When and Where to Kelp Dive?

[rbeck]

Hello,
We are interested in diving in a "kelp forest". We will be driving from Tucson so would like to stay in the southern CA area, and can head to the San Diego or LA area---or some place else if you recommend. Of course, we would like to catch the best visibility possible.

So, where are we most likely to find the most interesting forest?
What time of year are we most likely to find good growth and visibility?

The last time we tried this, we went to the Channel Islands and there was basically no kelp---just a few lumps clinging to the rocks. We did see some interesting things, but it was cold and poor visibility. We know you always take your chances, but some places/times of year should be better than others, right?

Thanks for the info.

Rosemary

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Catalina is a good safe bet. The font side is well protected with lots of kelp and good visibility. You can access via dive boats most of the year from LA (Long Beach, San Pedro). I personally love it in the fall for the warmish water. Check out the sticky for details.

 

[RonFrank]

Hmm, we did a live aboard in the Channel Islands last Aug 8/09, and a lack of Kelp was NOT an issue. The only question was is the Kelp so thick that we have to constantly push through it, or was it less abundant. We dove Anacapa and Santa Rosa on the 'Peace' out of Ventura, and we also did Catalina. Kelp was abundant on ALL dives.

I would HIGHLY recommend the Peace Dive boat out of Ventura, but I'm sure there are other good Ops as well. However NONE of them will have better food... man that dude could cook!

 

[blue steal]

I have to agree that the front side of Catalina has a good kelp forest.
We were at Santa Barbara Island a couple weeks ago and the kelp is smaller, like little palm trees.
Actually I free dive around Palos Verdes quite a bit and the kelp can be very dense in some areas.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Fall is the best time to dive here as far as visibility goes, but good vis can be found year-round. For a shorter drive, you could take one of the San Diego boats and dive the Pt. Loma kelp beds. The visibility won't be as good as Catalina, but you will find a greater variety of animals.

 

[fnfalman]

Casino Point dive park on Catalina Island always has a decent kelp forest. Not super thick, but plenty decent.

 

[scubadada]

The Point Loma kelp beds are fantastic, very easy to get to.

Good diving, Craig

 

[D_B]

If you have never been to Catalina, and to the dive park .. I recommend it heartedly .. cute town, couple of wrecks, kelp, plaques honoring Cousteau and others, easy entrance by stairway, fills right there, and food just around the courner .. and showers just down the street

Point Loma would be easier, but I think the trip to Catalina outweighs that

 

[jridg]

I really need to get to Catalina.......

As has been said before - Pt. Loma is easy and plenty to see. Vis is not always the best.

Shore diving from La Jolla Cove works as well.

Have fun, be safe!

 

[scottfiji]

Based on your requirements (tall healthy kelp, visibility, water temp) Catalina island definitely is the best bet. Have fun!