Diving & Snorkeling Programs

Discover Scientific Diving

with Scuba by Design

We’ve partnered with Scuba by Design to offer Discover Scientific Diving to certified scuba divers – an exclusive half-day experience that will introduce you to the world of underwater scientific research focusing on the kelp forests of Southern California.

We’ll cover a wide range of topics including buoyancy control, task loading and specialized gear management, techniques for data collection underwater, and fish identification. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct a Roving Diver Survey to track fish abundance with REEF and marine debris distributions with PADI AWARE, leaving the ocean cleaner than you found it.

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Science Snorkel Tours with WetSpot Rentals

We partner with Wet Spot Rentals to offer our Science Snorkel Tour at both of the Marine Protected Areas in Avalon - Casino Point Dive Park and Lover’s Cove.

This snorkel tour is a unique opportunity to explore the ocean along the coast of Catalina while studying the fish populations and contributing meaningful data to REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project. This long-term community science program is designed to assess the health of our ecosystems as our climate changes over time.

The search for fish begins as soon as you enter the water. While swimming through the kelp forest, you will record every fish species you observe. We will provide you with an underwater slate and a fish identification sheet for reference during the survey giving you the opportunity to not only record accurate data, but learn more about the kelp forests in the process.

Register your interest below and we will contact you to schedule your tour!

Giant Black Sea Bass

Behavioral Study

We’ve partnered with the Spotting Giant Sea Bass team at UCSB to begin a long-term study on the behavior of Giant Black Sea Bass and their cleaner fish and we’re inviting you to join us on survey dives with these magnificent creatures.

During these dives, we will record the behavior of both the Giant Sea Bass (GSB) as well as the fish they are interacting with in the kelp forest. Many fish that clean the GSB are also their prey and we’re interested in better understanding that relationship. You will have the opportunity to use underwater cameras and specialized data sheets during these survey dives, learning about multiple techniques for collecting data underwater. Join us and spend entire dives monitoring these giants!