Excellent Dive Shop, Awesome experience everytime. For 12 years I have been diving with Dive Catalina, we always have such a wonderful experience diving with Shawn from Dive Catalina. Shawn is a fantastic guide--professional, patient, and genuinely passionate about sharing the beauty of Catalina's underwater world. Safe and comfortable the entire time, while also keeping the dives fun and memorable. His knowledge of the local marine life is incredible, and he has a great way of pointing out things you might otherwise miss. On our last dive trip, it was also a real pleasure to meet up again with Ron Moore, the previous owner. It was nice to see the continuity of Dive Catalina's warm, welcoming spirit carried on from Ron to Shawn. The whole experience always feels personal and special, and it's clear that the love for diving and the ocean runs deep here. We can't recommend Dive Catalina highly enough--thank you Shawn (and Ron) for making our dive trips unforgettable! read more

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Noah was an excellent guide. Friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. It was our first time snorkeling and it was an amazing experience! Customer service is excellent. Will bring the whole family next time! read more

I have had two different scuba diving classes with Shawn and Ron. They are so easier to learn from and very knowledgeable about scuba diving and Catalina Island. read more

Kind, patient, helpful. Great service, w en loaned us one item at no charge we'd forgotten. Easy walk to incredible dive site.

My son and I came over for a day to get a couple of dives in. We had an awesome time. Sean set us up with gear. We had our first dive as a guided tour. The second dive we did on our own. Both times we were able to see a giant Black Sea bass. It was approximately 6 feet long and anywhere from 350 to 400 lbs. that was a first for me. So that was a highlight!! Tons of other sea life eels, Garibaldi, sheepshead, lobster and a lot of other sea-life. We called when we were finished and were picked up with in a few minutes. The booking was easy, the equipment that we used worked flawlessly. We came in earlier than expected and Sean was able to accommodate us and get us out for a wonderful day of diving. read more

We did two dives with them, both at Casino point. The first dive was ~fine -- the divemaster kept everyone safe and did the basic things you'd expect a divemaster to do. Their second dive, a night dive, was outsourced to a different dive shop -- World Wide Scuba (led by someone named Cindy), which appears to not have a retail presence. They told us that we could meet them either at the Dive Catalina Dive Shop or at the pier at a specific time for the night dive. This apparently was incorrect. We went to the dive shop and arrived on time. Their employee (Joe, I think) spent the 20 minutes after we arrived doing small tasks around the shop, then drove us over. By the time we arrived at Casino Point, we were close to 40 minutes late. We didn't realize it at the time, but apparently Joe told Cindy it was our fault that we were late. Cindy proceeded to be very difficult to deal with -- she came in with an accusatory tone and thought we were trying to cheat her. After the dive, Joe dropped us off at our hotel and asked us for a good review. Here it is. read more

1000% recommend Ron and snorkeling with Dive Catalina! My sister and I have never done snorkeling and considered ourselves good swimmers but boy does the big open water really change that. Good thing Ron was there every step of the way and brought out a lifeguard floaty so we could hold on to while we explored and learned about all the sea life around us at Lovers Cove. He was informative and gave us all the necessary equipment needed. Even considering I am a plus size person he had a wet suit for me and all. We really appreciated him taking his time with us and offering us to stay out longer then the standard 1hour tour, but we declined since we had other plans for the day, but we did come back the next day to rent snorkel gear to go back out on our own near Descanso beach club. Really is a great small business to support! Will definitely go again when we visit! read more

Dive Catalina - Snorkel gear ready! - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

For my birthday, I ended up taking a trip to Catalina island and while I was only here for one day, I was lucky to be able to make a last minute diving reservation and do my first scuba dive in the Pacific ocean! Dive Catalina is one of the only NAUI accredited shops on the island and I did a one-tank dive through the underwater kelp forest with wonderful divemaster Karen! She was amazing -- originally from Germany and was calm, cool, collected and a great dive buddy! I saw an eel, she pointed out a starfish, a huge 400lb bass and a wide variety of other colorful fish. The dive felt safe and the facility provided a 7mm wetsuit which kept me nice and comfortable through the frigid waters of the Pacific in May. I definitely recommend it! I thought $120 for a dive including equipment was very reasonable and I hope to be back and do more diving here soon! read more

