ADVENTURE
CONSERVATION
Big Adventures, Real Care
About the Shop
We’re a locally owned, ocean-loving team based in Avalon, Catalina Island, dedicated to helping people experience, understand, and protect the incredible kelp forests that surround our home. From snorkeling to scuba diving, we create safe, welcoming experiences that connect people with the underwater world while inspiring a deeper commitment to ocean conservation. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore the ocean, regardless of experience, and that the best way to protect these ecosystems is to help people build a meaningful connection with them. As members of the Avalon community, we’re proud to support our island, give back to the people who call it home, and share the kelp forests we love with visitors and locals alike.
People-First Approach
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Reliability You Can Count On
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A Focus on Quality
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People-First Approach · Reliability You Can Count On · A Focus on Quality ·
Our Values
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Everyone Is Welcome
Regardless of experience, we have the adventure or gear for you.
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Safety First
Safety is our priority. You can trust us with all of your exploration needs.
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Care for the Ocean
Everything we do is with our impact in mind. Protect what you love!
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Support the Community
Avalon is our home and we give back to the locals who we share it with.
Our Commitment to the Ocean
We believe that exploring the ocean comes with a responsibility to protect it. Through conservation-focused experiences, education, and community involvement, we strive to minimize our impact, support healthy marine ecosystems, and inspire others to become ocean stewards.
Meet the Team
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Grayce Upton
OWNER
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
They set the tone for everything we do. -
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Michael Bud
OWNER / SNORKEL GUIDE
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care. -
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Kayla Feairheller
SCUBA INSTRUCTOR
Kayla is a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with a passion for ocean conservation that makes her a strong teacher and lifelong ocean advocate. Join her in the kelp forests for an experience you will never forget as you learn new skills and explore the underwater world together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We have two marine protected areas in Avalon that we highly recommend for snorkeling. Lover’s Cove is the closest to the shop and is always our first choice. With a beach entry and a shallow kelp forest, this is a great spot for beginners. Casino Point Dive Park is across the harbor from the shop and requires you to swim immediately when you enter. This spot is a good option for a full day rental.
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Yes! Our Intro To Snorkel Tour is great for beginners and we take people snorkeling all the time who don’t know how to swim. Your guide will get you fitted into a wetsuit and life jacket to help with floatation and they will be there to help you in and out of the ocean.
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We have waterproof phone sleeves for sale at the window that you can purchase when you’re picking up your rental gear or checking in for your tour. These pouches provide protection from the ocean and a good opportunity to capture memories of your time in the kelp forest.
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We recommend a wetsuit all year long due to water temperatures but sometimes in the late summer / early fall, you can snorkel without one. It all depends on how long you want to hang out with the fish :) The longer you stay, the colder it gets!
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There are three options for transportation to the island. You can take a ferry boat from numerous ports on the mainland. The two ferry options are the Catalina Express and the Catalina Flyer. You can also arrive via helicopter when you book through Maverick Helicopters.