Catalina island recommendations

[pgravis]

My wife and I are heading to Catalina island the first part of October and have never been. We are trying to decide whether to snorkel or do a discovery dive (we've never been scuba diving before, and don't have time to get certified beforehand). The dive company says the discovery dives last anywhere between 15-45 minutes based on air consumption. Any recommendations? Anyone ever done a discovery dive? Pretty excited to do either, and see some marine life! Thanks

 

[Tahoe61]

If you're not a diver then go for a snorkel experience. A new diver will be too overwhelmed with current, cold water and a lot of other factors. I have dove and snorkeled that area many times. There is so much to see just snorkeling that you will be thrilled. If you can get down to Moonstone Cove for some great easy snorkel areas.

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

I did the discovery dive a while back at Casino point. We did about 40 mins. For a first time scuba experience, I honestly found it pretty terrifying. The guide kept checking my oxygen because I was breathing heavy. I really had to focus on my breathing to keep from not panicking, I ended up OK but there was a very claustrophobic feeling. As Tahoe mentioned, it's a lot to take in at one time and it was hard for me to enjoy what I was seeing. Not to be too discouraging, it was a memorable experience and pretty cool in hindsight but looking back I'd think you could have a more fun and enjoyable time just snorkeling.

 

[DLHDesign]

If you're not a diver then go for a snorkel experience.

Agreed. I'm a Dive Master (not in Catalina), so have seen a fair number of discovery dives. While a lot of the "dive stuff" is taken care of for you and you're closely monitored the entire time, the experience ends up being more about being underwater and how that feels than it is about getting your fill of the wildlife. Observational diving (that is; being able to just look at stuff) requires at least a moderate level of control while diving - something no one has on their first dive (or dives, often enough).
Snorkeling is the way to go if you don't have the time to devote to even a little bit of pre-trip training.

Enjoy - it's a great place to be in the water!

 

[pgravis]

Thank you everyone! That was exactly the info I was looking for. Having never dived, or known many divers, its hard to really get a grasp on what a discovery dive actually entails.

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

If your are going to stay for a bit I would recommend going on the Casino tour, and go to the movies at the Casino and make sure you get there early for the pipe organ concert.