Going Rate for a Divemaster on Catalina?

[Ojai Diver]

I was possibly interested in doing a dive on the Valiant in Catalina at the end of March. If I could not find a buddy of my own, I wanted to maybe engage a divemaster to accompany me. A local dive shop told me such a service would be $135 for one such shore dive, even if I brought my own gear.

Is there a cheaper alternative? I am not looking for instruction, just a competent local to go with me. Thanks.

 

[Steve_C]

I did a couple of guided shore dives at Casino point with Catalina Divers Supply. Cost was 160 for private guide and tanks and any needed equipment. They were $100 for one dive. $60 for the second. Guide was good to work with. We talked about what I was interested in. Had two nice lengthy dives. He knew not to rush me which is what some guides try to do.

 

[Ojai Diver]

I did a couple of guided shore dives at Casino point with Catalina Divers Supply. Cost was 160 for private guide and tanks and any needed equipment. They were $100 for one dive. $60 for the second. Guide was good to work with. We talked about what I was interested in. Had two nice lengthy dives. He knew not to rush me which is what some guides try to do.

Maybe that's the going rate. If so, I guess I had no idea it would be so much--more than a day of boat diving.

 

[Steve_C]

Well, I met him at the dock. Picked out wet suit etc. Then walked over to Casino point with gear. Weights and tanks were there already. Geared up, did a dive, chatted for an hour SI, did another dive, returned gear etc. So we are talking about 5 hours of somebodies time. rental of all gear but regs and computers, the use of 4 tanks (2 for me and two for DM). Then there is a cut for the shop who handled reservations, pays rent on a place on the dock, etc. So the $160 seemed not unreasonable.

 

[Trailboss123]

Maybe that's the going rate. If so, I guess I had no idea it would be so much--more than a day of boat diving.

I think it pretty much is the going rate unless you can find someone who works privately as a dive guide. Even the Raptor out of Ventura is $150 for a 2 tank and $175 for a 3 tank day (in addition to your fees for the boat dives themselves). Even on Bonaire, where diving is about as cheap as it gets, local independent dive guides run $100 to $120 for 2 shore dives.