History

Started in 1980 by Ed Stetson, one of the original UCSB SCUBA club presidents, as a fun and affordable way to get his friends diving new waters, the Annual Catalina Dive trip has been running for 47 years. Ed is a long-time mentor of mine, and I was fortunate to take the trip over from him in 2023 to continue the legacy that had become one of the highlights of my year since college.

Thanks to the longstanding relationships that Ed cultivated over 40+ years, we are allowed a unique opportunity for a weekend of leisurely and exciting diving without the tedious equipment hauling usually a staple of diving Casino Point, made possible by the amazing team at Catalina Diver's Supply.

The details

It is a family and friends trip, with over 100 divers each year! The trip is open to all: divers and non-divers and every year I am filled with an amazing sense of community as divers from not only Santa Barbara but all over the country join us to carry on this wonderful tradition.

The weekend is build-your-own-adventure. We have the opportunity to make a variety of dives including wreck, night and deeper dives, and attendees can dive as much or as little as they'd like, with many people also enjoying the other activities that Avalon has to offer like hiking, mini golf, the botanic gardens, and more.

Included in the trip

• Accommodations

  • Hermosa Hotel – Budget hotel, preferred by students

    • 2-8 person rooms

  • Upscale hotel – Couples and families

    • Contact Kylie for details

    • 10% discount for non-divers. Family discounts available.

• Ferry transfer to and from Avalon

• 3 days 2 nights accommodations

• Gear transport to and from dive site

• Gear storage at dive site

• Divemaster guidance upon request

Commonly asked–not included:

• Dive gear rental

• Air fills

• Meals