Questions divers ask
The questions we get on the boat and by text, answered the way we answer them at the dock: the short answer first, then the reasons.
Do you need Advanced Open Water to dive the HMCS Yukon?
Yes. To dive the HMCS Yukon with Marissa Charters you need a current Advanced Open Water certification or the equivalent, and we recommend 15 to 20 logged cold-water dives first. The sand is at about 102 feet, the shallowest rail at 56 to 60, and a two-tank day spends most of its time between 60 and 100 feet in 50 to 52°F water.
Drysuit or 7 mm wetsuit for diving San Diego?
Either works. San Diego water at depth runs 50 to 52°F most of the year, 46 to 48°F in February and March, and 55 to 58°F from August through October. A 7 mm wetsuit with hood, gloves and boots is the minimum we take you out in. A drysuit is the better answer if you dive here often, dive in winter, or are cold on the second dive.
Is nitrox worth it on the Yukon?
For most nitrox-certified divers, yes. The HMCS Yukon is a repetitive deep dive, most of it between 60 and 100 feet with a second dive to follow, the profile nitrox was made for. We blend it onboard at 22 to 40 percent, $16 a single tank and $28 doubles. Nitrox extends your no-decompression limit. It does not change your depth limit.
Wreck Alley or Point Loma kelp: which should you dive first?
Dive the Point Loma kelp first if you are Open Water certified, new to cold water, or have not been on a California boat in a while. Dive Wreck Alley and the HMCS Yukon first if you hold Advanced Open Water and have 15 to 20 logged cold-water dives. The kelp has Open Water friendly reefs from 20 feet. The Yukon keeps you between 60 and 100.