Fin Finder
Contributor
As a long time So Cal diver, reading the details about a visitor's experience diving here has been very interesting. This is an excellent trip report, and would be a useful primer for anybody planning a trip to So Cal. California boat diving is run differently from most other dive operations worldwide. So, drrich2 your underlying message of "Do your Homework" before you arrive to dive is the best possible advice to those that follow.
There's a reason why local divers refer to such events as "multi-day trips" rather than "liveaboards". Anyone used to real liveaboards expecting a private cabin, a warm post-dive towel, and a cocktail on the sun deck will be severely disappointed. Here is the So Cal counter reality stated in the most honest terms, 1) privacy only starts and ends at the head door, 2) everything gets wet, 3) a refreshing (aka cold) post-dive shower on the swim step awaits, and 4) self-serve beer can be found in your own cooler if you want a drink at the end of the day. And if you're used to a chocolate latte and a vegan omelet in the morning, you'll have to try the chef's special: luke warm Dr Pepper and all-you-can-eat breakfast burritos overly filled with mystery meat (if you dare). That's the way it is, and the way we like it here.
By most liveaboard standards, So Cal boat trips can be considered rugged. I've been on boats where visiting divers have arrived without tanks and weights, expecting them to be provided by the operation (usually not the case unless arranged for ahead of time). Some have been shocked that men and women share a common bunkroom, with a thin curtain the only concession to privacy (it's made for some interesting stories through the years). All of this is the norm, so be prepared.
I've never seen a visitor seriously disappointed at the end of a trip on one of our boats. Relieved, perhaps.
The captains know their business, and the crews are skillful, without exception.
Thanks for such a thorough report. Glad you had a good trip.
Come back again soon. There's still a lot more to see.
There's a reason why local divers refer to such events as "multi-day trips" rather than "liveaboards". Anyone used to real liveaboards expecting a private cabin, a warm post-dive towel, and a cocktail on the sun deck will be severely disappointed. Here is the So Cal counter reality stated in the most honest terms, 1) privacy only starts and ends at the head door, 2) everything gets wet, 3) a refreshing (aka cold) post-dive shower on the swim step awaits, and 4) self-serve beer can be found in your own cooler if you want a drink at the end of the day. And if you're used to a chocolate latte and a vegan omelet in the morning, you'll have to try the chef's special: luke warm Dr Pepper and all-you-can-eat breakfast burritos overly filled with mystery meat (if you dare). That's the way it is, and the way we like it here.
By most liveaboard standards, So Cal boat trips can be considered rugged. I've been on boats where visiting divers have arrived without tanks and weights, expecting them to be provided by the operation (usually not the case unless arranged for ahead of time). Some have been shocked that men and women share a common bunkroom, with a thin curtain the only concession to privacy (it's made for some interesting stories through the years). All of this is the norm, so be prepared.
I've never seen a visitor seriously disappointed at the end of a trip on one of our boats. Relieved, perhaps.
The captains know their business, and the crews are skillful, without exception.
Thanks for such a thorough report. Glad you had a good trip.
Come back again soon. There's still a lot more to see.
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