Based in Ventura, California

All charters are run out of Ventura Harbor by our USCG-licensed captain and PADI Divemaster. The 28' commercial urchin boat was built in Goleta in 1975 and designed specifically for a safe, fast passage across the Santa Barbara Channel.

That being said, this is a commercial fishing boat with minimal amenities. There are no hot tubs, snack bars, or hot showers onboard and toilet facilities are rudimentary at best. If these are things you need to enjoy a day at sea, party boats like The Raptor, The Peace and The Spectre will be better fits for you and we encourage you to patronize them.

But if you want a hardcore diving experience on a nimble boat able to tuck into spots the party boats can't, we might be right up your alley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I catch the boat?

Unless you book a specialized trip, all charters leave from the Ventura Harbor Boat Ramp located here:

https://share.google/u9Wb8HTFEYdyUvKWf

Parking is $10 a day. Free street parking is located just Southeast of the parking lot. There are recently remodeled bathrooms and a small baitshop/convenience store for ice, beer, and snacks. We strongly encourage people coming from out of town to spend the night at one of Ventura's hotels/motels to ensure an early start.

Can we fish with rods and reels?

You absolutely can. Often divers are keen to do a troll on the surface interval between dives or to throw a line out during lunch. Our captain is happy to facilitate but is the first to admit he knows nothing about fishing with rods and reels.

Can we surf?

The short answer is "maybe." Some of our dive spots may have rideable waves nearby on the right swells and right tides. That being said, there are no beginner waves and things can be a bit political in the lineups if other people are around. If a surf were possible between dives, it'd be a maximum of two competent surfers and we'd only paddle if no one else was out.

Do you rent gear?

We don't rent, loan, or sell gear onboard our charters (aside from A80 tanks which are $20/ea per day.) If you need gear, check with our amazing local dive shops.

Blue Tuna Spearfishing outfits 95% of speeros and freedivers around the bioregion. The staff is awesome and their prices are the best in the US. Check 'em out at

https://bluetunaspearfishing.com/

If you need scuba gear, tank fills, or scuba instruction, Ventura Dive and Sport is a great shop located in Ventura Harbor. They also run the Raptor diveboat. Check 'em out at:

https://venturadive.com

If you're coming from the South, Malibu Divers in Malibu is one of the best shops in the US. Great instructors, great staff, and a great shop with lots of options. Give them a holler at:

https://malibudivers.com/

Do you provide food and drink?

Passengers are responsible for all their own food and beverages. Please let us know in advance if you plan on bringing large hard-sided coolers so we can ensure there's adequate space on board. Kill bags and soft-sided coolers are easily accomodated. If you need a kill bag and ice, we have a 60" model with ice available for $20 a day.

Can night dives be arranged?

Absolutely, we do them all the time, particularly during lobster season. If conditions in the Channel are good, we can simply arrange an afternoon departure and return well after dark. If conditions get blustery during the day we can arrange a longer charter for additional cost.

CONTACT US

Interested in what we can offer? Please shoot us an email at info@venturadivecharters.com, fill out this form, or give us a call/text at (805)460-3083.