Recommended hotel 1 night after Truth trip, Santa Barbara?

[KevinG58]

... I can see where a well-seasoned guide could do a lot for a professional photographer or other person needing to maximize a trip experience, guides have to eat, too, and I didn't ask what happens if a few people want to share a guide, since I plan to travel alone. I don't plan to hire one since it would roughly double my trip cost, & I'm aiming for budget control in 2016.

Richard.

P.S.: I didn't post people's names since it seemed impolite to me, not having requested their consent.

I've been out to the islands a lot, and while they are definitely available from what I've seen over the years guides are rarely used. You probably won't find one already on the boat, to join up with. If you do, the pay scale is an individual thing as there is no Dive Guide Guild, as you know

I see this trip is on the Vision. Captain Graham delivers excellent dive briefings, he typically is very detailed without being long-winded. Most of the Truth Aquatics Captains (including Graham) and crews are divers themselves, are very approachable, and will be happy to share additional information with you if you want to talk between dives, as long as they aren't busy running the boat.

The islands are the fantastic location you've heard of. 5 days on the southern islands Graham usually goes to San Clemente and then works northwards, subject to conditions of course. I've seen your posts on the board and as an experienced and thoughtful diver you will enjoy this trip.