Join us for a long weekend of diving in the amazing kelp forests of Catalina Island. California's Channel Islands have a remarkable underwater ecosystem which includes colorful orange garibaldi, yellowtail lobsters, abalone, horn sharks, leopard sharks, nudibranchs, eels, and California sea lions. Numerous dive sites are easily accessible by boat and Casino Point provides a beautiful shore dive that is just steps away from the bustling streets of Avalon. We have deliberately planned this trip for February, when the visibility can be up to 80 feet and temperatures are in the low 60s.

Catalina has a rich history as a vacation destination. The first hotel and pier were built in 1887 in Avalon, which is now the largest town on the island with a population of around 3,000, Since then Avalon has been a summer destination for daytrippers and other vacationers. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, Catalina was popular with many movie stars. Now it estimated that each year 1 million visitors spend a day or more wandering the scenic streets of Avalon. Cars are restricted on Catalina with most residents walking or using golf carts.

Trip Cost
$550 (based on d/o) Price includes: 4 days/3 nights lodging at Claressa Street Beach Bungalow, continental breakfasts, two 3-tank boat dives with Scuba Luv (tanks, weights, and lunch onboard included), Casino Point shore dive.

Divers may upgrade to enriched air for $12 per tank.

Not included: travel to Long Beach, ground transportation, Catalina Express Ferry fee, gear rental (other than tanks/weights), dive crew tips, trip insurance (required), or dive insurance (highly recommended).

Itinerary

Friday, February 18, 2011
12:00 pm Ferry to Avalon
1:00 PM Arrival on Catalina and walk to Bungalow
2:00-5:00 PM Personal time (Stop at dive store to pick up gear if needed)
6:00 PM Dive at Casino Point
7:00 PM Personal time

Saturday, February 19, 2011
8:15 am Check-in at boat
9:00 am Boat departure
4-6:00 PM Boat return
7:30 PM Dinner

Sunday, February 20, 2011
8:15 am Check-in at boat
9:00 am Boat departure
4-6:00 PM Boat return
7:30 PM Dinner

Monday, February 21, 2011 (Presidents Day)
2:00 PM Ferry to Long Beach
3:00 PM Arrival in Long Beach
6:00 PM Flights home

Diving
2 3-tank Boat dive days and 1-2 Casino Point shore dives (please be reminded crew gratuity is not included in the price of the trip. Let your crew know they have done a good job with a tip.)

Certification
All certification levels are welcome!

Dining
Continental breakfasts will be provided at the house and lunch on the boat daily. Divers should plan on providing for dinner and beverages.

Lodging
Trip price includes 3 nights lodging at a beautiful colorful Claressa Street in Avalon on Catalina Island. Amenities include fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, television, wireless access, and golf cart.


Travel
Divers are responsible for travel to and from Long Beach, California and the Catalina Express Ferry ($66 per person).

Flights
Nonstop R/T tickets are currently starting at $250 (PDX to/from LGB). Flight suggestion below.

Fri, Feb 18 JetBlue Airways 1421
Depart: 7:30am; Arrive: 9:49am

Mon, Feb 21 JetBlue Airways 1424
Depart: 6:15pm ; Arrive: 8:39pm

Forms
Please download, read, fully complete, and return to us the following form before departure: Travel Release.

Pre-Trip Informational Meeting
Join us for a passenger meet & greet evening. Detailed trip information packets to be distributed. Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 7-9pm