I agree with Merxlin and others, do a boat dive.
I need a SoCal Diving Guide for Dummies
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Randynfla
Registered
If you go to "youtube" and type in "dreams of kelp" in the search, you will see why everyone is saying go to catalina or any of the channel islands. If you choose catalina be prepared to be captivated by the island and avalon. Two thirds of all my dives are in CA, and I live in S. FL now and I would trade the reefs here for the kelp anytime. If you do a beach dive definately have an experianced beach entry diver with you, nothing will ruin a dive day or turn a new diver away from diving quicker than getting rolled in the surf.
surfinusa555
Contributor
If you decide to shore dive feel free to message me. I don't mind helping people out with their first socal beach dives. Kelp and Garibaldi are plentiful at all the islands and also on shore dives on the mainland. Here is a site with a small sampling of the beach dives http://www.ecodivecenter.com/content/southern-californias-best-beach-dive-sites but many of us refer to this book for the best sites http://www.amazon.com/Divers-Guide-...0042/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326255053&sr=8-1
For me, the key to deciding beach vs. boat is deciding between convenience and saving money vs. reliability. I prefer beach dives, because they are cheap, don't take your whole day, they are generally warmer between surface intervals if you are diving wet, and you can wake up later. But the conditions can vary, so if you only have 1 day and you have to have the best conditions possible, go on a boat dive. You can rent gear from any of the dozens of shops around here. Pacific Wilderness and Sport Chalet are fine choices.
For me, the key to deciding beach vs. boat is deciding between convenience and saving money vs. reliability. I prefer beach dives, because they are cheap, don't take your whole day, they are generally warmer between surface intervals if you are diving wet, and you can wake up later. But the conditions can vary, so if you only have 1 day and you have to have the best conditions possible, go on a boat dive. You can rent gear from any of the dozens of shops around here. Pacific Wilderness and Sport Chalet are fine choices.
freewillie
Contributor
Just few quick points. 1+ on boat dives. You can look at several boats based out of San Pedro which would be closer if you are in Los Angeles. Sport Chalet not only rents gear but sponsors dive charters as well. Most rental gear is tanks, regs, weight belt/weights. Some wetsuits/hoods are available as well. Gloves and booties however tend to be items you have to buy and are not generally available for rent. Do inquire wight the LDS specifically about gloves and booties.
Catalina is the other option. You can shore dive at Casino point in Avalon. You can also inquire about dive boats from the Avalon based dive shops. Scuba Luv tends to be mentioned here as a local favorite. The other is Catalina Diver's Supply located right on the green pier. CDS also has a trailer at Casino Pontiac, makes refills easier simply swap empty tank for full new tank. Both shops also operate boats as well. You may also want to know it is a bit of a walk from where you get off from the Catalina Express to Casino point. Many diver's get a taxi to get their gear over to Casino point.
IMO I'd rather get on a boat at San Pedro, ride over to off shore dive site at Catalina, hop off the boat than lug al the gear around Avalon to get to Casino Point. The Mainland based boats can also get you to places over Catalina may be better overall than what you would see Casino point.
Catalina is the other option. You can shore dive at Casino point in Avalon. You can also inquire about dive boats from the Avalon based dive shops. Scuba Luv tends to be mentioned here as a local favorite. The other is Catalina Diver's Supply located right on the green pier. CDS also has a trailer at Casino Pontiac, makes refills easier simply swap empty tank for full new tank. Both shops also operate boats as well. You may also want to know it is a bit of a walk from where you get off from the Catalina Express to Casino point. Many diver's get a taxi to get their gear over to Casino point.
IMO I'd rather get on a boat at San Pedro, ride over to off shore dive site at Catalina, hop off the boat than lug al the gear around Avalon to get to Casino Point. The Mainland based boats can also get you to places over Catalina may be better overall than what you would see Casino point.
Casino Pontiac? Wow, I have been away from home a long time! Tee hee.
Scuba Luv is my home shop. Others have mentioned CDS which will also give you a good experience as will Ron Moore's Dive Catalina. I've been in FL since mid-Oct so I haven't been in the water there in quite some time and have no clue as to current conditions.
Scuba Luv is my home shop. Others have mentioned CDS which will also give you a good experience as will Ron Moore's Dive Catalina. I've been in FL since mid-Oct so I haven't been in the water there in quite some time and have no clue as to current conditions.
Wow thanks everyone for so much info. I don't know why I haven't used scuba board before. Merxlin, those photos are a real tease!
Just curious, why are dive shops and charters separate? Maybe I'm spoiled and I don't mean to brag but as I'm landlocked and only go on a dive trip ever 1-2 years, I've only been to "all-inclusive" dive shops that are right next to their boat. You get all your equipment that morning and they set up all your gear for you and change your tanks. I've never had to worry about getting my own air. Perhaps it is because there's so many locals in SoCal and its not so much of a tourist destination as a Caribbean island? Will we need to get all our gear the day before or can I get it that morning?
