I am looking to take a dive vacation in March and was wondering if any of the local SoCal divers could give me some insite into the typical weather conditions during that time of year. I have been to Catalina during the summer but that's the extent of my SoCal diving experience. What other sites can you recommend? Is the weather in March typically good enough to allow for some good diving or can I expect to miss half my days in a week due to weather? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
In March of '07, I got in 22 local dives. The month started with a trip to Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands on the Spectre. Part of the day had hellacious winds, but the captain put us in three great protected spots and we had a blast. Water was 55F, vis was 40 to 50 feet!!! Shore dives throughout the month has 10 to 15 foot viz and 52 to 56F water temperatures. It's the end of lobster season, so there's always that to look forward to. We did a three-day trip to Casino Point, staying in Avalon, and enjoyed 10 wonderful dives in the park with 50-60 foot visibility on every single dive. THAT was beautiful. Water was 55F to 57F down to 100fsw (deepest part of the park.)
Even when the weather is frisky, the commercial dive boats can find a protected place out at the islands. It's nicer if you're diving dry, as the water is cold (expect 56 at the islands). Shore diving can be colder if it's a place with upwelling of colder waters. (52F near submarine canyons at Palos Verdes, Redondo, and Zuma)
Do you need information and locations for the SoCal dive boats? My favorite boats leave from Long Beach or Ventura, going to Catalina, or Anacapa, or Santa Cruz Islands most of the time.
If you have experience shore diving with waves, post your dates and try to link up with some locals to show you around at sites that would be a match for your experience.
There's lot's of life to enjoy in SoCal waters in March. Commercial boats almost assure you of the best possible conditions for the day. Shore diving can be unpredictable due to winds and some rain. But when it's good, it can be great.
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Claudette
