Need some logistic suggestions: LAX to Great Escape Boat

[DandyDon]

(I used to think that this forum was for locals only, but the new SB layout seems to suggest we all post our Southern California diving ideas and questions here? Hope I'm not intruding...?!)

Divers from my side of the Rockies generally don't even think about flying west to dive California, but I've done it a couple of times, and I've really enjoyed my Catalina Dives. Looking for something to do Memorial Day Weekend, and seraching California Dive Boats, I learned that The Great Escape is doing "Memorial Day San Clemente Reefs Special:
9 Fathoms Reef / 5 Fathoms Reef / Castle Rock
Swiss Cheese Reef / China Point"

http://www.diveboat.com/

Everything I've read on SB about the boat and captain sounds great. I spoke with the nice lady sponsoring the boat for the weekend, about the diving, the group (grownups only, and no students), low prices, etc, and I'm really looking forward to this trip. Looks like there'll be a few of us from SB (I've made some great friendships here) meeting up at LAX and taking the Super Shuttle down. I understand that the captain can rent us tanks and weights for the weekend (very cheaply), so if we fly in with all of our other gear, clothes, and some sheets or a sleeping bag, it seems like the rest of our needs will be provided for. I guess we'll need to book a hotel nearby for the first night back, before flying home the next morning - at least 18 hours after the last dive, if not longer.

Wonder if any of you local divers could give us any suggestions?

She currenetly has about 15 slots open, if anyone else is interested...

thanks! don

 

[Mo2vation]

(I used to think that this forum was for locals only, but the new SB layout seems to suggest we all post our Southern California diving ideas and questions here? Hope I'm not intruding...?!)

Divers from my side of the Rockies generally don't even think about flying west to dive California, but I've done it a couple of times, and I've really enjoyed my Catalina Dives. Looking for something to do Memorial Day Weekend, and seraching California Dive Boats, I learned that The Great Escape is doing "Memorial Day San Clemente Reefs Special:
9 Fathoms Reef / 5 Fathoms Reef / Castle Rock
Swiss Cheese Reef / China Point"

http://www.diveboat.com/

Everything I've read on SB about the boat and captain sounds great. I spoke with the nice lady sponsoring the boat for the weekend, about the diving, the group (grownups only, and no students), low prices, etc, and I'm really looking forward to this trip. Looks like there'll be a few of us from SB (I've made some great friendships here) meeting up at LAX and taking the Super Shuttle down. I understand that the captain can rent us tanks and weights for the weekend (very cheaply), so if we fly in with all of our other gear, clothes, and some sheets or a sleeping bag, it seems like the rest of our needs will be provided for. I guess we'll need to book a hotel nearby for the first night back, before flying home the next morning - at least 18 hours after the last dive, if not longer.

Wonder if any of you local divers could give us any suggestions?

She currenetly has about 15 slots open, if anyone else is interested...

thanks! don

Nice boat, cool hang. Are you looking for Hotel suggestions in the LB area? There are many there. If I misread the request, lemmie know. You'll like the trip.

K

 

[DandyDon]

Nice boat, cool hang. Are you looking for Hotel suggestions in the LB area? There are many there. If I misread the request, lemmie know. You'll like the trip.

K

Hey, thanks! Looks like there'll be little to work out? S-Shuttle to LB, rent tanks from Captain, hotel afterwards, S-Shuttle back.

I thought that Esther said it was BYO after dive brews, but the Captain's wife said he sell beer on board? And such a small detail. Anyway...

(1) Yes, any hotel suggestions; and

(2) Any others.

again, thanks - don

 

[kelpmermaid]

If you are staying in Long Beach post-trip, you might want to check out the Aquarium of the Pacific. It could be nuts on a holiday weekend, though...

He does sell beer (at the end of the dive day) on day trips, but I haven't done a multi-day trip, so that may be different.

So, has Tim gotten married?

 

[DandyDon]

If you are staying in Long Beach post-trip, you might want to check out the Aquarium of the Pacific. It could be nuts on a holiday weekend, though...

He does sell beer (at the end of the dive day) on day trips, but I haven't done a multi-day trip, so that may be different.

So, has Tim gotten married?

My assumption - that I was talking to Mrs.Tim. :ne_nau: For all I know, Maid, he's still available...? :wub:

Good reminder on the Aquarium! Took my daughter's family there summer before last. Certainly a nice one.

don

 

[GotAir]

Last year is behind me now and this year looks like a Great one for Diving !!!. I think I'll be able to make your trip. Sounds Fun

Mike

 

[ABQdiver]

Don and I have traded multiple PMs about this, but I will "publicly" throw my hat into the ring.

I love the Island diving and San Clemente is some of the best. The spots that will be visited I have not seen and am looking forward to diving.

Count me in....

 

[MHK]

(I used to think that this forum was for locals only, but the new SB layout seems to suggest we all post our Southern California diving ideas and questions here? Hope I'm not intruding...?!)