We're going to a conference and already have the hotel booked. Holiday Inn Downtown. I assume renting a car is the best way to get to the dive shop and boat? I'm looking into Sports Chalet, Sundiver, Pacific Star, and Sand Dollar. Sports Chalet has two trips on Saturday, February 25th: Catalina and Santa Cruz/Anacapa. Which one would be better? It says it includes food and air... so I'm gonna have to lug around my tanks and weights? Will I just have one tank and they refill it on the boat? This kind of diving is so different!
Pending that we definitely work this day of diving into our schedule, who wants to join us (thanks for the offer fnfalman!http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/members/fnfalman.html)http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/members/fnfalman.html? Would you be joining us just for fun or should we pay you for being a guide? Is that a thing? Freelance dive guides? haha that would be a great job.
Last question- in Bonaire my girlfriend had to descend pretty slowly to equalize and her ears bothered her for the week after. Any suggestion to ease her troubles? A histamine before the dive? I've never had any problems. I can just open my mouth and equalize!
Thanks!
Just curious, why are dive shops and charters separate? Maybe I'm spoiled and I don't mean to brag but as I'm landlocked and only go on a dive trip ever 1-2 years, I've only been to "all-inclusive" dive shops that are right next to their boat. You get all your equipment that morning and they set up all your gear for you and change your tanks. I've never had to worry about getting my own air. Perhaps it is because there's so many locals in SoCal and its not so much of a tourist destination as a Caribbean island? Will we need to get all our gear the day before or can I get it that morning?
We're going to a conference and already have the hotel booked. Holiday Inn Downtown. I assume renting a car is the best way to get to the dive shop and boat? I'm looking into Sports Chalet, Sundiver, Pacific Star, and Sand Dollar. Sports Chalet has two trips on Saturday, February 25th: Catalina and Santa Cruz/Anacapa. Which one would be better? It says it includes food and air... so I'm gonna have to lug around my tanks and weights? Will I just have one tank and they refill it on the boat? This kind of diving is so different!
Pending that we definitely work this day of diving into our schedule, who wants to join us (thanks for the offer fnfalman!http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/members/fnfalman.html)http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/members/fnfalman.html? Would you be joining us just for fun or should we pay you for being a guide? Is that a thing? Freelance dive guides? haha that would be a great job.
Last question- in Bonaire my girlfriend had to descend pretty slowly to equalize and her ears bothered her for the week after. Any suggestion to ease her troubles? A histamine before the dive? I've never had any problems. I can just open my mouth and equalize!
Thanks!
Something to consider- Boats that Sport Chalet charters is probably going to be very heavy with open water students. That limits the dive sites that can be visited. On the other hand, that might be OK for your girlfriend. The Santa Cruz/Anacapa trip is to the northern islands and usually departs from Ventura/Santa Barbara (90-100 miles north of LA) or will leave the night before. Its a several hour trip from LA by boat.
Very few dive shops out here have their own boats anymore. They just charter the established boats when they need them, and the boats are their own charter agency. Dives here are not guided (No DM in the water with you) so you are on your own unless you hire someone, or a local offers to buddy up with you (which happens a lot via Scubaboard).
Some boats offer tanks (which makes the rental issue easier), and yes, they are refilled between dives during the surface interval. Some also offer weights. make sure you know ahead of time what they provide and what they don't.
Finally, consider exposure protection. If you are used to warmer waters, a 7mil by itself may not be enough for you over 3 dives. Temps right now are about 57F, and can get colder. You'll definately want a hood and good gloves. It would be a shame to have o sit out the last dive because you were too cold. That also means wearing a lot more weight than you are used to. Be prepared for that.
All that being said, I am sure you will have a great time out here.
Very few dive shops out here have their own boats anymore. They just charter the established boats when they need them, and the boats are their own charter agency. Dives here are not guided (No DM in the water with you) so you are on your own unless you hire someone, or a local offers to buddy up with you (which happens a lot via Scubaboard).
Some boats offer tanks (which makes the rental issue easier), and yes, they are refilled between dives during the surface interval. Some also offer weights. make sure you know ahead of time what they provide and what they don't.
Finally, consider exposure protection. If you are used to warmer waters, a 7mil by itself may not be enough for you over 3 dives. Temps right now are about 57F, and can get colder. You'll definately want a hood and good gloves. It would be a shame to have o sit out the last dive because you were too cold. That also means wearing a lot more weight than you are used to. Be prepared for that.
All that being said, I am sure you will have a great time out here.
fnfalman
Contributor
On 5 Feb 2012, Ocean Safari Scuba charters the Great Escape boat to go to Catalina Island. Ocean Safari can rent you everything and I mean everything including mask, snorkel, boots, gloves, fins and the rest. Good outfit. The Great Escape is also a nice boat.
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