Ultimate Vacation Adventure Travel Trips and Tours by Catalina Divers Supply Not For Faint at Heart

Adventure Travel Sports Enthusiasts Take on Catalina Divers Supply Ultimate Vacation Dive, Bike, and Fly Weekend Challenge

Adventure travel has always quickened the pace of the ultimate sports enthusiast. To travel into unfamiliar territory and test one’s own abilities to conquer the physical endurance and unexpected challenges of new terrain has been the primal call of many. Since the dawn of time, men have set on a quest to challenge their own limitations and Catalina Divers Supply in Avalon, CA, has set out a course not for the faint of heart. 

Extreme sports lovers wishing to push their personal limits are reserving their weekend pass for this outdoor adventure which includes; Scuba Diving in the beautiful kelp forests that line the coast of Avalon, parasailing over the ocean and then mountain biking the upper trails from the Airport in the Sky on the island down to the Wrigley Botanical Gardens. The only way to ride a bike on the island is on the Wrigley Memorial Trail. The trails on Catalina are raw, rugged and will test the endurance of those who ride.

 Eric Mahan, manager at Catalina Divers Supply states “We will supply all the gear you need if you are up to the challenge. You must be in excellent physical and mental condition to apply for the weekend adventure.” 

He continues with a hearty laugh:  “I challenge those who say they are in prime condition to come over and join us for our own version of ‘Survivor’.  If you think you can handle it, call and book your adrenaline filled weekend today…but there’s no refunds for chickening out! For those who take on the challenge of our Ultimate Vacation Dive, Bike, and Fly Weekend Challenge you will need a vacation after a weekend like this! ”

Mahan has been the new on island manager at Catalina Divers Supply for the past year.  In August of 2008, the 50 year old business, the first divers supply shop on the island, went through a change of ownership and a change of attitude. The business has been in the same location since it opened, on the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon, CA.  Mahan and the new crew are excited to share a fresh and welcoming attitude towards long time customers and new people who come to the island to dive or snorkel.

He goes on to share “When a business has been around for 50 years, it’s easy to get comfortable and stuck in old ways of doing things. We recognize that there are new people coming over daily who want to dive and snorkel. They want new adventures and great memories to go with them. The new attitude of all of our staff here is that of family, integrity, safety and great fun for those who want to enjoy the sport we offer.  We are steeped in long history here, but with new ideas of how to enjoy Catalina and the diving we offer, we are the creating our own history for the next 50 years.”

Mahan is so passionate about diving that he now lives on island year round to better serve the individuals, dive clubs and dive shops that come over to the islands world renowned underwater park. 
For information: http://www.CatalinaDiversSupply.com
Contact: eric@CatalinaDiversSupply.com
Phone: 800-353-0330

Enjoy your Weekend and I’ll see you when your Adventure is done! 

Debbra

P.S. Be sure to share with us here your weekend warrior stories!

Catalina Calls from the Long Beach Port

I always love going up to Long Beach in the fall, especially being down by the port. This week was just as great as the previous trips up here.  Got to stay at the Hyatt-up on the 14th floor and my room view allowed me to gaze over the water, see the harbor, the Catalina Flyer, the Queen Mary and Catalina Island! 

The island looked so close that it beckoned to me to come over and visit!

That is what is so amazing about Catalina -especially on a clear day- it’s so easy to be seen from many places along the coast.   Just a short ferry ride across the Pacific and there you are. Back to an island and a community that time has had little effect on.  You go there and feel like family. To walk through Avalon and enjoy the sights, smells of great cooking, see the beautiful calm waters between Avalon and the main land!  It’s easy to understand why Catalina calls people to come back over again and again!

When you are in Long Beach and want a great change of pace, jump on the ferry and go visit the island. Be sure to bring your bathing suit and take a snorkel or even get adventerous and go diving in the Underwater Dive Park for a day or two. 

Need a mini vacation? This is the perfect getaway! 

Talk to Eric and Carolyn over at the dive shop and ask them about the mini vacation getaway packages they’ve set up. Easy, convenient, and most of all- tons of fun!  Build your own memories on the island and indulge in the call of this quaint sea side town.  You’ll be glad you did!

Catalina Calls you to Come Play!

Night diving for lobster an experience to be shared

Saturday, Mike O’Neill, Joe Craig, and I dove in the Avalon Under Water Park.  November provides very clear water conditions. This time of year averages 60 – 80ft. Saturday was no exception. Clear, sunny sky’s and well over 70ft visibility.

