Long
PointWhen someone says they made a dive at Catalina Island, what comes to mind? Do you think of great visibility, garibaldi, kelp, rocks, and reefs. Of course - that is what Catalina is all about, but it could be any number of spots. How about moray eels? Can you think of many spots that you're guaranteed to see them? Sure, you say, but how about one with a moray eel named "Psycho?"
Long Point on the frontside of Catalina Island is the spot to encounter moray eels. It is a long narrow rocky ridge extending into the ocean. The rocks that extend to the water's edge, dropping abruptly into the ocean is the perfect habitat for the moray eel. The rocky point is filled with caves both above and below the surface. Many pinnacles and ridges extend out from shore to over 90 feet down.
It
was while exploring the many rocky ledges and mini caves at Long
Point that I first encountered "Psycho." You have to know that I did
not name him. I only learned his name after describing the dive and
the moray to Steve Madaras of Catalina Scuba Luv. With a laugh and a
knowing smile he told me I had encountered "Psycho." I wonder if I
would have been a little more cautious in my sightseeing had I known
about him beforehand. Mind you, he's not dangerous, just a bit overly
curious. After all these years diving California, knowing that moray
eels don't attack, I still think of the movie, "The Deep." Sorry
guys, I don't picture Jacqueline Bissett in that wet T-shirt, it's
that oversized moray eel that comes to my mind.
As usual, I was scouting for photographic possibilities, looking for good subjects and camera angles, peering into any opening I came across. Not thinking I would find anything under a very small ledge in only about 18 feet of water, I was very surprised to have a large moray meet me almost nose to nose. Backpedaling as fast as I could, I signaled Dale to get there as fast as he could. He responded to my wide-eyed frenzy and brought his camera into position. "Psycho" responded by coming out of his hole to greet us. The more Dale took photos, the more the moray came out of his hole, eventually coming all the way out swimming around us and back in again. He did this several times before what appeared to be a lunge at Dale's lower belly. I don't know if it was this action or the running out of film that Dale decided to move on to another section of the reef.
The great thing about Long Point are the immense possibilities to keep you busy underwater. Even if you never encounter "Psycho," pinnacles, boulders and caves are everywhere. You can pretend that you are Lloyd Bridges and swim out of the same cave he did in the opening sequence of each episode of Sea Hunt. The cave is located in only 10 feet of water, close to the point. It is very surgy so you may want to just look and not enter. If you do decide to enter, you may want to go single file or wait your turn. The cave is large enough to accommodate more than one diver, but with the heavy surge you could end up banging into each other.
The
animal life in this area is about what you'd expect to see at various
areas along the island - no surprises, just good consistent sea life.
There are also plenty of friendly garibaldi, señoritas, and
kelp bass.
The morays, caves and sea life is still only a portion of Long Point as a dive site. The anchoring is good, and you'll only encounter current if you venture into deeper water out past the point. The visibility is very consistent. Beginners should make sure to stay away from the current. Intermediate and advanced divers might want to venture into deeper water where you may encounter the giant black sea bass. Remember, they are protected!
Dive Spot At - A - Glance
Where:
On the frontside of Catalina Island, Southeast side of Long Point.
Access: Boat only unless you're lucky enough to be staying at the YMCA Camp nearby, then it's a moderately long swim from shore.
Depths: Rocky reefs to 80 feet on lee side of point. Frontside of point drops to over 100 feet, but not recommended due to depths and strong currents.
Skill Level: All levels in the lee of Long Point; advanced around the point.
Visibility: Good, averaging 40 feet; often over 60 feet.
Snorkeling: Some good snorkeling nearer to the camp.
Hunting: Poor.
Currents: Strong off end of Long Point; generally not a problem in the Cove although eddies can occur.
Photography: Morays inside cove and a wide variety of subjects on outer reef.
Hazards: Boat traffic, currents outside of point.
Suggested Charter Boats Serving This Area:
Pacific
Dream- (562) 592-1154
Encore - (310) 541-1025
Great Escape - (714)
828-9157
King/Prince
Neptune - (800) 262-3483
Sundiver - (800)
555-9446
Horizon/Ocean
Odyssey - (619) 277-7823
Mr. C - (310) 521-9737
Garibaldi - (310)
510-2800
or see the California Scuba
Calendar section of this issue for trips to Catalina Island
