Diving Catalina

[whodunit68]

A friend and I are thinking about diving Catalina. We've not done it before. She's from CA, I'm from NJ. I don't even know the area.
Question: we're thinking of trying to find an operator < 1 week away on a weekend. Is that possible?
Question: any recommended operators? She's near Carlsbad/north San Diego.
Question: most operators she's finding depart at some ridiculously early hour. She's expressed interest in going later. Is it possible? She mentioned a 7:30am ferry.
Question: what's the best way to research Catalina diving?

She's a brand new diver. I started diving in September of last year (have done quite a bit of training). We'd both be new to Catalina.
Question: any recommended guides or is that even recommended?
Thank you in advance!
Steve

 

[ligersandtions]

Hey Steve (recognize you from DMX ),

I'd probably recommend going to Casino Point, rather than doing a charter, if you don't want to go super early in the morning. You can depart from Dana Point, which is closer to north county SD than the Long Beach or San Pedro harbors....though the departure/return times might be better at some of the other ones. Check out the Catalina Express.

Casino Point has some really fantastic diving....kelp, deep or shallow, done on your own schedule rather than that of a charter, reliable vis (for the most part....better than what you'll get on the mainland), easy entry/exit.

As for researching Catalina, check out the sticky in the main socal subforum. If you have any other questions, you'll probably get a better response in the main subforum as well since it's more frequented.

When are you going to be in the area and for how long? If you are interested in some shore dives from the main land, let us know....people are always looking for excuses to go out! And if you can swing a night dive at Vet's with Claudette (HBDiveGirl), you will not be disappointed! heh, I'm sure she'd be thrilled that I'm offering dives with her now

 

[ShakaZulu]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/socal/231885-updated-great-catalina-island-info-sticky-thread.html

 

[sander8]

You might also try going on one of the charter boats to Catalina. The Sundiver Express goes twice a day (second departure is in the afternoon) on weekends to Catalina from the Long Beach area. Send an email to captain-kyaa@sundiver.net and tell her that you are Catalina novices interested in diving Catalina. You may find boat diving simpler than the dive park at Avalon on Catalina where you have to take a boat over, rent tanks and carry gear, leave stuff on the park steps area, enter the water and guide yourself, etc. It's all on the Sundiver Express. Or take a slower all day trip with them on the bigger boat, the Sundiver. I recommend Captain Kyaa to you.

 

[D_B]

The dive park is a pretty cool dive, lots to find and see (kelp, giant black seabass, wrecks, plaques, platform, etc) different levels/depths and new diver friendly with the stairs to go down to the water ... one of my favorite dives/trips are to Catalina

If your girl is shopping, check out the store called Stair Case at 105 Metropole , Mona has the cutest stuff on the island

 

[DiveNav]

Hi,
if you decide to take the ferry to Avalon and dive the Underwater Park (aka Casino Point), here a 3D map for you:

You might want to "virtually dive" the park online using our dive simulator.

If instead you decide to go on a dive boat to Catalina, most likely you might end up in the area around the Isthmus. You might want to check this POST for 3D maps of dives sites in that area.

Have fun

Alberto

 

[whodunit68]

wow wow thanks y'all, great info! Hey again LionsAndTigers ...

 

[rakkis]

Eco Dive Center charters many of Sundiver Express' trips to Catalina. Including the afternoon boats. Sign up here:

Dive Trips to Catalina

If you'd like a guide, call the shop and arrange one

 

[Teamcasa]

You should join a bunch of other ScubaBoarders on the trip linked in my signature.

 

[whodunit68]

Teamcasa - what better way to spend my 29th!!! Yes, my 29th is on the 29th. And no, I'm not really 29. Thanks...I'll check it out and share with her.
thanks Rakkis, looks good.