Ok, Ok. So here are the details as we know them:
Diving the kelp forests of Santa Catalina Island, 26 miles across the sea from Long Beach, California, is one of the easiest and most interesting experiences on the US west coast. Located near the intersection of "tropical" and northwest critter zones, the marine life is abundant and diverse.
Our plan is to board the Catalina Express (the ferry from Long Beach to Avalon Harbor) on Tuesday afternoon March 22, 2011 at 1 PM. We're staying for the next four nights at the Hermosa Hotel, a very diver friendly destination.
We're diving Wednesday, March 23, aboard the King Neptune, a 66 foot long, 18 foot wide dive boat. Our plan is three boat dives Wednesday. Thursday, back aboard the King Neptune for two more boat dives. Thursday afternoon, a guided dive at the Avalon Dive Park, just a few blocks from our hotel. Friday, a day of shore dives in the dive park. Saturday, a leisurely ferry ride back to Long Beach.
So, how much will all this cost, you ask? $450 per diver. $225 per non-diver.
What's included?
- Round trip ferry on the Catalina Express
- Four nights lodging at the Hermosa Hotel (ppdo) in a D room
- Two days of boat dives aboard the King Neptune Dive charter
- Continental Breakfast, lunch and beverages aboard King Neptune
- Tanks and weights aboard the King Neptune
What's not included?
- Travel to Long Beach Harbor (air, car, train) from home
- Meals (other than those aboard the King Neptune)
- Equipment rental
- Tanks, air fills and weights for shore diving
- Room upgrades at Hermosa Hotel (call me for details)
Who should consider coming on this trip?
- Families with divers and non-divers
- Recently certified divers
- Experienced divers
- Underwater photographers
- REEF (fish and invertebrate) Surveyors
What are the travel options from home to Long Beach?
- Fly from Portland to LA International (group shuttle to Long Beach)
- Drive (I5 south, an easy 2 day drive or LONG one day drive)
- Amtrak
What's available for a non-diver on Catalina? Too much to list here
Space is available for 24 divers aboard the King Neptune. Plenty of non-diver space is available. Care to join me?
Reservations require a $50 per person deposit. The deposit becomes non-refundable after January 1, 2011. Final payment is due February 15, 2011.
