Diving Catalina and Huntington Beach California

Hi all,

I am hoping to dip into the experience base for some recommendations on outfits to use out of Huntington Beach, CA to dive Catalina or the Channel Islands, or operations on Catalina to use for diving. I will be interested in day trips as opposed to 2-3 day live aboard trips. Can anyone that dives from these locations offer some info. I am thinking of going for two days of diving in mid-late September or early October.

Thanks,

Mike

The below link covers most of the california dive boats. You should look at the schedules of the boats based in Long Beach and San Pedro.

http://californiadiveboats.com/

You could also use the Catalina Express to get to Avalon, and either dive the underwater park or use a local boat from there. More links follow.

http://catalinaexpress.com/

http://www.scubaluv.com/

If you find an itinerary that seems to work for you, give us the details and a few of us can give you our feelings on the boat, location, etc.

www.visitingcatalina.com is a resource for a good Catalina Travel book. A lot on diving and operations, including mainland dive boats and contact information.

You are more likely to get good diving operations from the Long Beach or 22nd. Street landings, but Huntington Beach is not really a good port for dive boats. I recommend Encore and Great Escape as they are nice big boats. However, the boat that frequents Catalina the most is Sun Diver at www.sundiver.net. Smaller boat but worthy of a trip or two.

On-island, you have really two choices in Avalon and one in Two Harbors.

Avalon: Catalina Divers Supply and Catalina Scuba Luv have nice dive boats and operations.

In Two Harbors you have one dive shop that has two main boats, plus there is EXCELLENT diving at Ship Rock, Bird Rock and Blue Caverns within 2 minutes of the dock. You can stay in either Two Harbors or Avalon as both have hotel/s and restaurants.

If you need more help, contact me at joe@californiaunderwater.com.

Joe

OK-We have hammered down the dates. We will be diving Oct 14 and 15(thursday and friday). I am thinking about 1 day in Catalina and doing the Friday open boat with Sundivers. Anyone else interested in helping fill the boat?

Thanks for all the helpful info.

Regards,

Mike