Diving in the kelp forests off Catalina Island was such an incredible experience!

Kelp forests can be seen along much of the west coast of North America. Kelp are large brown algae that live in cool, relatively shallow waters close to the shore. They grow in dense groupings much like a forest on land. These underwater towers of kelp provide food and shelter for thousands of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammal species.

These dense canopies of algae generally occur in cold, nutrient-rich waters. Because of their dependency upon light for photosynthesis, kelp forests form in shallow open waters and are rarely found deeper than 49-131 feet.

Diving through the towering kelp was like entering an underwater wonderland. The sunlight filtering through the kelp fronds created a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, and the variety of marine life was astounding. Fish darted in and out of the kelp, and sea lions playfully swam around us, adding to the magic of the dive.

I also got the chance to spearfish in the kelp forest and successfully caught a sheepshead. It was a thrilling addition to an already unforgettable dive. However, it's important to be mindful that some locations are protected marine parks where spearfishing and other activities may be restricted to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

The week after my dive, I watched Shark Week and learned that the waters off Catalina Island are among the most common places to see mako and great white sharks. This added an extra layer of excitement and respect for the marine environment I had just explored.

Exploring the kelp forests off Catalina Island was a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our oceans. It’s a dive I’ll never forget and one I highly recommend to anyone looking to experience the unique and vibrant underwater ecosystems of the California coast.