Wonderful experience snorkeling in Lover's Point with guided tour guide Ron! I was walking around Avalon and saw his booth and decided to go on a guided tour vs renting equipment and going myself. The price was pretty similar to rent equipment and go yourself vs go with someone ($52 per person for about an hour). I think this is the best choice if you're in Catalina for a limited time and don't have equipment. The gear itself was in okay condition- wetsuit, flippers, googles, and snorkel piece, but seemed clean. The tour was just a small group- myself and my partner and another couple. Ron gives a brief overview of how to snorkel and then we walk over to Lover's Point. He was informative and friendly with sharing information about the island when we were on land and knew tons about the species when we were in the water too. I appreciate Ron bringing a lifeguard floatie because I was not a strong swimmer as I thought I was. I was exhausted right at the hour mark but the other couple were still good to stay out and so they did, very nice to let them do that. Overall, the view in Lover's Point is absolutely amazing, crystal clear views of a variety of beautiful fish! I recommend Ron at Dive Catalina if you're looking for a guided tour! read more

There's something to be said about the diving community. They're some of the most down to earth, chill, open, and adventurous group of individuals. The staff at Dive Catalina are no exception. Dive 1 (2018) : The first time my GF and I dove here was remarkable. Everything from the paperwork, transportation, and diving was a seamless process. Ron is a genuine and highly knowledgable individual on everything diving. We signed in and he transported us to the dive site. As we arrived to Casino Point, we saw a man swimming and pulling another diver back to the entrance point of the dive (true story). It appeared that the one of the divers was having a problem in the water and was rescued. It was definitely something out of the Aquaman movie. That man that rescued the troubled diver just so happened to be our guide. Needless to say, I felt comforted in the idea of diving with an exceptionally competent and experienced diver. He definitely knew his way around Casino point. We had an awesome dive with this guy. Dive 2 (2021): We coordinated a dive for a total of 6 people (3 certified, 3 inexperienced). Shawn responds quickly (phone or text). He took care of us on our second visit and he was extremely helpful, friendly, patient, and we had a blast diving with him. The visibility wasn't as good as our first dive but we managed to still enjoy it. We navigated through the kelp forest, and saw garibaldi and large bass fish. Unfortunately, my 3 inexperienced friends were not able to dive because the conditions were not ideal. Therefore their dive was cancelled and was a good call from their assigned Dive Master. To be fair, we have not dove with any other company in Catalina, and we more likely wont as long as these guys around. They are passionate, extremely friendly, exceptionally knowledgable, and I can see why they have repeat customers (my GF and I being one of them). read more

Had a great experience with Shawn and his dive company. We did a guided dive tour of the casino park and had a magical time. He was an awesome guide and great services like letting us store our gear after our dives, offering additional tanks for small fee and ferrying us to and from dive spot from his store. Can't wait to dive with him again. read more

After a great Labor Day weekend dive day with Ron Moore's Dive Catalina I have to pile on the 5-star reviews. My daughter & I signed up for two guided dives of the Casino point dive park and were SO happy yo have gotten CHRIS for our divemaster. My daughter hadn't dove since 2016...but Chris was so patient and attentive to her needs getting comfortable. She always has had equalizing issues, but he suggested some methods and hung with her on a very slow descent until all was fine. We enjoyed what was left of the kelp forest after the recent record ocean water temps, saw some wrecks and for an awesome highlight came withn 10 feet of two "juvenile" (5 to 6 ft. & over 250 lbs) Giant sea bass on Dive #2. Really amazing. Logistics were great for a quick check-in @ shop, drive over to dive spot and good rental gear. Above ALL: Ron & Chris simply GREAT people with a sincere desire to make all clients' dives special. We'll be back next summer hopefully to dive w/them on Avalon !! read more

Dive Catalina - Second time back diving in Catalina :) - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

