San Diego here I come....

[JRO]

Hi all,

Heading out for a two day conference in San Diego for Oct 18+19. I'm thinking of adding on a few days (maybe a week) to do some diving.

I was wondering how the diving is this time of year and what some of the better operators were (really want to make sure there are some good local DM's for hire as guides as I will be solo). I've heard amazing things about the sea lions around the Coronado Islands and would really enjoy hearing about some of the other treasures SD has out there.

Thanks for the help,

Jeff

 

[Blackwood]

La Jolla Cove would be a great first dive to get you acclimated to the temperatures. Hopping on the Express out of Dana Point to Catalina and diving the park is also highly recommended.

As for San Diego operators, I've been out with and like the Marissa, The Humbolt and the Lois Ann. My favorite operator is the Goby, but it's a six pack that probably doesn't fit your requirements.

 

[Michael Kazma]

What is your certification and experience and what sort of dives are you looking for: wreck, kelp...?

The Marissa is the best boat in SD and has great DMs. I would also be happy to be a guide for you. Take a look on my site Ocean Explorers

 

[on_two_wheels]

Heck with a dive guid...once ya have dates established, post on here. You'll probably be able to get a reputable diver to join ya just for fun. I did that with a guy visiting from Greece and, other than his sea sickness, we had a GREAT time. If you're come early, I'll join you. I'm off that weekend (15-17 Oct).

 

[UnderwaterBumbleBee]

Does everyone dive dry suits in SD or would a 7mil wetsuit work? I froze my butt off in Cabo last month in a 3 mil at around 68-70degree temps. My sisters going to be moving to San Diego so I figure I might have to check out the diving!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Does everyone dive dry suits in SD or would a 7mil wetsuit work? I froze my butt off in Cabo last month in a 3 mil at around 68-70degree temps. My sisters going to be moving to San Diego so I figure I might have to check out the diving!

@UnderwaterBumbleBee: Not everyone dives in a drysuit here in SD.
Expect bottom temps to be in the low-to-mid 50s (°F) in the winter and mid-to-high 50s in the summer. Typically, there is no significant thermocline in the winter but there is one in the summer. Strangely enough, this was one of those summers with "winter" water temps.

Wear whatever exposure protection you think you'll need to conduct your kind of dives.

The majority of SD divers use a 7mm wetsuit alone, 7mm + 3mm hooded vest, or a drysuit with appropriate undergarments. Drysuits make it possible to do repetitive dives and chilly night dives...any time of the year. A lot of the experienced divers have a drysuit. It's pretty convenient that DUI is based locally.

I highly recommend a thick hood and at least 3mm gloves.

Hope this info helps...

 

[on_two_wheels]

Well, you wouldn't be doing the yukon in just a 7mm. I did it in a 7mm AND 3mm vest and was cold the rest of the day. For typical recreational dives, a 7mm will suffice but add a 3mm vest and you'll be warm enough for a 3 tank boat.

Personally, I wear a 5mm hood min and 5mm gloves with my drysuit. I'm a wimp in the cold. Eventually I'll just get dry gloves.

 

[Piccola]

I just happened into this thread but had to chuckle. I guess what to wear is all relative. I did the yukon in January wearing my usual 5/4 MM wetsuit . I am used to colder waters and usually seem to be lighter dressed than the locals when I travel to different waters.

 

[scubadada]

I'm only an occasional visitor to San Diego with 31 dives over 4 years. If I were a regular diver, I'm sure I would dive a drysuit. As a visitor, I dive a full 7 mm with a hooded vest, good gloves and booties. I'm perfectly fine down to the regular bottom temps of the low 50's and do 4 dives per day. On a few occassions, the temps have been in the high 40's and I have gotten cold at the end of dives and bailed on an afternoon once.

I dived off Cape Ann, MA early in Sept with similar temps (see Northeast diving report). 1st 2 dives were in high 40s, 2nd two in mid 50's. It was fine for one day of fun diving but I'm really considering a drysuit purchase for these trips.

Good diving, Craig

 

[fnfalman]

I've done the Yukon & Ruby-E with my 1-pc 7mm wetsuit. Then finish it off at the kelp forest.

I've dived all over SoCal at depth up to maximum rec depth year round with but my trusty 7mm wetsuit.

It's all about tolerance for cold. Hell, the infamous Dr. Bill was diving with a shorty in Catalina for years.