Catalina Questions
- Thread starter Kimusubi
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I just saw on the news about the fire. It's terrible that a wild fire like that can happen twice in one year. It's really terrible that they have to evacuate all of those people. Without sounding too self centered, I know these fires take a long time to go away, so should we scrap our trip for now or will Catalina and the waters off of Catalina not really be affected by the fire in LA?
This fire is not affecting us much here on Catalina. Having gone through a major fire here a year ago May (and thinking my home had burned twice), I can empathize with all those affected by the current set of fires. However, Catalina and its waters remain quite nice.
Oh ok. I guess my other question would be that if I take my car to Long Beach and park it at the port, will there be a possibility of me losing my car due to the fire or will I be fine to leave there? If there is a possibility of that happening, am I left with any other options?
- Ali
- Ali
kelpmermaid
Contributor
Your car will be in a parking structure in an urban area. The fires are burning in areas mainly on the edge of the interface between the suburbs and open land, particularly around the canyons. If fires are still burning at that time, you may find ash residue, but a car wash should take care of that in short order.
What kelpmermaid said. Your car will be fine at the boat terminals.
I was at the dive park today. We could see the plumes and huge clouds of smoke 50 or so miles away. Later I was up at the house and the sky started darkening. I looked out and the smoke cloud was obscuring the sun. However, it was high enough altitude that if we were breathing it we couldn't tell. Must be heck on the mainland.
I was at the dive park today. We could see the plumes and huge clouds of smoke 50 or so miles away. Later I was up at the house and the sky started darkening. I looked out and the smoke cloud was obscuring the sun. However, it was high enough altitude that if we were breathing it we couldn't tell. Must be heck on the mainland.
Yeah that must be terrible. I've never been through a wild fire (though we've had our share in AZ), and I can't really imagine how it must feel for everyone.
Me and my friend will stick to our original plan, and thanks to all of your help, I'm sure we'll still have an amazing trip. Thank you all again for your contribution.
Me and my friend will stick to our original plan, and thanks to all of your help, I'm sure we'll still have an amazing trip. Thank you all again for your contribution.
The parking is around $12-14 a day. The park has reefs also & lots of fish & you can do a night dive there too.
John
John
fnfalman
Contributor
California water doesn't have coral the way most people meant coral. Just be warned. There are some purple hydro corals but according to the marine biological experts, they are not "corals" either but close to it. Whatever all that mumbo jumbo meant, the purple hydro coral is gorgeous. The only problem is to get to it. Maybe one of those Catalina dive boats would take you to Farnsworth (the west side of Catalina out in the blue water).
However, be forewarned that most dive organizations that charter the boats to Farnsworth don't care to take people who are barely OW certified and without Advance certification. The water is deeper out there not to mention nasty current, and that's why most charters prefer for the divers to be AOW certified and with at least a couple of dozen dives under their belt.
Bubbletrubble
Contributor
The Hotel Atwater was mentioned on the Catalina Sticky. Do a price comparison with the Hermosa Hotel, too. The Hermosa has several different levels of accommodations. I would recommend reserving one of their "A" type cottages, which includes a kitchenette. A big plus is that the hotel is only 2 doors down from the local grocery store (Vons). You can buy groceries and eat in to save some money.
Since you guys are newer divers, please don't hop on a boat going to Farnsworth Bank. It's an advanced dive. The UW park at Casino Point is free to dive...and there's plenty to see there. The stairs make for an easy entry/exit (usually) and navigation is a snap. Check out the Sue-Jac on the eastern side of the park, the swim platform on the northwestern corner, and everything in-between. Keep an eye out for giant sea bass, bat rays, barracuda, hermit crabs, seals, sea lions, schooling fish, sheephead, kelp bass and the occasional Spanish Shawl. Do a night dive to see all of the morays and lobsters. Look out for a diver with a disintegrating wetsuit and say hello to him (Dr. Bill). Listen for the clinking of the chains underwater as you near the end of your dive. The chains are located just north of the stairs. Time your exit appropriately so as not to be clobbered by any waves. If it's rough, keep your reg in your mouth, surf a wave into the stairs, grab hold of the railing with both hands, stand, side-step up the stairs until out of reach of the waves, remove fins, and then finally take the reg out of your mouth. Don't forget to help your buddy.
Catalina Diver Supply has an air fill trailer that's setup at the Point on most weekends. I've found it most economical to bring my own tank and weights. YMMV. If you bring this heavy stuff, splurge on a taxi for gear transportation to Casino Point or consider bringing along a collapsible handtruck/dolly. FYI, air fills are $5 - $6 each and they do accept credit cards.
Things to bring:
Since you guys are newer divers, please don't hop on a boat going to Farnsworth Bank. It's an advanced dive. The UW park at Casino Point is free to dive...and there's plenty to see there. The stairs make for an easy entry/exit (usually) and navigation is a snap. Check out the Sue-Jac on the eastern side of the park, the swim platform on the northwestern corner, and everything in-between. Keep an eye out for giant sea bass, bat rays, barracuda, hermit crabs, seals, sea lions, schooling fish, sheephead, kelp bass and the occasional Spanish Shawl. Do a night dive to see all of the morays and lobsters. Look out for a diver with a disintegrating wetsuit and say hello to him (Dr. Bill). Listen for the clinking of the chains underwater as you near the end of your dive. The chains are located just north of the stairs. Time your exit appropriately so as not to be clobbered by any waves. If it's rough, keep your reg in your mouth, surf a wave into the stairs, grab hold of the railing with both hands, stand, side-step up the stairs until out of reach of the waves, remove fins, and then finally take the reg out of your mouth. Don't forget to help your buddy.
Catalina Diver Supply has an air fill trailer that's setup at the Point on most weekends. I've found it most economical to bring my own tank and weights. YMMV. If you bring this heavy stuff, splurge on a taxi for gear transportation to Casino Point or consider bringing along a collapsible handtruck/dolly. FYI, air fills are $5 - $6 each and they do accept credit cards.
Things to bring:
- Roll of quarters for the lockers at the Point. You'll want to stash your gear/tanks/weights inside one of the lockers while you sleep/eat/etc.
- Garbage bags. A fair amount of rust coats the inside of the lockers.
- Waterproof tarp to mark your gear setup area at Casino Point.
- Sunscreen and a big floppy hat if the sun's out.
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