beneath the surface to honor him. Travelers can also pay tribute to his memory by taking part in an Dive Against DebrisDivers clean up litter on reefs and advocate for marine protection. They also contribute to an international database.
Casino Point, the first nonprofit underwater theme park in the country, is one the most popular dive spots on the island. The marine protected area of this 2.5-acre space is one reason the creatures feel so at ease around humans.
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There are more fish than just the garibaldi and giant seabass that I saw.
Kristin Wirth, chief brand and membership officer at PADI Worldwide said: Travel + Leisure.
The following are some of the most popular ways to contact me In2Deep scuba instructorGreg Rhines also gave me some advice about what to do when I saw the sea lions, or the elusive moray-eels. Rhines, a diver since the 1970s says, “You will see things on Catalina you won’t find anywhere else.”
Catalina is the perfect place for those who don’t yet know how scuba diving. Sign up for In2DeepSanta Monica dive center with friendly instructors and frequent Catalina day excursions makes it easy to plan an overnight trip from Los Angeles.
Travelers planning to stay on the island for a few days can also book a room at the Catalina Canyon InnA relaxing hotel with a pool, restaurant and lots of activities. organized excursions Around the island
Enjoy a luxurious cruise on the Catalina Express Captain’s LoungeA private room with priority boarding and complimentary drinks. Catalina Express Ferries are offered from Los Angeles, Orange County and throughout the summer.
PADI also recognizes Catalina John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Florida Flower Garden Banks Texas is a state that has a lot to offer. Crystal River Florida.
