Catalina Boat diving - which company?

[billt4sf]

Hi there kelp people!

We are planning to go to Catalina Is for three days of diving in mid-July. We're novice divers, just 25 or so dives each, we have never dived in Catalina before (did Monterey a few times, ugh) and we thought we'd do the first day (guided) in the dive park and the second day on a boat from Avalon. Which company do you suggest? Catalina Divers Supply has a 46' boat and Scuba Luv a 65' boat so right there I am thinking Scuba Luv (my wife has terrible problems with seasickness but she can usually control it with the scopolomine patch.)

Thanks,

Bill

 

[fnfalman]

Flip a coint, really. They're both great outfits.

 

[drbill]

There are actually three dive boats out here, each with their own unique advantages. I've dived both Scuba Luv's King Neptune and CDS's boat, and Ron Moore (Dive Catalina) just added the latest boat. The King Neptune is my personal favorite since it has a large cabin and a fair bit of deck space so it doesn't usually get crowded. They do fills on the boat so you don't have to swap tanks out between dives. You get to make your own lunch on board. They also generally do a full day of diving (3 dives).

CDS' boat is open air for the most part (perfectly comfortable in summer but chilly in winter). They do not have a compressor on board so you have to swap out bottles between dives. I'm not sure about their current mix, but in the past many of their trips have been 2 tank dives... which can be an advantage if you don't want a full day of diving and wish to pursue other Catalina options (or you need to get back in time for an afternoon boat).

Have not been on Ron's boat, but I understand it carries a lighter load (it is smaller) which means a more personalized experienced and Ron is a seasoned instructor with decades of experience.

 

[Teamcasa]

There are actually three dive boats out here, each with their own unique advantages. I've dived both Scuba Luv's King Neptune and CDS's boat, and Ron Moore (Dive Catalina) just added the latest boat. The King Neptune is my personal favorite since it has a large cabin and a fair bit of deck space so it doesn't usually get crowded. They do fills on the boat so you don't have to swap tanks out between dives. You get to make your own lunch on board. They also generally do a full day of diving (3 dives).

CDS' boat is open air for the most part (perfectly comfortable in summer but chilly in winter). They do not have a compressor on board so you have to swap out bottles between dives. I'm not sure about their current mix, but in the past many of their trips have been 2 tank dives... which can be an advantage if you don't want a full day of diving and wish to pursue other Catalina options (or you need to get back in time for an afternoon boat).

Have not been on Ron's boat, but I understand it carries a lighter load (it is smaller) which means a more personalized experienced and Ron is a seasoned instructor with decades of experience.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[billt4sf]

Thanks DrBill - this is very helpful -- Non-Dr. Bill

 

[davidbaraff]

The King Neptune is by far the largest boat. I would think that given seasickness, it would be the best choice. On the other hand, it is a longer day, being a 3-tank dive, so if you are sick, it's sure not going to be fun waiting it out. But scopalamine is highly effective, so you'd think with that, she'd be OK?

 

[drbill]

The boats all generally dive the leeward coast of Catalina which can be pretty calm in July. Afternoon winds do kick up though and can make the seas a bit bumpy (although nothing like The Perfect Storm!).

 

[Mark Guccione]

I suggest the King Neptune. Tanks, weights, air and food included. The boat also has two heads. And the crew is AWESOME!

 

[drbill]

I guess you're speaking for yourself, eh Mark! Tee hee. The King is definitely the king.

 

[catalina_mike]

The King with new engines!