Monterey vs San Diego Diving

[DiverGC]

Hi all,

I current live in NorCal and dive Monterey regularly. I will be visiting San Diego for Christmas and am wondering if I should try to squeeze a few dives in. I'm not sure how San Diego differs. I enjoy seeing marine life, whether it's nudibranches or fishes. I'm open to shore and boat dives. Would the kelp dives be different or better than what I see in Monterey? Are the La Jolla Shores and Coves unique to SD? Should I consider a trip to the Coronados Islands or Wreck Alley?

Thanks in Advance,
DiverGC

 

[3D diver]

Garibaldi, Lobsters & bigger Octopus!

Winter storms may keep you ashore, though, as the entries are rougher than most NorCal sites (except for Monestery).

I was down there a few weeks ago, but couldn't dive 'cause of the high surf that's been keeping us on-shore up here too.

Only did shore dives when I lived there, so someone else will have to comment about that. They started sinking wrecks for divers right around the time I moved north.

 

[cmrangel]

There are a lot of good boats here as well. If you are interested in marine life, I would suggest a bot dive to Point Loma kelp beds. Several boats go there, Lois Ann dive charters, the Marissa, Waterhorse. All good and close to the same price. The kelp is not in its full glory but is starting to come back. Power scuba has a meetup (and a forum here) that you can check out for dive buddies at the shores or cove.

 

[DiverGC]

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to reserve a boat trip and cross my fingers that enough people book.