Diving near San Diego?

Hi,

I've just discovered that I'll be going to San Diego for a conference in mid December, and seeing as work is covering the airfares I figure it's my duty to squeeze some diving in while I'm there, good chance to test out my new E-900/Ikelite rig too...

All my diving so far has been in Australia, and I've got no clue about that area, so I'm looking for suggestions of good sites, good operators (preferably towards the budget end of the scale) and so on.

I don't have a fixed schedule yet, but I can probably spare a few days.

I know its winter, but I guess round there it doesn't get too chilly?

Is the HMCS Yukon worth seeing, or is it too touristy?

How tricky/expensive would it be to get out to Guadalupe and see some sharks?

and if I did that, what are the odds of actually seeing any sharks??

Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated

thanks!

Ric.

Hi Ric,

I just returned from San Diego/Guadalupe. I didn't have a chance to dive in SD, but can tell you that there were alot of people diving/snorkeling in La Jolla.

As far as Guadalupe goes, I don't think you will be able to find a charter that time of year. Most of the trips that I've seen end in Nov. due to the weather out there. It is an awesome experience if you the chance.

Matt

I live in San Diego and I know people who dive almost every weekend. I am not one of them.

The water is generally COLD, and the vis is generally LOW. There are exceptional days as far as vis goes, but not very predicatable.

If you can get to one of the offshore islands you will have better vis and sea life. There are overnight dive boats that go for 1 or 2 day dives to some of the islands. If you drive north to Long Beach you can get a boat to Catalina, which is nice diving. There are also local boats that will take you to Coronado Islands - a day trip. Sea lions are the attraction as most of the kelp is gone. The sea lions are great fun though and may be worth it if you haven't experinced them.

Winter is unpredictable. It could be very nice, or cold and rainy.

Not sure if that is helpful, but coming from Oz you may be disappointed in So Cal diving.

The surf is good though.

http://www.horizoncharters.com/index.htm

Check for possible trips to Channel Islands for the best diving off San Diego.

http://www.gottadive.com/

Check here for dives on the Yukon. They usually do a 2 tanker in am, some days also in pm. The Yukon is starting to get quite a quite a bit of growth on it. An interesting dive. Water temp in mid 50 F on wrecks.

I lived in San Diego for several years before moving North, you will find good beach diving off La Jolla, both at the cove and the shores. Vis can be a bit erratic, but they can be fun easy dives none the less.

For boat diving, a trip to the Coronado Islands as was previously mentioned, is alot of fun. The Sea Lion pups are a ton of fun and worth the boat ride. Catalina IMHO is California's finest and easiest diving, but is a fair obligation in time (2-3 days to get out to the island, enjoy a few dives and sample the fine dining and sites on the Island) If you have the time you will not be dissappointed.

Otherwise, if visibility cooperates, the already mentioned "wreck ally" is great as well as the kelp forest off Point Loma.

Other good diving is south of the border, about 2-3 hours drive into Mexico, a guy named Dale runs a dive op just south of ensanada at "La Bufordia" I've always had spectalular diving there!

There are many dive shops in the area and any of them can point you in the rifght direstion depending on your schedule.

Have fun,

John

Thanks everyone, lots of great advice!

I haven't dived with Sea Lions before (despite several trips to Jervis Bay and Narooma, I've always missed them) so depending on how much time I've got I think I'll check out either Coronado or Catalina

(I still welcome further suggestions though )

BR

Ric

Thanks everyone, lots of great advice!

 

I haven't dived with Sea Lions before (despite several trips to Jervis Bay and Narooma, I've always missed them) so depending on how much time I've got I think I'll check out either Coronado or Catalina

 

(I still welcome further suggestions though )

BR

Ric

We used to really enjoy the Coranados. Our favorite boat was the Blue Escape, but alas they are no longer in operation.

San Diego is 100 miles south of San Pedro/Long Beach. From there Catalina is a 25 mile boat ride.

If you are comfortable in open water (I mean really comfortable and really open), the Oil rigs are an experiance not to be missed. October is the best month when you factor in vis and H2O temps.

Hollywood Divers (http://hollywoodivers.com) has a monthly trip. Reef Seekers (www.reefseekers.com) also has a trip almost every month. You may experience vis from 3' to 100' depending upon the week.

Also, many boats run from San Pedro/Long Beach to Catalina. Really nice diving but it does make for a long day as the travel time between LB and Sd can be really nasty.

If you are up to really cold water you vcould try Lois Ann (www.loisann.com) to the HMS Yukon.

California Kelp diving is a blast and unlike anything you will find any where else ao there is the Point Loma kelp beds. Beware though... my experience in SD made me wish for a Drysuit. Coronados were warmer, clearer and more fun IMHO. Here is a Red Urchin shot from the Coranados:

If you want to dive the Yukon you will need to sign on with one of the day boats that go out there. Thus, it is not 'too touristy'. Its a pretty darn good sized wreck and worth diving. I must have over 100 on it since we sunk it. You should be able to get a spot on Doc Ames' San Diego Shark Diving trips to Guadalupe. Not sure what Doc is charging now but its a good sum, probably around 2500. However, the trip is just excellent and no one who has gone has ever gotten skunked by no shows.

You can't get to the kelp beds by doing a shore dive at La Jolla Shores, you will need to go out on a day boat for this. I suggest that you try the Pt.Loma kelp beds as they are the best. No guarentees that you will be running into sea lions tho you can always see them on the beach south of La Jolla Cove at a place called Children's Pool, its within easy walking distance of the cove.

Steve B)