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Catalina Island
Catalina Island has been voted the “World’s Healthiest Marine Environment” by Scuba Diving Magazine because of its clear water and visibility ranging from 40-100 feet.
Also known as Santa Catalina Island, this rocky island stretches about 22 miles long and 8 miles wide. Great places to dive on Catalina include Lover’s Cove and Descano Beach, as well as the Avalon Underwater Dive Park at Casino Point. The underwater park features a lush kelp forest, a few small wrecks and an abundance of marine life.
Of course, the water temperature will vary depending on the season, and with it the sea life. Spring and summer months you’ll see pelagic fish, giant sea bass and soupfin sharks. In the fall, you’ll see mako sharks, and winter is a great time to see migrating grey whales.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is one of the Channel Islands of California and is known for its milder diving conditions. It is home to an extensive (yet widely unknown) system of underwater caves and caverns.
In addition to the caves, other popular dive spots include the wreck of the USS Peacock, a 100-foot long wood hulled World War II minesweeper; as well as a wall dive, which is a rocky underwater vertical drop. A plane wreck is another intriguing site for diving. A World War II plane named the Guardian was on a search mission in 1954 when it had engine trouble and had to be ditched.
All of these areas at Santa Cruz offer the opportunity to view incredible sea life, including shellfish, crustaceans, whales and dolphins.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa is another Channel Island that offers several excellent spots for diving. In fact, Landing Cove at Anacapa has been named one of the top 10 dive spots on the Pacific Coast by the Ocean Conservancy because of its Marine Protected Areas. In addition to Landing Cove, other great dive spots include the three underwater arches, Cathedral Cove and Coral Reef.
Anacapa’s rich kelp forests, wall drops and pinnacles make it a great place to see a wide variety of fish, as well as sea lions and seals.
Wrecks
There are nearly 10 wrecks to explore off the Southern California Coast, including the Yukon, a 366-foot destroyer that was cleaned and then intentionally sunk to create a reef. The Ruby E. is a former Coast Guard Cutter that was also intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.
Dive Shops
If you’ve never been diving before, don’t worry. There are several companies in the area that can help you with your maiden voyage.
- Eco Dive Center takes divers to Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island and Catalina Island, as well as a few shipwrecks.
- Hollywoodivers visits Catalina Island, as well as other spots. They also offer classes, including underwater photography and cinematography workshops.
- Ocean Adventures visits Catalina, Anacapa and Santa Cruz, as well as other areas. They also offer oil rig dives for advanced divers.
Whenever you dive, weather conditions can affect visibility, so your dive instructors may choose a different location that offers the best conditions for your dive. They’ll take water visibility, tides, currents, surge, swell and wind control into consideration.
My Castle House
After a fun-filled day of underwater exploration, head back to relax in your beautiful Disneyland vacation rental home by My Castle House. We offer 14 wonderful properties in the Anaheim area, all convenient to area attractions. All of our Disneyland vacation rentals are well-appointed offering the comforts of home and the ability to prepare your own meals in fully equipped kitchens. Relax in the pool – all of our castles have one – and get a good night’s rest in any one of our incredible themed rooms.
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