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"Catalina." Just uttering the name of this enchanted island brings visions of romance and excitement. But for divers, it holds that and so much more! Catalina, 22 miles in length, is the 3rd largest of the 8 channel islands. This island, lying 20 miles off the California coast and just 67 miles northwest of San Diego, offers the rare combination of beauty above and below water!
Catalina, deep in history, was first occupied by American Indians. Numerous archaeological sites have revealed more than 6000 years of Indian history on the island. The first European influence arrived in 1542 when the Spaniard Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo discovered and named the island, San Salvador. Then 60 years later, Viscaino rediscovered the island and named it Santa Catalina. In the 1700's, Aleut Indians hunted sea otters for their fur in the waters
surrounding the island. Then in 1848, at the end of the Mexican American War, Catalina became American territory.
Enough about the past, lets talk about the present! Now, in more ways than one, Catalina is known as a world class destination. Camping, mountain biking, hiking, shopping in world-famous Avalon and diving are just a few of the activities you can enjoy on and around the island!
Did someone mention DIVING?! Hey, the diving at Catalina is first class. Beginners to experienced will get a rush out of the islands diverse underwater terrain! Abrupt walls, spectacular pinnacles, towering kelp forests and a nearby purple hydrocoral encrusted seamount keep everyone interested. The marine life around Catalina can be as good as any of the Channel Islands. Kelp bass, giant black seabass (up to 500 lbs.), yellowtail, barracuda, garibaldi, sea stars, occasional seals and sea lions... You get the picture!? If you name it, you can generally find it!
Another Catalina feature is easy snorkelling. If you aren't SCUBA certified, or you would like to bring along someone that isn't, this island has perfect areas for beautiful, relaxing snorkeling. The islands shallow coves with bat ray inhabited sand flats and shallow rocky reefs are absolutely vibrant with life! Catalina is a great place for beginning to experienced divers and Snorkelers. To take advantage of all that Catalina has to offer, we visit this destination ONLY on our multi-day liveaboard trips.
If you're looking for a destination to explore above and below, join us on a trip to beautiful Catalina!
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