The best of California Diving... what to do..

[bigredbill]

I am looking for some advice from the collective consiousness about a trip I hope to take in June or July. I have dove all over the world in tropical locales, but have not spent any serious time diving in California. I did one dive off Avalon some years ago during a vacation with my girlfriend, but that is it.

I decided this Summer to take a long weekend and do a 3 or 4 day trip just to dive. I am a Seattle diver, so am familiar coldwater diving. What I am looking for is advice on my outfitter/dive boat and location.

I found an outfit on the web, Truth Aquatics, which does trips out to the Channel Islands. What can folks tell me about his locale and about this outfit?

My interests are photography, but I would also like to spend some time spearfishing.

So I guess I am soliciting a brain dump from those who know Cali diving well.

[/list]

1. Have a chosen a good location?
2. What type of fish do you hunt in June/July?
3. Is there spearfishing in Channel Islands?
4. What are dive conditions like in that time of year? Viz? Temp?
5. Is there a better time to plan this trip?
6. Any good/bad experiences with this outfitter?
7. Good choice for photo diving?
8. Any other things I should know?

I lived in San Diego 20 years ago, but that was B.D., so I probably missed out on some great diving. I am looking forward to coming down your direction and finding out what that California compressed air tastes like.

Sincere thanks!

 

[scubasean]

I am looking for some advice from the collective consiousness about a trip I hope to take in June or July. I have dove all over the world in tropical locales, but have not spent any serious time diving in California. I did one dive off Avalon some years ago during a vacation with my girlfriend, but that is it.

I decided this Summer to take a long weekend and do a 3 or 4 day trip just to dive. I am a Seattle diver, so am familiar coldwater diving. What I am looking for is advice on my outfitter/dive boat and location.

I found an outfit on the web, Truth Aquatics, which does trips out to the Channel Islands. What can folks tell me about his locale and about this outfit?

My interests are photography, but I would also like to spend some time spearfishing.

So I guess I am soliciting a brain dump from those who know Cali diving well.

[/list]

1. Have a chosen a good location?
2. What type of fish do you hunt in June/July?
3. Is there spearfishing in Channel Islands?
4. What are dive conditions like in that time of year? Viz? Temp?
5. Is there a better time to plan this trip?
6. Any good/bad experiences with this outfitter?
7. Good choice for photo diving?
8. Any other things I should know?

I lived in San Diego 20 years ago, but that was B.D., so I probably missed out on some great diving. I am looking forward to coming down your direction and finding out what that California compressed air tastes like.

Sincere thanks!

The Channel Islands have many good dives nearby.

Truth Aquatics is a nice outfit, and they treated me well. Many folks aboard our boat were photographers, and appreciate the special attention given to their costly gear. Only the deckhands on our boat did any spearfishing. I was offered the chance but declined. I'm sure you could do it if you wish.

As for timing, I dived with Truth last June and loved it. I was in a 7mm wetsuit and was plenty warm.

Bring earplugs for the nighttime boat-moving periods...You'll sleep better.

 

[rickyd]

I've taken 2, 4-day trips on the Conception, a Truth Aquatics boat. Both were in early August.

Great crew, great food. A scubasean said, they treat you and your equipment well. We had a lot of photographers on board, as well as hunters. I'm neither, but we hit plenty of good spots, from San Clemente Island, north to Santa Cruz Is.

As for conditions, last summer the plankton bloom was pretty bad until mid-September. We're all hoping for much better viz this summer.

 

[jlyle]

The Truth boats are great and, as a photographer/hunter, the Northern Channel Islands are the best places for you to dive in So. Cal. Make sure you bring a macro set up for the nudibranchs.

 

[saf_25]

I'm going to chime in with yet another word in support of the Truth boats. There are a lot of well-run ops out of So Cal, but they're the best I've been on. I'll be going on the Conception again this August, and already can't wait!

 

[ChrisM]

I agree, Truth fleet has the nicest boats.

My personal opinion (and it's just that) is that the Southern Channel Islands are better, but it's all good

Chris

 

[Robert Phillips]

You should definitley do the Channel Islands as most diving in So Cal is fair to poor in the summertime. The best time for SO Cal diving is from about October to March (wich almost coincides with Lobstah season!)
Good luck and godd conditions!
Robert

 

[Rick Inman]

You should definitley do the Channel Islands as most diving in So Cal is fair to poor in the summertime. The best time for SO Cal diving is from about October to March (wich almost coincides with Lobstah season!)
Good luck and godd conditions!
Robert

One thing to watch out for in October:
I booked a trip on the Truth last October and made the two day drive from Spokane, Washington, only to have them cancel the trip the day before. The reason was not enough divers to make the trip worthwhile. I wish they had given me more notice.
I was disappointed, but still ended up doing some great dives in Monterey.