Posted by shark-92107 on November 29, 2003 at 12:06:31:
In Reply to: Late Dec. San Diego or So Cal boat dive recomendations posted by scubapilot2000 on November 28, 2003 at 23:13:38:
The Yukon in the winter is generally too cold for Southern California divers in the 12-14 age range, particularly because it would be the first of two dives. Although if your sons are used to diving in Monterey, they might find the 55 degree F water balmy. The bottom depth (100 fsw) is also problematic for divers holding a junior certification (70 fsw max depth). It would be possible to do a Yukon dive and keep the depth above 70 fsw if your sons have good buoyancy control.
The top of the Ruby E would be interesting and different from what they've seen before. The bottom depth (85 fsw) is too deep, but the superstructure above 70 fsw is worth a dive.
Interesting in its own way is the NEL Tower. The base of the tower toppled over in a storm in the late '80s and is now covered with anemones and such. It looks like an oil derrick on its side. Bottom depth is 60 fsw.
The San Diego (Pt. Loma) kelp won't be better than what your sons are likely to have seen in Monterey. The marine life will be diferrent - Garibaldi and spiny lobsters to name a few. Visibility would be better at Catalina.
The Lois Ann and the Blue Escape are both good dive boats in San Diego. You might also consider the HydroDiver. It's a 6-pack, but there are 4 of you so you're almost there. The HydroDiver might give you a little more flexibility in terms of time and destinations.