Based in Ventura, California
All charters are run out of Ventura Harbor by our USCG-licensed captain and PADI Divemaster. The 28' re-fit commercial urchin boat was built in Goleta in 1975 and designed specifically for a safe, fast passage across the Santa Barbara Channel.
The Fine Print
The Santa Barbara Channel (between the Channel Islands and the Mainland) is a volatile body of water subject to rapid changes in wind and sea state. Because safety is our main concern (with fun in an amazing bioregion being a close second), we reserve the right to cancel charters up to the moment of departure in the event oceanic conditions make the crossing unsafe. If we are forced to cancel a trip, 100% of your deposit will be refunded.
We do not provide dive instruction or equipment (aside from tank rentals- Aluminum 80s are $20/ea per day.). All divers are expected to be properly trained (we will ask for C cards for all tank dives) with well maintained, functional equipment. If our Divemaster notes unsafe equipment or behavior, we reserve the right to cancel dives with no refunds provided.
All divers assume the risks inherent with breathing underwater in a marine environment full of hazards including, but not limited to, big fish that bite, boat propellers, surge, spikey echinoderms, flatfish with stingy-stingys in their tails, and the occasionally too-close-for-comfort whale.
There are caves at many of our divespots. All divers must certify they will not enter caves or other overhead environments unless properly trained, certified and equipped.
Anyone wishing to harvest fish or crustaceans must have a valid California fishing license with ocean endorsement. Lobster tags are required for all divers wanting to take bugs. All regulations will be followed to the letter of the law and our captain and Divemaster reserve the right to discard any shorts you may inadvertently catch.
Visibility, water temps, and the presence of fish and game vary widely day to day. We'll do our best to put you onto whatever you're hunting, but nature is nature and there are no guarantees and no refunds if we come back empty handed.
Our boat is an ex-commercial fishing boat. It is not fancy. It does not have a hot tub, internet, a kitchen or a flush toilet. If you or your family need such amenities, we are not going to be a good fit for you: Try the Raptor, the Peace or the Spectre diveboats out of Ventura Harbor. They are larger, better equipped boats.
But if you're into a more nimble experience with faster crossings and the ability to tuck into places the big boats can't, you'll be stoked with us. Promise.
Our captain will go out of his way to plan a good trip for you. Want to paddy hop for yellowtail, then cruise kelpbeds for white sea bass, then crawl around on the bottom for bugs? Mix up diving with snorkeling for the kids? Grab a hike between dives? We can probably make it work.
All bookings require a 50% deposit in advance to hold your place. The other 50% is due prior to departure. Venmo is preferred. Bookings are fully refundable up 48 hours prior to departure.
If You Need Gear...
We don't rent, loan, or sell gear onboard our charters. If you need gear, check with our amazing local dive shops.
Blue Tuna Spearfishing outfits 95% of speeros and freedivers around the bioregion. The staff is awesome and their prices are the best in the US. Check 'em out at
https://bluetunaspearfishing.com/
If you need scuba gear, tank fills, or scuba instruction, Ventura Dive and Sport is a great shop located in Ventura Harbor. They also run the Raptor diveboat. Check 'em out at:
If you're coming from the South, Malibu Divers in Malibu is one of the best shops in the US. Great instructors, great staff, great shop with lots of options. Give them a holler at:
CONTACT US
Interested in what we can offer? Please shoot us an email at info@venturadivecharters.com, fill out this form, or give us a call/text at (805)460-3083.
info@venturadivecharters.com
(805)460-3083
