Diving Trip From LA

[mathauck0814]

Any thoughts about diving la Jolla Cove or other dive sites near San Diego

Very diveable sites - very different from each other. The cove is very shallow and kelpy with fish and occasionally shark. It can be tricky to navigate if you're unfamiliar with kelp diving.

The shores has a long surface swim and then is a muddy canyon wall (what some call "muck" diving) that's full of little creatures like octopus and nudibranchs.

On the weekends parking is a nightmare and the crowds are horrendous. I'm always going to vote boat over shore, though, so if you're looking at San Diego go out on the Marissa or the Humbolt day boats. There's generally better visibility on the boat dives as well.

 

[Derffie]

Would Los Cabos be an appropriate option?

 

[MalibuJerry]

Would Los Cabos be an appropriate option?

Sure, but that is not LA or Southern California...it is 1,000 miles away at the tip of Baja California...it is as much an option as Hawaii.

There is plenty of good diving in Southern California. Catalina, live-aboards such as Truth Aquatics, day boats out of San Pedro and Los Angeles Harbors, and beach diving. Just be sure to compare the dives with your level of experience. There are some good dive shops which you can use to hire a guide as well.

 

[blue steal]

I would say that the dive park in Avalon would be the best choice. It is off season so an overnight stay would be better priced.
Weather is a factor at that time of year and the water will be "cool".
Do you have your own gear or would you need to rent?
Also you can look around for a charter. I noticed the Magician is scheduled for Sat 12/21, a 3-tank dive.

 

[Derffie]

Thanks so much. Avalon sounds like a good option, if not now than in a future trip. We do not have gear other than mask, fins and snorkels.

 

[robertarak]

Since you are all newly certified, you may consider a qualified guide. Usually divemasters or instructors offer this service to help divers, even very experienced ones, navigate and learn the ins and outs (literally) of new dive sites. As new divers I would highly recommend this.

I am happy to help, or point you in the right direction.

 

[tracydr]

Avalon is a favorite of ours. We also like Truth Aquatics from Santa Barbara and the Marissa out of San Diego. I think for beginner diving Avalon would be the best.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

+1 on the Marissa out of San Diego. The dive park at Casino Point is nice. Close to the steps it is shallow but something to be aware of is that you can very quickly get into deep water. Avalon does have a few diver friendly hotels and more choices to eat than a boat. Still you can't go wrong with the Magician out of Pedro, or the Peace out of Ventura Harbor.

 

[MalibuJerry]

you can get a divemaster from Catalina Scuba Luv to go out with you on your first dive. It would be worth the money to have the orientation to the cooler waters of So CA and to the dive park.

 

[mathauck0814]

Most of the dive boats will arrange a guide for you if you ask at booking. If you're shore diving, try the dive shops.