looking for assistance planning a dive trip

[eab]

Greetings from Massachusetts!

Some of the folks at my LDS have expressed interest in diving the kelp forests. They're all pretty much spoiled, and will only do boat dives.

So ... if you were planning an extended weekend trip in late August/early September, what would you recommend in terms of:

- city (Monterey, Carmel, ??)
- dive ops
- dve sites
- hotels

Also, please confirm that your water temps are about the same as ours, roughly 50 degrees?

Thanks tons!
Eileen

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

I'd go for later in that period. The summer green goes
away about that time, and the later you come the more
likely it will be gone.

There's a complete (I think) list of Monterey dive boats
and dive shops at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ba_diving/links
And if you drill down in the files section, there's a section
for the new-to-Monterey diver.

Dive sites: Leave to the boat captain to pick based on
conditions and your skills.

Hotels: The Lone Oak has a reputation for being diver
friendly, and I'd agree. They have rinse tanks, racks
to hang your gear, and hooks outside each room to hang
your suit. Be sure to tell them you are a diver -- they
have a discount.

Water temp is typically 50 degrees (I had 46 on Sunday,
but it will warm a bit as summer goes on). The
regulars mostly wear drysuits.

 

[eab]

There's a complete (I think) list of Monterey dive boats
and dive shops at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ba_diving/links
And if you drill down in the files section, there's a section
for the new-to-Monterey diver.

I'll hunt that down and check out your hotel suggestion.

Unfortunately dry suits aren't an option for some of us, but I will make note of the temps.

Would late September be better than earlier? Would the water temps be about the same then?

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Late September would be a better bet than early.

Water temps might even be a smidge warmer (a degree).
Coldest is April and May (cold water is hanging around
longer than usual this year).

I forgot to mention that hotel rates are higher before
labor day, and on major event (concourse, big race at
Laguna, and a couple of other things) weekends.

 

[--tom--]

I'm going to assume that the group will fly into a major airport (San Jose or San Francisco) and rent a car. If that is the case, about 15 minutes North of Monterey is the town of Marina which has several motels that are a bit cheaper than Monterey, Carmel or Pacific Grove. (Super 8, Motel 6, Comfort Inn plus others). The water temp this past weekend was 54 degrees at 40fsw, 48 degrees at 108fsw. There is no kelp at 100 ft, but the dive was awesome. More details if you wish.

I dove off of the Cypress Sea (http://www.cypresscharters.com), they don't schedule dives every day, but they have been flexible. If you prefer to talk to someone, talk to Frank at the posted number, he's been in the business around here for at least thirty years, hard to beat that experience.

September is a little warmer and the kelp canopy is typically fairly thick still.

If you come, don't forget that there is a great aquarium in Monterey, I like to dive in the morning and spend the afternoon in the aquarium to help identify what I've seen.

Good diving.

 

[coreypenrose]

Lots of good information already in this thread, but here's a few thoughts. If you want to find a budget hotel, www.orbitz.com is probably the best place to start. Most of the major chains, motel 6, Travelodge, Econolodge, ect, are all covered and are readily available in Monterey.

If you really want to make this a nice vacation, and don't mind spending a little money, look into www.montereybayinn.com. I've stayed here a few times and it's very nice. Most of the rooms have nice views of the ocean and the high-end rooms are close enough to the kelp beds for you to sit and watch the sea otters with a pair of binoculars.

If you really want to spend some money, click here. I can’t vouch for some of these hotels, but they’re very nice.

 

[coreypenrose]

I forgot to mention that hotel rates are higher before
labor day, and on major event (concourse, big race at
Laguna, and a couple of other things) weekends.

Yeah Chuck's not kidding here. Monterey hotels on many Summer weekends run for 2-3 times as much as San Francisco hotels. Most 2 star hotels on weekends in Monterey go for 150-250 dollars. During the winter, these same hotels go for about 50-75 dollars.

 

[abdiver]

If you want to dive kelp forrests go to the Channel Islands the water is warmer and the vis is better. Warning its still California and it can always be blown out. I have never had a bad experiance with any charter boat down there.

Greetings from Massachusetts!

Some of the folks at my LDS have expressed interest in diving the kelp forests. They're all pretty much spoiled, and will only do boat dives.

So ... if you were planning an extended weekend trip in late August/early September, what would you recommend in terms of:

- city (Monterey, Carmel, ??)
- dive ops
- dve sites
- hotels

Also, please confirm that your water temps are about the same as ours, roughly 50 degrees?

Thanks tons!
Eileen

 

[coreypenrose]

The Channel Islands are four-five hours south of Monterey and can only be reached by a 90 minute boat ride (at the very least). Also, for what it’s worth, I’ve seen high 40’s in the Northern Islands and 5 feet of vis.

 

[eab]

Thanks to all for the suggestions and alternatives.

I hope to make it there soon!

Eileen