Hi - We're flying into Socal next week and wanted to do some guided shore diving at La Jolla (maybe 1 cove, 1 kelp, 1 night). Any recommendations for a reasonable shop? Will need to rent BC's etc. Thanks for any thoughts.
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There's usually a good amount of kelp in the La Jolla Cove area. It's not quite as lush as in Point Loma, though. I agree that the Point Loma kelp beds via boat dive are a worthwhile trip. I'd prefer to do a dive in the kelp beds over a dive at Wreck Alley any day, but that's just me.Can't help with the recommendations (haven't done any guided dives), but there really isn't any kelp accessible from shore in La Jolla (at least not without a scooter). If you want kelp dives, look to get on a boat to Pt Loma.
Cost (boat dive + gear rental + private DM) > Cost (free shore dive + gear rental + private DM or free "local")Yeah, I'd say take a boat, you can hire a guide and rent BCs through them if you want. pretty reasonable prices for 3 tanks (including air fills, great sites, food). Loisann.com, waterhorsecharters.com, or marissadivetickets.com. You'd probably wind up paying the same renting tanks, filling them, and paying for a DM to dive not as good spots by shore.
There's usually a good amount of kelp in the La Jolla Cove area.
Here's a YouTube video dive report that one of the Scuba Diver Girls posted recently:Contact these girls, that's their stomping grounds. Scuba Diver Girls Scuba San Diego Scuba Diving
BTW, if anyone gets a chance to dive with them, they are a hoot and a half!