CA diving: catalina v channel islands

gangstadiver · Aug 19, 2003

hello,

i'm brand spanking new to this board, and i'm hoping you can help me out!

i'm trying to plan a 2 day BUDGET diving trip for me and my girlfriend to either Catalina or Channel islands since we live in California. I have not heard much at all about either, so I was hoping to hear some recommendations on which would be more preferable considering cost restraints. Also, I would greatly appreciate any sort of tips on what might be good ways to go.

Thank you.

GQMedic · Aug 19, 2003

I don't know much about the channel islands, but I do know Catalina fairly well. I think you can't miss with Catalina, IMHO.

There's the Catalina Express to run ya there pretty cheaply, no shortage of Inns to stay at. Of course, there's some fun boats that do sull service stips, off the top of my head, The Bottom Scratcher and The Great Escape are good. There are others too that shoul dbe just as good. You'll love the island, it's a blast. Pretty touristy, but hey, is there anywhere that's not?

gangstadiver once bubbled...
hello,

i'm brand spanking new to this board, and i'm hoping you can help me out!

i'm trying to plan a 2 day BUDGET diving trip for me and my girlfriend to either Catalina or Channel islands since we live in California. I have not heard much at all about either, so I was hoping to hear some recommendations on which would be more preferable considering cost restraints. Also, I would greatly appreciate any sort of tips on what might be good ways to go.

Thank you.

PhotoTJ · Aug 19, 2003

The Peace out of Ventura is excellent, they run a 3 dive day trip to Anacapa a couple of days every week, 'Open Boat Special'.

http://www.peaceboat.com/

If your time is really limited, this might be the way to go!

kingdiver · Aug 19, 2003

Go Channel Islands dude.

Might cost more of the cash, but you'll see more seals, lions, kelp, geology, and everything else, at least that's been my experience. You can also sleep on the boats, saving bread for more diving.

Follow PhotoTJ's link:

scubasean · Aug 19, 2003

The Channel Islands include Catalina, but the islands are often described as Southern (Catalina, and San Clemente) and Northern (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and two others whose names escape me at present).

I have dived three of the six islands and had great dives at all of them...If you are looking for night life, Catalina is populated and will therefore offer a bit more than the others...heh

Dive Casino Pt (Did I get that right, Dr. Bill?) at Catalina for some budget, but good diving. Its a decent beach dive, and apparently is often crowded with students....(I've not dived there yet though....haven't had the chance).

Or do a budget boat...Scuba Luv did me right when I went to Catalina by itself. Two boat dives lead by a DM for $100 or so.

I recently did a liveaboard (3 days of diving) to Catalina, San Clemente, and Santa Cruz Isl and had a bunch of fun, but it wasn't cheap....

roakey · Aug 19, 2003

Your cheapest option may be a liveaboard, food and board is included, and there's no place to blow your money on worthless trinkets.

See: http://www.truthaquatics.com/

For one of my favorites (out of Santa Barbara).

Roak

wrinkles · Aug 19, 2003

I think you should go with the Peace boat. TJ already posted the link. The open boat speacial is great and you don't have to worry about food becuase they have plenty of it. It is very economical The crew is awesome and will be able to tell you about things in the area to do after the day of diving.

Ana

scubahorse · Aug 19, 2003

http://www.loisann.com/
They have very good price and they offer Annual Passes. I am going Ruby E this sunday and Catalina Island this saturday.

drbill · Aug 20, 2003

Thanks scubasean for recognizing that Catalina is one of the eight Channel Islands! There are eight of them, four northern and four southern. Even some in the scientific community seem to forget this but those who belong to the "All Eight Club" (topside or underwater) realize it.

Much as I love Catalina diving, conditions have been awful this year. I've heard similar stories all up and down the coast. I really enjoy diving the Truth Aquatics boats out of Santa Barbara and the Peace out of Ventura when I'm diving the borthern islands.

There's good diving to be had at all eight!

Dr. Bill

neil · Aug 20, 2003

scubasean once bubbled...

I have dived three of the six islands ....

There are EIGHT channel islands:
San Miguel
Santa Rosa
Santa Cruz
Anacapa
Catalina
San Clemente
Santa Barbara
San Nicolas

Get busy and visit them ALL!!

Neil

CA diving: catalina v channel islands

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gangstadiver

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roakey

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