How do I dive in California!?

[AlmightyApkallu]

I hope you folks don't mind my silly thread title, but it is somewhat accurate.

I live in Phoenix, AZ and have been diving for about a year and a half now. I've dived at the lakes here in Arizona and have dived in Florida, but have not yet dived in California. I'm trying really hard how to figure it out as well. Me and the Missus have all our gear, including 7mm wetsuits, but not including tanks and weights (will have the weights soon though).

I'm trying mainly to understand the logistics of it all. I've been told for my first dive I really should try the Casino Point dive park on Catalina. I REALLY really truthfully don't want to hire a guide. While we still have much to learn we're perfectly comfortable in both very chilly (52 degrees anyone) water and in the Ocean, we're also very good with compass and navigation nor do we want to push it far or deep, but I just am trying to avoid doing the whole guide thing which I've been told is why Casino Point would make sense. I had hoped to maybe dive at Shaw's Cove or Cresent Bay but have also been told for my first time at those spots I 100% need a guide...

The next thing I'm trying to figure out is the whole deal with the ferry's and even my schedule. Phoenix is only about 6 hours from LA, a little further to Dana Point (which is where I'd rather stay) but I work 5 days a week, Sun~Thurs and have Friday and Saturdays off. I've thought of driving out on one off day, spending the night and diving the next, then driving back that evening, I've also considered driving out on my last day of work, spending the night and diving the next day then driving back the day after that maybe (Trying to keep the costs down so 1 night is preferable). Perhaps staying in Long Beach would save me a good bit of time though?

I would like to start making regular diving trips, maybe even monthly out to California but I have to figure out how to do it on a budget. I have an eco friendly car so gas isn't a big deal, it's just all the other costs. If anyone has any pointers or tips I'd love to hear them!

The next thing I'm wondering about is conditions. Are there any sites that have dive reports? What is the best way of knowing what the conditions will be like on a given day? It'd suck to drive out, get the hotel, pay for a ferry ride, get there and have terrible conditions and visibility. How can I avoid that?

Unfortunately I live in Arizona but I love Scuba Diving and really want to do it more often and not just in the desert lakes. Thanks for any help.

 

[JamesBon92007]

My first thought would be Casino Point. There are steps where you just walk into the water. I've never dove there from the shore but I'm pretty sure you can rent tanks and weights from Catalina Divers Supply which is right there.

Catalina Divers Supply - Catalina Island, California - Dolphin Quest, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching, Dolphin Watching, Scuba Certification & Classes, Scuba Diving Equipment

It's not so much the "guide" for Shaw's Cove (or most places like it) as it is having someone who can tell you how to deal with the surf. You can read about it in your OW manual and you might do just fine, or you might get knocked down and lose your mask or a fin and get tossed around and dragged out by the undercurrent and find yourself being rescued. I've found lots of masks, fins, and snorkels on such beaches.

 

[runsongas]

you can check the ocean forecast from noaa and cdip to get an idea how ocean conditions will be. you will probably have to call up some local dive shops to find out how the vis looks.

Coastal/Great Lakes Forecasts by Zone - West - Los Angeles, CA

CDIP recent forecast fm_scb_xxx

an option you could look at is to drive out in the morning, do two dives after you arrive, spend the night, and do two more the next day before driving home. that should net you a few more dives per trip.

 

[ScubaSteve85]

Hey, can't speak to SoCal diving since I haven't tried it yet, but if you're looking to keep costs down, you might consider camping at one of the sites in Laguna or nearby. I know Crystal Cove has a pretty big camp site right on the beach. Its probably about 5 minutes from Shaw's Cove and the other sites. Not sure how difficult it would be to score a reservation though.

 

[merxlin]

Our shore diving is always depending on conditions and can change easily, but there are a couple sites you can use. I use Swellwatch SwellWatch 3D - Surf Report and Forecast that has a good forecast system for wind and swells. The Avalon side of Catalina is usually protected, although at times like last weekend we had 2 to 3 ft waves on the stairs so they closed the entry for a bit. Visibility is always changing as well, but recently has been 30ft +. Mainland shore viz can be 10ft to 20ft, with some rare days more than that.
If you are comfortable with your navigation, Casino Point is perfect for getting used to ocean diving. That said, it is also why it is crowded on weekends with classes and groups. They can rent you anything you need right there, and do air fills (or tank exchanges if you rent tanks from them which I encourage). There is no food at the point any more, so bring lunch and water or be prepared to walk into town (1/2 mile?).
You can stay on the mainland much cheaper than on the island. Island rooms run $125 and up a night in most cases. A lot of us use Seaport Village Inn, as they will transport you from the Ferry Terminal to the hotel, and run shuttle trucks for you and your equipment to the point and back. This is a + as the hotel is up a slight hill but is one of the closest to the dive park. There is also a service that will take your gear to Casino point and back from the terminal for $8-$10. This is helpful if you are not staying on the island. Check out this thread- some of the info is older and should be checked- Catalina Island Info
Logistics for you and only having 2 days look to be the toughest. I'm not sure I'd want the drive you have after diving all day. If you are OK driving out on Thursday night, and staying on the mainland, you could catch the early boat to Catalina on Friday, dive all day, then stay on the mainland again and maybe even dive Laguna in the morning (best to dive there in the mornings), then drive back later Saturday. There are also dive groups that dive that area on a regular basis that would probably let you buddy up with them. Call the local dive shops and they can get you info, as well as rent you the gear you need.

 

[Lorenzoid]

@drrich2 has a good write-up somewhere for people from out of state who want to try California diving.

 

[kablooey]

Trying to keep the costs down so 1 night is preferable...

Welcome to California diving Almighty Apkallu. I hope you have a great trip.
If you're willing to rough it a little, some of the charter boats let you sleep in their bunk rooms for free the night before a trip. I've done it on the Spectre out of Ventura and the Pacific Star out of San Pedro. Of course you need to call ahead of time to let them know.
Both are excellent boats and the diving is easy. Boats beat surf entries any day.

I also vote for Casino Point. Great place for getting introduced to California diving. Everything you want to see... kelp forests, abundant sea life, the occasional giant black sea bass, and great places to eat and drink after your dive. A guide there would be a waste of money for someone with your experience in my opinion.

 

[3D diver]

Check out shops and clubs in the area you are thinking of diving. They may run "fun dives" where someone will describe the site and help you buddy up, if needed.

 

[Trailboss123]

@drrich2 has a good write-up somewhere for people from out of state who want to try California diving.

That is an excellent write up, but if I am correct, it is specifically about multi day liveaboard diving with Truth Aquatics out of Santa Barbara.

 

[Lorenzoid]

That is an excellent write up, but if I am correct, it is specifically about multi day liveaboard diving with Truth Aquatics out of Santa Barbara.

I think that's what he ultimately decided to do, yes, but if I recall, he looked into the various options, including Catalina, and outlined his thinking. Maybe it was in another thread? I hope he sees this and stops by.

I enjoyed a couple of days on Catalina myself. The ferry, etc., was no hassle at all.

Have you considered San Diego? There is shore diving as well as boat diving.