There were large schools of bait fish in the park which formed immense structured ribbons, which due to the clarity of the water could be seen going up and down through the water depths giving a very calming effect to the waters. Moving slowly you could move right up to the schools and swim in and out of the ribbons without startling the schools. I also noticed was how the early November waters bring out color and a very healthy look to the kelp.

Tyson Farley of Catalina Divers Supply was staffing the air fill station and provided weights and tanks. Tyson’s friendliness is always appreciated. It is always nice to be taken care of by someone that loves his work. It also makes live easier not hauling tanks and weights over to the island.

Saturday night we did two night dives up on a reef near the Isthmus on the Lusty Pelican, a private boat.

Clear and calm describes the water and two dives yielded five or six more lobsters, the largest at 2.3lbs. Joe Craig once again finds the nice lobster. Youth and enthusiasm perhaps trumps years of diving experience, but I think it can only be a result of the experienced training we have given him (Note: Joe thinks as we get older we can not see as well and are swimming right by the lobsters) I don’t agree. LOL!

Eric's night dive reward! 11 2009

We returned to Avalon and moored for the night. Sunday we returned on the Catalina Express to Dana Point.  It was a very smooth and enjoyable ride. We watched part of the San Diego Charger game on the boats onboard T.V. and finished it on the radio on the drive home with a very exciting win over the New York Giants in the final seconds. What a weekend. Doesn’t get much better than this!

 We plan to be on the Island over Thanksgiving weekend. We look forward to meeting anyone who would care to join us. Take care all!

 

Roger Urbach  

 http://www.CatalinaDiversSupply.com

 

Weekend Catalina Scuba Cat Dive yields 3 lb Lobster

Friday the 6th of Nov, we arrived in Dana Point harbor for the 7:45 express to Avalon. We had a smooth trip over with great service as always from the Catalina Express crew.  Mike, myself and Joe went over to do some great weather, fun and diving for BIG bugs!!

Ready to Dive!

A little business was done on Friday.  At 5:30pm we boarded the Scuba Cat for a lobster night dive with most of the Catalina Divers Supply staff. The first site was the East End Quarry. The water was calm and clear with cloudless skies. It always amazes me the amount of stars visible on a clear night from Catalina Island.

Water temperature was 66 to 68 degrees. The largest lobster taken weighed 3lbs. by Joe Craig, probably the newest diver in the group. He showed up the professional divers with this one. On a group dive, when each diver returns to the boat everyone gathers around , excited to see the results coming out of the goodie bags. Joe’s lobster certainly was exciting and drew the crew’s attention and the taking of pictures.

Joes Catch of the Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Mahan the manager of Catalina Divers Supply got near his limit with six lobsters, so it must be said the real professional did certainly lead the way in quantity of the amount of bugs taken.

The second site was Rattle Snake; once again perfect conditions with more lobsters taken. All divers explored a recent casualty of some mid week windy weather. A sail boat named “Medusa” which sank at Rattle Snake, was on the bottom in a shallow spot. Its damaged hull, collapsed cabin, mast, lines and debris on the bottom of the ocean makes you think of the importance of the weather conditions and not being caught out or anchored in unprotected areas. Seeing a fresh ship wreck like this certainly brings on some uneasy feelings.

The Scuba Cat certainly is a great vessel for night diving as well as day charters. Plenty of room, well designed, fast and smooth. The Scuba Cat and the clear calm waters on the lee side of Catalina are a perfect place to night dive. Divers unfamiliar with night diving should consider Catalina Divers Supply, the Scuba Cat and Catalina Island for the adventure of diving at night. We then proceeded back to the Green Pleasure Pier to fill out our lobster cards for Fish & Game recording.

I’ll share more of our weekend dive soon!

Roger Urbach

http://www.CatalinaDiversSupply.com

Night Diving is Ideal at Catalina Island

The ocean has always been an important part of many cultures and a great influence on man. It has been reflected in various myths and legends from around the world. In the centuries of exploration and trade, sailors were regarded as explorers in the dangerous expanses of water, adventuring to discover new riches and lands; people knew little of the sea in those times, and little of the lands that it separated them from. The ocean possessed an aura of mystery, adventure and intrigue; it was the great barrier that distanced exotic lands.

