San Diego Area dives

[Turtle_sc]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post, but I'm heading out to San Diego on business travel from 23 Jan - 19 Feb and was hoping to get a dive or two in. Do you guys/gals have any good shops/charters to look at going out with? I won't have any gear with me so I will have to rent everything except mask. I am a pretty new diver, only 6 total dives (4 in Charleston SC and 2 in Cozumel). Is it too cold this time of year without a dry suit? Just curious and trying to get some feedback before I head out...Thanks,
Mike

 

[Selchie in LB]

Hi Turtle I'm in the LA area, but check out California Diving News online: California Diving News - The Premier Website for California Divers
Yes you will need a wetsuit! a 7mm gloves and hood should be fine. There are some great charters to the Yukon and other sites, but these are deep dives 85-110'. I have yet to do them. If you travel up north a bit you can get out to Catalina Island for some shore diving at the park. The one catch for this is whether the shop on the island is open. I have read on the board here there is plenty of good diving in La Jolla, much closer to you in San Diego.

Good Luck I am sure you will get responses.

 

[H2Ocean]

keep an eye on the current beach closures from the massive sewage spill in san diego

 

[stanky1]

Sewage spill is near the border at Imperial Beach. Not much in the way of diving there.

Right now the surf is huge so you can forget about shore dives, especially if you are not experienced. About the only decent visibility now will be found deep. Again, not good for anyone without a bit of experience. Furthermore, water temps are cold right now, about 55 degrees at the surface and deep diving will get COLDER.

You will be here for awhile, so be patient while the conditions improve. It will still be cold but the surf will settle down, and the vis will get better.

There are several good dive shops with rental gear, so you should narrow your search to the area of San Diego that will be home base for you.

 

[on_two_wheels]

Given the dive count, you might want to start contacting dive shops in the area and hire a DM to dive with you. Considering your dive history, even dives of 30 fsw here shouldn't be taken lightly. Nothing to be afraid of, just respected. There are situations you will likely encounter here you haven't experienced in your first 6 dives. A divemaster will certainly prove worthwhile in your case.

 

[JTinSD]

Power Scuba is a free meet-up group in San Diego. They usually have a weekly shore dive in La Jolla, and there are also occasional boat charters. I suggest joining on line at the link and posting your details. You should get helpful responses and offers to join in some dives. It doesn't cost anything.

It's an especially good group for beginners and visitors or those new to the area, and has events that are geared to experienced and advanced divers as well.

If you decide to dive here at your experience level you really need a guide or divemaster or at least a local willing to accompany you, as posted already. You don't have the experience necessary to dive the sites charters go to here without an escort of some kind, IMO. Experience here is counted in terms of cold water dives, less than 60F.

Cold Water Diving is a good description on one of the charter sites of what to expect. Any of the charters can provide a qualified DM/guide for a fee.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

La Jolla Cove makes a great beach dive. Scuba Diving in San Diego - La Jolla Cove
Get there early in the day since parking can be an issue. You can dive in a wetsuit and be warm enough for a dive or two.

 

[mselenaous]

SoCal, "B E A utiful" diving. Do check out California Diving News for all the local info, shops, charter boats, etc. California Diving News - The Premier Website for California Divers

Don't miss the Yukon & the Ruby E in San Diego if possible, but they are deeper more challenging dives. A dive guide on those dives is highly recommended with your novice experience level. That being said, those dives have been my coldest ever dives @ 51 deg. Wasn't as much fun in a 2pc 7mm suit, but much better the next time in my drysuit.

OTOH, The Casino Point dive park at Avalon on Catalina Island is certainly alot easier diving (many OW classes dive there). The park waters tend to be at least 10 deg warmer than San Diego water (something to do with currents) There is a dive op right in the park for gear rental. www.catalinadiverssupply.com
Take a ferry to the island, walk around the harbor to Casino Point. You'll have an awesome day. The kelp forrests are phenomenal and not to be missed. Oh, and if you head over to Casino Point, shoot DrBill here on SB a PM and he'll probably come out to greet you.

When you make your plans, post them and maybe a few Scubaboarders will come out to join you. We are a friendly bunch... :wavey:

Have a blast and safe diving!