Questions about San Diego diving

[Ed Marshall]

I'll be visiting San Diego from Austin, Texas in August 2006 and would like to dive. I checked the sticky and noted the information on La Jolla Cove. Is shore diving the norm there or do dive boats operate in the area? Are there any other locations that are recommended? I don't think I'll have time to dive Catalina Island, so I'm really just thinking San Diego County.

What will the water temperature be in August? I grew up in San Diego and remember the water being cold in general but warmer in August and September. Should I expect 60 degrees? 65 degrees? 70 degrees? Is there a significant thermocline? And assuming the water is in the 60-70 degree range, is a 7mm wetsuit sufficient?

Thanks in advance for any answers you can provide me!

Ed

 

[wetrat]

Hi Ed,

We do both shore and boat diving here in San Diego. :14: For a wealth of shore diving information in San Diego check out the Divebums site. Diver central is the La Jolla Shores area. We boat dive mostly at wreck alley, the Point Loma kelp beds, and the Coronado Islands. Personally, I think you'd really enjoy a half day trip to the Coronados. Visibility tends to be a little better than shore diving and there is a good chance you will get an underwater sea lion or seal show. Wreck alley is great too, if you're up for it. Those dives are a little deeper and a little colder. For boat dives, try Dive Connections, Dive Bliss or the Lois Ann.

Sea surface temperature in August averages 68F. At depth, I would plan for it to be about five degrees cooler. Most of us dive in 7mm suits year round, with a hood, gloves and booties too. Have fun and let us know if you have any other questions, OK?

 

[Ed Marshall]

Wow -- thanks for those links. I didn't know there was so much to dive in San Diego.

Ed