In Reply to: best time to dive in Southern CA posted by Kim on September 25, 2007 at 16:16:21:

Aug thru Sep are my favorite times to dive So Cal. I live in northern California, but I get to the south to dive as much as possible. Catalina is a great place to dive. As are the other islands too!

Try to get a dive boat out of the mainland to the Island. You usually get 3 dives, air fills (Some boats have Nitrox as well), 2 meals and a snack. Hot showers when you're done and a bunk for around $125, some more, some less.

If you can't get on a dive boat, catch the Catalina express to the island and dive the dive park. you can rent tanks and get refills right there at the dive park. Check the times to verify when it is open. I was there 2 weeks ago and saw a Giant Black Sea Bass (I'm guessing over 100lbs and a Sheepshead that was HUGE! Some regulars told me his name is Oscar...

In any case, have fun, be safe.