I am flying to California in a week and want to do 3 days of two tank diving in Monterrey Bay (Monday-Wednesday the 5th-7th.). What are the best options for getting a guide to take me? I really don't want to wander around an unfamiliar area looking to run into other divers willing to let me tag along (especially on a week day). I am willing to pay for a private guide that will act as my buddy and show me the best local spots. It looks like Monterrey and Caramel are great dive spots.
I had been working with one of the well reviewed local shops since I first planned the trip 2 months ago, but they have become very flakey and won't confirm anything with only 9 days left. They keep saying things like "it should be no problem, we just need to check on guide availability". Then they never get back to me. I don't want to fly across the country and lug all of my gear, and then be disappointed by a shop that doesn't come through.
For the locals that know best, what would you do in my situation? I have been dreaming of sea lions, kelp forests, and anemones. Any advice to make it happen? What is my can't miss solution?
I had been working with one of the well reviewed local shops since I first planned the trip 2 months ago, but they have become very flakey and won't confirm anything with only 9 days left. They keep saying things like "it should be no problem, we just need to check on guide availability". Then they never get back to me. I don't want to fly across the country and lug all of my gear, and then be disappointed by a shop that doesn't come through.
For the locals that know best, what would you do in my situation? I have been dreaming of sea lions, kelp forests, and anemones. Any advice to make it happen? What is my can't miss solution?