Coronado Islands or Catalina Dive Park?

[fuggler]

My bf and I just made a reservation for a 3-tank dive on Lois Ann to Coronado Islands. (It's this Saturday, 1/2/10.) After reading old threads/opinions on Coronado, I'm having second thoughts. What should we expect to see there? What are the conditions like during this time of the year? I've read stuff like "it's a barren wasteland", boring compared to Catalina, etc etc. We've dived Catalina off the Sand Dollar boat before and we've also done Avalon's dive park.

The 3-tank dive to Coronado will cost $95 per person versus $60 round trip ferry ticket to Avalon plus tanks and air fills. Time-wise, it'll take us roughly the same amount of time to go to both places, so I'm just trying to figure out what the better choice is. Thoughts?

 

[mathauck0814]

We are diving the Coronados a week after you guys I believe on the Marissa. January is supposed to be good for sighting whales as they migrate, but that's an outside chance. In general you'll see a lot of ghirabaldi (sp?) and sea lions. I've heard folks negatively review the Coronados, but it should be worth the trip.

 

[Mo2vation]

Catalina Dive park. Without a doubt.

You'll spend more. Food, fills, etc. Its gonna cost a bit more than a bare bones trip to Coronados. But its just better diving.

Start with the Kelp. There is some. Lots.

Next are the fish. There are lots of accommodating, friendly LARGE fish (find a fish over 10" at the 'nados and you're seeing one-in-a-million), eels, octopus, Nudibranchs.

If you go over in the morning and come back on the evening boat you can get in 3 dives without a problem.

The Dive Park is just prettier. Its lower impact - you walk down the stairs and you're there. If you see something you like, you can dive it again (unlike a boat) and its mellow. No rush, no time limits, just clear water fun.

To me, its not even a choice.


---
Ken

 

[mselenaous]

I'm also a hugh fan of the Dive Park.

 

[mdb]

You can go to Catalina any weekend with the LA herd. It is nice and tidy and all that.

Los Coronados is a Mexican adventure. The biggest Lobster I have ever seen. A nice Island, a good
experience. Try it at least once.

 

[scubadada]

You can go to Catalina any weekend with the LA herd. It is nice and tidy and all that.

Los Coronados is a Mexican adventure. The biggest Lobster I have ever seen. A nice Island, a good
experience. Try it at least once.

I've also done both, enjoy them very much, and find them quite complementary. I've really enjoyed California Sea Lion and Harbor Seals at the Coronados. To me, this is not an either, or but a do both.

Marissa has a 1 tank Hogan and 2 tank Coronados in addition to a leisurely 3 tank to the Coronados with plentiful food.

Good diving, Craig

 

[jridg]

I need to get to Catalina - but I have been to the Coronados and wouldn't miss it given the opportunity. I would certainly head to the Coronados as Catalina is far simpler to get to.

If you have not yet been, go to the Coronados, you won't be sorry - Lois Anne is a great boat as well. (so is Marissa and so is Humboldt).

 

[jridg]

Following critters sighted on my Coronados trip:

- Sea lions (made the whole trip worth it)
- Dolphins on the way to the islands (from the surface)
- Garibaldi
- Lobsters
- nudis
- harbor seals
- scorpion fish
- VERY cool underwater rock formations (keyhole is a must)
- octopi
- abalone

Not sure what the conditions will be like this time of year - but I imagine it will be fine

 

[fuggler]

Thanks, guys. We actually went to the Avalon Dive Park 2 months ago and had a blast. I think we'll give Coronado a try. I'll post some pictures when we get back.

 

[fnfalman]

I'd do the Coronados just because I've yet to dive at that joint. Casino Point is always fun though.