Imagine earning your first scuba certification while exploring Catalina Island’s underwater world. At Catalina Sea Camp, young adventurers ages 12–17 dive into one of California’s most unique youth scuba programs—a hands-on blend of ocean exploration, safety, and discovery. Whether it’s your camper’s first time breathing underwater or they’re ready to advance their scuba skills, Catalina Sea Camp offers a world-class diving experience built for learning and confidence.
A World-Class NAUI Scuba Program for Youth Divers
Catalina Sea Camp’s scuba program helps campers safely and confidently explore the marine environment surrounding Toyon Bay—one of Catalina Island’s most biodiverse and protected coastal areas.
Led by NAUI-certified instructors and divemasters, the program blends hands-on learning with real open-water dives, giving campers a true introduction to the world of scuba.
Campers can choose from courses tailored to their skill level:
- Try Dive
A great intro for campers curious about scuba but not ready for certification. - NAUI Open Water Diver Certification (ages 12+)
Perfect for new divers earning their very first scuba certification. - NAUI Advanced Open Water Certification
For returning campers or already-certified divers ready to continue their training. - Additional NAUI specialties
Offered based on availability and skill level.
All certifications are issued through NAUI, one of the most respected scuba training agencies worldwide. Campers leave with a globally recognized credential—and a huge sense of pride.
How Campers Earn Their NAUI Certification at Catalina Sea Camp
Safety Is Our Top Priority
Every dive is built on a foundation of safety, supervision, and trust. Catalina Sea Camp’s professional dive staff guide campers step-by-step through their skills, equipment, and underwater sessions.
Safety highlights include:
- Small student-to-instructor ratios for personalized attention
- All dives take place in controlled, monitored locations
- Surface support teams on standby during every session
- Professional-grade, well-maintained gear
- Comprehensive safety briefings before each dive
- Required swim assessment and medical clearance before enrollment
Parents consistently choose CSC because the program is as safe as it is exciting.
Why Parents Love Choosing Catalina Sea Camp
What Campers Learn Underwater
Scuba diving at Catalina Sea Camp isn’t just about earning a certification—it’s about developing practical skills, ocean knowledge, and confidence that lasts.
Campers learn:
- Dive physics and theory (pressure, buoyancy, equipment function)
- Underwater communication and navigation
- Buddy systems and safe diving practices
- Equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Environmental awareness and ocean conservation
By the end, campers earn far more than a card.
They gain teamwork skills, self-confidence, and a lifelong connection to the ocean.
Top 5 Reasons Scuba Diving Builds Confidence in Teens
Dive Sites & Marine Life Around Catalina Island
Sea Camp sits on a private stretch of Catalina coastline, giving campers direct access to some of the best diving in California. Each dive reveals new marine life and stunning underwater scenery.
Common wildlife sightings include:
- Bright orange Garibaldi
- Bat rays, sea stars, and kelp bass
- Leopard sharks and horn sharks
- Dense kelp forests filled with movement and color
These encounters help campers connect deeply with the marine environment—and inspire long-term ocean stewardship.
Exploring Catalina Island’s Underwater Ecosystem: A Camper’s Guide
All the Gear Your Camper Will Need
Campers do not need to purchase dive gear to participate. Catalina Sea Camp provides all essential scuba equipment, including:
- Tanks
- Regulators
- Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs)
- Wetsuits
- Masks, fins & snorkels
Families may choose to purchase personal items like snorkels, fins, and dive logs from the Sea Camp Dive Store, but it’s completely optional.
A Day in the Life of a Scuba Camper
A typical day includes a mix of learning, ocean time, and classic camp fun:
- Morning dive briefings and skills practice
- Open-water dives in Toyon Bay or nearby dive sites
- Afternoon skills sessions and electives
- Evening campfires, night snorkels, and stargazing
Scuba requires 4 of the 8 daily activity blocks, so campers still enjoy additional electives around camp—creative arts, sailing, high ropes, and more.
What a Day in the Life Looks Like at an Ocean Adventure Camp
Why Parents Love the Youth Scuba Program
Parents trust Catalina Sea Camp because the scuba program builds confidence, independence, and responsibility—while keeping campers safe, supported, and engaged.
Campers return home with:
- A globally recognized diving credential
- Stronger problem-solving skills
- A deeper understanding of the ocean
- Increased independence and emotional maturity
- Stories they’ll share for a lifetime
Many divers certified at Sea Camp are later praised by dive resorts and instructors worldwide for their impressive skills and confidence.
Why Catalina Sea Camp Is One of California’s Best Ocean Adventure Camps
Ready for Your Child to Dive In?
Catalina Sea Camp’s scuba program is one of the most exciting ways for teens to explore the ocean—and themselves.
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