If you live in SoCal, consider a dive trip to NorCal

[Rainer]

Last week, a few of us from SoCal made the drive up to Monterey for a few days of diving (mostly) at Point Lobos State Reserve (Point Lobos Foundation | Supporting Point Lobos State Natural Reserve).

If you haven't had the chance to dive Lobos, I *highly* encourage you to make the trip. It's an amazing spot (underwater and topside). Should be on every CA divers bucket list. It offers diving at all levels, with easy paved shore access, all set in a beautiful surrounding.

I posted a trip report with videos and photos in the NorCal section:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/norcal/362343-socal-does-norcal-point-lobos.html

 

[FrankPro1]

Nice Rainer. Great Report and Video. Northern California is definitely on my to-dive list. What were temps like "above & below"?

 

[Rainer]

Thanks, Frank. I think you'd really like the area. Great photo opportunities.

Air temps were in the 50sF. Surface was 52F. At depth (100') we had 50F.

Thick undergarments are key.

 

[ligersandtions]

I agree....if you haven't made it to Lobos yet, it's definitely worth a trip. Although Rainer's videos show us in doubles, carrying stages, and riding scooters, that's absolutely not required. There's so much to see within kicking range....I promise it's worth the trip!

 

[Rainer]

Most definitely. Great, easy, shallow (30-50') diving on Middle Reef is just a short kick away.

 

[SoCalRich]

I agree, I did 2 dives on the "Sanctuary" a beautiful 6 pack boat 9-11-10. 49*-52* cold in my 7mil but worth it. Lots of color. dropped in the middle of a thousand jellyfish (nettles) i think.
it's on my list of to do again dives.

 

[Rainer]

Sounds like a great trip.

My goal next time we head up there would be to do a charter or two. Would LOVE to dive further down in Carmel.

 

[fnfalman]

Thanks, Frank. I think you'd really like the area. Great photo opportunities.

Air temps were in the 50sF. Surface was 52F. At depth (100') we had 50F.

Thick undergarments are key.

50-F at 100-ft ain't bad. Do-able in wetsuit. Very good to know, thank you!

 

[enigmata]

Lobos at 50F is actually kinda nice. A majority of the divers I see there are in wetsuits. In the summer my dives were always between 42-44F at 70ft, so enjoy it while you can.

Moving up north I was sad to give up the convenience of socal shore diving, but then I discovered Lobos. Easily a full day's excursion without hassles, and very pretty underwater.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I've been lucky to have good conditions on every trip there but one, when we had vis of less than six inches. One thing, though. The divers there and the ones on the North Coast might be offended by referring to Pt. Lobos and Monterey as Northern California. Central Coast is just fine with them.