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are a number of interesting items scattered about that justify exploration, including several sunken boats and other bric-a-brac. Visibility is often excellent, and because it’s a no-take preserve, marine life is plentiful and of good size. Depths range from around 20 to more

than 100 feet. This is the most popular dive site on the island, so try to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Just north of the underwater park, in Descanso Bay, is the grave of the 162-foot-long Valiant sitting upright in 70 to 110 feet of water. The Valiant was a private yacht last owned by Charles Howard, also owner of the famous racehorse Seabiscuit. In December 1930, the vessel caught fire and burned extensively before slipping under the waves, supposedly carrying more than $60,000 in jewelry with her. While no jewels have ever been found, brass drink tokens do occasionally turn up with the yacht’s name on them. No artifacts may be taken, however, as the ship is more

than 50 years old, and you must secure permission from the harbormaster before diving it. The forward part of the hull still rises above the sand with schools of blacksmith and topsmelt often cruising around the hulk. This wreck is quite deteriorated but is still exciting to dive; it is an oasis for marine life on the prevailing sand flat.

These few sites are but a fraction of what’s available at Catalina Island for the diving connoisseur, and there’s no shortage of topside fun either. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, parasailing and even a “submarine” ride are all on the menu. No, Hoo-nahr could not possibly have visualized what Pimu would offer in the 21 st century. AD

LOCAL DIVING

28 | SUMMER 2011

Suited up divers make one of the easiest entries for California diving at Casino Point, Avalon Harbor.