Just returned home late last night, Sunday, and saw your response. I ended up using Malcom, an independent DM operating off the beach at Crystal Cove. He is a no-frills operation, not affiliated with the Yellow Fin dive shop in the Crystal Cove. He was good. He has a small speedboat, nothing fancy -just water, good service, no snacks. He includes with his package divers a CD of videos and stills he takes of them while they dive -nice touch. He's good pre-dive, during the dive, and post dive. Because his operation is small, a cell phone and a boat, his rates were the best I found, $US300 for a six-dive, or more, package with one's own gear. For fewer than six dives, his rates are $US55 if one has own equipment.
If I get back there, I'll contact you. Since I got married down there on this trip, I will probably get back, but when...?
Mike J.