Trip to Channel Islands May 24 & 25

[under water]

I have read everything in the previous California Dreamin' thread and am trying to fit some of the suggestions into my similar SoCal trip to visit my family Memorial Day weekend AND get in some diving (2 days: 5/24-5/25).
I have read the Catalina stickie and the other stickies, which are great!
A friend suggested that I try Santa Cruz or Ventura Islands instead of Catalina, but that seemed to be based on convenience for them, not diving opportunities. Any thoughts? I am leaning towards scubaluv "one-nightpackage".
I like fishies and warm water but do have the dry suit if needed.
Will I need it in SoCal for 2 days diving end of May or is just renting a 7 mm a good option? For 2 days diving I would like to minimize the need to check baggage. I will bring reg, computer, etc.

Appreciate your thoughts.

Oh.. one other thing.. I am travelling out solo, so any suggestions for hooking up with a DM or buddy would be appreciated.

 

[CompuDude]

The Northern Channel Islands out of Ventura are hard to beat. They offer a different kind of diving from Catalina, but both are excellent. Catalina is, well, Catalina (which is a good thing), but the northern Islands have the Peace (out of Ventura) to take you to them, which is the best dive boat in all of SoCal, IMHO. Can't speak for Santa Cruz, but Monterey is supposed to offer some pretty amazing kelp diving. I'd go for the Northern Channel Islands, personally, followed by Catalina (admittedly a very close second). I recommend the Magician for Catalina unless you are staying on the island.

Water will be starting to warm up by May, but still pretty chilly. You can dive all year in a wetsuit if you're the extremely hardy type, but if you want to cram as many dives as possible in, you'll be happier diving dry.

 

[under water]

The Northern Channel Islands out of Ventura are hard to beat. They offer a different kind of diving from Catalina, but both are excellent. the northern Islands have the Peace (out of Ventura) to take you to them, which is the best dive boat in all of SoCal, IMHO. I'd go for the Northern Channel Islands, personally, followed by Catalina (admittedly a very close second)..

Thanks,
Sounds great!
I'm working with CalBoat Diving in Ventura and looking to do Anacapa on the Spectre for Friday 24th & 25th. I guess you can actually sleep on the boats even if they are day trips??

 

[CompuDude]

Many of the larger boats, including (I think) the Spectre, will allow you to crash on the boat the night before a trip, including day trips. I'd confirm with them, but yes. Very nice way to avoid getting up at the crack of dawn on a dive day! Just don't forget your Bonine!

The Spectre is a good boat. Not as good as the Peace, but they're solid. It can get a little crowded if the boat is full, but you'll still have a good time.

 

[Redondoscubadude]

Don't expect the sunny California weather you see in TV and the movies. During that time of year we have the "June Gloom" a marine layer of low clouds and fog that might or might not burn off the afternoon.

 

[under water]

Don't expect the sunny California weather you see in TV and the movies. During that time of year we have the "June Gloom" a marine layer of low clouds and fog that might or might not burn off the afternoon.

Thanks Scubadude.. I spent 13 years in Santa Monica & Venice and have seen the weather in Oxnard/Ventura, so I won't get my hopes up.. Heck..yes I will.
So how big a light should I bring

 

[CompuDude]

Thanks Scubadude.. I spent 13 years in Santa Monica & Venice and have seen the weather in Oxnard/Ventura, so I won't get my hopes up.. Heck..yes I will.
So how big a light should I bring

I prefer my 21w Salvo can light, personally, but YMMV.

 

[orangelion03]

You can indeed spend the night on Spectre if you are diving two or more days. Cheaper than a motel! The boat has 3 showers that yor can use on your way back from the day's diving. The marina has at least a half dozen restaurants and a couple of bars. Great way to spend the weekend.

 

[JMdiver]

Hi Frank,
I use a UK light cannon & my bubby uses an LED 8 c-cell. As for Kalani you need a little more meat on your bones I can get in 4 dive at the Islands in a 7mm in the middle of the winter.

John

 

[under water]

Hi Frank,
I use a UK light cannon & my bubby uses an LED 8 c-cell. As for Kalani you need a little more meat on your bones I can get in 4 dive at the Islands in a 7mm in the middle of the winter.

John

Hi John,
I thought Kalani was in Hawaii??
If I have extra room on my carry-on I'll bring my 8D UK light, but maybe I'll just rent one too as I'm renting wetsuit & BC anyway.
And I really have enough meat on my bones already.. heck, I was planning on taking some off.. of course I have been planning THAT for decades now.
I'm booked on the Spectre Fri-Sat May 25-26 (7 relatively shallow dives) and can, as suggested, sleep on the boat which sounds cool right now, but we'll see when I look at the bunks.
Sounds like a great start to a good Memorial Day Weekend.
Now I will just need to get one of those garibaldi to pose for me.