Delve Into Catalina Diver’s Supply

For boaters making the trip across the channel to Catalina Island, the adventure doesn’t stop at the surface. Beneath the waves is a world of kelp forests, fish, and sea lions — a realm Catalina Divers Supply has helped visitors explore for more than six decades. Founded nearly four decades ago, Catalina Divers Supply isn’t just the Island’s oldest dive shop; it’s one of the oldest in the world. The company’s roots trace back to a time when scuba diving itself was still emerging as a recreational pursuit. “Catalina Divers Supply was established in 1957, at a time when scuba diving was still in its infancy,” explains Christy Harp, who has owned the business since 2013. “Original founders Carl and Maggie Koehler recognized Catalina Island’s incredible underwater potential and set out to share it with visitors.” Catalina Divers Supply image The Koehlers’ early vision tapped into the natural wonder beneath Catalina’s surface, and their pioneering spirit set a tone that continues today. As ownership changed hands over the years, the mission endured: introducing divers to the beauty of Catalina’s underwater world. When Harp took the reins, she not only brought business acumen but a personal connection to the Island...