Any must dives between SFO and LAX late Aug./09 time?

[Sam Miller III]

Elephant seals are protected under the Marine Protection Act (MPC.) You cannot in any way molest or provoke them but you can view them from established viewing points along the beach. They are very large up to and possibly exceeding 5,000 pounds. Their huge size makes them a target and favorite food of the Great White (Orca.) Therefore recreational diving in and around the pull out area has been suspended.

Your tentative schedule of leaving the Monterey area in the early morning is valid however a portion of the driving time will be directly into the California sun--bring sun glasses.

Would suggest a lunch stop at Ragged Point which is just above the seal pull out and still on the winding hilly highway one. They offer great food at a reasonable price and a million dollar view. If time allows and space is available they also have a upscale motel.

A word of warning--the central coast of California weather is very mild but some times just plain cold in August...bring a light weight jacket or a sweater. The trip to Catalina can also be some what chilly so also bring thermal protection.

Alex can fill you in on San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach and the route to Smogville

 

[Torontonian]

Diving/snorkeling with sea lions sounds like a lot of fun.

I still didn't hear from Alec Pierce yet, but researched some info. From Monterey on Wed. Aug. 26 driving the Big Sur, we'll definitely break at Rugged Point (yes, million dollar view), then try see Elephant Seals. Now thinking to stay at Ventura that night. Interesting to read that we can stay on the boat the night before a diving trip out Ventura Harbour to Anacapa. That'll save on one night of hotel cost. But can you get a good night sleep there?

After the Anacapa trip, we can drive to stay at Long Beach, then ferry for a day trip to Catalina Island, and leave Sat. to tour LA.

 

[JMdiver]

Yea the bunks aren't too bad, not as good as your bed at home. I stay on the boat almost every weekend.

John

 

[Sam Miller III]

It would be appropriate and I would strongly urge that you contact Alex or second in command Diana at SCUBA 2000 in RIchmon Hill and make an appointment to set down and discuss your planed trip. As previously mentioned they have made the trip numerous occasions and can provide first hand information and a Canadians' viewpoint about your proposed trip.

After that visit I will be most happy to answer any and all questions and act as your tour guide down US highway 1.

I think you will discover SCUBA 2000 is a dive shop that sets the example for the rest of the world to follow. It is a credit to Canada and diving every where as evidenced by SCUBA 2000 recently being voted "One of the top ten dive shops in the world...."

Once again the central coast can be "chilly" to some. It has a very mild climate especially along the coast; therefore a 'wind breaker' or a sweater is mandatory along with the possibility of layering.

Re boat --The trip can some times be chilly-once again layering. (and or a light weight sleeping bag.) However, Anacapa is only 11 miles off shore and a very short ride from dock to diving.

It is not difficult to sleep on a boat. the gentle rocking motion and the fresh air has always created a very sound sleeping experience...I do not know how you and yours will react.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Also, the elephant seals haul out on the beaches during February, so you won't see them in August.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Max,
As much as I respect you and appreciate your diving knowledge I must disagree with you on the Elephant seals...

It is true the major pull out and the largest populations are visible during the winter months. However, there is a large contingent of elephant seals that are permanent year round residents.

Since they first arrived about 15 years ago they have increased exponentially in numbers and have expanded their pull out area to the beaches several miles above and below the official established viewing area. Never the less, they are protected under MPA and are wild mammals and should not be in any way be approached and/or disturbed.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Thanks Sam. I'll have to check it out next time I'm up there. I didn't recall seeing any there outside of the winter.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Max,

As stated the elephant seals have increased at a very rapid rate and are expanding their range up and down the coast.
Concurrently there is a segment who have for whatever reason taken up year round residence; food supply? age? sickness? No one knows for certain.

I currently reside about 35 miles south of the pull out. Should in the future you ever travel north drop a PM on me prior to leaving and perhaps we can get together for a visit--- You will certainly be welcome. sdm