Catalina vs. Monterey?

[sunshinecat]

I'm a fairly new diver and am going to California in early June. I won't be able to dive that much, so I have to choose between Monterey or Catalina. Which site would be better for a beginning diver? What are the conditions like in early June at both places?

 

[Jim Ernst]

My Vote is for Catalina, You will have better vis and easy entry at Casino point, and you will see more life!!!

 

[drbill]

Monterey can be pretty tricky at times and several of the dive sites there might be more advanced than you'd prefer at this point. As Jim said, diving our dive park here is a pretty easy way to get a good experience diving kelp forests.

 

[fnfalman]

Casino Point dive park is about as benign as it gets. Easy entry, easy exit, lots of things to see.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

The choice is clear: Catalina. I can't think of a better shore dive site for a beginner diver. Wide stairs down to the water...with handrails. Navigation is super-easy, too. As you return to the middle part of the park (straight out from the steps), you'll hear the clanking of a buoy-chain. If you've never dived in kelp, you're in for a treat. My favorite time to do a dive at the Casino Point UW Park is in the late afternoon with sunlight streaming down through the water. Simply breath-taking.

Some people might disagree with me, but I actually prefer the diving that's closer to Two Harbors: Bird Rock, Ship Rock, etc. The easiest way to do those dives is via boat. For a novice diver, I'd recommend sticking with the Casino Point UW Park.

 

[eelnoraa]

no comparison, Catalina hands down.

 

[kathydee]

Sometimes it's beautiful in Monterey, but our vis is hit or miss.

With only a short period of time, odds are that Catalina will most likely deliver a better dive.

 

[dannobee]

Fill out your profile so we can better help you. If you're coming to California, let us know approximately where you'll be staying. It's a big state. If you're coming to San Francisco or Sacramento, Casino Point won't be do-able in a day. If you're flying into San Diego, Casino Point will make for a LONG day because of the ferry ride out and back, and the inevitable wandering around Avalon that you'll want to do.

The Breakwater in Monterey has been called the most popular scuba beach entry in the United States. Don't know if it's true or not, but there are at least a couple hundred divers there every day on a weekend (as long as the weather holds out).

 

[mohave_steve]

My favorite time to do a dive at the Casino Point UW Park is in the late afternoon with sunlight streaming down through the water. Simply breath-taking.

One of the most moving sights I have seen while diving.

I would strongly recommend Catalina as well. I dove both as a relatively new diver and will second the opinion that the entry at Casino Point is much easyer and the scenery is superior to the shore dives I have done in Monterey.

Have fun!

 

[robint]

One of the most moving sights I have seen while diving.

I would strongly recommend Catalina as well. I dove both as a relatively new diver and will second the opinion that the entry at Casino Point is much easyer and the scenery is superior to the shore dives I have done in Monterey.

Have fun!

you mean like this???

and

I have to agree with the others.... Catalina!
And you don't have to do the dives there from Catalina, you can do one of the day boats from Long Beach area, like Great Escape or Bottomscratcher, over to the island for 3 dives.

robin