Cataline Conditions & Request for Info

[jpzero]

Planning a trip to Catalina this coming week. Looks like Friday is predicted for showers. Am flexible to go either Friday or Sat for 3 days. Any recommendations on best bet for good condidtions?

We are planning to dive Casino Point. Really like that site. We would also like to do one day of boat diving. Any recommendation for boats?

Also, any recommendations on affordable and comfortable hotel accomodations?

Thanks so much for your help!

Jon

 

[kelpmermaid]

with Catalina Express, dive boat, and hotel - I know Scuba Luv does it. There was a recent review on this board, in fact. Pick up a copy of California Diving News - there should be package ads.

P.S. I was out at Ship Rock this weekend - the water temperature was around 62F, and the vis was 40-50 feet. All bets are off if it rains.

 

[Arnaud]

www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16181

Hope this helps!

 

[trymixdiver]

They are calling for the first real rain storm for late Friday evening. They are not right very often, but if they are it may make for a crappy trip. Watch the weather very close.

Andy

 

[Arnaud]

Trymix, does the rain drain a lot of crap in the water in Catalina?

I've dove many times under the rain in some other places and that's never been a problem (unless it's an actual storm, obviously). I can see why it would be one in Catalina for some spots that are right off the shore.

That being said, the Eastern side of the island, where most spots are, is always fairly well protected, unless the Santa Anas are blowing (didn't check it myself but have been told by many).

The best thing to do is probably to check on Friday with one of the LDS on the island and see what their plans are.

 

[trymixdiver]

No, i dont think runoff on catalina is an issue. i was just pointing out that the seas maybe rough and/or Casino point could be a hard entry/exit depending on the storm. I would call the shop on Catalina and see how things are, couldnt hurt.

Andy

 

[Arnaud]

It's looking pretty ugly right now. I'm planning a week end over there next month. It's really pot luck during the winter. But I've been told that the viz is amazing when the water gets really cold. So, I'll take my chances.

 

[trymixdiver]

Go for it! Take advantage of the fact we can dive year round, some of these guys on the board dont get to. lets dive a little more for those who cant.

Andy

 

[Arnaud]

My thought exactly!

 

[socaldiver]

Arnaud,

I agree to a great extent with what has been said about the runoff. I can only recall 1 dive we called off due to runoff. That was last year at Christmas. There was a little drizzle on Christmas Eve that we were ok with but the next morning when we got up it was raining cats and dogs. The harbor was muddy, rocks were sliding down off the hill over by the ferry, downright ugly.

I don't think I would attempt crossing the channel after looking at the models on water conditions. I am sure next week things will be better.

It appears I MIGHT miss diving Catalina this Christmas ;-0 . Still trying to work something out there.

Anyway, good luck and enjoy.