How do I dive in California!?

[kelemvor]

Check out the "dive sites" section on divebuddy.com. I've used it to get the scoop on diving local sites in Florida. Basically, anytime I want to dive something where I don't have to pay an op for a boat ride - this is my go to site for information. I've posted here for assistance like you're trying to do but I got no useful replies most of the time. I recall trying to figure out logistics of diving with the hammerheads off Indian Rocks Beach, FL and coming up with nothing. It's frustrating, hopefully your experience will be better.

 

[AlmightyApkallu]

Thank you very much for all the advice and replies folks. I really appreciate it and have read through them all (and hope to see even more!)

I wasn't aware that some of the dive boats there are like mini liveaboards letting you spend the night the night before, that sounds like a blast actually. What does the diving usually cost on these boats? It sounds like using their services might actually cost less than 2 ferry trips, hotel + gear rental on catalina. But on that note...

Thank you SO much for the recommendation for SeaPort Village Inn! That looks like a fantastic value. For me and my sweetheart it looks like it would only cost about $240 total for boat rides, hotel room and breakfast. This definitely puts things into my budget range. With my little prius I could do a dive trip for less than $350! Now that's something I can afford, especially when talking Catalina.

As far as mainland diving, I would really love to try Shaw's cove and Cresent Bay as well as some of the other OC sites. Are there any facebook groups you folks could recommend where we could possibly find some one who might let us tag along with them our first time out? And which groups have the big meetups there? Me and my sweetheart are each other's buddies but it would be nice as you guys said to have some people more experienced show us around the first time.

Also, are there any good little cheap motels around south OC near the coast or are they all pricey? Any shops in that area you folks would recommend?

Thank you all again so much

 

[Trailboss123]

I think that's what he ultimately decided to do, yes, but if I recall, he looked into the various options, including Catalina, and outlined his thinking. Maybe it was in another thread? I hope he sees this and stops by.

I enjoyed a couple of days on Catalina myself. The ferry, etc., was no hassle at all.

Have you considered San Diego? There is shore diving as well as boat diving.

Found them both-- Good catch @Lorenzoid
My Notes for Researching My California Dive Trip

Truth Aquatics Aug. 2016 Trip Report - California

 

[AlmightyApkallu]

I would rather avoid San Diego and keep it OC or north unless I was wreck diving. You say the ferry was no hassle, but one thing I've wondered is what is thr procedure when you bring your own weights? Our weights combined would probably be more than their 50 pound limit, or am I overthinking it? Does the ferry allow enough baggage for all your gear bags and overnight luggage?

I will definitely look into this divebuddy.com site, sounds super helpful.

 

[Trailboss123]

Thank you very much for all the advice and replies folks. I really appreciate it and have read through them all (and hope to see even more!)

I wasn't aware that some of the dive boats there are like mini liveaboards letting you spend the night the night before, that sounds like a blast actually. What does the diving usually cost on these boats? It sounds like using their services might actually cost less than 2 ferry trips, hotel + gear rental on catalina. But on that note...

Thank you SO much for the recommendation for SeaPort Village Inn! That looks like a fantastic value. For me and my sweetheart it looks like it would only cost about $240 total for boat rides, hotel room and breakfast. This definitely puts things into my budget range. With my little prius I could do a dive trip for less than $350! Now that's something I can afford, especially when talking Catalina.

As far as mainland diving, I would really love to try Shaw's cove and Cresent Bay as well as some of the other OC sites. Are there any facebook groups you folks could recommend where we could possibly find some one who might let us tag along with them our first time out? And which groups have the big meetups there? Me and my sweetheart are each other's buddies but it would be nice as you guys said to have some people more experienced show us around the first time.

Also, are there any good little cheap motels around south OC near the coast or are they all pricey? Any shops in that area you folks would recommend?

Thank you all again so much

A 3 tank boat trip runs typically $120-$130 and yes, many do let you spend the night before on the boat for free. I think this might be an outstanding option for you and you will hit much better dive sites generally and get some camaraderie with other divers and make some new relationships. Here are some other great resources, if they haven't been posted already: Channel Islands Dive Adventures and Home - California Diving News

 

[Dizzi Lizzi]

CeeRayDiveBoat.com » Southern California Dive Adventures
Scuba Diving

Scuba dive trips, snorkeling and gear rental off California's Channel Islands

all good boats, between 110-140 pp.

Its much easier to just rent weights at the site, that what we do. If you are bringing equip they make sure you dont have more than 50# of weight. If you don't have scuba bags or visible gear they dont weigh it. However if the boats not crowded, they don't bother weighing.

Groupon might have deals for you. If you spend the night there, you figure you can get in at least 6 dives (3/day is enough for me).

@Trailboss123 is right on, free bunk and 2 hot meals, and beautiful sites!!

 

[JamesBon92007]

If you Google Casino Point and click on Images you can find various maps of the underwater park which will show you all the points of interest. I see no need to hire a guide.

From the mainland shore if you do it right the undercurrent will take you out and the waves will bring you back. If you don't do it right....

If you take the Catalina Express here's some info about how to pack your gear, including bringing your own tank:

https://www.catalinaexpress.com/images/Diver_letter_120716.pdf

I couldn't find similar information from Catalina Flyer but they leave out of Newport and you mentioned Dana Point. I'm guessing it's about the same. Check with Groupon before buying tickets--I just got a discount for the Flyer at about 1/2 the regular price. That's going to be my next trip after I get back from Puerto Vallarta

I don't know if they still do it but I think it was Catalina Express that let's you ride for free on your birthday.

 

[scjoe]

South Coast Divers dives Laguna Beach every Saturday that conditions are diveable. They usually dive Crescent Bay. There are a few motels near Crescent Bay, one of which I believe is called the Crescent Bay Inn. They are cheap by hotel standards, but you are at the beach in Southern California, so cheap is a relative term.

The problem with beach diving is that it is hit or miss depending on surf. There have been a lot of high surf days this year so far so you could end up renting a room near Crescent Bay and not be able to dive. The Dive Park or a dive boat trip to Catalina would be your safest bet.

While you can sleep on some of the dive boats the night before a trip, they are not like liveaboards. They are bunk room set ups and pretty spartan.

 

[merxlin]

The 50lb weight limit is per bag and each diver is allowed two bags, plus a weight bag (keep weights separate), plus a tank, plus a carry on bag (usually a backpack or camera bag for us). Pack clothes in the carry on, put gear in the dive bag, rent tanks and weights at the dive park.

FYI- Seaport is not fancy, it's a diver's hotel first, although they have some newer rooms that are nicer if that's what you want. I also forgot to mention they give you breakfast in the morning as well (eggs, potatoes, toast, cereal, coffee, fruit, juice). Again nothing fancy but one less thing to deal with. Sometimes they mix up the menu and have potatoes and eggs, instead of eggs and potatoes

 

[Dizzi Lizzi]

The 50lb weight limit is per bag and each diver is allowed two bags, plus a weight bag (keep weights separate), plus a tank, plus a carry on bag (usually a backpack or camera bag for us).

Lordy! I'd need a sherpa