Per person for 4 nights — flights, hotel, dive ops, and gear-bag fees included. Typical trip lands around $1,450. Anyone can quote you a cheap flight; this is what the trip costs.
Prime months: Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov.
Best visibility to 80ft as plankton fades; warmest water ~65°F.
Plankton blooms drop visibility; busiest months, cooler water.
Southern California cold-water diving through towering giant kelp forests off Catalina and the Channel Islands, where blades can rise 45m (150ft) and grow up to 46cm (18in) a day. Signature life includes giant black sea bass, bright orange Garibaldi, sea lions, bat rays and lobster; top sites are Casino Point and Blue Cavern off Catalina and Farnsworth Banks' purple hydrocoral seamount, with cool water around 55–70°F.
Also known for: Diving giant kelp forests with curious giant black sea bass
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Hike — Coastal cliffs and rare pine forest with sweeping Pacific views near San Diego
Catalina Island Bison Watching — Free-roaming bison descended from a 1924 film shoot roam the island's interior
Avalon Casino Tour — Art Deco landmark on Catalina with a ballroom, murals, and film history exhibits
Two Harbors to Little Harbor Trail — Backcountry hike across Catalina's rugged interior with ocean views on both sides
Avalon Seafood and Farmers Market — Local catch, kelp products, and island-grown goods sold in Avalon on weekends
The all-in above is the typical price. A few times a year, Channel Islands & Catalina fares drop 25–50% below that. StokedFare watches dive destinations from your home airport 24/7 and pings you the second one crosses that line — free.