Sand Dollar to Santa Barbara Island?

[jephre]

Just curious if any of y'all have opinions on this boat/trip-- thinking about going with Eco Divers for Cinco de Mayo with the sealions, but always eager to hear any reports (couldn't find any in the searches) .....


cheers!

jephre

 

[Mo2vation]

Go see the boat. Then make your decision.

Meet the crew, see the boat.

Don't roll the dice.

My 02 PSI

---
Ken

 

[jephre]

that's slightly cryptic but more unfeasible given distance to port. should i have cause for concern?

 

[HBDiveGirl]

Just curious if any of y'all have opinions on this boat/trip-- thinking about going with Eco Divers for Cinco de Mayo with the sealions, but always eager to hear any reports (couldn't find any in the searches) .....


cheers!

jephre

Another diver asked a similar question in February, and I answered with this post.

If you want sealions, the wonderful Captain Greg will do his best to give you a great day of diving.

But as I mentioned in the February post, I was not at all impressed with the pre-departure operations of the EcoDive Center co-owner and Dive Master crew.

To this day I can still say that no other boat dive operation or dive store has EVER listened to my questions (or concerns) and responded with, "Well, you can't please everyone."

Santa Barbara is a spectacular experience for many reasons.. the remoteness, the underwater rock formations, the huge groups of sealions at the multiple rookery areas. It's usually worth the extra time and expense to get there.

I just like diving with operations that eagerly offer their best to their customers. There are many to choose from.

Have a GREAT Cinco De Mayo day of diving.

~~~~~~
Claudette

 

[KazInAz]

The Sand Dollar is a good boat. I've been on it a hundred times. Good food.
In my experience it also depends on whos chartered the boat since each 'group' as its own set of rules.
Santa Barbara on the other hand I didnt like....after 3 hrs the sea lions stink and are noisy.

 

[cys]

Also been on the Sand Dollar for many many dives. It's a fine boat. I don't like the rookery they habitually go to at SBI; it's really shallow and the viz is often not great. The other side of the island is nicer, IMO...

 

[shark.byte.usa]

Been on the Sand Dollar once, it was a nice boat..
Been to SBI once, wouldn't go back anytime soon, unless definitely going to the Northern sites, by the 3rd dive I was sick of sea lions and the rookery is a bad dive site...

-Garrett

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

the Sand Dollar is one of only a few so cal boats I have yet to dive off. HOwever, I must say (and Im surprised by others opinions), diving with the Sealions, especially if at SBI, is one of the most memorable experiences. I have had some amazing encounters there, and although the picture was not the best, I witnessed an amazing event with two sealions embracing eachother. I for one am always anxious to get out to play with the sealions at the rookery...I wouldnt necessarily suggest a whole day there...but one or two good dives is a must, especially if you have yet to experience sealions close up.

The reefs on the other end of SBI are great as well...so hopefully you get the opportunity to dive those.

 

[Empty V]

Eco is a great company, if they're on another boat. Hungover and still drunk instructors are not the safest to be around.

Billy