Catalina Island
Catalina Island, located in the state of California, is a premier diving destination in the United States. With its vast array of over 70 named dive sites, divers of all levels can explore the underwater wonders that Catalina Island has to offer. Whether you choose to dive from shore or boat, you will be surrounded by breathtaking reefs and majestic kelp beds, which are home to a thriving ecosystem of marine life.
From tiny creatures like nudibranchs, gobies, and anemones to larger animals such as seals, sea lions, rays, otters, and sharks, Catalina Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Divers can expect encounters with an impressive variety of marine species during their underwater adventures.
Catalina Island offers a diverse range of diving experiences, with both deep-water and shallow sites to explore. Additionally, the island boasts several remarkable wrecks that add an element of excitement and intrigue for divers seeking an underwater treasure hunt.
With a visibility of 12m and a maximum depth of 16m, Catalina Island provides optimal conditions for divers of all skill levels. Beginners can comfortably enjoy the underwater beauty this island has to offer.
Plan your dive trip to Catalina Island today and immerse yourself in a world of underwater wonders just off the coast of Los Angeles County, California.
From tiny creatures like nudibranchs, gobies, and anemones to larger animals such as seals, sea lions, rays, otters, and sharks, Catalina Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Divers can expect encounters with an impressive variety of marine species during their underwater adventures.
Catalina Island offers a diverse range of diving experiences, with both deep-water and shallow sites to explore. Additionally, the island boasts several remarkable wrecks that add an element of excitement and intrigue for divers seeking an underwater treasure hunt.
With a visibility of 12m and a maximum depth of 16m, Catalina Island provides optimal conditions for divers of all skill levels. Beginners can comfortably enjoy the underwater beauty this island has to offer.
Plan your dive trip to Catalina Island today and immerse yourself in a world of underwater wonders just off the coast of Los Angeles County, California.
Diving Conditions Score for Catalina Island
6.3
Above AverageDecent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Catalina Island
Depth
16m
Visibility
12m
Experience Level
beginner
Weather Conditions for Catalina Island
Wave Height
0.9m
Wind Speed
1.8 m/s
Water Temp
20°C
Visibility
12.2km
Cloud Cover
47%
Wave Period
11.7s
Air Temperature
16°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Catalina Island
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Catalina Island
Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 8.256091954022988/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.9m, Wind 3.1 m/s.Best night dive time: 18:00 with score 8.070512820512821/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Catalina Island: 06:00
Sunset at Catalina Island: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Catalina Island are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
17:00Score: 8.3/10
Waves: 0.9m (11.6s), Wind: 3.1 m/s
Best Night
18:00Score: 8.1/10
Waves: 0.9m, Wind: 0 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Catalina IslandAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Catalina Island
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Catalina Island
Winter
Avg. Score: 9.1/10
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Catalina Island
January
Score: 9.4
December
Score: 9.1
February
Score: 8.9
Ideal Conditions for Catalina Island
Water Temp
17.3°C / 63.1°F
September
Visibility
16.1m / 52.8ft
January
Wave Height
0.7m / 2.3ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Catalina Island
Catalina Island shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with September being the warmest month (17.3°C) and December the coldest (6.7°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.7m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 22, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
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