catalina

[Surelyshirly]

Will be taking a short cruise from long beach to mexico in Oct and was wondering if it was worth abandoning my husband for the afternoon on our 25th anniversary to dive Catalina island. He doesn't dive and we are from east coast so dont get to california often. He wont say dont go but I dont want to if it isnt impressive.

 

[radinator]

I assume you'll be coming in from a cruise ship and diving in the park at Casino Point in Avalon. Definitely worth it!! I live in the LA area and pay the $50 + parking at the ferry terminal for the boat ride to the park quite often. Just a few weeks ago I ended a string of 5 consecutive weekends at the park.

I suggest a google search for web pages with info. Also, do an image search in google to get an idea of the things to be seen.

Summer weekends the park gets rather busy, but that's 'cause it's so good!

Keep in mind that it is not warm water diving by any means. The standard here is a 6-7 mil wetsuit. While I've once (in 10 years, el nino) seen 70F in the water, the temps are usually high 50s to mid 60s.

 

[BrianS]

Plenty of stuff for him to do on Catalina while you make 1 or 2 dives.

 

[Zaffy]

Plenty of stuff for him to do on Catalina while you make 1 or 2 dives.

If it's an issue, let him know there are plenty of bikinis around as well, so you can both get your bottom time in.:11:

 

[drbill]

OCTOBER IS USUALLY A GREAT TIME TO DIVE THE WATERS HERE. Oops, I didn't mean to shout. Water temps are near their warmest and vis is generally very good.

 

[radinator]

The park is good for snorkeling as well.

 

[mccabejc]

Yeah, what they said...

You'll love it. And if it's on a weekend let us know. You may get some dive buddies.

Here's a link to a guide I wrote on diving in Catalina and some links that might help:

Catalina Diving

 

[shark.byte.usa]

Don't Miss It :d

 

[radinator]

I think the cruise ships are there during the week, but let us know. Any excuse to dive...

 

[HBDiveGirl]

I think the cruise ships are there during the week, but let us know. Any excuse to dive...

I'll second what radinator said: Let the SoCal Kelp Diver's forum know what date you'll be in Catalina for diving. You'd be surprised how many of us zip over to Avalon for a day of diving. The Dive park is well described in the thread referenced by Jim. Two dive stores rent gear. Taxi's help you move stuff around easily and quickly. You'll be diving a few hundred yards from the Cruise ship, and in a whole 'nother world.

The Casino Point Dive Park might look small, but it's actually a very large area within which to explore.

The best way to see it for the first time? With a local diver who can match your experience and comfort level with some of the fun things to visit underwater.
The parking area next to the dive site is a very easy place to arrange a meeting.

October is one of the BEST months to dive the kelp forests, due to the water clarity, the usually sunny weather, and the moderate water temps in the 60's.

PM any of us for more information, or just post your visit dates and see who's free to dive.

Enjoy!
Claudette