Channel Islands... What do I need to know...

[Manatee Diver]

@kablooey I'll try to remember to. Hopefully I get a ton of good video too.

 

[Manatee Diver]

Anyone know the depths I would likely be looking at for a Catalina front side boat dives? Trying to decide if nitrox is worth it or not.

 

[Esprise Me]

Highly variable, 50-80ish max depth at most sites, easy to stay shallower. It's more likely that, even on air, even doing all 3 dives, you wouldn't be limited by NDL. But I have been limited by NDL, on some of those trips, and on others I might have been limited by NDL if I hadn't been buddied with an air hog. I think it's worth it to show up with Nitrox for the first dive.

 

[Manatee Diver]

But I have been limited by NDL, on some of those trips, and on others I might have been limited by NDL if I hadn't been buddied with an air hog. I think it's worth it to show up with Nitrox for the first dive.

How strict are they on buddy diving? Can I just bring my buddy to the mooring line and continue looking around a reasonable distance from the mooring line?

I will have an AL40 pony and I do have a solo card.

 

[Manatee Diver]

Also any input on the Avalon dive shops? The first day I will definitely go out with a guide. After that I'm not sure.

 

[Esprise Me]

Solo diving is totally kosher; I've never even had to show my card. As far as dive shops on Avalon, I've only used Catalina Divers Supply, aka Scuba Luv. They have a trailer right next to the stairs, behind the Casino building, where you can rent gear, fill your tank, and hook up with a guide. Their guides are mostly very experienced instructors who know the park intimately; I can't speak highly enough of my experiences with them. I think there are a couple other shops in town; I've just never used them.

 

[Manatee Diver]

Solo diving is totally kosher; I've never even had to show my card. As far as dive shops on Avalon, I've only used Catalina Divers Supply, aka Scuba Luv. They have a trailer right next to the stairs, behind the Casino building, where you can rent gear, fill your tank, and hook up with a guide. Their guides are mostly very experienced instructors who know the park intimately; I can't speak highly enough of my experiences with them. I think there are a couple other shops in town; I've just never used them.

That was the website I was looking at earlier. Probably not my final question, but the last one I can think of for right now. How safe is the parking area at the Long Beach Ferry Terminal? I will be at the very least leaving behind a half a dozen tanks, but I might also shed all my sidemount gear.

 

[lamarpaulski]

Where should I stay? It seems like San Pedro is the best option as all but the Spectre depart from San Pedro. Is that a nice area?[/QUOTE]


No, it’s not.

You should do all you can to stay in Avalon. You won’t save money by commuting by ferry and staying in an LA hotel. My 2ct.

 

[blue steal]

Parking at the Catalina Long Beach ferry terminal is easy, but $19/day. It is gated and covered. There’s an elevator that opens directly across from the terminal where you enter. They take cash or cards. Never had any issues when parked there.

 

[Manatee Diver]

Parking at the Catalina Long Beach ferry terminal is easy, but $19/day. It is gated and covered. There’s an elevator that opens directly across from the terminal where you enter. They take cash or cards. Never had any issues when parked there.

Good to hear. Got everything I want to pre-book booked.

About the only thing up in the air are the final two days on Catalina, if I want to do a guide or unguided. And my birthday dinner. I am hoping that the place I want to go to starts doing dine in again.

No, it’s not.

You should do all you can to stay in Avalon. You won’t save money by commuting by ferry and staying in an LA hotel. My 2ct.

Booked a few days on Avalon.