Monterey Dive Boats
Monterey has several dive boats that schedule charters every weekend, and in some cases weekdays. The following information is to benefit divers new to Monterey diving or diving in general.
How do I book the boat?
Visit the boat's website, where you'll find a reservation calendar. If an open charter is scheduled for the day you wish to dive you can book your reservation directly with the boat. Often the boat will be chartered by a local dive shop or club, and when this is the case you may be required to contact the shop or club to make your reservation.
Where do I board the boat?
All dive boats currently meet passengers at the K dock in the Monterey harbor. K dock is located next to the public boat ramp and London Bridges Pub. Since this dock is shared by all the dive boats, the boat typically does not arrive until just prior to the scheduled departure. It is recommended that you arrive early and have your gear near the dock's ramp. Once your boat arrives you can carry your gear down to the dock and load it onto the boat. Once on board assemble your gear and at least partially don your wetsuit or drysuit. This prevents your having to accomplish these tasks out at sea where the swells can make doing so uncomfortable.
Do the boats offer guided dives?
Guided dives can be arranged in advance, but are not a standard service on any of Monterey's dive boats. There will be at least one divemaster or equivalent on board, but they are primary there to help divers don their equipment, enter the water, exit the water, and most importantly assist divers in the event of an emergency.
What can I expect to see?
This all depends on weather, dive conditions, and the experience level of the divers on board. If conditions allow, the boat will usually travel south to Carmel. Here you're likely to see reefs covered by California hydrocorals, anemones, and sponges. Above the reef you'll likely see large schools of blue rockfish among the giant kelp. If conditions prevent travel to Carmel you'll stay inside Monterey Bay where the sites are typically shallower. Here you're likely to see large anemones, numerous species of rockfish, and if you're lucky a sea lion encounter.
Escapade
Length: 38ft
Speed: 20 knots
Capacity: 24 divers
Rate: $90 for 2-tank trip
Includes: Beverages, snacks and 2 tanks of air. Nitrox is available when requested at the time of booking.
Website: www.divecentral.com
Beachhopper II
Length: 32ft
Capacity: 12 divers
Rate: $70 for 2-tank dive
Includes: Beverages, snacks. Tanks available for an additional charge.
Website: www.beachhopper2.com
Monterey Express
Length: 42ft
Speed: 17 knots
Capacity: 20 divers
Rate: $90 for 2-tank trip
Includes: Beverages, snacks and 2 tanks of air. Nitrox is available when requested at the time of booking.
Website: www.montereyexpress.com
Sanctuary
Length: 35ft
Capacity: 6 divers
Rate: $96 for 2-tank trip
Includes: Beverages, snacks and 2 tanks of air. Nitrox is available when requested at the time of booking.
Website: www.sanctuarycharters.com
Silver Prince
Length: 36ft
Capacity: 10-15 divers
Rate: $75 for 2-tank trip, $100 for 3-tank trip
Includes: Beverages and snacks.
Website: www.silverprincecharters.com