SoCal Dive-In November 2009 Dive Weekend - Catalina Island, CA

[headhunter]

When: Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th
Where: Avalon Underwater Dive Park at Casino Point, Catalina Island

For a complete list of all of the SoCal Dive-In events for the 2009 calendar year, see this thread:

http://www.divematrix.com/showthread.php?t=5642


What is the SoCal Dive-In?

This is a monthly gathering of all divers and non-divers in SoCal who can make it. It's a lot of fun involving diving, eating, socializing and sometimes even camping!

It's open to everyone of all skill levels from "I'm not certified yet" to "Do we really have to dive the Andrea Doria again?"

We've found this to be a great way to meet our fellow divers locally and many new dive buddies have been found though these "dive soirees".


Accomodations

(Optional) Special Weekend Package for The Dive Matrix through the Seaport Village Inn:

While many people will get up early on Saturday morning to catch an early boat to Catalina and then take a late boat out at the end of the day, some of us will be spending the whole weekend on Catalina Island.

I have arranged for an excellent package for the whole weekend though Seaport Village Inn.

Compare to 2 nights at the Hermosa (economy rooms with shared bathrooms) + Boat Tickets for $170 (or $180 for a room with a private bathroom)

Room Rates: $169 per person for the weekend (based on double occupancy). Call for discounts on larger rooms, rooms with 2 beds, suites, single rooms or extended stays. You may book with a roommate or book on your own and will be assigned a room with another member.

If you use a commuter book or use other transportation to the island, speak with Raul at Seaport Village Inn. He has offered to deduct the full price of the Regular Price Round trip ticket on the Catalina Express from the total price of the package.

Here is what this package includes:

• Rountrip Transportion to Catalina on the Catalina Express
• Shuttle on Arrival and Departure
• Accomodations on Friday and Saturday night
• Hot Breakfast each morning
• Transport gear to and from the flag pole at Casino Point
• A place to rinse our gear at the end of the day
• Complementary baggage storage for the day of departure

The Seaport Village Inn will book the Catalina Express for you when you make your reservation.


Cancellation Policy

• Cancel within 2 days - no refund
• Cancel within 7 days - 50% refund
• Cancel with more than 7 days notice - $50 processing fee

To receive this discounted rate you must mention The Dive Matrix when calling.

For reservations call - (800) 222-8254!


Other "Diver Friendly" Hotel Options

Hermosa - $55 per person /night (does not include boat trip)


Possible Dive Schedule for Saturday:

7:00AM - Early Birds arrive and lay claim to a spot
8:00AM - First Dive
11:00AM - Second Dive
12:00PM - Lunch
2:00PM - Third Dive
4:30pm - Last Boat leaves for Dana Point
5:00PM - Night Dive
7:30pm - Last Boat leaves for Downtown Catalina Landing, Long Beach
8:00PM - Dinner and more socializing at:

Ristorante Villa Portofino
This has become a dinner favorite that people look forward to and when asked, people always suggest that we have dinner here on Saturday night. Great atmosphere, great food and a wide variety of choices at reasonable prices.


Info about Catalina Island:

Island Map

City of Avalon Map

Dive Park Map

Catalina Express web site

Seaport Village Inn

Phone number for Catalina Baggage and Storage: (310) 510-0766


Tide info:

Coming soon!


Catalina Express Schedule

http://www.catalinaexpress.com/scheduleFares.php

From San Pedro and Long Beach $59.00 round trip
From Dana Point $61.00 round trip
For Reservations: 800-481-3470


2009 SoCal Dive-In Schedule:

SoCal Dive-In events will take place every 2nd Saturday of the month and we will occasionally have both a Saturday and Sunday included for an entire weekend of fun.

January 10th, Saturday - San Diego County - La Jolla Shores
February 14th, Saturday - Orange County - Heisler Park
March 14th and/or 15th, Saturday and/or Sunday - Catalina Island - Avalon Dive Park
April 11th and/or 12th, Saturday and/or Sunday - Los Angeles/Ventura County - Leo Carrillo
May 9th, Saturday - San Diego County - La Jolla Shores
June 13th, Saturday - Orange County - Heisler Park
July 11th and/or 12th, Saturday and/or Sunday - Catalina Island - Avalon Dive Park
August 8th and/or 9th, Saturday and/or Sunday - Los Angeles/Ventura County - Leo Carrillo
September 12th, Saturday - San Diego County - La Jolla Shores
October 10th, Saturday - Orange County - Heisler Park
November 14th, Saturday - Catalina Island - Avalon Dive Park
December 12th, Saturday - Los Angeles - Palos Verdes/Redondo area - Veteran's Park


RSVP:

Please RSVP, so that we can get a headcount for planning various activities.

Please include the number of guests in your party and update your RSVP with any changes in the future.

Also, please let us know if you're coming on Saturday, Sunday or both.

I'll update this post as we have more info.

Christian
-

[headhunter]

I'm making this thread sticky now, so that people remember to make their reservations at the Seaport Village Inn before they sell out.

They always seem to sell out even in the off season and some people have been unable to get rooms, so book now to ensure you get a room.

This is typically an outstanding time of the year to dive Catalina!

Christian

[ShakaZulu]

I better get myself a room for this one.....

[Mo2vation]

ROY????


Nice.


---
K

[ShakaZulu]

and remember my PADI card this time

ROY????


Nice.


---
K

[headhunter]

I've had something come up at work and won't be able to make it out for this one.

I'm sure it will be fantastic and look forward to hearing about it later!

Christian

[drbill]

Where else would I be? Well, the Philippines, the Red Sea, Brazil do beckon... but my bank balance says not yet.