San Francisco Diving?

[SailNaked]

I will be in SF July 22 (TH) and could dive Friday & Sat, will have a car what is a poor diver to do? Do the seals bite? do I need a boat operator? should I drive someplace? how much rubber do I need? Help a dude out.

 

[mdb]

SailNaked:

Welcome to the bay area, check out the NorCal forum to find more info. IMO best bet would be Monterey 155 miles south, a little over a 2 hr. drive. This deep bay has lots of Marine life and several great shore diving sites. Boat trips are available. There are several good local dive stores with rental gear. A 7mm FJ suit w/hood and boots would be a wise choice.

I'm sure others will chime in. You are in for some world class diving.

 

[dannobee]

Head to Monterey. It's about 100 miles South, but well worth the drive. I could likely get you on a private dive boat for even better diving in Carmel.

You'll need either a drysuit (preferred) or 7mm full suit and hooded vest. If you end up doing a boat dive, you'll need a jacket for the SI's, too.

 

[SailNaked]

Wife wants to drive Hwy 1 so Monterey it is, What is the actual water temp? I have a semi-dry 6.5mm good to about 60° but wife is going to have to rent. we have no Dry suit experience but I suppose someone could get us edijumacated quickly. might have 3 divers but definitely 2.

 

[aquaregia]

Usually low 50s (52-54). I've read as low as 46F at depth in Carmel. It's cold in a 7mm onepiece, but manageable.

 

[dannobee]

Monterey (the shore diving spots) will likely be 50ish at depth, give or take a degree.

Carmel will likely be 46-48 degrees at depth, depending on a few factors.

 

[Farty]

Usually low 50s (52-54). I've read as low as 46F at depth in Carmel. It's cold in a 7mm onepiece, but manageable.

eeeh, you just need to kick really fast to get warm or carry a thermos and poor the hot water in your wetsuit 60ft under (works like a charm)

We got 46F in Carmel Meadows on Tuesday, it's on the coldish side. Viz was around 30 feet in both Carmel Meadows and South Monastery.