Divers from my side of the Rockies generally don't even think about flying west to dive California, but I've done it a couple of times, and I've really enjoyed my Catalina Dives. Looking for something to do Memorial Day Weekend, and seraching California Dive Boats, I learned that The Great Escape is doing "Memorial Day San Clemente Reefs Special:
9 Fathoms Reef / 5 Fathoms Reef / Castle Rock
Swiss Cheese Reef / China Point"

http://www.diveboat.com/

Everything I've read on SB about the boat and captain sounds great. I spoke with the nice lady sponsoring the boat for the weekend, about the diving, the group (grownups only, and no students), low prices, etc, and I'm really looking forward to this trip. Looks like there'll be a few of us from SB (I've made some great friendships here) meeting up at LAX and taking the Super Shuttle down. I understand that the captain can rent us tanks and weights for the weekend (very cheaply), so if we fly in with all of our other gear, clothes, and some sheets or a sleeping bag, it seems like the rest of our needs will be provided for. I guess we'll need to book a hotel nearby for the first night back, before flying home the next morning - at least 18 hours after the last dive, if not longer.

Wonder if any of you local divers could give us any suggestions?

She currenetly has about 15 slots open, if anyone else is interested...

thanks! don

I've done 100's and 100's of trips with Tim. The Great Escape is my favorite boat in the fleet and Tim is the best skipper in town. The way Tim runs trips are a combination of either a dive shop or club can charter the boat, in which case you would have to book through the shop or club that has the charter. Or Tim runs open boats meaning that you would need to go directly to Tim to book. As you noted see www.diveboat.com for all contact and sign up info.

To answer your question(s), Tim will gladly provide tank and weightbelt but since 99.9% of the people that normally use his boat are locals, you need to know that tank and weighbelts aren't part of the normal routine in SoCal, so you need to make arrangements ahead of time. He'll have no problem getting you squared away, but do NOT show up and assume that tanks and weightbelts are available like many spots like Cayman, Hawaii et. al.

Also, Tim does sell beer but he has a strick rule, which should be obvious, but it's goes the second you open your beer you are done diving for the day. On Multi-day trips we usually do one or two dives after dinner so if you plan on beer or wine at dinner your night diving is over.

Let me know if you have additional questions as I used to crew and DM that boat so I can pretty much answer any question you have. I highly recommend the Great Escape!!!!

Have fun..

PS. Tim isn't married it's likely you spoke to either the person who chartrered the boat or Joy who is Tim's mom who answers the phone..

 

[DandyDon]

Especially to MKH! We certainly may be PMing you with questions. Hope you'll look over my notes here and comment...??

Okay, G-A, A-D, maybe G-G & L-G, here's what I have so far, based on us all flyng in on Friday, May 28; living on the boat and diving Saturday, Sunday, Monday; flying back Tuesday monring after 18-24 surface interval. Nitrox is not offered, so we'll have to be careful about rushing our Time To Fly intervals!!

CURRENT AIR FARES TO LOS ANGELES - LAX:
(Southwest is not quoting fares for these dates yet, so I checked on the last weekend in April.)
From:
Lubbock: Delta - $356; SWA - $318
Albuquerque: Delta - $257; SWA - $242
DFW: Delta - $345
Texarkana: Continental: $493
Little Rock: Delta: $426; SWA $314
Kansas City: Fronteir: $215;United - $230; SWA - $256

Boat, air fills, meals, soft beverages, etc.
Last year was $340; don't know yet what this year will be, with higher fuel costs, etc.

Ground Transfers to Long Beach:
(1) Super Shuttle: $27 1-way for one; $9 for each extra. RT for 3 would be $90; for 5 would be $126, etc. We have to group up before boarding.
(2) Full-size car for 4 days: $122, including taxes & fees

Tanks & weights - advance reservation required:
(1) BOAT: AL 80 cu ft - $12 for weekend, but may not have enough weights;
(2) NEARBY LDS: Steel 95s: $15 + 10 = $25 for weekend, and we have to hire a car or cab to go get them, and take them back.
(I think, let's all try to fly in 10# of lead each, and rent tanks from BOAT.)

Hotel - one night in Long Beach:
Seaport Marina, 2 stars: "Just 2 blocks from Long Beach Marina, this 240-room hotel lies close to several swimming and surfing beaches. Guestrooms with balconies or patios offer views overlooking the marina, the garden courtyard, or the pool. Located on 14 acres of marina property, the hotel is close to two major shopping areas, theaters, and restaurants."
$88 a room, including taxes, plus cab fare to hotel. (If we behave ourselves on the boat, some may offer to give us a ride??) After 3 nights on a liveaboard, I'll want a private room to clean & dry my gear & self.

Even with tips & beer, it looks like about $1,000 or less for 3 days of unlimited diving. Great deal, great recommendations, everything but dancing girls!!

And for the bit about one beer and you're thru diving for the day: I wouldn't want it any other way.

More to come soon... don