The Mendocino coast is California's top producing abalone
diving area. There are plenty of these delectable mollusks out there for
anyone that knows where to look and is willing to get into the water. Have you wanted to try
abalone diving but wanted to have an experienced diver show you how? Perhaps
you have already done some ab diving but were disappointed with the results.
After considering the ocean conditions, your guide will suggest one or more dive sites that will provide the best opportunity for success on the day of your trip. He will show you where to look and how to identify the abalone's hiding places.
Then he will explain how to easily distinguish a well-camouflaged abalone
from the surrounding rock. He'll show you how to persuade an abalone to release
it's grip on the rock and
help you learn how to avoid wasting your time on under-sized
abs. We begin with a discussion of safety
and regulations, finding a likely place to dive. You can choose to dive from a kayak or right from the beach. Tim will take you to places that are seldom mobbed with other
ab divers. If ocean swells get to big to allow diving
at most locations, he can often suggest a place that will have enough protection
from the waves to still get into the water. If the sea conditions are too
rough or visibility so limited that it threatens the likelihood of having
a good trip, Tim will postpone or cancel the trip if necessary.
Noyo
Pacific Outfitters offers guided abalone diving trips with CA-DF&G licensed fishing guide: Tim Pelzel.
Tim is an experienced abalone diver who can show you some great abalone dive spots.
Tim is an experienced abalone diver who can show you some great abalone dive spots.
After considering the ocean conditions, your guide will suggest one or more dive sites that will provide the best opportunity for success on the day of your trip. He will show you where to look and how to identify the abalone's hiding places.
Then he will explain how to easily distinguish a well-camouflaged abalone
from the surrounding rock. He'll show you how to persuade an abalone to release
it's grip on the rock and
help you learn how to avoid wasting your time on under-sized
abs. We begin with a discussion of safety
and regulations, finding a likely place to dive. You can choose to dive from a kayak or right from the beach. Tim will take you to places that are seldom mobbed with other
ab divers. If ocean swells get to big to allow diving
at most locations, he can often suggest a place that will have enough protection
from the waves to still get into the water. If the sea conditions are too
rough or visibility so limited that it threatens the likelihood of having
a good trip, Tim will postpone or cancel the trip if necessary. Rates: $150 for one person. $225 for
two people.
Trips are approximately 2 hours.
The guide can provide service for a maximum
of two people in the water at a time.
Guests can rent wetsuits and all the
necessary dive gear for $25 per person.
(Free-diving gear only, SCUBA equipment may not be used while diving for
abalone.)
If you would like to dive
from a kayak, kayak rentals are $15 additional per
person.
Guests should bring a towel and a snack and must bring something to drink. The guide is required to confirm that all guests have a valid California Fishing License and Abalone Permit Report Card.