Catalina dive companies

[lbussell]

So, even though Casino Pt. and Avalon are more crowded and commercial it looks like there are way more choices there (hotels, diving, food, finding a dive buddy, transportation, etc.). Add to this the fact that my wife and sister (who will be there) are non-divers. Now, if I can find a dive buddy or two for the couple of days in August that I'll be diving there then situation is even better! Oh yeah, I talked to someone at the dive shop at Two Harbors: When there is demand for boat diving then they just charter one from Avalon. Also, they have no dive master on staff. In other words they just supply and service divers.

 

[Ron Parker]

Scuba Luv got my vote hands down. The Owners offer three tank dives, continental breakfast and great lunches on board after the second dives. The diving is off the freakin chain. Dive safe and enjoy Avalon, Catalina.

 

[Mr.X]

So, even though Casino Pt. and Avalon are more crowded and commercial it looks like there are way more choices there (hotels, diving, food, finding a dive buddy, transportation, etc.). Add to this the fact that my wife and sister (who will be there) are non-divers.

Two Harbors is nice - but as you're discovering can require more work to go diving. And there isn't a whole lot out there, but is free of the large daytime crowds you find at Avalon. If you manage to get out there for some reason check out USC's hyperbaric chamber. They're nice people + there's a small cove there that gets populated with leopard sharks during mating season. USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber Of course, some world class deep diving is nearby - Navy sub dock, and blue caverns area.

I think choosing Avalon is a safe bet because (as you mentioned) you will get a greater choice of options and time flies fast. Have a great time on the island.

X

 

[Bubbletrubble]

So, even though Casino Pt. and Avalon are more crowded and commercial it looks like there are way more choices there (hotels, diving, food, finding a dive buddy, transportation, etc.). Add to this the fact that my wife and sister (who will be there) are non-divers. Now, if I can find a dive buddy or two for the couple of days in August that I'll be diving there then situation is even better! Oh yeah, I talked to someone at the dive shop at Two Harbors: When there is demand for boat diving then they just charter one from Avalon. Also, they have no dive master on staff. In other words they just supply and service divers.

@lbussell: What? :shocked2: That's strange. I thought that the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center had its own boat called the "Garibaldi." I've been on that boat a number of times. Furthermore, the THDRC has its own instructional staff with qualifications beyond DM. If a diver needed to hire a "dive guide," I would think that someone on the instructional staff could oblige. I could see it being a rather uncommon request, though. On all of our dives off of the Garibaldi, a THDRC instructor remained on the boat and served as a typical SoCal DM...whose function is to mount an emergency response if any divers get into trouble.

If you have any non-divers in your group, there's going to be a lot more for them to do at Avalon. If you are in need of a dive buddy, you'll also have an easier time finding one at Casino Point. On most summer weekend days, it's hard to throw a rock over there without hitting a diver.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[lbussell]

@Bubbletrubble... Yeah, that's what I thought. This is just what the woman on the phone told me. I must admit I was surprised as well.

Along with my normal dive gear I'll be sure to remember a helmet in case someone throws a rock!

 

[SoBay Jim]

@lbussell: I thought that the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center had its own boat called the "Garibaldi."

I was at the Scuba Show in Long Beach and heard that the Garibaldi was down for extended maintenance and may not run again. So, you're correct, there used to be a boat based there.

From what I heard, as needed and with advance notice, the King Neptune is picking up the guests. Apparently, if you get on in Avalon, it's a three tank day. If you get on in Two Harbors, you have time for two.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I was at the Scuba Show in Long Beach and heard that the Garibaldi was down for extended maintenance and may not run again. So, you're correct, there used to be a boat based there.

From what I heard, as needed and with advance notice, the King Neptune is picking up the guests. Apparently, if you get on in Avalon, it's a three tank day. If you get on in Two Harbors, you have time for two.

Thanks for the update on the Garibaldi, SoBay Jim. It's too bad that it may not run again. It was a good-sized boat that could accommodate many divers.

The King Neptune (Scuba Luv) is a great boat with an attentive, professional crew. One of the DMs is freakishly strong.

 

[drbill]

The King Neptune (Scuba Luv) is a great boat with an attentive, professional crew. One of the DMs is freakishly strong.

True but she works at the Museum now.

 

[Teamcasa]

True but she works at the Museum now.

Lifting statues?

 

[Teamcasa]

... Also, they have no dive master on staff. In other words they just supply and service divers.

No dive masters (in water guides) is the norm here. However, at Casino Point and on the boats there are plenty of people who will dive with you and most can even navigate pretty well.