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Exactly what happened to another reviewer here... So very angry at this shop. Made a reservation on Monday for diving today, Friday. Spent $75 round trip to take the ferry over *just* to do this dive and upon showing up, the shop is closed!!!! Made several calls and finally, over an hour later, was told "sorry we missed your dive - got busy with other customers". What?!?!? So now I'm out the money and several hours of aggravation, not getting to dive today. I live on the east coast and was only in CA visiting. So upset. What is the point of even making a reservation at this place?? Inexcusable business practices. See photo - my dive was scheduled for noon yet they won't be returning until 1:30, unreal. read more

Dive Catalina - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

I went to Catalina for a one day trip - and wanted to scuba dive with my dad - as he is a pro and I am a beginner. I called around several places and I think I picked this place because I first encountered "Chicken" as he helped me over the phone. However, I was told that he had went off to college! If I remember correctly, we paid $105 each for a guided tour dive with all our gears included. Dive is about 40 minutes - but gearing up/going over dive takes will all take about 2 hours. It all just kind of depends so give some buffer time! They made sure my dad and I were together on the dive. **Note that there are no restrooms at the shop/changing rooms ** Our time slot was 10AM so they let few of the guys change inside the store (very small) so before you go, make sure you have whatever you want to wear underneath your clothes! After you have your gear/wetsuit on - they will golf cart you around to the area where you will walk in to the "beach." (If it gets busy - just make sure that your gear is the right one because it may get switched up.) Luckily my dad is an experienced diver - so he kept an eye on which one was assigned to us. You then gear up - float/kick to the buoy and then start from there. At first, I was getting a bit nervous and thought I wasn't comfortable with the primary BC. So Glen let me try the alternative BC - but then it was just my head thinking I wasn't getting enough air. He kind of gave me a pep talk saying it's all in my head, which was. But IF YOU DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE don't go in. Don't feel pressured to go in at all! They are very understanding and it is seriously like diving RULE that if someone does not feel comfortable - do not dive! You will put yourself and others at risk! **** As soon as I went in like two feet - I forgot all my worries and could not believe how I have missed the underwater wild life! Pros - First time - they are helpful in giving you all the gear - Glen was very helpful in going over the dive/refresher/hand signals/etc - ** However, I highly consider you reviewing your basic gear/scuba knowledge before you go DUE TO YOUR SAFETY AND FOR THE GUIDE'S SAFETY** - Do not expect to go diving without knowing anything** - Great visibility, saw two huge giant sea basses - they were HUGE! Saw so many other schools of fish just swimming around, abalone, eels, etc. - **Great place for first introductory / beginner dive for the guided dive. They also have boat dives as well! Cons - Wish the shop was a bit bigger (But I understanding it being on Catalina, space is limited!) *****I definitely recommend this place and all the workers are amazing. I had Glen - as our instructor and they kind of play around a "joke" saying like "didn't you have another diver with you?" :D First time? I recommend try it out! Thank you guys for an amazing experience!! read more

Dive Catalina - Our gear rented from the shop! Make sure it doesn't get mixed up with others! - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

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First time snorkeler, long time Grouponer! My friend knew snorkeling was on my bucket list (as it is for anyone who recently learns to swim and wants to swim with fishies) and scheduled a snorkeling tour using an awesome Groupon deal. Well, my friend ended up missing her boat ride to Catalina and was not able to go snorkeling with me. Dive Catalina was completely accommodating to our situation! Since I was already there, literally deserted on an island, I decided to give it a try solo. When you arrive at the address, go to the large van/ice cream truck looking vehicle to check in and sign the waiver. You will then be instructed to head towards the back of the van to be fitted for a wetsuit and fins. The gear is top notch! The masks were clean and in great condition. Any personal belongings will be left out by the truck. You will be descending down stairs to get into the water. Watch out for scuba divers as you approach the stairs, you're supposed to let them go first since they are carrying so much more weight in gear than snorkelers. I was beyond excited yet pretty nervous about put my newfound swimming skills to the test. Our tour guide was amazing-- very informative, helpful, and charismatic!! If it wasn't for him, there is no way I could have felt so comfortable swimming in the ocean feeding fish. Thanks for such a wonderful experience and being so patient and kind with newbies like me. read more

