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CA Kelp diving


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20 replies to this topic

#1 Jerrymxz

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Posted 24 April 2009 - 05:05 PM

I have always wanted to go to CA and do some diving in the Kelp forests. Where is a good place to go and who to dive with, places to stay, that sort of thing. I'm thinking of doing an extended weekend in the mid/ late summer time frame. I'm open to about anything. I have gotten a lot of good advice from the SD crowd and thought this would be a great place to start.

ALSO anyone that wants to come to NC and dive the graveyard of the atlantic I'm in that Hood and can offer some support if needed.

I'm on the boat on the 9th of May to dive the U352 for the anniversary of the sinking. :)

Thanks in advance :diver:

Jerrymxz :)

Each wreck has a tale to tell about its life and its demise. 

If you are observant while diving in dark places listen to the account each has to tell, You cannot come away unaffected.   
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude


#2 georoc01

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Posted 24 April 2009 - 05:49 PM

I have always wanted to go to CA and do some diving in the Kelp forests. Where is a good place to go and who to dive with, places to stay, that sort of thing. I'm thinking of doing an extended weekend in the mid/ late summer time frame. I'm open to about anything. I have gotten a lot of good advice from the SD crowd and thought this would be a great place to start.

ALSO anyone that wants to come to NC and dive the graveyard of the atlantic I'm in that Hood and can offer some support if needed.

I'm on the boat on the 9th of May to dive the U352 for the anniversary of the sinking. :)

Thanks in advance :diver:

Jerrymxz :)


I found an interesting two day liveaboard for $350, but its June 19&20, which I assume isn't going to work for you with the Bonaire trip. I'll keep a lookout for others as I would like to do this too.

#3 Jerrymxz

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Posted 24 April 2009 - 06:21 PM

I was leaning toward San Diago. I was TDY there a few years ago but couldn't dive. but the City was neat and I thought I would like to go back. As I remember there are some wrecks there too. Thanks for reply

Each wreck has a tale to tell about its life and its demise. 

If you are observant while diving in dark places listen to the account each has to tell, You cannot come away unaffected.   
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude


#4 dustbowl diver

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Posted 25 April 2009 - 07:19 AM

Unless he posts in this thread, I suggest sending our very own DrB a Personal Message and seeking his counsel.

Just my 2 PSI this morning.
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#5 drbill

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Posted 25 April 2009 - 01:35 PM

I just saw this... and, of course, would suggest diving Catalina with its warmer and clearer waters than the mainland coast. You can either do a day trip or overnight and dive the park here... or take one of the many dive boats from the Los Angeles-Orange County area to do a day's worth of diving off Catalina at almost the same price.

#6 uwfan

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Posted 25 April 2009 - 01:51 PM

What is the difference in water temperatures between Catalina and the mainland coast?

#7 georoc01

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Posted 25 April 2009 - 03:06 PM

The temps I have been seeing for the June liveaboard trip was 65 degrees. I would be interested in what the difference is as well.

#8 drbill

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Posted 26 April 2009 - 07:12 PM

What is the difference in water temperatures between Catalina and the mainland coast?


Temperature differences are generally only a few degrees F warmer here, at least if you are diving the warmest part of Catalina (from Long Point to the East End which includes Avalon and the dive park). San Diego tends to be several degrees colder at comparable depths, I assume due to upwelling from the deeper water canyons there.

I should add that water temps are 1-2 cooler on the windward side than on the leeward side and there is also a temperature gradient from the colder NW end of the island to the warmer SE end.

Edited by drbill, 30 July 2009 - 08:04 AM.


#9 Jerrymxz

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Posted 27 April 2009 - 10:34 PM

Thanks for the Info. I am looking forward to coming out and checking out the Left coast!! :banghead:

Each wreck has a tale to tell about its life and its demise. 

If you are observant while diving in dark places listen to the account each has to tell, You cannot come away unaffected.   
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude


#10 JimG

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Posted 28 April 2009 - 04:09 AM

My wife has relatives in the greater LA area, and I've dove off and on in SoCal, so maybe I can offer some "tourista" advice. Some of this info may be dated, so native Californians feel free to correct any errors you see.