Today the ocean still influences cities and civilizations.  For centuries man has explored the ocean from above and below. For those who love the beckon call of the water and have taken to diving, the next level adventure for many is to dive at night.

At Catalina Divers Supply we love to do group night dives and right now, the best night diving adventure is for the fun of catching live California Spiny Lobsters by hand.

Lobster catching usually conjures up thoughts of setting traps and then waiting for your catch to come.  Night diving for lobster is exciting and a true test of mans intrigue with the creatures that live in the underwater world!

Lobster diving season opened in October and we’ve been taking groups of divers out on the weekends. If you’re ready to give this a try, give us a call to reserve your date.  We have a lobster diving special going on through March.

There are a few basic considerations for choosing a dive site for a night dive. Ideally, it’s best to dive somewhere you’ve already dived during the day, you wouldn’t want to get lost in the dark! It’s also important to choose a site that isn’t very deep (preferably 60 feet / 18 meters at the most) and doesn’t require you to swim too far. It’s also best not to dive in difficult conditions.

Diving over here at Catalina is perfect for this.  If you’re an experienced diver you can dive with us in the calm pristine waters.  If you are still learning to dive, come on over and enjoy our intro to diving for a while so you can work your way up to some night dives in the future with us.

Night time adventure diving for this Bug is FUN!

See you soon!

Eric & Carolyn

http://www.catalinadiverssupply.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73&Itemid=82

Trick or Treaters Coming Our Way!

Today is Halloween and the fun and excitement here in the quaint city of Avalon is rising!

Our family friendly community comes together once again to enjoy the fun and fantasy Halloween brings.  Trick or Treaters will be dressed as goblins, faries, super heros and villians.  We expect to see sports stars, rock stars, princesses, knights, kings and queens trick or treating around town.

What ever your pleasure is on All Hallows Eve, trick or treating here on Catalina is a wonderful experience for all.  The safety and close friendships of the local towns people make this a place to enjoy without all the worrisome concerns Halloween can bring.  Families know families and friends are genuinely friendly.  If you are looking for a different way to enjoy trick or treating, come on over with the kids (all ages welcome) – and be sure to stop by and say Hi!

Have a safe, spooktacular night!

Debbra & the Catalina Divers Supply Crew

 

Family friendly trick or treating at Avalon

 

 

 

The Catalina Express

The Catalina Express Going Daily to Catalina Island

For most visitors to Catalina Island, the adventure begins on the Catalina Express.

Departing from Los Angeles, you get the feeling that this boat is bigger than it looks. Inside there are some seats that have folding tables so you can eat or place things on it. There are some steps that took you up into the front of the boat.

In the front of the boat, there are two doors that lead you outside so you can take pictures or just to enjoy the ride to Catalina.

At the back of the boat there are two restrooms and two other doors that lead you to more stairs that go up to the upper deck. It is also a great picture taking area. The air you receive up there isn’t as intense as the air in the front.

In southern California, the climate is usually always perfect with a pleasant breeze, and sunny, warm, and clear skies. The temperature range is from about 65F to about 80F. When you are approaching the island you can see the hills, like shadows. Then you will finally make your way to Avalon. The whole trip is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Los Angeles to Catalina.

When you get off the Catalina Express on Catalina Island, be sure to drop by Catalina Divers Supply on the Green Pleasure Pier and say hello. We’d love to see you and welcome you on your wonderful weekend island getaway!

 

Interesting Facts about Santa Catalina Island

Catalina Island is 22-35 miles off the coast of Los Angeles depending on where you depart from. Avalon, the location of Catalina Divers Supply, is 14 miles from Two Harbors. You can snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, mountain bike, boating, or relax on the beach. 

Catalina Island is a great place to visit and full of interesting facts to learn!

At Two Harbors there is a cave called Isthmus.  Other than amazing caves, there are two huge mountains.  Mt. Orizaba is 2097 feet, and is the island’s highest point.  Mt. Blackjack is the second highest point, and is a silver mine site.  Another cove is Avalon. 

There you can do many things, shopping, diving, and laying on the beach.  Avalon’s middle beach has a Casino building, Pleasure Pier, Yacht Club, and the Tuna Club.  The last important place we will be discussing is the Wrigley Botanical Gardens.  It features cactus from around the world, as well as many endemic and native plants.  Catalina is a place where wonders can happen.