My husband and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary this last weekend. We had no kids and we wanted to do something that would really make the trip special. There are few locations that allow no experience necessary scuba dives. Catalina is one of those locations. We went with Ron Moore's company and boy am I glad we did. Naturally, I want to try everything, but as we get close to doing anything new, I get super anxious and terrified. I was lucky enough to get Ron as my private instructor. Hubby got Chance. I can only speak for myself. Ron answered all of my questions. I felt safe and comfortable and like I could go at my own pace. He regularly asked how I was doing during the dive and took me to different areas to see the kelp forest, the underwater rocks, multiple types of fish and even the underwater memorial to the person who helped create scuba as we know it. What sets this company out from others I saw is that we got personalized attention while others went more as a larger group. Some of the equipment was better such as head gear to help with the cold. I was not the least bit cold in the water and it was a cooler day on the island. I highly recommend this to be your company if going on your first dive. Ron lit a fire and I am definitely going to be scuba diving again! Already looking into getting certified. read more

Amazing first scuba experience with experienced divers. After an annoying ordeal with Catalina Scuba Luv where they flat-out lied to us about diving conditions in order to flake out on our reservations with them (see a previous review of mine), my gf and I wandered about town to this small but quaint shop. After explaining our predicament they erupted in laughter over Catalina Scuba Luv's lame excuse. Conditions were of course not good, but great for diving and they just happened to have two open instructors ready and willing to take us on. We promptly paid (a very reasonable price) and proceeded to have a very thorough explanation of safety protocols and the real dangers of the human body trying to adjust to high pressures. Once we got in the water, my instructor Ron was very cautious, constantly checking my air and asking me if I was ok like every few seconds. (considering that this was my first dive, I was a bit nervous and I was having a fair amount of trouble adjusting to the pressure, I was quite ok with someone incessantly pestering me to see if I was safe.) After about 15-20 feet down I started to get the hang of things and started enjoying the beautiful kelp bed teeming with life. Every so often, Ron would point out some cool site like the schools of fish swarming around me, the vibrant Garibaldi or the Octopus that my gf had decided to playfully terrorize (please kids, don't harass the octopi). We in fact had so much fun in fact, that an impromptu dance party broke out on the sea floor (no kidding). Regards to Chance (my gf's instructor) for initiating that one. We reached a max depth of about 40 or so feet and then proceeded up after about 30-45 minutes below. If you are headed to Catalina anytime soon, give Ron my regards and help me make sure they get a lot of business by diving or snorkeling with them. read more

Dive Catalina - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

Because Ron was so nice I am giving his business 2 stars. They seemed very disorganized, especially Karen. The gear we rented from them was in bad shape. We ended up having to get some equipment from a nearby company. We had a 230 dive time and did not get into the water until 530. read more

This was my second time renting gear here. The owner Ron helped us this time and he was such a wonderfully kind person. He even allowed us to leave our bags there for a couple hours while we were in the water. He was really helpful and also recommended us go to a spot that I hadn't been to before. Great service and great prices in one of my favorite diving destinations in the world! read more

We had a great time diving with Ron. This was our second attempt to dive in Catalina. The first time the weather was not as nice as we would like it to be, but this time was just amazing. Sunny and clear :) The check in was very easy and they are located right next to where the ferry dropped us off. So, it was all very convenient. We rented gold carts and bicycles right next door. They drove us to the Casino point where we had the pleasure to dive with Ron. We had a great experience diving with this company. We saw beautiful fishes and the instructor was great. I definitely recommend this company read more

Dive Catalina - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

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My friend and I took our kids to learn scuba diving lessons. Not expected to hear them begging to come back! Fantastic experience all around! Shawn and his team are attentive and knowledgeable for scuba diving. Highly highly recommend, except I hope they are not too busy when we come back next year!!! read more

Shout out to my #scubainstructor Chris at #divecatalina the one on one lesson and partner dive is the only way I would have ever been able to accomplish this life experience .. really didn't think I was gunna make it down but Chris really went the extra lengths to make sure I felt safe a comfortable and he got me down #35feetbelow I truly enjoyed it so much I would love to get certified when and if I do I'm doing it thru dive Catalina with Ron and Chris! read more

