Casino point diving tips

[scubaandbooks]

Hello! I’m a new OW diver. Technically, I was certified 2 years ago, but I haven’t dove since then. I am going out to casino point with a friend June 2nd, as it was recommended due to the ease of navigation and beginner-friendly site. I was hoping I could get some tips from all of you experts before I head out there this weekend. Thank you in advance!

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Make sure your gear is clipped off and ready to go before heading down the stairs. One of the major problem there is classes and divers not quite ready blocking access for others. Casino Point can be very easy but is also the site with the most deaths in California. I suggest you get in a beach dive at home in Laguna Beach before heading to Catalina.

 

[chrispscott]

Piggybacking off of this thread my wife and I are going to be in Catalina on June 1 (in from Chicago) does anyone know what the surface temperature is like at the moment. I know that water temperatures can be in the low-70s in the summer but I wonder if it's still too early in the season for it to be that warm? I'd rather pack my 5mm rather than my 7mm or drysuit if possible.

 

[drbill]

Surface temperature reported this past weekend as 63° F. Plenty of giant sea bass sightings. Phil is right about divers blocking the stairs by not being ready to enter the water. The only thing one should have to put on down there is your fins.

 

[mbrownsen]

Get a DM to take our on a refresher dive at vets or something before then.... work out any issues, figure out your weights and you will have way more fun at the park. the left side is more shallow and the swim platform often has some cool stuff if you look

 

[Trailboss123]

Surface temperature reported this past weekend as 63° F. Plenty of giant sea bass sightings. Phil is right about divers blocking the stairs by not being ready to enter the water. The only thing one should have to put on down there is your fins.

Concur with @drbill regarding water temps. I just got back home to the Santa Barbara/Ventura neighborhood after diving this weekend in Catalina and San Clemente Islands. Water temps were a pretty consistent 62-63 degrees down there, even at depth. Was a stark contrast from coming back north and diving the backside of Santa Cruz Island this morning and afternoon in 54-56 degrees. Doesn't sound like a big difference, but it really is.

 

[lamarpaulski]

Make sure your gear is clipped off and ready to go before heading down the stairs. One of the major problem there is classes and divers not quite ready blocking access for others. Casino Point can be very easy but is also the site with the most deaths in California. I suggest you get in a beach dive at home in Laguna Beach before heading to Catalina.

Why would Laguna Beach be easier or safer diving versus the Dive Park ? I dive both a lot and give the safety edge to the Dive Park for much better ease of entry and usually calmer waves plus always better visibility.

 

[lamarpaulski]

A small u/w light illuminates the life in crevices and caves. You will see more stuff.

Snorkel it first to acclimate and/or hire guide.

Call Catalina Divers Supply - they have fill station and rental gear right there at the Park and it’s usually better to rent tank and weights vs. schlepping them over to the island. They can answer your questions ahead of time and give you ideas re. where to dive. Very easy.

Go slow.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Why would Laguna Beach be easier or safer diving versus the Dive Park ? I dive both a lot and give the safety edge to the Dive Park for much better ease of entry and usually calmer waves plus always better visibility.

Except at extreme high tides you have to climb over a couple of boulders to reach the bottom of the stairs. I've dived there in surge that made the exit very difficult. I had dived there for years before the stairs were installed and am used to climbing over the rocks. Laguna Beach is typically calm enough to walk in and out without going over any rocks. When the surf is too high to safely dive there the city's Marine Safety Office closes the beaches.
The kelp at Casino Point can get fairly thick and some divers have trouble with entanglement. The kelp at Laguna is usually thin or non-existent. Boat traffic is also more of a danger at Avalon. I have seen divers swim outside the boundry (I've done it myself) and I've seen boats come inside the park.

 

[drbill]

Boat traffic is also more of a danger at Avalon. I have seen divers swim outside the boundry (I've done it myself) and I've seen boats come inside the park.

Divers exiting the park boundaries certainly may have to contend with boat traffic, especially on busy weekends but it is actually pretty rare that a boat actually enters the dive park. Not rare enough, but rare. I've had rent-a-boats pass over my head in 10 fsw and once had a motoring sailboat pass overhead on a night dive.

As for the deaths, keep in mind that the site is frequently used for dive training and new divers may not be attentive to things like their SPGs or gas management.