Adaptive Scuba Diving on Catalina Island
Guest Author Scuba by Design
If you’ve always been fascinated by the ocean but thought maybe it wasn’t an option, think again! Discover the joy and wonder found beneath the waves in your own time, at your own pace. Whether it’s a day of fun, trying scuba for the first time or taking the plunge to get certified, Scuba by Design creates a custom adventure just for you.
Underwater, everyone is equal. It doesn’t matter that you have cognitive or developmental concerns, need support for stress and anxiety or have physical challenges. Your journey will be unique to you – a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t fit.
Adaptive diving is a holistic approach: scuba diving adapts to you and your needs and contributes to overall health and wellness. Some adaptive techniques are just more visible than others.
Adaptive Certification
Experience Freedom! There’s nothing quite like the magic of breathing underwater, being weightless and taking it all in with a profound sense of peace.
Divers are a community of underwater adventurers with so many inspirational stories to tell. You’ll make new connections and escape to another world that’s better than you could have imagined. Scuba diving is an amazing family opportunity to experience new adventures together!
We believe in the art of possible: the PADI certification system is performance-based, meaning that we modify skill techniques to meet performance requirements by leveraging what individual students can do. Most divers are able to meet PADI standards for scuba diving certification.
We also offer certification through the Handicapped Scuba Association. HSA provides an opportunity for divers who are unable to be certified in a traditional program, with multiple levels of certification based on the independence level of the diver. Buddy training for friends and family of HSA divers is available as well, ensuring that nearly everyone can experience the magic of the underwater world. Learn More
Adaptive Diving Experiences
Already certified? Choose either a half or full day of private Guided Diving and glide through our stunning kelp forests with options for underwater scooters, night dives – even catered lunches during your surface interval. All dives are led by an experienced local pro dedicated to you and your group.
Not yet certified but looking to try something new? Discover Scuba Diving is a fully immersive, one-of-a-kind experience, bringing you up close and personal to a gorgeous environment teeming with wildlife.
The goal is to have fun and try something new (that might be way out of your comfort zone), grow your self-confidence and maybe find a new passion! Uncertified diving does require medical clearance and diving in the ocean your first time might not be a good fit. Let’s talk! Learn More
Concierge Diving
Concierge Diving at Scuba by Design is a unique experience that ensures a private, no-stress, comfortable day of scuba. Because we offer only half and full-day experiences, there’s no rush to don suits, gear up and get in and out of the water before your short timeslot ends.
We provide everything you need from shade, top-notch gear and tasty lunches to photographers and underwater scooters. We’ll set it all up and break it all down too.
We have multiple options available to assist you in the practical aspects of scuba diving including a wide variety of sizes, mobility items, cold storage for medication and privacy solutions. Learn More
Our Location
Located just an hour off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island offers world-class diving as well as exciting land-based experiences for the whole family.
The Casino Point Dive Park is a Marine Protected Area on Catalina Island that is easily accessible from shore, free of heavy waves and surf and abundant with hundreds of species of fish, wrecks and artificial reefs with depths of up to 100 feet.
The Park spans over 2.5 acres and is one of the most biodiverse environments in Southern California and is considered one of the top shore diving destinations in the country!
There’s something for beginners and advanced divers alike and the Park is a perfect location to earn a certification or try scuba for the first time. Learn More
Accessibility Matters
Accessibility is important to us. We’ve made every effort to make everything we do including our location, gear, policies, procedures and website accessible to all. Links are available for carrier travel policies, on-island accessible transportation and accessible lodging options.
We’re located in a large, open area behind the Casino building and we can help arrange for transportation assistance in getting you and any gear to and from the Park.
There is a wheelchair accessible bathroom, and we provide a shaded canopy, tables, mats and chairs. Cold storage for medications is also available.
The Park has a shore entry down a short flight of stairs and then we just float on in. Divers with mobility issues have different preferences for entry: some prefer to be carried while others prefer to maneuver themselves.
We’re happy to bring heavy gear to you so you don’t need to carry it and some people prefer to don gear once in the water.
If it’s low tide, entry and exits can be difficult – when you make your reservation we will check the tide tables to try and avoid any issues. Like any dive site, occasionally current, swells or other weather conditions may mean it’s not a good day to dive and we’ll work with you to reschedule if needed. Learn More
Environmental Commitment
As divers, we all share a deep connection with the ocean. We can make a difference for ocean protection every time we dive, travel and more.
Everything we do is centered around sustainability. Whether it’s reducing our impact by making sure our products and gear are eco-friendly or joining in ocean conservation efforts, we take our personal responsibility as divers seriously. Learn More
Yes You Can!
Scuba diving is a transformational experience, increasing our overall health and wellbeing as we refresh, rejuvenate and engage our senses. We are committed to cultivating diversity, equality and inclusion, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect, patience, empathy and kindness.
Together, we’ll create a relationship that fosters your growth as a self-confident, safety-conscious diver, setting and achieving goals, mastering something you never thought you could do in a million years.
Lisa is PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, PADI Adaptive Techniques Instructor with a distinctive specialty rating in the Psychology of Diving and a Handicapped Scuba Association Instructor.
Get to know the Scuba by Design Team and follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok for a preview of what diving on Catalina Island is like!