Dive Catalina - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

My first dive after my certification dives, and it was fabulous! We were fortunate enough to dive with Ron himself, and he shared lots of great info and was a funny guy to boot! We were excited to see the kelp beds and dove right from the casino point shore park. We wish we had planned a second dive, and can't wait to go back. read more

Words cannot describe the professionalism dive knowledge expertise caring that Ron showed me during my diving lesson. My boyfriend signed me up to take lessons with Ron. I am a fish out of water learning to dive at a later time in my life...the encouragement and dedication that Ron showed me during our dives enabled me to become a certified open water diver. If you are looking for someone who not only teaches you the skills to get certified but will get the very best out of you while you are diving with him then he's the one to call. I came in with fears and doubts and after two days with Ron I am now a confident diver looking forward to my next diving adventure. And Shawn was incredible giving me diving tips and CB just hearing about his diving adventures. Driving over to me a new BC when I needed one. Just a wonderful person also. Like I said above words do no describe Ron Moore Diving Don't go anywhere's else if you're diving in Catalina.. read more

The review is 4.5 stars. First and foremost, I enjoyed my dive with Dive Catalina. We did a shore dive and were able to see the giant kelp forest. It was an amazing experience, and we were lucky enough to go at the perfect time to see the giant black sea bass. I highly recommend diving here. The reason why I didn't give 5 stars: The equipment were older. One of my fins was bent, and I noticed the odd dragging when I was in the water. My wetsuit and the booties were a little smelly when I put them on. And since we had to cram into a tiny pickup truck, it certainly didn't make the experience better. When we got to the diving site, we had to stand by the ocean and listen to the introduction of the dive. I liked that part because our dive master gave very interesting details on how the kelp forest formed and the history of the site. I disliked it because it took maybe 15 minutes or so and I was eager to get into the water. Again, maybe if I wasn't in my smelly suit, I would be more patient about this. Again, even though the equipment was old, they were all functional. Yes I've had more comfortable accommodation in the past with other diving companies, but the giant kelp forest made all of it up. I simply felt like a bird flying through a jungle. Our dive masters were awesome and very patient with us. I had trouble with my buoyancy and weights, and my guide took me by the hand, and made sure I was more relaxed. I was totally at ease by the 2nd half of my dive. read more

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!! Ron was so much fun to dive with, he knew everything about anything I wanted to know concerning diving. He made sure I was comfortable under the water and even resurfaced when I was having a problem equalizing, and didn't get frustrated, only wanted to make sure I was okay. When we got back under, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The kelp forest is such a magical new world, and I am definitely coming back to get my certification! If you want to scuba dive with or without certification, do it here!! read more

Dive Catalina - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

We originally booked snorkeling tours over Mother's Day weekend, but when we arrived on Catalina we asked if we could change to dolphin boat tour. Chance went out of his way and got ahold of the captain who said yes he would take us out. It was a very nice boat ride, so fun to go fast out in the water and then the captain would slow down and show us seals, sea lions, birds and tell stories about the island. Chance was also nice enough to tell us about the local resteraunts and helped us decide where to make reservations. read more

Great experience! Frank and Ron were such great instructors; helping us through our introductory dive. The dive park was absolutely amazing and they were so patient and kind. Thanks so much for a memorable anniversary weekend! read more

A bit rude and highly unorganized. We booked a snorkeling time and luckily my partner called to ask a few questions prior to our arrival, they didn't even have our registration on hand! The money was already taken out. We arrive and they said we would have to pay the difference because what was paid for doesn't really exist anymore!??? Really? Update your info and packages you have to offer before telling someone to come on down. Go down the road to Catalina Snorkeling Adventure. 103 Pebbly Beach Rd, Avalon, CA 90704 Ann, Robert and Wade were great! Made it all better for us after this incident. On 9-2-14 I received an email stating Connie replied to my review... Well, to name names, Ron wasn't very nice or organized. Connie, you were there but you didn't assist us. Your indirect expression of hostility towards them concerns me since you've changed you're original comment from 2 months ago to what the public can see now. Whatever issues you have with them is not my problem, you win some and you lose some. I don't know what the other shops intentions were or are, but my review was simply stating my positive experience with who I remember from that trip. Unfortunately for your business, it wasn't with you guys. read more

Anybody can rent you gear (though his was cheapest in Avalon - approx $55 for a full set), but Ron also made us feel like we were old friends coming to dive in his neck of the woods. He personally drove us to the dive site and then gave knowledgeable directions to all the cool underwater stuff. He's a human dive map with sense of humor. He even picked us up when we were done. Also, though not attributable to him, the dive was achingly beautiful. read more

Great experience with this crew! It was my first time diving in Catalina and they made me feel comfortable and safe!

