good dive sites in san fran

[voodoodivegirl]

I'm going to be in san fran Jun. 29th - Jul. 2 and am looking for great diving in that area for the time of year, i know in some of the bays they only do morning dives because the water can be trecherous in the afternoon, because of wind. but I'm sure the season has effects too, so if anyone has imput it would greatly be appriciated.
Also what are the seasons for the kelp forests i understand that a certain time of the year its has grown to the surface and create a canope, thus i'm sure making it probably pretty darn dark. i'm going out to do some underwater video and i'll be plenty prepared, but i would like to know what conditions to expect.

 

[Drewpy]

No diving in the Bay...Its all on the North Coast or in Monterey about 1 1/2 hours south.Most divers head to Monterey because it is somewhat protected and offers more predictable conditions.If you have never dove in the kelp you might want to hook up with someone or hire a guide. The kelp is prevelant year round, but more so in the summer.

 

[dsafanda]

I've seen this asked more than once on this forum. I imagine it's hard for people to believe that a city surrounded by water on three sides has no good diving but for the most part it seems to be true. Every diver I know in the BayArea travels a significant distance away from SF, either south to the Monterey Peninnsula(2+hrs.) or north (2+hrs.). If you're bold you can travel west to the Farallons.

 

[voodoodivegirl]

what is at the farallons? I was looking at monterey, I'm a very seasoned diver, i have close to 300 under my belt, but this trip is all about the best video, best life, and if it were white shark season i'd go out with them, but from what i've reserched that is in winter.

 

[voodoodivegirl]

i just researched the farallones a bit, and it looks exciting!!! can you recommend a dive shop that does trips, i saw alot of sites that do cage diving but nothing recreational.
and what are the odds of seeing a GW in summer? Is it possible. That would be the greatest thing that could happen. or some whales, but i'd rather see a GW, it seems like everytime i get a chance to come out to cal i either have to work or its not gw season. one day i'll have my chance. anyways, what are some good wrecks out there, i saw a list but which are the most interesting

 

[dannobee]

Forget the Farallons. Stick with Monterey or Carmel, as I'm sure a few of us will show you around and make a day of it. I'll round up the usual suspects. If you're sure of the dates, make reservations for Point Lobos about two months before hand. That's always a nice site, and would be great for videography. What specifically do you want to see?

 

[voodoodivegirl]

whats available, this is my first time in the area. the dates have been set in stone jun 29-july second, so i'll be in the water 30 and hopefully the 1st depending on depth because i fly on the 2nd, i will also need a dive buddy, mine will be working. so maybe one day at monterey and one at carmel. so if anyone wants to meet up at the shop or site and accompany me, always looking for new diving friends.

 

[dsafanda]

This site has a few video clips from Monterey, Carmel and Faralons. It might give you a sense of the diving environment.

http://www.metridium.com/

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

The Farallones have stupendous diving. I've done a two or three day trip out there
on the old Pacific Star, and run my Boston Whaler out three times. Stuff grows on
stuff grows on stuff.

BUT: There's almost no commercial way to get there. Great White Adventures has done
a few non-shark trips. The Pac Star is sold and down in LA.

And the currents can be ripping.

And there are very few days when conditions are good
enough to take a small boat out -- we got two last year. I'll only go in the first
half the year to allow a good time buffer from the sharks.

But for a visitor: Monterey/Carmel. They are right next to each other. Carmel diving
is generally better, esp. from the beach, but is more sensitive to conditions. I'd let
conditions dictate where you go.

Here's some more info: http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/

 

[dannobee]

Also, don't forget your warm underwear for your drysuit, or a 7mm wetsuit with a hooded vest, along with thick gloves and booties. The water temp will be in the mid 50's.