We want to dive Catalina - Help!

[chicagoguy]

Hello all!
My wife and I are heading to Two Harbors on July 28th-30th with my brother and his girlfriend who we will be visiting in Santa Monica. I've never been diving in California and especially after my Lake Michigan wreck dive on Sunday in mid-40's water, I can't wait. My wife is pregnant, so I might be the only diver -- or my bro's g-friend might be a complete newbie by then -- so I was wondering if anyone could give me a review of the dive shop in Two Harbors.

Also, I was told kayak diving, or an outboard skiff are available to head out ourselves. Obviously, I'm not going to take a newbie out by myself in unfamiliar territory, but perhaps I can hook up with a willing buddy while I'm there. Or maybe someone on this board can join me? Please let me know. Either way, can anyone give me some must-dive sites?

Finally, is there any decent shore diving in Two Harbors?

Looking forward to heading into your territory!
Grazi!

 

[kelpmermaid]

Take a look around here:

http://www.scico.com/twoharbors/mainwestdive.html

As you know, Two Harbors is not the center of the universe. The shop is located at the end of the pier to your right as you enter town. The shop is small, but they do run a boat, the Garibaldi. I would go for the boat dive option. You are really near Bird Rock, Blue Cavern, and Isthmus Reef, but one needs a boat to get there. I think there is an area near the campground where one can beach dive (haven't tried), but there are also lot of summer-crazed boaters out there. Thermal protection-wise, think 7mm.

 

[chicagoguy]

Thanks for the feedback. I've contacted the dive shop and I guess we'll figure out the shore or kayak diving once we're there. Cheers!