So. California Area Dive Sites and Shops

[emkeanesr]

I know it is still a long ways off but, I am new to diving (<20 dives) and will be traveling to San Diego in July '09 for 10 days and I wanted to pre-plan as much as possible. I prefer not to go more than 50 miles via car from San Diego. A couple questions:

What Dive Sites do you think should not be missed during my time there?

What dive shops do you recommend in the area?

I would like to dive at least 7 days while there, what sort of itinerary do you recommend? I am visiting family so, I need to return each day.

Do you think a 7mm Henderson Insta-Dry (Full Suit) is okay? If not, what do you recommend?


Thanks for your help!!Ed

 

[robint]

there is a Forum for So Calif where you can get lots of good answers. I haven't been to San Diego yet but we dive every summer out of LA or Ventura areas to Channel Islands. Check out my videos. I would recommend you do a few days diving in San Diego, but that you also move up north to LA or Ventura to dive Catalina or No. Channel Islands - all very different and good.

Besides the Calif Forum here on SB, check out these boats in San Diego:
Waterhorse Charters - San Diego Scuba Dive Boat Charters
San Diego Lois Ann Dive Charters Home Page,San Diego California,
San Diego Marissa Dive Boats,Dive Charters Home Page

in LA:
Southern California Scuba Diving - Great Escape Dive Boat

in Ventura:
Peace Dive Boat Calendar
Diving Scuba Vacation, Channel Islands, California

robin

 

[Teamcasa]

I know it is still a long ways off but, I am new to diving (<20 dives) and will be traveling to San Diego in July '09 for 10 days and I wanted to pre-plan as much as possible. I prefer not to go more than 50 miles via car from San Diego. A couple questions:

What Dive Sites do you think should not be missed during my time there?

What dive shops do you recommend in the area?

I would like to dive at least 7 days while there, what sort of itinerary do you recommend? I am visiting family so, I need to return each day.

Do you think a 7mm Henderson Insta-Dry (Full Suit) is okay? If not, what do you recommend?


Thanks for your help!!Ed

Contact the Lois Ann for really good San Diego diving by boat. Other boat ops here California Dive Boats : The Official Page

Given your restriction of 50 miles, LaJolla is max North but the diving there is good! (shore/beach diving) You may also want to check out, The Coronado islands (via the Loia Ann and La Bufadora in Mexico as well.

 

[Pacific Taco]

You're going to love it! Diving in SD County is great and La Jolla should be one of your stops. The canyon has a few great shore dives with some fun walls and reef/kelp areas. Surf should be small in July, too.

Don't miss out on some of the lesser-known dives, though. Cardiff (about 5 miles north of LJ) has a kicking reef with some great corals and lots of life. Tamarack in Carlsbad is only about 15' deep but a very healthy kelp forest.

I dive on the Humboldt out of Waterhorse charters quite a bit - terrific boat with a hot shower, hot food and the fastest boat in the SD dive fleet but a wide margin. The guys there are great and very helpful - check them out at Waterhorse Charters - San Diego Scuba Dive Boat Charters

Dive shops: OEX has two locations, one right at the beach in La Jolla and one in Oceanside. OE Express Dive Shop

Post up closer to your trip and we can fill you in on our dive club dives that week. (we're on meetup.com as "dive trippers")

 

[dwaters]

Ed, alot of good info to start you off. robint mentions my favorite 3 boats out of SD and there is
plenty to keep you busy for beach dives. Please drop in to say howdy few weeks before you show up here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/socal/ and hopefully one or a half of a dozen "kelp divers" or "beach crabs" can join in your fun.

 

[emkeanesr]

Thanks to all for your ideas!!

 

[D_B]

Depending on your training and comfort level, I would try to get a dive in on the kelp forests ... pretty awesom and unique
Coronado Islands can be quit fun and sometimes sea lions play with you