Kelp Forest Confusion

[richdiver]

My friend and I will be in LA for 5 days in May, and are very keen to dive the famous Southern Californian kelp forests. However, I am confused about where they are, how I get to them and how I dive them!

Firstly...is Monterey Bay the place to go...and if so, how far is it from LA, and is it best to hire a care and drive down, or can it be done via public transport?

Secondly...Ive checked out a few dive operators...and they all seem to mention charters. In my experience in Australia, charters are only for dive clubs. So how exactly does a pair of Aussie chicks get onto one of these boats? And how much should we expect to pay for each dive?

Finally, we will be travelling with our own gear, but no weights, tanks or air for that matter! Are we able to hire these? Also I assume a 7mm semi-dry will suffice for May?

Many thanks for your help!

 

[scottfiji]

You should have a lot of fun in LA!

Kelp forests extend for hundreds of miles along the coast of California and Mexico.

You can get to them off the shore, or off a boat. For you, I recommend a boat, since you want to make the most of your limited time here.

Monterey bay also has kelp forests, but it is very far from LA, several hours. You don't need to go there.

There is very little public transport in LA. You either need to hire a car, or wait for one of the sort-of single men on scubaboard to offer you a ride, which won't take long.

Anyone can usually get on a dive boat. $75-$100 usually for 3 dives.

A 7mm semi-dry should suffice. You can easily rent tanks and weights. We only hire people here.

The boats leave out of long beach, san pedro, and ventura, and they usually visit anacapa and catalina islands.

Here is a web site with some dive boats:
http://californiadiveboats.com/

You'll probably have a lot more questions, just keep on asking...

Scott

 

[kelpmermaid]

Charters are common, but that doesn't mean your presence wouldn't be welcomed. Boats may be chartered by dive clubs or dive shops, and the boat will generally post a contact number for the charter group.

Some local boats provide tanks and weights, but most do not. Generally, you bring one tank aboard, and the boat has a compressor for refills. When in doubt, ask the operator. If weights/tanks are not provided, you can rent them from a local shop. Where will you be in the LA area? Someone may have a shop/charter recommendation nearby. Trips run in the area of $85-110/day, usually 3 or 4 dives on all day boat.

Also, if you will be here in early May, you may want to look into this:

www.chamberday.org

http://wrigley.usc.edu/hyperbaric/cd2004/cd2004.htm

Actually, that's last year's link, but this year, the event is being held on May 4.

 

[HBDiveGirl]

There is very little public transport in LA. You either need to hire a car, or wait for one of the sort-of single men on scubaboard to offer you a ride, which won't take long.

Scott

OK...I'll bite...the definition of "...sort-of single..."? Inquiring minds need to know!

 

[pasley]

You will have great fun no mater where you go in California diveing.

Monterey is a 6 hour drive from Los Angeles or a 2 hour flight. The Point Lobos dive is a must if you go to Monterey and requires a reservation and you must enter the park with your dive buddy. The Monterey area has a lot of good boat and shore diving

Los Angeles offers lots of diving and kelp forest too, as does San Diego. Most dive boats in Los Angeles area operate only on the weekend. In nearby Ventura (Peach Dive Boat) has a Wednesday and Thursday boat for $75.00 U.S dollars for 3 dives (bring your own tanks, or they will rent them and weights to you) . They go to San Nicholas and Anacapa Island for some great diving and is only 2 hours or less from Los Angeles. San Diego offers boats during the week too for $90.00 U.S. for 2 dives, tanks and weights supplied.

The dive boats out of Palos Verde or Long Beach will take you to Catalina, San Clemete, Santa Barbara or San Nicholas Islands (and a few other destinations) depending on the day and conditions. Catalina is the most common destination as it is close and offers great diving. Cost is $90-120.00 US with $100.00 being the normal charge. Check with the boat about food and air as some include it in the charge and others are pay for what you use, but in the end the cost all comes out about the same. Many boats allow you to board the night before and feed breakfast in the morning, lunch and snacks.

You can shore dive form several locations in Los Angels an Orange County (Malibu, Palos Verde and Laguna Beach) and enjoy the kelp forest.

You can also go to Catalina by the Catalina Express shuttle boat (about $40 round trip) and then walk over to Casino Point and dive the dive park which has a lush kelp forest. An air fill station is on site and will rent you tanks and weights.

Conditions in May can be a bit on and off. A 7 mm suit should do you just fine. You can rent suits, weights, regulators, computers and tanks. Few places offer to rent mask, fins, snorkel, gloves or boots so you will need to bring them.

Los Angeles is ruled by the automobile. Public transportation is not up to the standards you may be use to, so you will need to rent a car.

 

[mdsd]

You can always drive down to SD, dive and be tourists here. Several local operators supply tanks, weights and rent your basic gear -- Dive Connections is one (www.gottadive.com).

Most boats will dive the Point Loma kelp beds which is only a 20 minute boat ride. You can do 2-tank dive and be back at the dock at noon.

Gives you the rest of the day to play.

Look me up if you're in town.

 

[Ann Marie]

Definately post as to when you'll be here. I'm sure if you want some company on your dives there are several of us that look for any excuse to go diving!

 

[richdiver]

thanks for all your help guys...ive certainly come across a friendly bunch!! I think we'll just hire a car for a few days, and do a bit of exploring...maybe do a day diving near LA, then head down to SD for a day or two. Time now to check the money tree, and assess its growth potential between now and then!

Thanks again for all your great ideas, and Ill def be in touch closer to the time!

Cheers

R