What a Channel Islands & Catalina dive trip actually costs

Southern California (Catalina & Channel Islands), USA · trip-cost estimates · 4 nights
Estimated subtotal
$925 – $2,350

Per person for 4 nights — flights, hotel, dive ops, and gear-bag fees included. Typical trip lands around $1,525. Transfers, meals and any unpriced extras are additional.

💰 Cost breakdown (per person)

Round-trip flighttypical $95–$660 from major US airports$95–$660
Hotel × 4 nights~$170/night typical · $90–$305/night range$360–$1,220
Diving (3 days, 2-tank)checked dive gear ~$70 RT, or rent ~$40/day locally~$390
Gearchecked dive gear ~$70 RT, or rent ~$40/day locally~$70
Estimated subtotal
$925 – $2,3504 nights, per person

Transfers & hotel pickup

Airport travel and getting to the dive boat are separate costs. These are published policies, not confirmed reservations.

Airport to accommodation

Not verified yet. Request a quote for your airport, hotel, dates and party size.

Accommodation to diving

Not verified yet. Request a quote for your airport, hotel, dates and party size.

Not added to the subtotal: choose an eligible service and confirm the hotel, price and return arrangements first.

🐠 Best time to go

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.

🤿 The diving

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

⭐ Top-rated dive shops

Blue Tuna Spearfishing★★★★★ (92)
Channel Islands Dive Adventures★★★★★ (78)
SCDiving - Scuba Diving & Water Sports★★★★★ (73)
Dive Channel Islands★★★★★ (45)

🥾 When you're not diving

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

🔔 How to get it for less

The subtotal above is a rough estimate. StokedFare checks fares on a schedule and sends free alerts when it finds qualifying deals from your airports.

Watch Channel Islands & Catalina from my airport — free →
Estimates from StokedFare's live price data; actual costs vary by dates, choices, and availability — always confirm at booking. StokedFare is not a travel agency. · Home · All costs · Deals caught