General Information

This is a 9 day limited load trip to both the Northern and less explored Southern Channel Islands. The northern and southern islands are mostly rock reef and kelp forest diving. The trip will visit San Miguel Island, weather permitting, and usually work down the northern chain visiting a different island each day. The southern part of the trip will visit San Clemente Island, Catalina Island and other islands as we work our way back north. We will also do one night dive per night, as long as conditions permit. Water temperatures tend to be warmer at the Southern Islands (exceeding 70 degrees in the summer) and as a result, the visibility can be better. Also, the Southern Islands dives tend to see more pelagic fish species. Divers are more likely to see fish like yellowtail, barracuda, and even tuna. Limited loads are full with 26 passengers as opposed to a full boat of 35 passengers. This provides the divers with a little extra elbow room.

Gear Rental

SEA Landing Dive Center is fully equipped with scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, available for rent for the duration of your trip. We also rent fishing poles, and sell weights, hooks, and frozen bait. Approximately $60 for weights and $120 for tank for 9 days at Sea Landing Dive Center which is located on the dock where you will board the Vision.

SEA Landing Dive Center

http://www.divesantabarbara.com/

301 W Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara 
California 93101

T 1-(805)-963-3564
F 1-(805)-564-6754
E james@DiveSantaBarbara.com

Air Fills

With our onboard compressors can fill tanks to 3000 psi. Deck staff is always on hand to fill tanks during a diver’s surface interval, so there is no time lost. Nitrox is also available! Air is included. A Nitrox card with 20 fills can be purchased for $100 or $6 per fill.

Gratuity

Tipping is not required, but is sincerely appreciated when earned. If you feel the service was exceptional, a 15%, or $20 per person per day, gratuity is appropriate.

Parking

Please park only in the white single stalls. The yellow double-length stalls are reserved for vehicles with boat trailers, and you will be ticketed or towed. Bring your parking stub into the SEA Landing office and our staff will validate your ticket for a reduced rate of $3/day.

Departure & Boarding Times

Multi-Day trips to the Northern Islands depart at 4am. Southern Island departure times will vary depending on destination. We encourage groups to spend the night on board the boat the night before departure. Unless otherwise notified, you may board at 8pm, and our trips return to the dock by 5pm.

Do I have to board the night before? / Is it possible to board in the morning?

Passengers are welcome to come down in the morning to board. If they would like to board in the morning, they must be paid in full for the trip beforehand, and must need no rental dive gear. Also, we recommend being here at least an hour before departure time.

Bunkroom

Our boats are equipped with a large bunk room complete with single and double wide bunks. Clean blankets and pillows are provided, however it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag for further comfort. The bunks are equipped with privacy curtains and a reading light as well as storage for personal belongings. The boat also includes private changing rooms and hot showers both inside and outside.

Welcome & Orientation

Please notify the members of your party to read the "Welcome Aboard" sheets when they arrive. These describe where everything on the boat is located and are displayed on the galley tables. The captain will give an orientation and safety talk the first morning and address any questions or concerns.

Manifest / Roll Call

It is imperative that each person prints his or her name on the boat manifest upon arrival. The manifest is located on a table at the entrance to the galley. No roll call is taken before departure, and it is the individual’s responsibility to be sure everyone in the party is onboard before departure.

Food & Beverage

All Multi-Day trips include a hot breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Snacks, fresh fruit, cookies, candy, and hot and cold drinks are also available throughout the day. Limited Load dives traditionally will have more refined menus. For example, traditionally on multi-day trips we will do a tri-tip dinner. On a Limited Load trip, this might be a fillet mignon instead. We do not provide alcoholic beverages. You are welcome to bring any beverages onboard. Be sure to notify Truth Aquatics in advance if you have any special dietary needs.

Water Temperature and Visibility

Water temperature can vary up to 15 degrees from the Northern and Southern ends of the island chain with an average of 50-60°F in winter and 60-70°F in summer. Visibility can range from 40 to 100 feet and on rare occasions sometimes even up to 150 feet.

How many dives will we get?

A 3-Day dive trip can usually visit 5-6 different dive spots on each of the first two days. The third day normally visits 4 spots.

Fishing

Anyone taking game must have a California Fishing License and appropriate tags/report cards. You may purchase these at the SEA Landing office before your trip. Please adhere to all Fish & Game regulations. Regulation books will be available on board.

Lost & Found

Please check the boat thoroughly before disembarking. Truth Aquatics maintains a lost & found should any personal items be left behind. Truth Aquatics will do everything in its power to locate the missing item and arrange for its safe return. Truth Aquatics cannot accept responsibility for any items left behind and holds unclaimed items for up to 1 month.

Trip Evaluation Sheet

We would like to know how to serve you better! Trip Evaluation sheets are available in the galley on each boat. The more we receive the better we become, so please fill one out at the conclusion of your trip. Thank you in advance!

Zero Tolerance

As mandated by the Coast Guard, no illegal drugs are permitted on board.

Skill Level

Limited Load diving generally appeals to more experienced divers, and as a result the diving is often a bit more challenging. Limited Load trips also tend to have a lot of photographers onboard, so more often than not they will be looking for sites with clear, clean water and a lot of sea life.

Guided Diving

We don’t have a dive masters onboard the boat. The captain will give a briefing on each dive spot covering depth, terrain and conditions and then divers are free to dive and explore. We do have a chase boat and staff a safety diver, who is ready to enter the water in an emergency. If we need a diver master, we recommend the SEA Landing Dive Center.

Will there be alcohol on the trip?

Alcohol is not included, nor is it available for purchase. You are welcome to bring your own.

Can you bring coolers?

You may bring coolers with you on the trip.

What To Bring

⇒ Clothing for all weather conditions

⇒ Personal toiletries

⇒ Towels

⇒ Sunglasses/suncreen

⇒ Camera (in dry-bag or zip lock bag)

⇒ Binoculars

⇒ Reading material

⇒ Garbage bag or stuff sack to separate wet items or soiled clothing

⇒ Sleeping bag, linens, or additional blankets

⇒ Water bottle

⇒ Motion sickness medication

⇒ Certification card

⇒ DAN insurance or equivalent

⇒ Fish and Game License (if taking game)

⇒ Gear bag

⇒ Game bag/live well bag

⇒ Mask/Snorkel/Fins

⇒ 7-mm wetsuit or drysuit with hood, gloves and booties

⇒ Wetsuit hanger

⇒ Tank and BCD

⇒ Weight belt

⇒ Dive knife

⇒ Regulator with pressure gauge, depth gauge, compass, and decompression computer

⇒ Dive Alert & Surface Signal Tube

⇒ U/W light and chemical light (Cyalume) for night dives

⇒ Save-A-Dive kit (O-Rings, etc)

Directions