San Diego or Catalina?
- Thread starter divernva
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socaldiver
Contributor
Can't go wrong either way divernva.
San Diego has some good diving especially wreck alley.
Catalina has some awesome sights as well. Boat dives or shore dives in both locations.
Here are a few sites you might want to check out for more information.
http://www.divebums.com
http://www.catalina.com
http://www.californiadiveboats.com
These sites should pretty much cover everything you need to know. I am sure KN :royal: can tell you more about the hotspots of San Diego.
Whatever you decide you won't be sorry.
Enjoy,
San Diego has some good diving especially wreck alley.
Catalina has some awesome sights as well. Boat dives or shore dives in both locations.
Here are a few sites you might want to check out for more information.
http://www.divebums.com
http://www.catalina.com
http://www.californiadiveboats.com
These sites should pretty much cover everything you need to know. I am sure KN :royal: can tell you more about the hotspots of San Diego.
Whatever you decide you won't be sorry.
Enjoy,
Thanks socaldiver!
The divebums site has great info on San Diego diving.
I booked a 3-day excursion to Catalina as an option. A roof over my head, a day of boat diving, and unlimited shore diving air for $380 (mid-week) wasn't too much to choke down. Besides, maybe I'll play hooky on one of the conference days to hit the local SD area.
So now I'm trying to figure out the best way to get from SD to Dana Point to catch the ferry. Renting a car and leaving it in a parking lot will probably run me another $100... I'm wondering what a round trip taxi fare would run.
The divebums site has great info on San Diego diving.
I booked a 3-day excursion to Catalina as an option. A roof over my head, a day of boat diving, and unlimited shore diving air for $380 (mid-week) wasn't too much to choke down. Besides, maybe I'll play hooky on one of the conference days to hit the local SD area.
So now I'm trying to figure out the best way to get from SD to Dana Point to catch the ferry. Renting a car and leaving it in a parking lot will probably run me another $100... I'm wondering what a round trip taxi fare would run.
socaldiver
Contributor
Transportation options, hmmmmmm
Let's see, there is the King Neptune express or the Mario Junket I believe :tease:
Another option, which is really neat by the way, is the Amtrak. It goes right up the coast from San diego to Dana Point (and points beyond).
By the way, who did you end up booking with? You are going to absolutely love Catalina. I am going to be there on 8/5 and again 8/25. Do some shore diving from Casino Point. They say the Giant Sea Bass (2 of them) are still hanging out. If you see them for the first time you will be amazed at their beauty. They are in the 5 to 6 feet range and probably tip the scales around 300+ lbs.
Good luck.
Let's see, there is the King Neptune express or the Mario Junket I believe :tease:
Another option, which is really neat by the way, is the Amtrak. It goes right up the coast from San diego to Dana Point (and points beyond).
By the way, who did you end up booking with? You are going to absolutely love Catalina. I am going to be there on 8/5 and again 8/25. Do some shore diving from Casino Point. They say the Giant Sea Bass (2 of them) are still hanging out. If you see them for the first time you will be amazed at their beauty. They are in the 5 to 6 feet range and probably tip the scales around 300+ lbs.
Good luck.
I booked the CAT-Dive package offered by CDS. They seemed pretty convenient since they are right in / by the Casino. The package includes 2 days of unlimited air for shore diving (8/29,31) and a boat dive (8/30). Wish I could hit the Two Harbors area, but doesn't seem likely.
Lodging-wise, I was looking for something inexpensive in terms of lodging so I'm staying at the Atwater... How far is the hike to the underwater park? And how does stowing gear work? Lockers or just carry what you can and forget the gear bag? I'm hoping they have somewhere I can rinse off before I hope on the ferry back to SD Friday.
Hmm... train sounds interesting. The closest stop seems to be San Clemente, but the schedule doesn't look to promising (only two trains a day). Oh well, renting a car for those days and paying rental fees is probably my safest bet for time (girlfriend is flying into SD Friday evening for the weekend, so best not to be late picking her up).
I'm getting pretty psyched for the trip... tons of lingering questions. Hope you all don't get tired of me.
