Entry Points & Other Info

Entry Points:

Hello Divers, here is some information for diving at Casino Point on Catalina Island.

First, you will need to make a Reservation with the Catalina Express Boat for the date(s) of your trip.  We recommend that you call in your reservation vs online.  Online sales will show full, before they are officially sold out.  So you may be able to still get space when online says sold out.  Also, if you book online, you are paying at the time of booking.  

Catalina Express - https://www.catalinaexpress.com/ - Phone: 800.613.1212 (Daily 6:30am – 4:30pm)

Depart: Long Beach Downtown Landing to Avalon- 6:00am

Return: Avalon to Long Beach Downtown Landing - 3:55pm

We normally leave from the Downtown Landing to Avalon on the 6am boat or the earliest.  We also try for the 3:55pm return trip.

When you arrive at the Catalina Express Downtown Landing (320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802) you can drop off your gear and guests at the curb, then go park in the parking structure.  Cost is approximately $22.95 per 24hour period. (this cost is subject to change)

After you get your tickets from the ticket windo (unless purchased online), you will get in line for the boat.  You are only allowed 1 trip down the ramp, so pack accordingly.  Bags should not weigh more than 50lbs.

When you arrive at the Avalon Port (Approx 1hr crossing), if you walk to the end of the landing buildings, you will find The Catalina Baggage Company.  I always get their card or take a photo when I check in my dive bag as they have changed their number over the years.  It is also on the luggage tags.  They will take 1 Dive Bag, 1 Tank and Weight Bag as 1 luggage fee.  Bags should not weigh more than 50lbs. 

This cost is about $16 round trip and they will hold your gear after picking up at the end of the day, to give you time to grab some food or visit the shops.  You will pick up your gear from a fenced in area behind their store.

You can also take a taxi from the port to the Casino Point.

You will then walk along the water edge towards the Casino Point, which is the round building you see on the other side of the harbor.

When you arrive, if you need to rent any gear from the local dive shop, Catalina Divers Supply is located at the Casino Point.  It is recommended to rent tanks and weights from them as that is less gear that you have to lug around.  Students and Divers are responsible to pay for any services provided through Catalina Divers Supply.

Restrooms:
Yes

Restroom Notes:
Portable Restrooms at the Point

Other Notes:

Catalina Casino Point is one of the most iconic and scenic coastal locations on Santa Catalina Island, situated in the town of Avalon. The area is centered around the historic Catalina Casino—a grand Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival building constructed in 1929 by William Wrigley Jr. Despite the name, the Casino was never intended for gambling; instead, it serves as a cultural landmark featuring a lavish movie theater and the world’s largest circular ballroom.

Just below the Casino lies the renowned Casino Point Dive Park, a protected marine reserve and one of California’s premier shore diving sites. Established in the 1960s, this underwater park was one of the first of its kind and remains a top destination for snorkelers and scuba divers of all levels.

The Dive Park features a rich underwater environment with vibrant kelp forests, rocky reefs, sunken structures, and a wide variety of marine life including garibaldi, sea bass, sheephead, sea lions, moray eels, and octopuses. Divers enter the water via gently sloped concrete stairs, making it highly accessible and user-friendly.

Casino Point is part of the Casino Point State Marine Conservation Area, a no-take zone that helps protect the ecological richness of the region. Water visibility is typically excellent, and the calm conditions make it ideal for training, underwater photography, and casual exploration.

Whether exploring the historic charm above or diving into the crystal-clear waters below, Catalina Casino Point offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for ocean lovers and history enthusiasts alike.