Santa Catalina Island: A chance to walk the ocean floor
If you would like to be under the sea, perhaps in an octopus’ garden, head to Sea Trek, Santa Catalina Island’s newest attraction. No yellow submarine required.
Intrepid wanderers need only don a wetsuit and a diving helmet before walking off the beach of the Southern California resort island onto the ocean floor. The guided excursion meanders among forests of kelp, where schools of anchovies, mackerels and other underwater denizens lurk.
The brightly colored garibaldi, California’s state marine fish, frequents the waters off the coast of Catalina. You might also see an occasional sea lion, bat ray or eight-arm mollusk.
The liquid jaunts descend no deeper than 20 feet and demand no diving experience or even swimming skills. Compressors on the surface deliver fresh air by tubes to the helmets.
The 90-minute Sea Trek, including instruction, costs $109 per person and is limited to those age 10 or older. Tours depart on the hour, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily, through mid-October, from Descanso Beach in Avalon.
Info: Catalina Sea Trek Undersea Adventure, (310) 510-2350.
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