Labor Day crowds on Catalina?

[Frank O]

Re the original question -- I had a very pleasant Labor Day weekend at Two Harbors two or three years back. There's a dive shop there, shore- and kayak-diving options, plus the shop runs a boat, the Garibaldi, that takes divers up the westside to various coves. Another option to consider if Avalon is looking to be jam-packed ...

 

[slingshot]

Thanks Frank, I'll look into the Garibaldi.
I haven't been to Two Harbors since I was in the Boy Scouts, it was a stop on the way to the old Cherry Valley scout camp.
Is the only way there (Two harbors) by boat?

 

[Diver_Jan]

I was there for July 4th weekend in 04' and the dive park was virtually empty! I was hoping to make it back again for some camping and diving this year for July 4th weekend, but my son blew out his knee, so no camping, diving, swimming, no nada!

Although, I got to see Dr. Bill a few weeks ago when I was over assisting with a class. Now, I need to get back over for ME. :14: Hopefully soon.

This Labor Day, I'm heading to San Simeon to dive Morrow Bay and Jade Cove, and other spots that look intriquing or that I can repel down too.

 

[drbill]

That could happen again, Jan... a repeat of Jul '04. This has been a strange summer out here. Good to see you the other weekend.

Vis yesterday was about 40' and water remains warm. My min temp on two dives to 65 ft (for the black sea bass) was 59.

 

[Diver_Jan]

Hey Bill,

I never did see the elusive Sea Bass, but heard that they were back the following weekend after I had been there.

My friends have seen many sightings here off of Laguna Beach at a spot we dive called 'Deadman's Reef' at North Cresent Bay. I dive here frequently, but haven't seen them here as of yet. Our temps have been warming up as well. I did a night dive the other night, and had ave temp of 64 at depth. Toasty!

Slingshot, whatever you do, you will have a great time! Crowds or not. It's fun to kayak around as well.

 

[drbill]

Today was pretty crowded at the dive park, although the crowds subsided by early afternoon. Vis was pretty good 35-50 ft early but started declining about 1:30. Water fairly warm with a thermocline at about 60' I think. Will be diving on the King Neptune tomorrow.

 

[slingshot]

Jan: any day away from work will be enjoyable for me. I went kayaking with some friends last year, but miss my sleek closed-deck sea kayak when paddling the sit-on-top ocean kayaks for rent on island. Still good fun though.

Dr. Bill: would I have better luck seeing a sea bass in the deeper portions of the dive park, or diving off one of the charter boats?

 

[socaldiver]

Got a somewhat early boat over to Avalon on Sat - 9/3. Hope to get in a couple of dives.

Taking visiting fam members over to do the tourist thing and since not certified hope to do the "discover scuba" with CDS.

 

[Frank O]

I haven't been to Two Harbors since I was in the Boy Scouts, it was a stop on the way to the old Cherry Valley scout camp. Is the only way there (Two harbors) by boat?

No, I believe you can get there overland from Avalon via the Safari Bus.

 

[drbill]

Slingshot- best bet is to dive with one of the charter boats. I go with the King Neptune (Scuba Luv). Just ask if they are going to Italian Gardens that day. You're almost guaranteed seeing one. I saw 10 there on my brief (30 min) dive due to camera problems, and they were all in one area. Other divers elsewhere saw other BSB's.