First time in SoCal. How do I arrange my trips?

[nicole2]

I'll be moving to Phoenix soon and I'm trying to find places to dive around me. SoCal seems to be the closest to me. I'm planning on going to SoCal (thinking mostly about San Diego) when I get a 3 day weekend or so. However in the last week of September, I have about 10 days off! I originally thought of going to Hawaii (still an option) but I heard diving in SoCal during September-October is great. If I do get to spend 10 days in SoCal for diving, what kind of itinerary would you recommend for me?
Do I contact the LDS before my trip to see if they have anything going on? I've only dove in places where I could walk-in the same day.

I'd like to see anything, love macro for sure, never seen a shark, whale, etc., so would love to see them as well.

 

[broncobowsher]

San Diego is pretty easy. Not sure you can get 10 days of diving without getting too repetitive. Boats to look at are the Marissa, Humbolt, Lois Ann. All a bunch of day trips. Shore diving is generally La Jolla Shores. I like it for a 3-day weekend. I have even done a 1-nighter a few times. Drive over in the morning, dive the afternoon/evening. Dive the next morning, have a good lunch and head home.

LA area is also divable, but adds a couple hours to the drive. Opens up options into the Channel islands.

Phoenix area shops have trips often. They also go to Mexico all the time as well. Border crossing on holiday weekends are generally a total pain, multi hour delays. I have no issues with just buying a seat on a boat for a day or two. I also like going with a group and overnight on a boat out in Catalina. Lots of options depending on how you want to do it.

 

[nicole2]

San Diego is pretty easy. Not sure you can get 10 days of diving without getting too repetitive. Boats to look at are the Marissa, Humbolt, Lois Ann. All a bunch of day trips. Shore diving is generally La Jolla Shores. I like it for a 3-day weekend. I have even done a 1-nighter a few times. Drive over in the morning, dive the afternoon/evening. Dive the next morning, have a good lunch and head home.

LA area is also divable, but adds a couple hours to the drive. Opens up options into the Channel islands.

Phoenix area shops have trips often. They also go to Mexico all the time as well. Border crossing on holiday weekends are generally a total pain, multi hour delays. I have no issues with just buying a seat on a boat for a day or two. I also like going with a group and overnight on a boat out in Catalina. Lots of options depending on how you want to do it.

Do I search for the boats and contact the captains myself? By one-nighter, do you mean doing multiple night dives?
Diving in Catalina seems pretty interesting.. would two day diving trip to Catalina be possible?

Sorry for having too many questions!

 

[MaxBottomtime]

California Dive Boats : The Official Page

 

[Sam Miller III]

You live in SoCal but moving to Phoenix but want to return to dive SoCal ?

Go to Del Mar in Mesa, Arizona chat with Gene the grand old man of Arizona and Mexico diving.
He has the Mesa and a northern Mexico operation. complete with a dive shop & boat in Mexico

fantastic diving !

SDM

 

[nicole2]

You live in SoCal but moving to Phoenix but want to return to dive SoCal ?

Go to Del Mar in Mesa, Arizona chat with Gene the grand old man of Arizona and Mexico diving.
He has the Mesa and a northern Mexico operation. complete with a dive shop & boat in Mexico

fantastic diving !

SDM

Nope! I'm moving from D.C. to Mesa actually! I thought SoCal would be the closest diving point for me.
I'll definitely check him out!! thanks

Oh and it's El Mar?? I just googled and El Mar comes up

 

[markmud]

f I do get to spend 10 days in SoCal for diving, what kind of itinerary would you recommend for me?

Hi nicole,

Truth Aquatics has week-long trips that are worthwhile. They will go to Cortez/Tanner Banks, San Clemente, and Catalina. Also, they make trips north to Big Sur.

I could spend a week diving the north shore (front side) of Santa Cruz.

Great operation with three boats.

Peace dive boat is also a good option (Ventura).

good luck,
markm

 

[Sam Miller III]

Nicole,
Mesa is one of my favorite cites in Arizona and Del Mar is oldest and the best shop in Arizona -- You picked a winner! Gene has retired and is no longer involved with the day to day operations, but has time on hands and hangs around the shop which is now operated by his daughter.

As and introduction ..Ask Gene to show you the very rare Gold plated spear gun and read the article I published over 25 years ago on it- "The man with the golden gun."

Good gosh it is going to be hotter than HellQ- Be prepared for HEAT!

SDM

 

[nicole2]

California Dive Boats : The Official Page

Thanks!!!

 

[nicole2]

Nicole,
Mesa is one of my favorite cites in Arizona and Del Mar is oldest and the best shop in Arizona -- You picked a winner! Gene has retired and is no longer involved with the day to day operations, but has time on hands and hangs around the shop which is now operated by his daughter.

As and introduction ..Ask Gene to show you the very rare Gold plated spear gun and read the article I published over 25 years ago on it- "The man with the golden gun."

Good gosh it is going to be hotter than HellQ- Be prepared for HEAT!

SDM

Good to hear!! I thought I had to go to California for diving and I'm so excited now!
And.. not ready for the heat