Travelling to Cali in November and wanna see kelp!

[missrachelle]

Hey Everyone
So my boyfriend and I are heading to California in November. Were both keen to do a kelp forest dive, we are both fairly good divers (I am a rescue diver and he is a divemaster).
I was wondering a couple of things...
Is this the right time of year to be doing kelp diving?
What will the water temperature be like will we be ok in 7mm or will we need drysuits?
What companies can we contact to book this dive, we will on be in the area for one day?
Thanks for your help,
Chelle.

 

[diversteve]

November is a good time, the Kelp only dies off typically when the water gets warmer in summer. And only the annuals, Giant Kelp has a 7 year life.

You need to be more specific about your plans - California is a really long state. It takes between 5-8 hrs. to drive between North/South CA.

There's Kelp off Monterey - the National Marine Sanctuary is there. MBNMS: Dive in and Explore the MBNMS From SFO Intl' Monterey is about a 2 hr. drive.

Farther south off L.A. also. Palos Verdes point is one spot where it's shore accessible. Except last fall there was a sea urchin infestation there - when that happens they cut the hold-fasts and it floats away. So maybe check with a local shop before you try there. Old MarineLand There's probably other options off L.A. or north but IDK them since I don't dive there.

There's also Kelp farther south in San Diego off La Jolla Cove (longish surface swim or short boat ride) or Point Loma - by boat from San Diego Harbor. Scuba Diving at La Jolla Cove or Divebums - Point Loma Kelp Beds Divebums is a good San Diego dive resource.

And the U/W Park off Catalina Island but not really doable in one day - the Catalina Express will get you there/back. But they only run about 8am-5pm so that would be tight. Catalina Express // Daily Trips To Catalina Island You can walk in off the steps and be in the Kelp almost immediately. Avalon Underwater Dive Park | Catalina Snorkel and Scuba

Here's a list of California dive boats. Check their itineraries and schedules - some may already have their fall scheduling started. California Dive Boats : The Official Page I noticed Lois Ann has a Beginning Kelp trip on Nov 9th. if you're in the San Diego area then.

Most won't put a DM in the water with you (not that you two need one). And they moor in clear water just off the edge so you can drop and get under the canopy for your dive. It's a good idea to return the same way - I've seen someone stuck in the canopy, it wasn't pretty. If you get caught, don't tug, just twist and break off the strands. Or use a knife.

 

[enigmata]

Southern California probably has the most number of dive sites. Definitely consider Avalon underwater park - I've done most of my early kelp dives at Casino Point in one day, leaving from downtown long beach harbor at 6am and taking off the same day.