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Catherine

3.8 — based on 16 community signals
4.3 12 species 32 contributors

Catherine is a year-round dive site in the United States with 12 recorded species observations and historical significance tied to the Civil War.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
HistoricalSignificanceHealthyReef

At a glance

Activity
dive
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Catherine location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
5.1 kn
Wave
0.52 m
Water
30.2°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SSE (14%)
Now: SSE (148°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.48m

Next: High at 01:00 (+0.2m)

+0.2 m0 m-0.3 m
▲ 01:00 · +0.2m ▼ 14:00 · -0.26m ▲ 03:00 · +0.17m ▼ 15:00 · -0.24m Now +0.2m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV7.45 · high Air PM2.57 · good 06:35 18:50
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 7.7 0.72 7 0mm
09-19 9.8 0.4 7 0mm
09-20 11.7 0.24 7 4mm
09-21 8.6 0.14 7 0mm
09-22 6.1 0.12 7 2mm
09-23 4.7 0.1 7 0mm
09-24 8 0.2 7 0mm

About this spot

Catherine offers diving opportunities year-round in United States waters. The site is adjacent to the Battle of Santa Rosa Island, a significant 1861 American Civil War engagement, adding historical context to your dive experience. With 12 documented species observations on record, the site supports a living marine ecosystem worth exploring. The location is not within a marine protected area, allowing standard diving access. Community contributions include 3 videos documenting the site, giving you a preview of what to expect underwater. Coral conditions show no stress, indicating a healthy reef environment. While specific depth, visibility, and water temperature data aren't currently available, the year-round diving window means you can plan trips based on your schedule rather than seasonal constraints. The historical backdrop makes Catherine unique among dive destinations—you're exploring waters where major Civil War naval operations occurred.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United States: 87 Sites From Springs to Open Ocean

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 7213km · ~1659kg · €30

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Catherine?

Catherine is diveable year-round, so you can plan your trip based on your schedule rather than waiting for specific seasons. Check local conditions closer to your travel date for the most current information.

What depth and difficulty level is Catherine?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings aren't currently documented for Catherine. Contact local dive operators or check recent dive logs before your visit to confirm conditions and requirements.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Catherine has 12 documented species observations on record. Coral conditions show no stress, indicating a healthy reef. Community videos (3 available) provide good visual reference for the marine life you're likely to encounter.

Do I need permits or special access to dive Catherine?

Catherine is not within a marine protected area, so standard diving access applies. No additional permits are required beyond normal U.S. diving regulations.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Fort Pickens Jetties

1.7 km
Dive centre

Three Coal Barges

8.1 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

64 records · 24 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Cucullaearca candida

Bivalvia · Arcidae
OBIS
Last seen:
8 Oct 2014
×1records
Depth:
31–33 m

Echinoidea

Echinoidea
OBIS
Last seen:
15 Aug 2010
×1records
Depth:
39 m

Penaeus (Litopenaeus) setiferus

White shrimp
Malacostraca · Penaeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Nov 2007
×3records

Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) aztecus

Brown shrimp
Malacostraca · Penaeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
31 May 2007
×2records

Callinectes sapidus

Blue crab
Malacostraca · Portunidae
OBIS
Last seen:
25 Apr 2007
×1records

Pagurus longicarpus

""""""Longclaw""" hermit crab""
Malacostraca · Paguridae
OBIS
Last seen:
20 Apr 2007
×1records

Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) duorarum

Pink shrimp
Malacostraca · Penaeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Apr 2007
×1records

Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) aztecus

Brown shrimp
Malacostraca · Penaeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
13 Sept 2006
×1records

Lolliguncula brevis

Brief squid
Cephalopoda · Loliginidae
OBIS
Last seen:
23 May 2006
×1records

Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) duorarum

Pink shrimp
Malacostraca · Penaeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
16 Mar 2006
×1records

Lolliguncula brevis

Brief squid
Cephalopoda · Loliginidae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Jun 2005
×1records

Livoneca ovalis

Curved isopod
Malacostraca · Cymothoidae
OBIS
Last seen:
28 Sept 2004
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

catherine 5132d 3M 2019 Masters Summer Nats

US Masters Diving

The Shadow of the Past: A Deep Dive into Catherine Cookson's "The Round Tower"

Catherine Cookson's World

❤️ Emotional Return: PRINCESS CATHERINE After Cancer Treatment 👑

Royal Chronicles
💬 3 top comments
  • Kate Middleton’s elegance captivates the world again.

    @drzlayaa · 👍 2
  • Kate’s grace shines during the state event.

    @RRRRRley · 👍 2
  • Kate Middleton always represents the monarchy beautifully.

    @skejtrs1 · 👍 3
wind peaks Jan-Feb-Mar, calmest Aug-Sep-Jul, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Mar (100/100) Worst: May (0/100) Now: Sep (56/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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