Farnsworth is one of the most sought-after dive spots in California. Weather conditions have to be just right because it's on Catalina's backside, but the marine life here is very rich and abundant. Several different sea pinnacles make up this dive site; the shallowest coming to within 55ft/16m of the surface. Diving here is for California Experienced divers with 20+ dives and is for Advanced Certified Divers and up, due to the depth and current at this location.
Farnsworth is home to the rare Purple Hydrocoral (Allopora californica). Purple Hydrocoral is one of the few species of Hard Corals that exists in our cool waters. The Farnsworth dive site is covered with the purple coral and makes great picture opportunities. Some experts suggest that this coral variety is a distinct species that is unique only to this site.
Buying Tickets
- Each person who wants to go diving needs to get their own ticket either online, by calling 310-398-5759 or in person at the dive center in advance.
- If you're buying tickets for more than one person, please make separate online transaction so we have unique contact info per diver to issue online waivers.
Boarding
- Be at the place 45 minutes to 1 hour before the diving trip departs the dock.
- Typical Departure time is 7am - so plan to arrive between 6am and 6:15am at the latest
- Check in with the divemaster on board and complete required documentation.
- Show them your certification, they may request proof of recent diving experience ie: log book within last 12 months (digital or paper).
- You must arrive with all of your required dive equipment for the day. There will not be any diving equipment available to rent on the day pf departure, please secure all equipment needed before the day of departure.
- Notify the divemaster if you need a dive buddy. There is no in-water guide only a surface divemaster to conduct briefings prior to each dive. Plan your dive with another certified buddy. (Call the shop if you would like to hire a private guide in advance)
- Solo diving requires solo diver certification and required solo diving equipment.
- No spear-guns, but if you want to catch lobsters, that's okay as long as you do it responsibly with your CA license. Please leave the really big ones as they play a big role in reproduction in the area.
Cancellations
- 7 day Policy: There are no cancellations or re-scheduling of any kind within 7 days from departure, but you CAN give or sell your ticket to someone else, just let us know of the name change.
- Cancellation due to weather though highly unlikely can occur. We do our best to notify you ahead of departure of cancellation due to weather and rain checks will be issued for future trips.
What to Expect:
- Seasick: If you think you might get seasick, buy some motion sickness meds before the trip. (recommended)
- Meals: The food on the boat is called grub, so if you want something special or gourmet, you'll have to bring it yourself.
- Dive Sites: The captain will pick the best place to ANCHOR based on a lot of things like how visibility, tides, currents, weather and other factors.
- Gratuity: $20-$30 per person is the norm. If you liked the service and the people working on the boat, it's a good idea to give them a bigger than normal tip.
- Equipment: You have to bring all your own diving equipment, and they don't have any extra to rent on the boat .
- Rental: If you need to rent diving equipment, go to a local dive center the day before the trip. California boats never supply any rentals not even tanks or weights.
- Waivers: There will be some mandatory online waivers to fill-out.
- Minors: If you're not an adult, your mom or dad or guardian have to be present at check in to complete all waivers and you will need to be under an adults supervision.
