Based in Ventura, California
We are a family-run "six pack" dive charter business catering exclusively to hardcore divers.
All charters are run out of Ventura Harbor by our USCG-licensed captain and PADI Divemaster. The 28' commercial urchin boat was built in Goleta in 1975 and designed specifically for a safe, fast passage across the Santa Barbara Channel.
That being said, this is a commercial fishing boat with minimal amenities. There are no hot tubs, snack bars, or hot showers onboard and toilet facilities are rudimentary at best. If these are things you need to enjoy a day at sea, party boats like The Raptor and Spectre boats will be better fits for you and we encourage you to patronize them.
But if you want a core diving experience on a nimble boat able to tuck into spots the party boats can't, a small number of divers, and the best chance of scoring good wildlife & excellent conditions, we might be right up your alley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I catch the boat?
Unless you book a specialized trip, all charters leave from the Ventura Harbor Boat Ramp located here:
https://share.google/u9Wb8HTFEYdyUvKWf
Parking is $10 a day. Free street parking is located just Southeast of the parking lot. There are recently remodeled bathrooms and a small baitshop/convenience store for ice, beer, and snacks. We strongly encourage people coming from out of town to spend the night at one of Ventura's hotels/motels to ensure an early start.
Can we surf?
The short answer is "maybe." Some of our dive spots may have rideable waves nearby on the right swells and right tides. That being said, there are no beginner waves and we'll allow a maximum of two competent surfers to paddle and only then if there are no other surfers out.
Do you rent gear?
We don't rent, loan, or sell gear onboard our charters (aside from A80 tanks which are $25/ea per day.) 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, and a great shop with lots of options. Give them a holler at:
Do you provide food and drink?
Passengers are responsible for all their own food and beverages. Please let us know in advance if you plan on bringing large hard-sided coolers so we can ensure there's adequate space on board. Kill bags and soft-sided coolers are easily accomodated. If you need a kill bag and ice, we have a 60" model with ice available for $20 a day.
Can night dives be arranged?
Absolutely, we do them all the time. If conditions in the Channel are good, we can simply arrange an afternoon departure and return well after dark. If conditions get blustery during the day we can arrange a longer charter for additional cost.
Do you teach spearfishing?
For an extra $100, our divemaster will assist you in learning the ropes of spearfishing on your charter: Species and sizing, safe breathholds, use of spearguns, proper weighting, etc. These lessons target smaller, more sustainably harvestable reef fish.
We're Camping at the Channel Islands National Park, Can Charters Be Arranged From the Campgrounds?
We're happy to fetch you at Park Service campgrounds on the Channel Islands for a day on the water diving. This is especially popular with folks wanting to lobster dive at night off Santa Cruz Island. Prices are the same as charters leaving from Ventura.
The Not-So-Fine Print About Spearfishing & Lobstering
We are a CA Fish and Wildlife licensed Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel and are required by law to log all divers and their catches. Every diver wishing to spear or collect lobster will have their fishing license, ocean endorsement and lobster tags (if needed) verified before departure. If you do not have a valid, unexpired license with Ocean Endorsement (and tags if lobstering), you will not be allowed to fish, period. Licenses can be purchased online through https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing.
We are required by law to ensure all divers follow applicable regulations, including size and number limits. All critters will be counted and measured by crew after each dive. Short fish or lobsters, no-take species, or over-limit critters will not be be allowed on-board. Because there is no "catch and release" with spearfishing, we strongly encourage divers to only pull the tigger on fish they are sure are of legal size. If a diver repeatedly shoots short fish, we reserve the right to end their fishing for the day with no refunds given.
I'm a Solo Diver, Can I Join an Existing Charter?
Unfortunately not. All our charters are private as of September 1, 2026 and there are simply not opportunities to hop on someone else's charter. The best suggestion we have is to either gather some non-diver friends who want to snorkel or hike and book a private charter or to recruit other divers to go in on on of our charters through one of the SoCal spearfishing Facebook groups.
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
CA Fish and Wildlife Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel #FG74617
