Catalina Harbor Cleanup with Sin City Scuba (2026)

Online Dec 19, 2025

Catalina Harbor Cleanup with Sin City Scuba (2026)

There is only one day a year that you’re allowed to dive in Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island—and that day in 2026 is Saturday, February 21, 2026 for the Avalon Harbor Cleanup.

Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to dive inside the harbor and help the environment by removing debris that has accumulated over the last year. You never know what interesting items you may find.

In addition to the satisfaction of doing something meaningful for the ocean, there are often prizes for some of the more interesting items recovered, plus thousands of dollars in raffle prizes including dive gear, trips, vacations, and more.

Important Dates

Cleanup Dive: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Sin City Scuba on-island dates: February 19–22, 2026
Early registration ends: January 17, 2026

Step 1: Register for the Cleanup (Required)

All divers must register directly with the event website: https://www.avalonharborcleanup.org/

During registration, be sure to select:

Dive Team: Sin City Scuba
Dive Site / Location: Green Pier

Registration Pricing

Divers: $70 per person (early registration through January 17, 2026)
Non-divers: $35 per person

Step 2: Buy Your Ferry Ticket

You cannot drive to Catalina. You’ll need to drive to the Long Beach Ferry Terminal, park there, and take the foot ferry to Avalon.

Long Beach (Downtown) Terminal Address:
320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
Parking: $24.95 per 24 hours

Purchase ferry tickets here: https://ssl.catalinaexpress.com/

Route to choose: Long Beach (Downtown) to Avalon, Round Trip

Typical ferry costs:
$84 round trip (standard)
$124 round trip (Commodore Lounge upgrade: priority boarding, more comfortable seating, snack and drink)

Review baggage restrictions before you pack: https://www.catalinaexpress.com/baggage-restrictions.html

Step 3: Find a Place to Stay

Because we’re traveling from Vegas, we usually arrive on Thursday before the event so we can get extra dives in at Casino Point before the cleanup weekend crowds arrive. If you plan to join us, you’ll want to book accommodations early.

Hotels

You can check options on Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or your favorite booking engine. Make sure your reservation is for Avalon, California. Some booking sites show Two Harbors or Long Beach, which will not put you near the cleanup location.

Rental Homes

Another option is renting a house through Catalina Island Vacation Rentals: https://www.catalinavacations.com/

This can be a cost-effective way to stay, especially if you split a house with others. If you are interested in sharing a rental home, contact us and we will help connect you with the group.

Location tip: When looking at hotels or rental homes, check the map and aim to stay on the “Flats of Avalon,” ideally near the Green Pier. Hillside locations can be beautiful, but they are not ideal when you’re hauling dive gear.

Bonus Dives at Casino Point Dive Park

If you have extra time on the island, don’t miss diving at Casino Point Dive Park. It’s one of Catalina’s most iconic shore dive sites and a great way to enjoy the kelp forests and local marine life before the cleanup weekend.

Learn more about Casino Point here: https://divingcatalina.com/casino-point/

Trip Tips

Bring a Collapsible Wagon

Avalon is mostly walking-only, and there are no rental cars on the island. You can rent a golf cart, but rentals are typically in short windows and can get expensive if you want one for the whole weekend. You’ll be hauling gear to and from the dive sites, so a collapsible wagon makes a big difference. Wagons are allowed on the ferry, but they must be brought on collapsed.

Gear Rentals and Tanks

You can rent gear from us before the trip or rent on the island. If you plan to rent on the island, reserve early. There may be hundreds of divers on the island for the cleanup. If you have your own gear, you can bring one scuba tank on the ferry, or you can rent tanks on the island. If you are signing up for the event on our dive team, let us know and we can help reserve tanks and weights for you.

Food and Shopping

Catalina has great dining options and fun stores to explore, plus a Vons grocery store for easy meals and snacks—especially helpful if you’re staying in a rental home.

Quick Checklist

Register for the cleanup and choose Sin City Scuba at Green Pier.
Book your ferry ticket (Long Beach Downtown to Avalon, round trip) and review baggage restrictions.
Reserve your accommodations in Avalon and aim for the Flats near the Green Pier.
Plan your gear, tanks, and a collapsible wagon for easy transport on the island.

Any questions about the trip, rentals, or coordinating with the group? Contact Sin City Scuba and we’ll help you get ready for Catalina.