39 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

Come to FLORIDA!!! We have such great diving here & I'd love to meet you all....

If we made Florida a standing destination just as I've been thinking about making California a standing destination...WHERE!!! :lam:

Please let me know where to do the diving at???? (For each coast please!!!)

[Marvel]

Come to FLORIDA!!! We have such great diving here & I'd love to meet you all....

If we made Florida a standing destination just as I've been thinking about making California a standing destination...WHERE!!! :lam:

Please let me know where to do the diving at???? (For each coast please!!!)

Links to SE FL activity (not espousing any of these operators):


Dixie Divers website

Check out the dive sites link on the left

Pro Dive

Beach Diving

I can fill in the blanks for Lauderdale By The Sea

American Dream

OK, I really like these guys...

Check some of this stuff out & you'll see- Ft Lauderdale is a great location!!! Plus, lots of fun after hours stuff to do (like table dancing)

[coppermaus]

If we made Florida a standing destination just as I've been thinking about making California a standing destination...WHERE!!! 

Good idea to cover both coasts, both for variety of diving experiences and for travel. My list of standing destinations would include:

- Cozumel
- NC and/or Key Largo
- California (don't know what's the best location for good diving, price, and variety of levels, since I've never been. Cal divers' suggestions needed!)

True that scuba isn't a cheap sport, but that doesn't mean we should get onto a financial slippery slope. I think the regular trips should be affordable, so everyone can participate, speaking from the po' folks perspective. But then I once slept in a Ford Explorer for a week in Key Largo to spend every nickel on diving.

Probably the two main obstacles preventing people from booking a trip they want to go on are scheduling and money. The main things that attract me to diving trips are schedule, price, location, and who else is going, in that order. If it doesn't fit my schedule or I can't afford it, I'm not going no matter how great the location and group of people. So that's why the above locations would be good for me. Fairly easy to get to and not outrageously priced, which means more trips!

[jextract]

Come to FLORIDA!!! We have such great diving here & I'd love to meet you all....

If we made Florida a standing destination just as I've been thinking about making California a standing destination...WHERE!!! :lam:

Please let me know where to do the diving at???? (For each coast please!!!)

For California, I'd suggest the Avalon Underwater Park. There's something for everyone there, all skill levels, good sealife, kelp forests, etc.

http://www.catalina....e/casinopt.html
http://www.catalina.com/scuba.html
http://www.catalinad...oto_gallery.htm

I'll be there Saturday, so I can give you the lowdown on the ho-down!

[WreckWench]

For California, I'd suggest the Avalon Underwater Park. There's something for everyone there, all skill levels, good sealife, kelp forests, etc.

http://www.catalina....e/casinopt.html
http://www.catalina.com/scuba.html
http://www.catalinad...oto_gallery.htm

I'll be there Saturday, so I can give you the lowdown on the ho-down!

Awesome!!! We need to look at whether we do a liveaboard or shore diving or boat diving excursions. If you haven't learned to do shorediving off CA...then its not for the faint at heart!!! But let me know what you find out...thanks and Wrinkles is also doing some super sleuthing as well. -ww

[jextract]

Awesome!!! We need to look at whether we do a liveaboard or shore diving or boat diving excursions. If you haven't learned to do shorediving off CA...then its not for the faint at heart!!! But let me know what you find out...thanks and Wrinkles is also doing some super sleuthing as well. -ww

True, sometimes beachdiving in CA can be ... well, an event in and of itself. Avalon harbor is not nearly as bad, say, as Redondo Beach can be for instance. But we're tough out here! You gotta work for your divin'!

There are many boats that head out to all of the Channel Islands and all sorts of dives are available but Avalon probably has the most of everything where all skill levels can enjoy it.

[WreckWench]

Awesome!!! We need to look at whether we do a liveaboard or shore diving or boat diving excursions. If you haven't learned to do shorediving off CA...then its not for the faint at heart!!!  But let me know what you find out...thanks and Wrinkles is also doing some super sleuthing as well.  -ww

True, sometimes beachdiving in CA can be ... well, an event in and of itself. Avalon harbor is not nearly as bad, say, as Redondo Beach can be for instance. But we're tough out here! You gotta work for your divin'!

There are many boats that head out to all of the Channel Islands and all sorts of dives are available but Avalon probably has the most of everything where all skill levels can enjoy it.

I agree about having to work for your diving there!!! LOL!!!

Ideally the perfect dive would be something the locals would enjoy doing and the 'fly ins' would love as well. Kelp beds and Seals certainly come to mind.

Can't wait to see what you come up with!!! And don't forget to co-conspire with Wrinkles as she was helping in this arena too!! We might try for a late fall or December trip as the water is good vis and still good conditions... -ww

[Walter]

I loved diving in Avalon.