Lodging-wise, I was looking for something inexpensive in terms of lodging so I'm staying at the Atwater... How far is the hike to the underwater park? And how does stowing gear work? Lockers or just carry what you can and forget the gear bag? I'm hoping they have somewhere I can rinse off before I hope on the ferry back to SD Friday.
Hmm... train sounds interesting. The closest stop seems to be San Clemente, but the schedule doesn't look to promising (only two trains a day). Oh well, renting a car for those days and paying rental fees is probably my safest bet for time (girlfriend is flying into SD Friday evening for the weekend, so best not to be late picking her up).
I'm getting pretty psyched for the trip... tons of lingering questions. Hope you all don't get tired of me.
socaldiver
Contributor
Divernva,
Catalina Divers Supply is a good ops to go with (only 2 to choose from on the island, hehe), John and Mark are good guys and the rest of the crew in the trailer at Casino Point are very helpful as well.
Ahhh, the Atwater, very diver friendly and inexpensive compared to other hotels. They are a block or so from the "beach" but you will have a nice little walk to the Point. It is close to the green pier though and that is where you will catch the boat for your boat dive. The Atwater does not have elevators so be prepared to climb the stairs. The rooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floor. I always carried my gear bag and suited up at the point. They also have lockers at the Point that you can leave gear in overnight (not my reg and computer though):nono:
As far as rinsing gear, there is a restroom with showers I believe right across from the Tuna Club that you can rinse down the gear.
Also, when you get off the "ferry" there is a shuttle service that will store your gear there at the dock and they also will transport your gear to the Point (I believe it is around $8 per bag though for this service. I have never used them myself personally (too cheap).
Anyway, you will enjoy. If you have never been in kelp be prepared, it is the most amazing dive you will have. There are some "wrecks" in the Point that if you ask the guys in the trailer they can give you more info on. The wrecks are in about 60 to 70 fsw (mainly small sailboats). The 2 giant sea bass are still hanging around, hopefully they will be there the end of August. Bring your u/w camera or you can rent (or buy a disposable from CDS) to capture the moment.
I am going to be there on 8/5 and again 8/25 and 8/26. Don't know if I can get away from work in the middle of the week but if you need a dive buddy and I can get away for a day I will dive with you.
Catalina Divers Supply is a good ops to go with (only 2 to choose from on the island, hehe), John and Mark are good guys and the rest of the crew in the trailer at Casino Point are very helpful as well.
Ahhh, the Atwater, very diver friendly and inexpensive compared to other hotels. They are a block or so from the "beach" but you will have a nice little walk to the Point. It is close to the green pier though and that is where you will catch the boat for your boat dive. The Atwater does not have elevators so be prepared to climb the stairs. The rooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floor. I always carried my gear bag and suited up at the point. They also have lockers at the Point that you can leave gear in overnight (not my reg and computer though):nono:
As far as rinsing gear, there is a restroom with showers I believe right across from the Tuna Club that you can rinse down the gear.
Also, when you get off the "ferry" there is a shuttle service that will store your gear there at the dock and they also will transport your gear to the Point (I believe it is around $8 per bag though for this service. I have never used them myself personally (too cheap).
Anyway, you will enjoy. If you have never been in kelp be prepared, it is the most amazing dive you will have. There are some "wrecks" in the Point that if you ask the guys in the trailer they can give you more info on. The wrecks are in about 60 to 70 fsw (mainly small sailboats). The 2 giant sea bass are still hanging around, hopefully they will be there the end of August. Bring your u/w camera or you can rent (or buy a disposable from CDS) to capture the moment.
I am going to be there on 8/5 and again 8/25 and 8/26. Don't know if I can get away from work in the middle of the week but if you need a dive buddy and I can get away for a day I will dive with you.
Never been in kelp so I'm looking forward to it! No tank or weights to worry about, so the hike from the hotel doesn't sound too bad. Glad to hear about the showers.
So my next question is about exposure suits. What's the temperature of the water in late August? I take it a flashlight would be a good thing to bring along.
