Catalina Thanksgiving weekend

[capybara]

We're going to Catalina Island Thanksgiving weekend. Our plan is to dive the Casino Point Underwater Park on Saturday and then go on a boat dive with Scuba Luv on Sunday. Anyone going to be out there then? Any tips on which direction to swim once we get down the stairs? How do you find the boat wrecks or do you need a guide? How have the visibility/water temps been lately? What's your favorite restaurant there? Thanks!

 

[jlyle]

You are going to have a great time! When you go down the stairs at the marine park, go right and follow the rocks to the end of the park (alternatively, you can do a surface swim to the end of the buoy line) and there you will find the remains of a ferrocement wreck, the Suejac. If you straight out from the stairs you will find some smaller wrecks. The primo wreck is the Valiant, but it is outside the park boundaries and requires permission from the Harbor Master to dive. You may be able to hook up with some other divers...ask around.

Click here for a map.

Favorite restaurants: Sally's for breakfast, El Galleon for nachos, Armstrong's for fish, Big Olaf for ice cream, Porto Fino for fancy dining.

 

[Drewpy]

Darn-missed you by a couple days-Im playing hookey and headed out there for the day
on Wed...anybody else up for a dive on wed..??
Have fun!

Drew

 

[drbill]

Will be there this weekend (where else would I be). Had a significant wind storm Sunday morning so conditions were really stirred up all day- no diving, both shops closed. With any luck vis will return to the 40-65' level by this weekend. Bottom temps had been 61-63 F (at 60-100 ft) last FRi/Sat but I expect it will be a little colder due to the storm.

Dr. Bill

 

[Lexy]

We were there 11/13 - 11/15. The Casino Point Marine Park had incredible visibility and tons of fish. Bottom temp. we registered was 59 degrees but that was during a night dive. If you've never been to Casino Pt., you are in for a real treat. There's normally a ton of divers but the park is really large. Once you get off the stairs, if you head left I hear you'll meet "Oscar". Oscar's the 4 foot sheephead...

Enjoy! Wish I was going!

 

[slingshot]

Does Catalina Divers Supply rent tanks and weights at the casino, or only air fills?

Catalina is where I first went snorkeling, back in my youth (not that long ago,
right?) Cherry Valley scout camp, just outside of Two Harbors...

 

[drbill]

CDS will rent tanks, weights, wetsuits, etc., at the Casino.

Dr. Bill

 

[kelpmermaid]

We are talking about going on Saturday, but we're watching the weather. Depends on which station one watches, but there may be another cold Santa Ana coming...

 

[scubadobadoo]

Is Friday considered a weekend in January as far as the shop renting gear at the park? I know they are there on "weekends" and on weekdays in season, but what about off season? Also, do they rent steel or al? Thanks! Can't wait for our trip in January!!! It would be a pleasure to actually meet the famous Dr. Bill or anyone of ya for that matter. All of the Cally folks on this board have been a real pleasure!

BTW, dr bill, I want to personally thank you for the wonderful info on your web page. It has provided both my wife and I an informative and entertaining intro to Cally waters. Keep up the good work!

 

[kelpmermaid]

Best thing to do would be to check with them directly...google Catalina Divers Supply. One thing, though, there is some concept of "island time" there, so hours may not be crisp.