Where is the Closest Dive Site to LA?

[Jazz]

I will be travelling on business to LA mid Jan, and wondering where the closest dive site is from there? Does anyone know the water temperature is at that time? I am from Asia and we only use 3ml wetsuits here.

Jazz

 

[Walter]

Depends on which LA. I'm guessing Los Angeles, California, if I'm right ask the question in either NDI Southern California or North America. LA is also Louisiana, if that's the case, ask in North America. Neither is close to the Caribbean, although Louisiana is a couple of thousand miles closer.

 

[drbill]

Jazz: If LA = Lost Angeles, you might consider a day trip out to Catalina Island. It has some of the best diving in southern California. You can either take a dive boat out of the LA area (check the California Diving News web site for boat schedules, or take the Catalina Express passenger boats to the island and then shore dive at Casino Point or take some boat dives offered here.

By the way, few here would wear a 3mm shortie in January. Even I switch to 7mm by then. You can rent a full kit with 7mm wetsuit for about $50 here.

Dr. Bill

 

[Jazz]

Hi folks,

Yes I was meaning Los Angeles. Correct me if I am wrong but Jan is winter right? Do you guys still use a wetsuit or a dry one. I am only trained with a wetsuit. I can feel my body freeze up just talking bout it.

jazz

 

[kelpmermaid]

Actually, the water will be cooling down, but February or March is the coldest. I would think it would still be in the low 60'sF or maybe high 50'sF. You can do it wet in a 7 mil suit, hood, and gloves.

You might also want to look at www.californiadiveboats.com for a list of local boats; most have websites with schedules. Departure points closest to LA would be Redondo Beach, San Pedro (actually a part of the City of Los Angeles) or Long Beach. The Catalina day trip idea is also good -- you can rent equipment out there. If it is really too cold for you, you can do other tourist-type things. You might want to consider contacting an island shop (there are two in Avalon) for a local divemaster. See also www.ladiver.com and www.catalinaexpress.com.

 

[DFC5343]

A 7mil, hood and a good light. Forget game catch or spearfishing. Non resident license is outta sight. Bring BC,reg, mask,fins and all your gear Rent your weight and jugs. If you can get offshore the islands (Catalina) is awesome. San Pedro and Long Beach have boats out everyday. Research on the net will make your dive trip more enjoyable.

 

[Zippsy]

if you are serious about diving there, you better be ready for some tremendous differences. First, I am guessing that you have never been in water colder than 80 degrees (just like me!). Heck, in Tioman, we freeze whenever it goes below 82. I am betting a 7mm suit AND hood and THICK gloves will let you get mostly submerged before you want to get back on the boat.

Also, and I could be wrong on this, but don't expect 10-20 meter viz with zillions of colorful reef fish and lots of hard and soft coral. Prepare yourself for "Hantu-like" viz, sand, rocks, a lot of kelp / sea grass and some silver and grey fish. It could be better than that but at least you'll go with low expectations.

 

[DFC5343]

Good call on viz. Off the beach 2-20ft. range. But the islands...it can be a hit and miss. Anacapa can get to 100 plus. Mostly though in the 20-50 ft. range.

 

[Jazz]

Ok, I think I will "Snow ski" then

One Hantu is enough. Who do you dive with in Singapore? Will be going to Sipadan this Nov ;-) I am so excited.

Jazz