What a great experience with these guys. Ron has a great crew.... Frank and Chris took us out on a last minute trip and they did not disappoint. Everyone at the shop was super helpful getting us geared up... and what a funny group!!!! Chris took me out we found everything from 2 Black Seabbass ( wild to see the size) lobster, star fish, and traveled to the sunken ship. Frank took Dave and this being his second dive... he had a blast... Highly recommend these guys for a great dive whether you are an experienced diver or brand new... We will be back!!!! read more

Don't rent snorkel gear from here. I was given a torn up wet suit and fins. (See the pictures attached) The guy wasn't very friendly at all like if I was wasting his time. read more

Dive Catalina - Did not keep me warm at all as the wetsuit was falling apart - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

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Staff was very friendly and willing to help us choose the right equipment. On an island of people who seem to just want money, this place made us feel like more than just an opportunity for dollars and cents. It makes "cents" to visit Dive Catalina! read more

Wonderful service! My boyfriend Mark and I went on a whim without making reservations and Connie went above and beyond to assist us, even down to helping us get the wet suits on right! We will be back and we are customers for life. Connie was great to talk with and gave us tips on how to see the best sea life. Highly recommended!!! read more

Ron the owner and his wife were great very friendly. She made us feel so welcomed when we came in the store. My husband and i had never done scuba diving before so we took the introductory dive, he was nervous and i was super excited having 5 kids we hardly ever get away. Ron was great he explained everything to us step by step and made sure we were both comfortable before we entered the water, i felt very safe. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. read more

Best 1st Snorkeling Expierence!!! Me and my bf got a Zozi coupon for a snorkeling pack for two ($40). We got there 30m prior our reservation to put on the equipment. We were treated well, despite they were unaware of the coupon, yet we needed to pay a 10$ free (5$ each person). After meeting our tour guide, we walked to Lover's Cove. Our guide was very knowledgable. I believe if it wasn't for him, our expirience would not have been so amazing and great. During our tour, our guide grabbed a few objects to show us and after he placed them back, we proceed with the tour. The fish were very sociable and were close to us. After our tour ended, we had the opportunity to continue swimming around independently and the expierence was yet more amazing because the scenery was like discovery channel status, where several species of fish were around us and basically they swam with us. read more

If you're visiting and want to try out scuba diving then this is the place to go! Ron is awesome and a veteran at this stuff. It was clean, affordable, and the entire process was smooth. We definitely found a new hobby thanks to them! :) read more

This place is a very good place to go for snorkeling!! We took a group of Ten kids and the instructor Tim was amaZing with the kids. Very good and very patient with the kids. read more

Dive Catalina - Diving Near Me - Avalon, California

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Thank you so much ron and the group for making our vacation in the island a memorable experience. So i booked an introductory dive with ron on the phone, it was so easy and ron will explain everything to you what makes them different from other shops in the island. And he wasn't lying coz i just experienced something that i will never ever forget. Ron is the best guy here in the island. He really knows what he's doing. He showed me what underwater has to offer. I would never forget getting the chance to see life underwater even without certification. Ron really took care of me and was checking me if im ok. And Chance too was awesome! He's a funny guy but he's also good at what he's doing. If i could give them 10 stars, i would without a doubt. Btw, there was one group before us who had the introductory dive with other shop and they were done in like 10 mins without even going really deep. With us, i literally touched the bottom of the ocean and it was like 30 mins. Please if you wanna try the introductory dive, choose dive catalina with ron moore. You will never regret a single thing. The shop is the closest to the pier where you get off from the ferry. As Ron said, "Work less, dive Moore!" read more