Summer on Catalina Island
July kicks off the official start of summer on Catalina Island. As ocean temperatures rise, Avalon’s population swells to its largest numbers of the year. The town is full of visitors and seasonal workers to serve their every need. Diving conditions are variable due to occasional storms that can kick up from Mexico. However, the snorkeling is consistently great thanks to the friendly fish in the Casino Dive Park. It is a beautiful time to visit, but planning ahead is a must. Reservations will book up on boat transportation as well as hotels and vacation rentals that may sell out months in advance.
Independence Celebrations
There are many special top-side activities during summer on Catalina worth adding to your itinerary. July 3rd features the USC Marching Band Performance on Wrigley Plaza Stage from 3:00 to 4:00pm. This annual tradition for the USC Marching Band is a performance warm up for the Annual 4th of July Celebration Parade. The Avalon 4th of July Parade & Fireworks draws the crowds down to Crescent Ave. You can celebrate Independence Day in true islander fashion. This annual event is one of the most popular, so be sure to get down to the waterfront early! There will be live music on Wrigley Stage, BBQ’s at the Casino Dock and Descanso Beach Club, and much more!
Family Friendly Fun
Summer on Catalina is the prime time for visitors to enjoy a plethora of activities and events. For all our music loving dive buddies, plan a trip to catch the Xceptional Tribute to ABBA. This is part of the 2019 Concert Series on July 13, 2019. This free, family friendly event is held on Wrigley Stage at 7:00pm. There is also a Beer & Wine Garden available at this concert! Be sure to check out the host of reoccurring monthly activities highlighted in our blog last month.
Amazing Race
You can satisfy your need for speed by planning to witness the 71st Annual Catalina Ski Race. Presented by Long Beach Boat and Ski Club on July 20th. There will be one start for all boats sizes at 9:00am. The lead teams reach Avalon in about 25 minutes, it is free for spectators. Water skiers from around the globe come to participate in the 62 mile-long race. It starts between the oil islands in Long Beach and finishes near the Queen Mary. This is the only open-ocean ski race regularly scheduled anywhere in the world. The record time for the “roundtrip” is about 45 minutes.
Entertainment
Another free and family friendly activity for divers traveling with little ones is the opportunity to enjoy Movies on the Beach. July 24, 2019 will be The Lego Movie on South Beach 7:00 to 10:00pm. This is sponsored by the City of Avalon and CHOICES. July 26th wraps up the month with a concert by Sin Frontera on the Wrigley Plaza Stage 6:00 to 8:30pm. Presented by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. This is another complementary, family friendly activity for our visitors and locals to enjoy.
Travel Light
If you are coming to enjoy summer on Catalina and want to catch a dive or two, pack light. Diving Catalina has all the SCUBA gear you need to explore our beautiful waters. Our tour prices include full equipment rentals for both snorkeling or diving excursions. We even offer dive gear rentals to get you a full set of equipment without the tour guide if you and your buddy decide to explore on your own. So leave the heavy lifting to us and enjoy on-site equipment delivery with five star service.
Powerful Adventure
If you have tried our Power Snorkeling tour, you can now reach a new level with Power Snorkel EXTREME. Our new specialized underwater scooters are used by scuba diving professionals around the world. Each scooter has up to 3 gears with speed levels as high as 4.5 MPH! With ergonomically positioned triggers for a natural thumb position during trigger operation, you will be navigating the kelp forest like a pro! Channel your inner James Bond this summer on Catalina with a memory making experience to last a lifetime.
Your Power Snorkel EXTREME tour includes a knowledgeable and experienced instructor that is an expert on Catalina Island marine life. In addition to the Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV), we provide complete snorkel equipment including a seasonally appropriate wet suit. Please allow approximately 1.5 hours of your time for this tour. This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants and reservations are required. Book now!
Local Life
Summer on Catalina Island is also a time to encounter the Giant (Black) Sea Bass, Stereolepis gigas. The majestic creatures can seem intimidating at first glance, but are truly gentle giants. It is estimated that the Giant Black Sea Bass is capable of growing to lengths of over 7 feet and weighing over 700 pounds. The key to observing these big beauties while diving is to move slowly. The are quite accustomed to divers, so if you pace your approach they will likely allow it. Slow your breathing and get neutrally buoyant so you can gently fin your way over. Settling down to hover just off the sea floor is another strategy that works well. These creatures are protected so keep your hands to your self and enjoy their grace and magnificent presence.
Service with a Smile
Diving Catalina is the top ranked dive provider in Avalon on both TripAdvisor and Yelp. This is an honor we do not take lightly. Business owner, Dave Lieberman, has made quality service his leading value and his staff ensure guests know they are their top priority. We love hearing about the phenomenal experiences our visitors have and appreciate the time they take to share them online. You know you can rely on Diving Catalina to show you respect and care while catering to your every need.
For more information on our services take a look at our offerings on our website. We do require all reservations be completed online as we collect specific information for each participant. If you are looking for a gift for the diver in your life we even offer gift certificates!