Dr Bill mentioned the underwater park at Casino Point in Avalon, which is a nice shore dive (particularly for people who are new to shore diving). During the summer months you can rent gear right on site from Catalina Diver's Supply, which also operates a shop on the main pier in Avalon harbor. There is another dive shop in town (Scuba Luv), which I have never dealt with. Both shops operate their own dive boats as well. For my money, I would probably just stick with the shore diving, since it's all new to you. I'd actually recommend spending the weekend in Catalina if you can - it's very picturesque and well worth a longer visit if you can spare the time.

I've also dove some in the northern Channel Islands (Santa Cruz, Anacapa, etc). There are several commercial dive boats that operate out of Ventura, and they provide some great value for the money. I have done a few trips on the Peace, and thought they ran a good boat. Truth Aquatics up in Santa Barbara has a good reputation as well, but I have no direct experience with them.

There are also numerous places to go shore diving, but you will probably want to find a local guide to help you out with that, since it can be tricky. Veteran's Park in Redondo Beach is a popular choice, and I know there are several other good spots as well.

I'll actually be out there myself the second week of August, but have not made any definite diving plans. It's all good though - there is a lot of stuff to see, and the kelp forests are spectacular (nothing like it on the east coast). I'm sure you will enjoy it no matter what you decide to do.

-JimG
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#11 Jerrymxz

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Posted 28 April 2009 - 08:48 AM

More good info....I knew i came to the right place!! thanks again :hiya: :banghead:

Each wreck has a tale to tell about its life and its demise. 

If you are observant while diving in dark places listen to the account each has to tell, You cannot come away unaffected.   
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude


#12 Monkey Diver

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Posted 28 April 2009 - 04:00 PM

What is the difference in water temperatures between Catalina and the mainland coast?


The temperature are usually close to the same. Sometimes it is warmer at Catalina, and sometimes not.
Wayne :-{ )

#13 Monkey Diver

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Posted 28 April 2009 - 04:01 PM

What is the difference in water temperatures between Catalina and the mainland coast?


The temperatures are usually close to the same. Sometimes it is warmer at Catalina, and sometimes not.


Wayne :-{ )

#14 JimG

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Posted 28 April 2009 - 06:02 PM

There's a couple things I thought of that bear mentioning about California boat diving, that are really different from boat diving on the east coast.

California dive boats tend to deal more directly with shops than with individuals. Frequently, a local shop will charter the whole boat for a day of diving, and if you choose to dive on that boat on that day, then you must book it through the shop that has it reserved. If you prefer to deal directly with the boat, then you need to look for an "Open Boat" charter. Open Boat charters are more typically run on slower days during the week, with the weekends set aside for shop charters.

To get charter and schedule info, it's always best to check directly with the boat that you are interested in, via their website or a phone call. You can also check the dive boat calendar in California Diving News (which is a great regional publication with lots of good info on diving in California). There is an on-line version of the calendar on the CDN website. You can search charters by date, location, charter length (i.e. number of dives), etc.

Most of the larger dive boats are equipped with a full galley and a compressor. You only need one tank for the whole day as they refill between dives, and on the longer charters (3/4 or full day), they will frequently serve hot food (breakfast and/or lunch). Some boats also have sleeping quarters and will allow you to board the night before, especially for an early morning departure.

All in all, it's a great experience diving on the left coast. I always try to get a dive or two in every time I visit.

-JimG
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#15 asainak

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Posted 29 July 2009 - 08:09 PM

I just saw this... and, of course, would suggest diving Catalina with its warmer and clearer waters than the mainland coast. You can either do a day trip or overnight and dive the park here... or take one of the many dive boats from the Los Angeles-Orange County area to do a day's worth of diving off Catalina at almost the same price.


I would highly recommend Catalina I dove with Drbill last August off the dive boat from scuba luv and really enjoyed it I am trying to plan a return trip this august the dates are still open for me I could possibly meet I would ned at least a week lead time. From Catalina San Diego is not far and they have a wonderful kelp forest off of point loma

Asa from Alaska




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