November conditions around San Diego?

[MarkH]

I'm going to be in San Diego for a weekend in mid-November. What are the swells like for boat charters that time of year. Is there much of a chance of trips being cancelled? What about conditions at a shore dive like La Jolla? Vis? Swell? From research on the net, there seems to be a dive shop near the beach at La Jolla. Is it reasonable to assume I can take a cab to the shop, rent a tank, gear up, walk to the beach and have a dive or is it too far? Thanks.

 

[MissyP]

I'm going to be in San Diego for a weekend in mid-November. What are the swells like for boat charters that time of year. Is there much of a chance of trips being cancelled? What about conditions at a shore dive like La Jolla? Vis? Swell? From research on the net, there seems to be a dive shop near the beach at La Jolla. Is it reasonable to assume I can take a cab to the shop, rent a tank, gear up, walk to the beach and have a dive or is it too far? Thanks.

Ok since nobody else tackled this one, here goes.... Typically the swells in Nov. are still reasonable.. our winter storms dont really start brewing until January, but there's no guarantee that we wont get some early storms blowing in....
Its not too often that the boats cancel trips, so I think your chances are quite good..
For a shore dive, once again conditions should be good unless we get something blowing in.. Here in SD, we dive all year long- there is no "dive season", so that should tell you something..

Yes there is a dive shop just about 1-2 blocks from La Jolla Shores- you won't need a cab, its walking distance.
Your best bet is to ask one of us locals to show you the ropes...... Let me know when you'll be here and we'll try to set something up. Hows that?

 

[dpbishop]

What MissyP said. Your best bet is probably a boat trip to the Coronados Islands, the lee side is usually sheltered from the NW swells we get in winter. Vis usually stays good on the Yukon too. La Jolla Shores is the only spot that is walking distance from a dive shop and usually has the best viz, but if you're renting a car there a number of shore dives that can be very rewarding if the viz is 15 - 20'. Check out Scuba Shore Diving Site Listing for: California South, USA West for some suggestions.

 

[river_sand_bar]

And just as a side thought, be ready for a little chill... November is when the water starts to drop, so dont be surprised if the temp is in the low 50's.... but that also means, thats when it gets really clear too.