Heading to LA -- any good recommendations?

[dashark]

If you are only doing one day of diving , and have never dove the kelp forests, I would do a day charter out of LA or Ventura.
Casino Point is great, but, if you are looking for a dive specific day, it is much easier to charter a dive specific boat and skip having to take the shuttle.
Granted, you will miss out on topside fun in Avalon. However, I would opt for a three dive charter.
My favorite boat out of LA is the Magician.
My favorite boat up here is the Peace. Although I hear good things about then Raptor as well. Not fond of the Spectre.
Both Catalina and the Northern Channel islands have their advantages. For a first time experience, you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[gbone78]

Wow -- thanks for all the great info.... I see I have a bit of decision making to do..... sealions or wrecks.... hrmmmmm.......

 

[ItsBruce]

Magician and Peace are great boats. They are big, around 70 feet, and comfortable. Raptor is around 45 feet and for what it lacks in comfort (i.e. it is a very standard 45 foot dive boat), it makes up for in speed. If you can do one of the three boats, you won't be sorry.

If one of the above does not work for you and you want to dive at Catalina, Casino Point is very hard to match (except on one of the above mentioned boats). Casino Point can be reached via any of several fast ferry boats. The only problem with those is that unless you spend the night, getting 3 dives in could be a bit of a challenge. First, the ferry boats do not leave early enough. Second, once they arrive, it will take some time to go by taxi to Casino Point. Third, there may be a line for air fills at Casino Point.

All in all, if you can go on Magician, Peace or Raptor, you are better off, though you will miss out on visiting the city of Avalon.

 

[dashark]

Wow -- thanks for all the great info.... I see I have a bit of decision making to do..... sealions or wrecks.... hrmmmmm.......

Or even Oil Rigs....

 

[fnfalman]

I'd vote for the Peace. Northern Channel Island diving PLUS Joe's cooking = WIN!!!

 

[JMdiver]

Spectre is a very good dive charter with good food.

John