In Reply to: First visit to LA posted by Phil on October 25, 2013 at 04:58:03:

And you will get to visit some of the finest diving in the world...

Depending on your schedule, Catalina is the easiest way to get in some good diving. While there
are many stories about diving there on my site, I would recommend something written by a another
non-local that came for a visit. Gillyweed_girl and scubadobadoo finally check out Catalina Island
is probably the best, detailed article for a visitor to Catalina from out of town.

...Catalina is one of the few places where you have dedicated stairs for diver entry.

Now if you want Wrecks, I would suggest Wreck Alley in San Diego if you can get there. It is
near shore, so you can get half day boats, though I suggest a couple trips.

The Northern Channel Islands are awesome, but still a little problem to get to.

There are a lot of whales around here, but aside from sea lions, you will have trouble finding much. On
the other hand, you might get mobbed by sea lions. Your best bet is to just enjoy the kelp and look
at the thick life on the reef.
Yep, 7mm with hood.
You can get a guide at Avalon on Catalina, but you can likely also just ask someone at the Casino Dive Park
if you can join. The reserve is pretty, but pretty tame.

You mentioned buses, etc. Really, in LA (of which Santa Monica is a part), you need a car to get around.

Oh yah, you are going to be in Santa Monica... It's not a premier dive spot, but if you want to read a
story about diving there, try The Sea Dream - Diving Santa Monica Breakwall

Check out some of the posts here for pics of the beautiful life you will see.
In any case, California diving is great. You should have a goo time.

Enjoy the diving, seahunt