Need advice on SoCal Charter

[masterof0]

I will be in the Ventura area July 5-8. I have found the Spectre that runs on Wednesday to Anacapa Island.

1) Is the Spectre a good boat?
2) Is Anacapa a worthwhile dive?
3) Are there other charters in the general area that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance

 

[ligersandtions]

The Spectre is a GREAT boat! If it's a weekend, it's probably a four tank dive....I think this is the only boat (if not, one of the few) that does a four tank dive on a non-liveaboard.

Anacapa has FANTASTIC diving! The north Channel Islands have some of the best diving around here, in my opinion. For a taste of Anacapa diving, check out the pics HERE.

The other charter in that area that I would recommend looking into is the Peace. It has a great reputation, though I have not had the opportunity to dive off it yet. Rumor has it, they have the best food around.


Have a great time while you're here!

 

[dwaters]

Yes, what Nichole said.... you can't go wrong on either the Spectre or Peace. But the Peace does their summer mid-week on Thursday (the 9th) so it won't fit your timing.... maybe next time.
Let us know if you get on the boat and there may be one or more of us sharing the water with ya.

 

[Teamcasa]

ditto,

Peace or Spector have a great reputation on this board.

Heres some more info
California Dive Boats : The Official Page

 

[muddiver]

Anacapa is the cleanest water I have ever dove along the west coast. It is a once in a life time dive if you can make it and you are not a local who could dive there all the time. It is also a marine preserve so even durring the day the stupid lobsters are not afarid of divers. You have a great time.

Note the water is in the 50 degree range here off So. Cal. So it will be pretty cold up there as well.

 

[fnfalman]

Yes. Spectre is a great boat.
Yes. Anacapa is awesome.
Yes, Explorer and Peace boats are also great boats. If you want quick departure/early return, the Raptor dive boat is a fast boat though it does lack some amenities and luxuries of the other three boats (i.e. room to move about in, hot tub, and excellent galley cooks).

All of these four boats are moored in the same marina and within a couple of hundred yards of each other.

 

[masterof0]

Thanks to everyone for quick responses

 

[orangelion03]

Nothing to add about either Spectre or Peace that hasnt been mentioned already. One thing to consider about mid-week trips is that they can be cancelled if they do not have enough divers, though July may not be too bad. On the other hand those mid-week dives tend to have lighter loads and an uncluttered deck. Please post here as the date draws nearer and you can probably find one of us "locals" to serve as a guide to our little slice of diving heaven.

 

[drbill]

Never dived the Spectre, but my friends who have say it is a great boat. I like Anacapa diving... being at the warmer eastern end of the northern Channel Islands, it's a bit more similar to my own Catalina. Of course I really like getting out to the cooler more westerly islands, but Anacapa is great.