First time Catalina- shore or boat?

[thrownoverbored]

My fiance and I are heading out to Catalina this coming weekend for a relaxed Saturday of diving. It's our first time to the island, and he's not yet certified so will only be able to do an intro dive. I want us both to have a good time and I also want to showcase the best of Catalina diving for him (this is my attempt at introducing him to diving so he'll get certified and we can do dive trips together from now on ). That being said, with only one day of diving, should we do shore diving or the King Neptune boat - both options with Scuba Luv? Pros/cons of either approach? I definitely want to get 2-3 dives in, so it would be great if he were occupied while I was taking my second/third dives.

Any advice / recs appreciated! Thanks.

 

[dpbishop]

Do the boat dive. He can follow your bubbles in a kayak or snorkel above you, visibility is usually good enough this time of year to see the bottom from 30 - 50 feet. The casino is a good shore dive, but there are so many better dives from the boats that you should be able to set the hook in him that much deeper. It's also easier to get in 3 dives from a boat.

 

[runway1]

What boat gives an "intro" dive with kayak included? I'd like to find that boat.

 

[dpbishop]

Scuba Luv does it: Introductory Dive

 

[Teamcasa]

My lovely bride and I are booked on the King Neptune this Saturday (Sept. 13th). They have a great boat, crew and are very accommodating to new and experienced divers alike. Diving with them is a great way to get introduced to Catalina diving and we should get to see the illusive Black Sea Bass!

Your fiancé will have a good to snorkeling or you can get him an intro dive as well. In any event, you both should have a great time diving with ScubaLuv. Hey maybe even Dr. Bill will be on the boat!

 

[drbill]

Yep, SCUBA Luv will offer Discover SCUBA on the boat if the instructor is available and they have not one but two kayaks. Food is good, too, and your fiance will get to see a lot more of Catalina on the King Neptune.

Dave, I'm no longer on the King Neptune... but I heartily recommend them and the shop.

 

[HisLovelyBride]

I have to agree with my dear husband, the King Neptune is a good boat and the crew is very accomodating. I really enjoyed diving with them in the past and am looking forward to a fun day of diving. If you decide to come, I look forward to meeting you and your fiance.

 

[runway1]

Intro AND a kayak - GOD, I love this country!!