Catalina Island, officially Santa Catalina Island, is near the southern end of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It is part of Los Angeles County, and is a popular day trip and vacation destination for locals and tourists.

Catalina is a world unto itself, a distant asylum from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Southern California. 88% of the island is owned by the Catalina Conservancy which is chartered with protecting its environment. Many visitors to the island come from cruises offered by Carnival.

Catalina is a haven for SCUBA divers in Los Angeles area. The main SCUBA diving site from Avalon is Casino Point, right next to the Casino building. Concrete steps have been created, so divers (and snorkelers) can step down a few steps and enter the water. 

- Wikivoyage