San Diego, CA
Author: Alan

Posted by ADS on September 11, 1998 at 10:07:45:

Just got back from a brieg trip to San Diego. Did eight dives over three days.

The first day we were aboard the Hydro Diver a very comfortable six-pack. There were only three divers aboard. We did two dives in the kelp beds off Point Loma.

The visibility was fifteen to thirty feet and the temperature at depth in upper 50's to low 60's. The temperature was quite comfortable as I'm used to the chilly waters of New England. The kelp is just recovering from El Nino but was still a great experience. The nudibranchs were numerous and quite colorful, something you don't see on the east coast.

The next day we dove from the Lois Ann. This is a top-notch organization, what a pleasure to dive with. This was a three tank trip to the Coronado Islands of Mexico just a one and one-half hour boat ride from San Diego. Visibility was 50 feet or so and the water temperature a comfortable 68. The sea lions were around but did not come near any of the divers. There were no large fish but the Garibaldi and other small and medium sized fish were plentiful..

The last day we dove on the Lois Ann again. the first dive was on the Ruby E. an old Coast Guard vesel sunk as an artificial reef. Maximum depth was 85 feet. the vessel is penetrable and covered with anemones and nudibranchs. It's a great site for shooting macro, I easily shot the entire role of 36 frames. Visibility was fifteen to thirty feet and the temperature in the fifties.

The last two dives of the day were at the Point Loma kelp beds. Visibility was down a bit due to strong surge. Diving in the kelp gives one the feeling of flying more than any other diving I've ever done.

I can't say enough about the Lois Ann. Larry, Lois and company are fantastic hosts. They provide hot and cold drinks, breakfast, lunch and cookies in addition to a great dive operation.

If you're in San Diego try either the Lois Ann or the Hydro Diver I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Alan