Diving Casino Point

[FengShui]

As I mentioned in another thread, my wife and I are planning on diving Casino Point this weekend and I have a few questions.

We're probably going to take a morning boat from Long Beach. We'll need to rent tanks, weights and possibly a wetsuit. Is it best to rent those on the mainland and bring them over on the boat, or should we just get them when we get to Catalina? I've seen people mention that you can reserve tanks and weights on the island and have them waiting at the park when you get there. Does that work well? Which dive shops do that and what time do they get out there on a Saturday?

How do air fills work and where do people usually store their dry gear while they're in the water?

Anything else I should know? We're pretty excited, and I hope that those 100ft visibilities stay that way.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Arnaud]

You can rent tanks and gear on the island. If you want more options (I think they only have steel 72s), you may want to rent from the mainland. We leave our stuff at the parking lot. It's a safe place. They also have lockers.

 

[Arnaud]

http://www.scubaluv.com/

http://www.catalinadiverssupply.com/ (also fill station)

 

[Arnaud]

Make sure you bring a light. It may come handy in general, but particularly for your last dive if done at twilight.

 

[heymonkey]

My buddy and I dove Casino Point for the first time earlier this month. We managed to put in a night dive and full day of diving. Viz was 75ft the weekend we were out there. I think you'll enjoy the park.

I'd recommend 7mm with hood and gloves. We rented tanks from the shop that runs the fill station at the dive park (CDS). This seemed to work out well - for fills we'd pass by tanks lined up waiting and just swap out for some full shop tanks... I believe it was $5/fill. There are lockers nearby for .75 each time you lock up. Good for night diving even if you don't use them during the day. The fill station was running 8am to 4pm on weekends, but I think the dive park is open all night!

Have fun!

 

[drbill]

Fengshui- You might check with CDS on the green pier to make sure there are wetsuits, etc., to rent out at the park itself. That way you can rent them there and not have to drag them from town to the park (unless you want to rent a cart to take your other equipment out there).

Air fill/rental station should be open at 8:00 AM Sat/Sun.

Looks like things are going to be beautiful this weekend. I'm going to try to get in two dives Wed and Thurs or Fri and I'll post conditions on the days I dive.

Dr. Bill

 

[ChrisM]

Catalina Divers Supply rents the tanks and weights right there at Casino Point. They rent mostly AL 80s, but have some AA 72';s as well as a coulple AL 63s (or at least they used to) .. For tanks and weights you won't need reservations this time of year.

As drbill said, check with the shop beforehand re: wetsuits, not sure what they have at CP.

If you want more sun this time of year, stow your gear over at the west end of the park, near the flagpole. Most everything else will be in shade pretty early.

For air fills, simply walk your tank over to the fill station and they'll fill it, as someone said $5 a pop :wacko:

You can leave valuables in the lockers for 75 cents per open, in the recent past I have brought nothing too valuable and left wallet with no cash etc. somewhere deep in my dive bag.

tank rental and Fill stn will close at 4

Have fun!

Chris

 

[wrinkles]

be out there on the 6th and it will be my first time diving in the area. So i can't wait but I'm a little nervous because its sounds a lot different than boat diving. But i am sure it will be fun once i get all those details worked out.

I just read a post saying you wont be there Dr. Bill...was looking foward to seeing ya...maybe next time.

Ana

 

[drbill]

I am thankful as I sit here in front of the computer logged on to SCUBA Board with a plate of turkey after a very nice dive at Casino Point! I've got plenty to be thankful for... dive conditions were good (60+ ft vis, mild current from the south, slight surge) and I had the entire dive park all to myself!! Wow.

Sorry I won't be here wrinkles... I'll be on my way to La Paz that day to board my ship. Looking forward to warmer Sea of Cortez waters and new dive sites. Don't worry... it's easier to dive here than in a boat!

Dr. Bill