Where to go in SoCal

[BigTex1836]

Hello,

I'm going to have two days to dive SoCal for the first time in September (21-22). I'm open to shore or boat. Leaning towards boat but a bit concerned if a trip would make on a Monday. Would really like to see seven gill or leopards. Any recommendations on sites or operators would be appreciated. I am open to LA area to San Diego...have gear and car, can travel.

Thanks
Eric

 

[MalibuJerry]

The Catalina Water Park at Avalon is always open (except this last week when there were epic waves) and is good kelp forest diving. You take the Catalina Express over to the island. There are dive shops there for tank rental and fills. I'm not sure what you will find in the way of boat trips on Monday. Check the California Diving News for a schedule. California diving is typically cold water. It will be nice on the surface but a 7mm w/ hood is recommend.

 

[IrnBear]

I would suggest a Dive Boat trip from the mainland. Full day of diving 3-4 dives and food.
Not many boats go out on Monday.
Sept 21
I highly recommend:
Spectre out of Ventura to Anacapa Island
Welcome to Calboat Diving (866) 225-3483
or
Magician out of San Pedro to Catalina Island
That day is reserved by Eco Dive Center out of Culver City LA, Great Dive Shop with Great group of folks. So book that day through them.
Scuba Diving Center of Los Angeles, Learn to Scuba Dive 310-398-5759

I have not done the Catalina Ferry Boat option... Seems like a lot of work to just dive the dive park. More cost effective to do a mainland dive boat.

Shore Dives:
Laguna Beach is always nice.

I haven't dove La Jolla in about 25yrs. It is very nice as well though.

Best of luck with your decision.

IrnBear

 

[BigTex1836]

Thanks for the feedback. I also have my doubts over a Monday boat trip making so I'm thinking of boat on Sunday then plan for shore dives on Monday. For the boat, I've been debating between Anacapa or a Catalina boat dive...leaning towards Anacapa. (both thru Eco) Is one just so far better than the other that I just need to stop thinking and do XXXX?

For shore, I'm really up in the air. I like the idea of the Catalina scuba park, but am trying to figure out what the better options may be since it seems like a lot of effort for a shore dive. However, if it's head and shoulders the best in the area, then effort is well rewarded. Since it will be my first west coast trip and first in kelp, I'm thinking of hiring a guide. Not nervous, just would like some environmental pointers. I've seen a few operating out of Catalina. The other locations I've been looking at seem (so far) to be devoid of guides. Any recommendations? (sites or guides)

Thanks again :d

 

[fnfalman]

I'd suggest boat dive at Anacapa Island on the Spectre boat in Ventura. Then take the Catalina Express ferry over and dive at the Casino Point dive park. That way you get exposures to two Channel Islands.

And yes, the Dive Park is worth it.

 

[drbill]

The last two big surge/swell events have decimated the kelp in the Casino Point dive park and elsewhere south of Long Point on Catalina. I'm hearing things are still fairly good north of Long Point so a mainland dive boat would be a good choice if one is going out on a Monday.