A dive buddy would be great, but definitely don't want to cramp anyone's style. Thanks for the offer. I figure I'll dive pretty conservatively, if I can't find a buddy out there.
So what about other highlights of the island. Jeep tours? Sea kayaking trips? Or just lounging and barhopping?
So my next question is about exposure suits. What's the temperature of the water in late August? I take it a flashlight would be a good thing to bring along.
A dive buddy would be great, but definitely don't want to cramp anyone's style. Thanks for the offer. I figure I'll dive pretty conservatively, if I can't find a buddy out there.
So what about other highlights of the island. Jeep tours? Sea kayaking trips? Or just lounging and barhopping?
socaldiver
Contributor
When I was over there a couple of weeks ago the water temp was in the mid 60sF. I wore a farmer john 3 mil and was quite comfy. Deepest dive was to 73 fsw I believe and it was 63F.
A light would be nice so you can "explore" the nooks and crannies for some marine life. Other than that not really needed. Sun shines most of the time and produces plenty of natural light.
I suggest you look at http://www.catalina.com for info on what types of tours are available. But yes there are kayaks, glass bottom boats, etc, etc, etc. There are also tours that you can take, the island has a restriction on the number of combustible engines allowed so your choices are limited there. The website can explain that better.
Cramp anyone's style? Are you kidding? Show me the person who would rather work than spend a day underwater. I just can't commit right now til I see what kind of appointments I will have (work in sales).
There are some really nice restaurants/bars along the main drag. Catalina is a very laidback place. Although in the summer it tends to get quite crowded you still don't experience the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist attractions. Definitely can just lounge and relax, sip your favorite liquid livation and watch the people going by.
A light would be nice so you can "explore" the nooks and crannies for some marine life. Other than that not really needed. Sun shines most of the time and produces plenty of natural light.
I suggest you look at http://www.catalina.com for info on what types of tours are available. But yes there are kayaks, glass bottom boats, etc, etc, etc. There are also tours that you can take, the island has a restriction on the number of combustible engines allowed so your choices are limited there. The website can explain that better.
Cramp anyone's style? Are you kidding? Show me the person who would rather work than spend a day underwater. I just can't commit right now til I see what kind of appointments I will have (work in sales).
There are some really nice restaurants/bars along the main drag. Catalina is a very laidback place. Although in the summer it tends to get quite crowded you still don't experience the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist attractions. Definitely can just lounge and relax, sip your favorite liquid livation and watch the people going by.
Thanks. 3 mil farmer john it is then... actually its all I have!
Always have to keep in mind that there is a life outside of diving. Jeep tour sounded like a good way to burn a few hours. Sea kayaking sounds pretty cool too.
Sales... the trip to San Diego is for our annual sales meeting. I'm a systems engineer... so I know what you mean when it comes to flexibility. Too bad I don't live near more water.
Thanks again for answering my questions! I'm sure I'll have a few more to post!
Always have to keep in mind that there is a life outside of diving. Jeep tour sounded like a good way to burn a few hours. Sea kayaking sounds pretty cool too.
Sales... the trip to San Diego is for our annual sales meeting. I'm a systems engineer... so I know what you mean when it comes to flexibility. Too bad I don't live near more water.
Thanks again for answering my questions! I'm sure I'll have a few more to post!
Hey divernva,
Once upon a time in Cozumel I dove with a DM from CDS--name of Andy Wadley--and he was just great. If you see him, give him regards from a diver who he has pbly forgotten...you might be able to jog his memory by noting that we talked about sites where there were sharks--and since he was a Marine, I mentioned that my son was also a Marine.
At any rate, if the rest of the crew at CDS is anything like Andy, you will be pleased with the staff!
Joewr
Once upon a time in Cozumel I dove with a DM from CDS--name of Andy Wadley--and he was just great. If you see him, give him regards from a diver who he has pbly forgotten...you might be able to jog his memory by noting that we talked about sites where there were sharks--and since he was a Marine, I mentioned that my son was also a Marine.
At any rate, if the rest of the crew at CDS is anything like Andy, you will be pleased with the staff!
Joewr
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