Yes. We operate year-round and continue to invest in our vessel, crew, and customer experience. Our focus remains single-day Channel Islands diving and snorkeling trips.

Tips are not included in the price of any trip. If the crew takes care of you a tip is welcome. Remember that tips are shared among all crew members.

We do not offer scuba certification courses, and all divers must be already certified to scuba dive with us.

We regularly host students from local dive shops who bring their classes aboard for training dives, and we’re always happy to recommend reputable shops if you’re looking to earn or continue a certification.

For certified divers who want additional support without the structure or pressure of a formal course, we partner exclusively with Dive Guides of Channel Islands to offer guided diving services. The guides are experienced instructors who tailor the dive to your comfort level, experience, and goals—without checklists, exams, or certification cards.

This option is ideal for divers who haven’t been in the water for a while, want a confidence refresh, or simply prefer a more personalized, low-pressure experience while diving the Channel Islands.

Guided services are available only to certified divers and are designed to complement—not replace—traditional dive shop training.

If you’re not scuba certified, snorkeling is always welcome on our trips. The Channel Islands offer some of the best snorkeling in California, with clear water, vibrant kelp forests, and abundant marine life just below the surface.

Snorkelers enjoy the same destinations, comfort, and onboard experience as divers—often with excellent visibility and frequent encounters with sea lions, fish, and kelp canopies. It’s an accessible way to experience the islands without the training requirements of scuba.

Snorkeling is a great choice for guests who are new to ocean exploration, traveling with certified divers, or simply want a relaxed way to enjoy the water while still being part of the full day on board.

Ride-alongs and snorkelers of all ages and experience levels are welcome aboard. Whether you’re new to the ocean or simply prefer to stay on the surface, you can enjoy a full day on the water with meals and access to all onboard amenities.

The Spectre offers up to nine dedicated spaces per trip for snorkelers and ride-alongs, separate from scuba diver spots. Snorkeling takes place at the same beautiful Channel Islands locations as the dive sites, and snorkel gear rental packages are available if needed.

This option is ideal for families, first-time ocean explorers, and guests who want a relaxed, flexible way to experience the Channel Islands.

Everyone

• Bathing suit and towel

• Layered clothing for changing weather

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat

• Any required medications

• Refillable water bottle and coffee cup (coffee mugs and water cups are also provided)

Divers

• Scuba certification card

• Personal dive gear (or reserve rentals in advance)

• Dive computer or timing device

• Logbook (optional)

Snorkelers

• Wetsuit, Mask, snorkel, and fins (rentals available if needed)

Ride-Alongs / Non-Divers

• Comfortable clothing

• Camera or phone for wildlife viewing

• Seasickness remedies, if needed

Quick Note: Pack light—space is shared—and leave unnecessary valuables at home.

All trips include meals, snacks, drinks, and air fills. Trips do not include dive gear but you may rent any gear from us. Otherwise bring all your dive equipment including tank and weights.

The Spectre has a full galley with seating for 32 divers. Complete hot meals are included along with drinks and snacks. Vegetarian items are also available. The captain barbeques at lunch on all trips and hot brownie sundaes are served on the way home. Beer is available for sale after diving.

Yes. The Spectre is equipped with two hot freshwater showers as well as a large freshwater hot tub, perfect for warming up and relaxing between dives.

Yes. The boat offers ample 110-volt electrical outlets in both the galley and bunkroom for charging phones, cameras, and other personal electronics.

Yes—ice chests are permitted for fish or game catch only.

There’s no need to bring your own food or drinks, as meals and beverages are provided on board. Personal alcohol and glass bottles are not permitted.

Yes. The Spectre is equipped with triple-filtered drinking water, available in both cold and hot options. Cold filtered water is perfect for refilling water bottles throughout the day, and hot filtered water is available for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

You’re welcome to bring a reusable bottle or use one of the boat’s mugs or cups. Staying hydrated and warm between dives is part of staying comfortable, and we make it easy to do both while you’re on board.

Water temperatures around the Channel Islands vary by season:

Spring: Coldest of the year, typically in the low to mid-50s
Summer: Warmer conditions, usually in the mid to high-60s
Fall: Gradual cooling, generally in the mid to low-60s
Winter: Cooler water, most often in the mid to high-50s

For current conditions, check our weather page for real-time water temperature.

Weather around the Channel Islands is highly localized and can change hour to hour. Forecasts are useful, but they’re still educated guesses—especially offshore. A “storm” on the evening news may mean very different conditions once you’re actually on the water.

What matters most is what the ocean is doing right now. Wind, swell, and shelter vary from one side of an island to the other. If conditions aren’t favorable on one side of Anacapa or Santa Cruz, we simply move to the side offering the best protection and diving for the day.

Rain doesn’t automatically mean poor diving, and clear skies don’t always guarantee calm seas. Some of the best days happen when conditions surprise everyone.

For the most accurate picture, we recommend checking real-time marine weather and buoy data. Visit our weather page to view the same information our captains rely on when planning each trip.

Flexibility goes a long way at sea—and those willing to show up are often rewarded with unexpectedly great days.

Hunting is allowed. However the Spectre will always dive where the overall conditions are best. You can read more about hunting on our General Diving Information page.

Please refer to our Cancellation policies page.