San Diego diving

[mudchick]

My husband and I would like to go diving in San Diego the second week in August. Priority is the kelp beds. Can anyone recommend good dive boats/shops to use for this trip? I've googled and found some places online but that doesn't tell me if they're good and safe and a quality operation so I'd like to get divers' opinions and experiences.

Thanks.

 

[Glycerin]

Although I haven't personally dove with them I have heard a lot of good things about the Lois Ann. Looks like they're going to the Kelp on the 8th

http://www.loisann.com/schedule 1.html

 

[Dive-aholic]

We've been diving on the Dive Bliss. Great captain and operation.

 

[divinman]

Just as an aside.....you realize that SD diving may not be the valet style operation you may have gotten in the tropics? No dive master in the water unless you hire one. Minimal amenities on the boats unless you are on a live aboard style.

That said, the Lois Ann is a great boat and I have heard nothing but good things about the Bliss operation.

 

[JodiBB]

I've been on the HydroDiver....it's a 6-pack and amenities are bare, but the Captain is also the DM and the galley staff, but he is wonderful and willing to go out of his way to make your trip a pleasure! We had a great time with him!!

 

[mudchick]

Just as an aside.....you realize that SD diving may not be the valet style operation you may have gotten in the tropics? No dive master in the water unless you hire one. Minimal amenities on the boats unless you are on a live aboard style.

Have dove similar situation many times in San Carlos Mx. Set your own gear, watch your compass, etc. I think that's half the fun and keeps me from getting spoiled and lazy.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Seawitch2]

I'll be in SD at the end of September in business, and I would like to dive while I am there. How are the water temperatures during that time of the year. Is a drysuit a must have? Thanks.

 

[wetrat]

I'll be in SD at the end of September in business, and I would like to dive while I am there. How are the water temperatures during that time of the year. Is a drysuit a must have? Thanks.

Average surface temp at the end of Scripps Pier in San Diego on September 30 is 66F. It'll be low to mid 50s at depth. Although a drysuit would be nice, most divers in SD dive with 7mm wetsuits, hood, gloves and booties.

 

[riguerin]

Average surface temp at the end of Scripps Pier in San Diego on September 30 is 66F. It'll be low to mid 50s at depth. Although a drysuit would be nice, most divers in SD dive with 7mm wetsuits, hood, gloves and booties.

John, this year is totally whacked ! Recent surface temps in OC/SD have been between 70-80+F. As you know, I'm a regular surfer at Trestles. In my 40+ years, I have never remembered a summer as warm as this ... we've been trunking it (even at 6 AM) for the past several weeks. I live close enough to the ocean to not need AC ... the past few weeks have seriously made me reconsider, however. With the recent tropical conditions that we've had, the locals have been jokingly referring to SC as "Nuevo Hawaii".

As far as diving goes, OC is still seeing temps in the low-mid 60's@ depth. We had ~58F at depth (102 fsw) on the Yukon, the the other day. I'm still diving dry (and loving it). However, I agree ... current temps are perfectly suitable for 7 mm.

 

[wetrat]

Hey Rick, ya know you're right! Today at La Jolla Shores, it was 60F at 75 feet, and 72F at the surface. That's weird! So you feel these warm temps will hold through September? I was thinking it might be just a short-lived phenomena.

John