Question How to know which way the current is heading, and other La Dania questions.

[RIHappyDiver]

We are planning to do the drift from La Dania’s Leap to Karpata this year but have a couple of questions. I’ve dived Karpata once, 2 years ago, and La Dania’s 8 years ago, so I’m not as familiar with the topography and other features as I am of other sites.

1. How do I find out if the current will cooperate before taking The Leap! Or, is this even a concern? Is the current there typically so mild that there is no fear that one will have to drift to Tolo to get back on land?

2. How will we know when we should be heading to the shallows? Is it usually a NDL and/or remaining air factor that pushes you up, or is there a landmark in the 45-60’ range to look for?

Thanks for your help! (Danki, mi dushin!)

Erik

 

[FF / EMT]

Throw a coconut in, watch it, that’ll tell you which way the current going

 

[wwguy]

As you get closer to Karpata there's a big anchor embedded in the reef at 35'. (You can find several pics of it online by Googling "karpata anchor" or similar.)

I suggest diving Karpata south towards La Dania sometime prior to taking the proverbial leap. It's usually a great dive too, and should make you familiar and confident in finding the Karpata exit point.

 

[tursiops]

As you get closer to Karpata there's a big anchor embedded in the reef at 35'. (You can find several pics of it online by Googling "karpata anchor" or similar.)

I suggest diving Karpata south towards La Dania sometime prior to taking the proverbial leap. It's usually a great dive too, and should make you familiar and confident in finding the Karpata exit point.

South from Karpata is the only legal direction; north put you into a restricted area.

 

[tursiops]

How do I find out if the current will cooperate before taking The Leap! Or, is this even a concern? Is the current there typically so mild that there is no fear that one will have to drift to Tolo to get back on land?

Look at the mooring pin and see which way it is tending.

 

[tkaelin]

We dove la Dania leap by boat yesterday. We saw some divers jump in and it looked like they were heading towards karpata. There was another group on cliff sizing up the situation. My question is why do this other than to say you did it? Looks like it has all sorts of unnecessary risks and logistical complications. Why not just dive karpata and head towards la Dania if the current permits

 

[RIHappyDiver]

We are planning this so that we can do La Dania as well as Karpata. Dive Friends hasn’t seemed inclined to take a boat that far north, Buddy Dive won’t take non guests, and Capt. Don’s is iffy for non guests. Since there is no way out at La Dania, Karpata is the exit point. Also, the entry at Karpata is a bit daunting to my wife, and I REALLY want her to see Karpata. It might even get her to brave the entry just to go see Karpata again.

As for the entry at La Dania, I’ve read that once in it is best to quickly head out towards the buoy, so that’s doable. As for the giant stride, the Reef Smart Guide says it’s 4’, which is 6’ less of a drop than Oil Slick, which I found to be fun.

Now, If Karpata had an entry like Ft. W we’d be all set. She has mastered that puppy! (Sorry everyone, inside southern New England thing)

Erik

 

[tkaelin]

Ok. The step off at la Dania’s did not look bad. Looked like a bit of a walk from the road to the step off. Do you you walk back to your car from karpata?

 

[tkaelin]

Btw our la Dania dive was beautiful. From the mooring we headed out to the reef and headed towards karpata at 60’ or so for 30 min. And circled back around 30-40. Big free swimming green moray was a highlight.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

It sounds like it’s best to drop off the gear and other divers, drive up to Karpata, then walk back to La Dania. It’s a bit of a walk from the road to the cliff but, fortunately, one of our group is rather strong, and likes to help with that type of stuff, lol. After climbing up the stairs with our gear it will be nice to have the truck close by. Also, there has always been a security car at Karpata every time I’ve been through there.
We’ll make this our first dive of the day so that parking wont be as much of an issue.