Monterey Express

[Ed L.]

Going out with them in April. Thoughys, opinions, suggestions, experiences and what can one expect?

Thanks

Ed L.

 

[theone]

the are a great dive boat, the captain is great and a lot of fun. I've been out with them a few times and would definitly go out with them again.

 

[Rick Inman]

I don't know what your prior experience is with dive boats, but on the M.E., there will not be a DM in the water giving you a tour. You will be expected to plan your own dive and dive your plan. You can bring your own buddy, find one yourself on the boat, or (if they determine you are an experienced solo diver) dive solo. The dives will be easy enough for novice cold-water divers (usually).
Suit up before you get on the boat (assuming dry suit) and let 'em know in advance if you want nitrox. Have your C-card ready. They will check.
One thing for sure, the dives will be great! Enjoy!!

BTW, Ed, fill out your profile and you can get better/more specific advise based on you diving experience.

 

[Ishie]

We did the ME for our advanced boat/deep OW. They wanted to take us off Mono Lobo, which would have been really cool, but conditions didn't permit, so we did East Pinnacle.

I thought they were great. I was having some seasickness troubles, and they essentially dressed me for the second dive. Very professional crew, and nice dive sites. The captain was also cool about mailing my sweatshirt back to me after I left it down by the head.

 

[Wristshot]

They also request that people don their wetsuits before getting on board so that you don't have people flailing around and falling down trying to squeeze into wetsuits.

As a courtesy to other divers, try not to bring every piece of gear that you own onto the boat as it can get full.

Always check that you have all your gear before the boat departs the dock.

The benches near the stern are more open to the elements, but they are a shorter "walk" to the giant stride. Weigh those pros/cons for yourself.

There is a hose at the Port stern for warm water. You can rinse off or warm up using it.

Pay attention to the briefing. Often the return to the boat is dictated by time not air.

Enjoy!!



Wristshot

PS: My avatar picture was taken aboard the Monterey Express!

PPS: They use Steel tanks, so adjust your weight accordingly if you normally dive Aluminum tanks!

 

[zinmaker]

Dove with M.E. last weekend for a couple of afternoon dives, conditions were not great, but had a good time, we dove in the Bay at Hopkins Deep and the aquarium, they are very safe and give you a full safety briefing. Ditto all of the above and also bring your own weights and or if needed weight belt. With the steel tanks they use, I subtracted 6 pounds from my 80 c.f. aluminum tank weight and was fine. The hot water hose on the port stern of the boat is great to stick down your wetsuit inbetween dives.

 

[Scubacastor]

I've been diving with them for the last 5 weekends since I moved to Monterey.

Nice boat, nice captain Tim and crew, nice dives . Don't bring your tank, but take all your gear including weigths. If you don't have a dive buddy, they'll find it for you. If you can be subject to seasickness troubles, take your precaution (each we, some divers are offering their breakfast to the local fauna...) . I think this advice is true for all Monterey charters.