San Diego diving?

[lovemydives]

Hi all-

I'm a recently AOW cert. diver and will be taking a long weekend trip over Thanksgiving to San Diego. I'd like to get a quick dive in while I'm there, but am a little apprehensive about diving in the Pacific. I have not had to deal with current in any of my dives, but I have been in water about 55 degrees. (I'm from Illinois)

My question is: can anyone give me advice on a relatively "easy" dive that I can do while I'm there--or, is this a good time of the year to dive in S.D.? What conditions can I expect?

Thanks!

 

[jrs_diesel]

I used to live there and the water is cold year round. between 65 (summer) to 50-55 (winter). Lots of kelp forests to check out. I've never dove any of them, I didn't get OW cert until after transferred out of San Diego.

 

[dolbersen]

La Jolla Shores is the easiest dive in San Diego if you're in to shore diving. There's a canyon that just about everybody (aside from the OW students) goes to play in.

There's also some decent wrecks that you can charter a boat to dive. My favorites so far are the Ruby E and HMS Yukon. There's also the NOSC Tower which is a pretty easy dive maxing out at 60 fsw.

The visibility is pretty hit-and-miss, 40 ft. is AMAZING :11: 10 - 20 ft is average. The water on the surface varies as has been mentioned but at depth (below 60 fsw) it's usually around 50F.

Current isn't an issue at La Jolla Shores most of the time. The wrecks tend to be OK, but it comes and goes. Surge is an issue at La Jolla cove most of the time.

There's a great local dive site and mailing list -- divebums.com. They've also got a list of dive sites in the area.

 

[TeqP]

I dove the Ruby E (80') last Saturday. The viz was 10-15' with 51/52F at depth for two dives. Current was noticeable but not bad, IMO. I have been to La Jolla Shores as well and the conditions were much better. It was a easy beach dive but also deeper than 80'.
I did my boat dive with DCI (www.gottadive.com). They have a trip to the kelp forest as well, which may be better for you (not knowing you comfort level for deeper dives).
Also, go to the SoCal section on scubaboard and people that live in San Diego will be able to assist you. Who knows they may even join you for a dive a two.

Enjoy you trip and dives.

 

[MissyP]

Also, go to the SoCal section on scubaboard and people that live in San Diego will be able to assist you. Who knows they may even join you for a dive a two.

Enjoy you trip and dives.

http://www.scubaboard.com/f88-socal.html here's the link for SoCal.

Easiest dives would be La Jolla Shores, or Catalina (if you don't mind the drive to Dana Point to catch the ferry).

 

[bruce90292]

I would stay away from Get Wet Scuba in San Diego. They booked a trip for me that was cancelled w/out anyone telling me. I showed up at the dock for a trip that didn't exist.

 

[divinman]

Hell! If I am in town I will dive with you at the shores. Just checked and I have 137 "logged" dives at La Jolla. I still go back a couple days a week when I can. It's not Caribbean diving but then again, it's SoCal. If you can do 50's in Illinois, you can do 50's here. Shoot me a PM when the date gets near and we will put something together.

Terry

 

[ScubaSeanMaui]

Good job Terry! The Shores is a great place to dive. Prepare to have fun!!


Sean