Suggestions for a day trip for out of towners near Culver/El Seg

[Sean Walberg]

Some diving coworkers and I periodically travel for work to Culver City and usually stay in El Segundo. Wondering if there are any suggestions for some dives out that way, or guides we should check out.

Two of us are fairly new and two are more experienced. Only one is drysuit certified, and we'd need to rent various amounts of gear.

I think we'd be looking at tacking a half or full day on to the beginning of a work trip.

Thanks!

Sean

 

[merxlin]

There are a few shops in that area, and you are close to Redondo Beach's Vet's Park (Diving Redondo Beach: There’s Plenty To See at Veterans Park) which is a very well known beach site, but shore diving can be iffy depending on the day. Can you do a full day on a Friday? For boat dives the Sundiver runs Friday boats on occasion, and has a 6 pack option. They also rent gear, and provide tanks and weights. They can often arrange md-week dives as well - and with 4 already on board that could be a good option. Sundiver | Dive southern California

 

[shucksun]

I think you will be disappointed by the shore diving in Redondo at Vets Park, and I dive there frequently. Look at the Asante and Magician Dive Boats, or consider doing a day trip to the Dive Park in Avalon on Catalina Island.

Psalty Adventures

Magician Scuba

"Fairly New" is of some concern. Compared to warm water resort diving, SoCal diving is going up several more levels in challenge. Cold water, surf entries from shore, much lower vizibility, and expect current and or surge. The diving is fantastic, but hiring a dive guide might be very prudent for your group for the first time out.

 

[diverrex]

Don't limit yourself to just what's close to El Segundo. Also look at the Peace dive boat out of Ventura, about an hour drive away, or even the Truth Aquatics dive boats out of Santa Barbara, about 1 1/2 hours away.

 

[blue steal]

Another option for shore diving would be Laguna Beach. About an hour drive from El Segundo.
Shaws, Divers, Heilser park. Entry and exit are for the most part fairly easy, lots to see. Plus there is a dive shop very close by for refills if you decide on a second dive.

 

[Sean Walberg]

Thanks for the suggestions. Driving an hour or so isn't a problem and that does open up a lot more possibilities!

 

[mbrownsen]

Dive n surf has a small boat out of king harbor Redondo beach called the island diver. They may be a good option as you can rent gear and get on a boat in the same area. You could do a couple of dives in 2-3 hours after work. Tony is the guy there that runs dive stuff. They just repowered the boat and they are sometimes willing to take four divers out. There are a lot of nice spots along Palos Verdes. or head over the Catalina dive park? Lobster season is open next month.

 

[geoff w]

You didn't say how soon you're going to be out here. Recently, shore dive conditions in Malibu have been really nice. This past weekend, we had 20+ ft viz on Saturday, and one buddy said he had 50 ft viz when freediving on Sunday. I also heard reports Casino Point had the best conditions in a long time. Healthy kelp forests, good viz, interesting reef structure, lots of sea life and not much surf has made for the best diving in a long time. And several colorful restaurants nearby for lunch after doing a couple of morning shore dives, giving you the afternoon for other activities

Lobster season opens soon, and I've seen lots of lobster lately. Divers usually hunt at night, but you sometimes can grab one or two during day dives