In 1919, Mr. William Wrigley Jr. bought Catalina Island. The Wrigley family is also the same family that owns the chewing gum empire. Mr. Wrigley bought this island to develop it. When he actually saw the island, after he bought it, he decided to keep it as natural as he could. He wanted to protect it. He only allowed a few plants and animals to be brought from the mainland to Catalina Island.

On the island, there is a place called the Wrigley Marine Science Center. It is a place where students learn about the island itself. The Wrigley Marine Science Center teaches about diving, marine mammals/ animals, Catalina’s geography, diving accident management, and a few other classes. The center also contains a hyper baric chamber. It is an emergency facility for the treatment of scuba diving accidents.

This place is great to visit and full of interesting facts to learn. Come on over and let’s explore part of it together with a scuba tour! Call 800-353-0330 to schedule your time with us.

Halloween with Catalina Divers Supply on Catalina Island

Halloween is just about a week away and you can already feel the excitement around the town!  

Catalina Island and the town of Avalon is always full of  spooky fun, family friendly frights and just a great place to be!   The culture of this community is just that- a tight family friendly community – but when it comes to Halloween- it’s an all out event!

Great costumes, Halloween decorations, safe and entertaining trick-o-treating for the kids - and of course there’s fun for the adults who dress up also!

If you are looking for a refreshing change of pace to your fright night events, bring the kids and the costumes over and be sure to stop by and say ‘hi!’.   (There’s a good chance we’ll be doing a midnight dive …spooky in itself for some people!!) – but fun none the less. Hope to see you soon!

Eric

www.CatalinaDiversSupply.com

Activities in Catalina – Snorkeling Tours and More!

Catalina Island - Tons of Fun Activities Abound!

In terms of Santa Catalina Island, it is a popular choice among scuba divers, kayakers, and snorkelers.  In fact, these adventurous activities are the main reasons why those from the mainland head to the island.

What does this mean for you?

If you want to take a few snorkeling tours, Santa Catalina is the place to be!

But wait! Why is Catalina Island so popular and ideal for snorkeling tours?

For starters, the waters are naturally clean and clear. You will find large kelp forests and a vast array of marine life, which makes it a popular destination for experienced and beginning snorkelers and divers.

One popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling tours is the Avalon Underwater Park. This park was established in 1965. It is located just behind the Catalina Casino Building. The great diving and snorkeling conditions and easy accessibility makes it a popular plunge among tourists. Warmer water and smooth surface conditions bring many divers during the summer months.

For those who love diving year round, amazing diving conditions continue during the winter months of September through January. These pristine water conditions make diving near the casino a beckon for the diving enthusiast, year round.

As you know, snorkeling tours (whether guided or on your own) call for rental gear. You should use Catalina Divers Supply, as they have all the gear you will need. With two convenient locations to serve you, behind the Catalina Casino Building near the Avalon Underwater Park, and half way down the Green Pleasure Pier in the middle of Avalon Harbor.

Scuba Cat going on Snorkeling Tour

If you are looking for more than snorkeling from shore, you may choose to take a trip on the Scuba Cat for a half day snorkel adventure. Need something more than snorkeling, we offer Introductory Scuba Diving and full Scuba Certification classes all year long.

Catalina Island is well known for its great snorkeling and diving locations. Three locations can be reached by foot within the City of Avalon. These include the Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve (Snorkeling only), the Descanso Beach Club (Snorkeling only), and the Avalon Underwater Park (Scuba Diving and Snorkeling). Contact Catalina Divers Supply for the location that will suit your needs.

While Catalina Island is most well known for its beautiful, clean, and clear waters, it is also a great place to hike or bike. In the inner parts of the island, you will find an assortment of rolling hills and secluded coves, bald eagles, catalina fox, and even buffalo. Hiking permits are required, but they are available free at the Conservancy Office, located at 125 Clarissa Ave. As for biking, you must purchase a $20 permit that is valid for 2-days; this small fee is well worth the investment.

In short, Catalina Island is a popular vacation destination, but it is still a relatively well-kept secret. By timing your trip right, you will gain access to some of the best snorkeling tours in the West Coast.

- So what are you waiting for? Book your Weekend Get-Away travel package today or start planning the vacation of a lifetime.  Catalina Divers Supply has made your diving packages easy, cost effective and convenient with just one call or click to: 800.353.0330 and http://www.CatalinaDiversSupply.com.