[Diverbrian]

Keep North Carolina on this list.

I would love to dive California, but I haven't seen what I want of the East Coast yet.

[wrinkles]

I agree. I think Catalina is a great site for all divers. It has the kelp, wreck and reef. Although the wrecks in my opinion leave something to be said for.

Dr. Bill lives on the island and knows much more than any of us non locals about the place. Shore diving in catalina in my opinion is not as difficult as some beaches out here on the mainland. Although sometimes you do need to climb some rocks.

I have done a group trip out here before and everyone was pleased with the place. It has topside activities for the ones who want to dive only once or twice yet isnt far from the other divers who want to dive more.

I havent spent the night over there in a hotel so I dont know much about that but I did go camping there for a week and that was fun.

ANa

[wrinkles]

I loved diving in Avalon.

So does that mean your coming back soon

[Walter]

Ana,

I'd love to come back soon. I'm not sure I'll be able to, but I'll look into it. I'd love to dive with you and my other California buddies.

Walter

[WreckWench]

I agree. I think Catalina is a great site for all divers. It has the kelp, wreck and reef. Although the wrecks in my opinion leave something to be said for.

Dr. Bill lives on the island and knows much more than any of us non locals about the place. Shore diving in catalina in my opinion is not as difficult as some beaches out here on the mainland. Although sometimes you do need to climb some rocks.

I have done a group trip out here before and everyone was pleased with the place. It has topside activities for the ones who want to dive only once or twice yet isnt far from the other divers who want to dive more.

I havent spent the night over there in a hotel so I dont know much about that but I did go camping there for a week and that was fun.

ANa

Good input. Sounds like we might be able to mix shore diving and some boat diving into a trip? Am I understanding that correctly? -ww

[DandyDon]

I've dived Catalina Island from a Day Boat out of Long Beach, I've dived it on Day Boats out of Avalon while staying at a hotel there, and I'm going next month to do a 3-day Liveaboard to the Channel Islands, so - let me know if I can help with this...

Having first dived the Caribbean and Atlantic - from West Indies to Florida to Roatan to North Carolina - going to the Pacific was a big change! The reefs are rock rather than hard corals, but the Kelp Beds and other cooler water algaes are mind boggling to dive. Many totally different fishes and invertebrates. I know that many east coast divers never try the other coast, thinking they have too much to see for one lifetime - and while I can appreciate the truth to the thought, the variety is certainly worth the trip. Besides - the flights, hotels, dive bags and all are part of the adventure. While not as convenient as diving one's backyard, the challenges have their rewards.

The waters can certainly be 20 degrees cooler off the west coast as off the east, but - I have a source for 7 mil suits for $120. Neoprene beanie, gloves and boots is about all most need, but it also helps to pour warm water down your back before each dive.

Avalon is a darling little seaside town, with something for everyone. The tour to the airport is a hoot, and I especially like the succulent garden. Never seen so many blooming Century Plants!

See: http://www.catalina.com/main.html

[WreckWench]

I've dived Catalina Island from a Day Boat out of Long Beach, I've dived it on Day Boats out of Avalon while staying at a hotel there, and I'm going next month to do a 3-day Liveaboard to the Channel Islands, so - let me know if I can help with this...

Having first dived the Caribbean and Atlantic - from West Indies to Florida to Roatan to North Carolina - going to the Pacific was a big change!  The reefs are rock rather than hard corals, but the Kelp Beds and other cooler water algaes are mind boggling to dive.  Many totally different fishes and invertebrates.  I know that many east coast divers never try the other coast, thinking they have too much to see for one lifetime - and while I can appreciate the truth to the thought, the variety is certainly worth the trip.  Besides - the flights, hotels, dive bags and all are part of the adventure.  While not as convenient as diving one's backyard, the challenges have their rewards.

The waters can certainly be 20 degrees cooler off the west coast as off the east, but - I have a source for 7 mil suits for $120.  Neoprene beanie, gloves and boots is about all most need, but it also helps to pour warm water down your back before each dive.

Avalon is a darling little seaside town, with something for everyone.  The tour to the airport is a hoot, and I especially like the succulent garden.  Never seen so many blooming Century Plants!

See: http://www.catalina.com/main.html

Excellent feedback Don!! Thanks!!

And not to let the cat out of the bag....BUT we will be having some products that will be exclusive to SingleDivers.com that will be for sale on the site...currently we are looking at a great line of hoods, gloves & booties made of the highest grade of commercial neoprene in the marketplace as well as line of diving energy drinks! There are more exciting goodies on the horizon but I can't leak it all out yet!!! LOL!!!