Address: 1 Casino Wy - The "Scuba Diving History Exhibit & Marine Animal Rescue" is located @ the world-famous Casino building. You do not enter from the front lobby; the center is located around & to the right of the Casino.
"You are here!" - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=E9CmXoRs1FYXKmANiwO8vw
When I originally added the location, yelp* moderators altered the name to "Marine Animal Rescue," along with the address & category. This particular location is not just Marine Animal Rescue (MAR) but also houses a very impressive exhibit of scuba memorabilia, rich in history.
Yelp* originally changed the address to Main St... Why? I do not know. After all, there is no Main St on Avalon. I notified yelp* about the error and now the address is simply, Avalon, CA. Again, the exhibit/rescue is located @ 1 Casino Wy. It is attached to the historical, Casino building.
LA County based Marine Animal Rescue program added the Catalina location in December, 2012. Since then, the rescue has responded to over 1,000 calls on the island. Rescues range from whales, sea birds & turtles, seals & sea lions, island foxes, to snakes & deer.
We walked passed the Casino and circled around the backside, just enjoying the day & making the best of being on the island.
As we came up around the right side, headed back toward the front, there was a small, unassuming shop.
We walked in since we had most of the afternoon to explore. What I originally thought was going to be a quick "pop-in," ended up being a 30 minute visit. I give credit to the very interesting gentleman who was sitting behind a desk in the far right corner of the shop. Say hello to Jon Council, the Lead Field Officer. I learned that over the years, Jon has amassed one of the most diverse collections of dive gear in the country. It really is something to see. It was his idea to bring to the diving history exhibit & MAR together.
Jon - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=1g2xUBHrxraFZBz_Cpf3uQ
The exhibit's goals are:
- Educational
- Family attraction in the history of diving
- Unique, one-of-a-kind, diving gear
- The pioneers that helped lay the groundwork for diving
- Raising awareness of Marine Animal Rescue as well as funds for the program
Have you even seen a home-made dive helmet? - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=yPi5Cwnuu7qP-S-zaNg-sQ
As our group listened to the fascinating adventures about some of the people in the photos on the wall, we were joined by the skipper & crew of our 2nd boat, "Fox Sea." She came across from Dana Point with us the morning before. Jon had a captive audience and made the most of it by sharing the rich history of scuba, including famous celebrities and some of the local "legends."
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=mMocWWXETzwlgeSpiOYQJw
The center is made possible from the numerous supporters to help protect & preserve the natural resources of this beautiful island, a mere 32 miles from Dana Point. (Ferry/powerboat: 45 min; Sailboat: 5-6 hrs)
Sponsors: The Catalina Island Foundation; Avalon Freight Services; Catalina Laundry; Catalina Tech Shack; Café Metropole; CC Gallagher; Avalon Grille; Bluewater Avalon & Catalina residents including the entire dive community.
Jon's first dive was in 1974, Dutch Harbor Alaska and since has dived in most every sea in the world doing scientific research for NOAA, US EPA, Natl Geographic, Institute for Nautical Biology, NASA, and numerous educational programs. In 2013, Jon even helped create a book, "Catalina Dive Buddies." It's beautifully illustrated & offers a fun approach in learning the local SoCal fish species.
"Catalina Dive Buddies" - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=R6hygOf1Qz7VPrX02p72_A&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
Jon Council - Submersible pilot, diver, and historian. Also, a great story teller! Be sure to ask him about: Cap Perkins, Zale Perry, the Meistrell brothers, or Bev Morgan; just to name just a few of the intriguing people adorning the center's walls.
Cap Perkins - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=bo0qQanU5reEUC_EUPH_Eg
It was a great meeting Jon and thankful for him sharing a bit of his story; rich & thick with amazing experiences and adventures. Jon holds a single dive world record for completing a 52 mile circumnavigation around Catalina Island in 23 1/2 hours.
- Big Aloha!
**The "Scuba Diving History Exhibit & Marine Animal Rescue," opened its doors in May, 2017.
For more info, email: sealab1@catalinabb.net
Food: n/a
Ambiance: 5
Service: 5+
Value: Priceless
Sources: ecatalina.com; scubaboard.com; diverwire.com read more