Catalina Diving conditions?

[zinmaker]

Getting ready to go down to the Channel Islands over the 4th of July on the Peace, and wanted to get an idea of the water temps, can't decide if I want to dive wet or dry, if the water is 64 degrees or a little warmer, I would rather dive my 7mm rather than my drysuit. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[drbill]

Depends quite a bit on the depth you dive to and, of course, the specific dive site. I did three dives yesterday and was blown away to find the temp was 59 F at depths of 155 and 90 ft, and 65 F at 55 ft. I've been getting 64-66 in the upper 30-45 ft the past few days.

 

[Teamcasa]

Wow, that's quite a bit warmer that is was just a few weeks ago! Will all that warm water raise havoc with the kelp and spawn more of that sargassum?

 

[MalibuDiverBrett]

Hi Zin,

Do you know what islands you will be diving? Typically Catalina is a bit warmer than the Northern Channel Islands. The farther north you go toward San Miguel, the chillier it gets.

 

[drbill]

How true, Brett. When he mentioned Catalina, I assumed he was looking for conditions here.

Dave, the dive we did with 49 F at 80 feet two weeks ago would have been much toastier last weekend! The warmer temperatures (especially so deep) will affect the giant kelp. The Sargassum filicinum has largely died off (although I see fresh young plants at many sites already). It is an annual so it does this each year in late spring and early summer. Being a cold water species, it is not much of a warm water wussie!

 

[zinmaker]

Thanks Dr Bill!
Not sure of the itinerary, think it varies per conditions, probably have a day or two in Catalina if conditions are good, Hope the fireworks on the 4th are good as well, then head north to Santa Cruz or Anacapa for the last day. We are going to have a lot of people on the boat, wanted to pack lightly. Just decided to dive dry, and maybe go crazy and take off my hood if I get too warm.
Up north we have had a lot of new kelp growth as well. A lot of dead kelp on the shore, with the new growth not to the surface yet. The water has been about 50 degrees, the thermalclines not so prevalent with the surge stirring thing up. Congrats on the 2,000 dives that is great!