Help! Dive options for the less experienced

[allniceonice]

My husband and I will be in San Diego for work and want to extend our stay through the weekend to do some diving. Trouble is, I've had zero success finding trips the weekend that we'll be there - 11/6 - 11/7 - that we are qualified to do.

We have the training done for AOW but have logged only 13 dives, and have no experience with cold water or kelp diving. This appears to exclude us from the bulk of trips in the San Diego/LA areas. I have looked at every dive charter that I've come across mentioned on the board... ScubaLuv on Catalina has options, but that looks like it would shape up to be a pretty expensive weekend once ferry and hotel are thrown in.

Any recommendations you can offer would be greatly appreciated!!

Shana

 

[surfinusa555]

Waterhorse charters goes to the coronados islands every Friday (mostly) try to catch that.

 

[TSandM]

Are you set on diving off a boat? There are a lot of SoCal divers on this board, and I'll bet you could find someone to give you a hand with some shore diving, if you're up for that.

 

[vondo]

PM Sent

 

[scubadada]

My husband and I will be in San Diego for work and want to extend our stay through the weekend to do some diving. Trouble is, I've had zero success finding trips the weekend that we'll be there - 11/6 - 11/7 - that we are qualified to do.

We have the training done for AOW but have logged only 13 dives, and have no experience with cold water or kelp diving. This appears to exclude us from the bulk of trips in the San Diego/LA areas. I have looked at every dive charter that I've come across mentioned on the board... ScubaLuv on Catalina has options, but that looks like it would shape up to be a pretty expensive weekend once ferry and hotel are thrown in.

Any recommendations you can offer would be greatly appreciated!!

Shana

Shana,

Marissa has a 3 tank dive to the Coronados on 11/7. Their 3 tanker is really great, leisurely with plenty of good food.

No dive listed for 11/6, it may be open, you could give Lora a call to inquire

You'll need a good 7mm wetsuit, hood/hooded vest, gloves and booties to stay warm and enjoy your dives.

Good luck, Craig

 

[dwaters]

Coronados is a good place for those with less experience in SoCal waters and both Marissa and Humbolt (Waterhorse Charters) are good outfits to go with. Keep in mind that the DM do not get in the water with you and you would have to hire one if you wish for that. Here is the link to two mentioned and other California boats:
California Dive Boats : The Official Page
The other great option is the Catalina "shore dives" at Casino Point. It can be done in a day but in your case a long day...1.5 hrs to Dana Point, 1.5 hrs on the Express, 5 min. taxi (or walk), rent at on site with CDS...dive 2 - 3 dives, then return. Check out our "sticky" for more infor on this route: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/socal/231885-updated-great-catalina-island-info-sticky-thread.html
Don't know your dive history but just keep in mind you will need more weight with 7mm vs. a 3mm or 5mm plus salt water vs. fresh.
Hope you will be able to enjoy our wonderful cool waters.

 

[allniceonice]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. We're leaning towards hiring a DM to do some shore dives and get familiar, plus a boat trip - either to the Coronados on the Lois Ann or the Marissa, or to Santa Barbara Island on the Sand Dollar.

We're super excited to explore the Pacific for the first time! :guitarist:

Shana

 

[fnfalman]

Santa Barbara Island could be fairly challenging to new divers because it's open to heavy current and waves.

Most boats do have a DM for hire if you let them know in advance.

Also check out the Horizon boat in the San Diego area as well. It's a big boat with lots of room, Nitrox too. It makes a lot of run to the Coronados, to San Clemente and to the kelp forests.

 

[allniceonice]

Just want to give a belated mini-report of our trip, in case the information is helpful to someone else unfamiliar with the area and looking for beginner dives. We ended up going to Los Coronados Islands with Waterhorse Charters and were really happy with the trip.

We did 2 dives at the Lobster Shack site, where the vis and conditions were great. The sea lions were an absolute blast and very interactive. They started barking excitedly and diving into the water the moment we arrived. We did not have any instances of them nibbling or snatching anything, but they playfully pretended like they were going to, which was very entertaining.
Our third dive was at the Keyhole site, which was quite surgy and the vis was significantly reduced. The kelp and seafans were particularly beautiful in the surge though, almost mesmerizing.

We wore 7mm suits with full hoods and were surprisingly comfortable. Next time we're in SoCal we'll definitely be spending some time in the Channel Islands!