07-02-10 Catalina dive-right move?

[Chopalua]

Hello-

We (myself and husband) recently certified OW diver and planning on going to Catalina 07-02-10 (day trip only) for the park dive with husband. This will be our first cold water dive and am planning to hire a DM/guide.

What can I expect from start to finish? Any pointers from experts that might be helpful?

Any suggestions on what dive company to select? Are there nearby facilities on the island to shower, lockers, etc.? How far is the trek from the ferry to dive shops? I read somewhere that you can get a cart and wheel your gear (we'll be renting) to the stairs. Is this true?

Any insight you can provide will be greatly helpful.

Many thanks.

 

[USCScubaboy]

Have you checked out the Catalina Island sticky? There's tons of great information there about diving on Catalina.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/socal/231885-updated-great-catalina-island-info-sticky-thread.html

 

[merxlin]

That is a holiday weekend so be prepared for it to be crowded, although Friday shouldn't be too bad. In fact, if you haven't booked passage already (assuming you are taking the Catalina Express) do so now. Luckily in the Dive Park you shouldn't have to deal with the idiocy of the average holiday boater. Other than that, the water will still be cold but the park is a great dive area.

 

[on_two_wheels]

If you're renting your gear and a DM from one of the local shops, I'd think they'll get the gear to the park for you. Scuba Luv and Catalina Divers Supply are the only two I'm familiar with and both are decent shops.

Facilities are nearby (not sure of showers). There's a bathroom, cafe and lockers all within a 2 min walk of the stairs.

As for what to expect, Dr Bill is the authority on the dive park so perhaps he'll chime in. You can expect lots of garibaldi, some schools, sheephead and if you're really lucky, giant sea bass. There's enough kelp to experience it but not so much that it's intimidating. The sunken boats aren't too exciting themselves but occasionally shelter interesting creatures. The memorials present great photo ops. Expect to be chilled even in a 7mm suit and 3mm vest. Expect to suck up a bit more air than you have on warmer dives. Lastly, expect to really enjoy it!!! The dive park is a GREAT dive for new divers. It's relatively easy to navigate, enter/exit and presents a variety of experiences.

Oh...and expect to have great weather considering you're coming from one of the hottest cities in the country (born & raised there).

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

You might want to consider the option of a day boat out of Long Beach / San Pedro / Dana Point. They also service Catalina Island, just not the dive park.

I like Catalina Island, but you are now coordinating ferry, holiday weekend crowds, gear rental, etc...in an expensive local in peak season. If you do a day boat from the mainland your logistics are limited to showing up dockside with your gear at the appointed time. You have more dive sites, no worries or lines, food is included. I think the Sun Diver is scheduled for 7/2, includes tanks and weight and was $85 last time I went, vs. $65 or so for the ferry (+parking, tanks, weights). If you dive on 7/3, you have even more selection from many other dive boats.

 

[vistasbelow]

Friday probably will be the least busy day of the holiday weekend but it will be busy. you should pre book your Catalina Express and your Divemaster as soon as possible. Your divemaster will help you with your gear and storage of your personal belongings. there is not much in the way of showers if you are not staying at a hotel, but there is one pay shower on Via Casino Way not far from the dive park.

There is so much to see in the dive park, you may want to do at least two dives. Perhaps after one or two dives with the divemaster the two of you will feel comfortable to go do more dives on your own as a buddy team. There are 4 excellent choices for hiring a divemaster, besides Catalina Divers Supply and Scuba Luv there are Catalina Dive shop (Scuba Diving and Snorkeling on Catalina | Catalina Dive Shop) and Dive Catalina (Dive Catalina - Offering NAUI Scuba Diving Lessons and Introductory Dives in the City of Avalon on Catalina Island) All four shops have very experienced local instructors that will show you the best parts of the dive park and keep you feeling comfortable and safe in the environment.

Enjoy your time on Catalina Island and in the dive park.

 

[merxlin]

I almost never recommend against boat dives, but being just certified and no cold water dives, an open boat dive may not be for you. The DM's on the boat stay on the boat and do not lead divers. Unless you can arrange to have someone accompany you (some boats do offer this service at additional cost of course) the Dive Park may be a better choice. That said, the Friday Sundiver Express is $95 without the DM, but includes tanks, weights and food. Plus it is a faster boat and you are usually back in the harbor by early evening (5pm or so). They should be able to provide a guide for you.

 

[Chopalua]

Thank you for the responses thus far! I have read the Catalina sticky a couple times, but wanted to hear what divers independantly had to say and offer on this area.

I reserved two seats last night for the 745am departure. I did consider a dive boat off the coast and even diving some where in SD, but I've heard everyone say great things about the Dive Park at Catalina. I do appreciate someone's response about getting more diving done off a boat. I'll consider that for next time. Playing it safe, having a guide is important to me, not to mention I always learn something new about the sport with each dive. I don't feel comfortable yet going out on a boat where the DM stays dry.

This dive poses some mental hurdles/challenges that I am looking forward to experiencing-cold water, kelp and less than crystal clear visibility. Not to mention this will be my first shore dive from stairs. I'm very happy to hear that you really can't go wrong with any of the 3 dive shops on the island.

We might consider two tank dives, just depends on time. Considering that SoCAL is pretty much my second home, surprisingly I've never been to Catalina, so I would like to putz around a little.

Good to know the lockers are nearby and there is some sort of pay shower off Casino Dr., if needed.

Thanks to everyone who has posted already.

 

[merxlin]

I would plan on two dives- you won't be sorry. One last thing to consider- get your dives in early if you can. You should be able to get 2 dives in by 1pm (in port at 9, in the water at 10, out at 11, back in at 12). The wind tends to pick up in the afternoons. That will give you plenty of time to look around town.

 

[Chopalua]

Thanks Merxlin. You answered the time question. And sounds like we will be able to get 2 dives in. Very helpful, again, thanks.