Big Sur Dive Adventure - 6 Days Aboard - 4 Full Dive Days
Come Explore and Dive the Big Sur Coast on the Vision.
4 Dive Days – 6 Days on the Vision – downhill run from Monterey to Moro Bay
What's Included
- Free air fills
- Accommodations in private bunks with pillows and blankets.
- Divemasters
- Shuttle transportation and secure overnight parking
- 3 meals a day & snacks
- Hot and cold beverages
2023 Dates TBA by end of 2022
Select your trip dates
What's Included
- Free air fills
- Accommodations in private bunks with pillows and blankets.
- Divemasters
- Shuttle transportation and secure overnight parking
- 3 meals a day & snacks
- Hot and cold beverages
Trip Details
The Big Sur Dive Trip has returned – a California Diving Bucket List Item!
Join Captain Ian and the crew of the Vision aboard a one-way “downhill” dive adventure: Monterey to Morro Bay!
We will depart from Monterey and unload at Giovanni’s in Morro Bay.
Experience four days of diving along the rugged and wild Big Sur coast.
Location Information
- Departure Harbor: Monterey Bay Harbor
- Return Harbor: Morro Bay
- Shuttle provided back to Monterey
- Destination: Big Sur coast and offshore banks
- 4 days of diving
2022 Dates and Departure Times
2022 Departure Dates
June 14-19 2022
Board on the evening of June 14th and return to Monterey Bay on the evening of June 19th.
- Check-In: TBD, boarding will begin around 6:30 pm
- Briefing: 9:00 PM
- Departure: TBD, based on conditions
- Dives: 4-5 dives per day
- Return to Monterey: 5:00 PM on Sunday
Trip Specific Information
- Experience Level: Experienced cold water divers only please
- Minimum Number of Guests: n/a
- Maximum Number of Guests: 26
- Minimum Age: 12 years old
How do we calculate ticket prices?
Itinerary
Ian Higgins, who previously ran this trip for Truth Aquatics, will be captain on this adventure. He has many years of experience along the Big Sur coastline and excellent knowledge of local conditions.
Itinerary will be weather dependent. The overall plan is that we will head south towards Pt Pinos , diving at the banks, pinnacles and covers along the Big Sur coast.
If weather conditions delay our journey south, we will start by diving in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
4 plus dives per day for 4 days
It is hard to know what the conditions will allow us to do, but we plan on at least 4 dives per day. We ask that only experienced cold water divers join this trip. If you have not dove in cold water where there are currents and minimal visibility then we suggest you join us on a Channel Islands Trip like our Northern Islands Three Dive Day trip beforehand.
We will dive Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Night dives are not promised and we will base this on how safe our overnight anchorages are.
On Saturday we will anchor in San Simeon cove. We will pull anchor early on Sunday morning and head to Morro Bay. We will unload at Giovannis Fish Market & Landing. From there a shuttle bus will pick us up and return us to our vehicles in Monterey.
Our estimated arrival back in Monterey is 5 PM, but we suggest you keep that evening free in case of any unforeseen travel delays.
Cuisine
Organic Produce from Tutti Frutti Farms
We source most of our produce from the local farmer’s markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays in order to serve a seasonal, sustainable, and healthy menu.
We can accommodate the following diets and ALL severe food allergies:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free (we do not provide gluten free bread)
- If you have any severe food allergies, please inform us at least 7 days prior to departure so our galley can plan correctly. Thank you.
Channel Islands Expeditions employs world-class chefs with decades of experience. Learn more about what to expect from our galley chefs here.
Destination
Many of the coves, inlets and reefs along the rugged Big Sur coast are only accessible by boat. This remote coastline is home to some of the best diving in California and perhaps the world. This is a bucket list trip for any serious California diver.
Conditions will vary, and the temperature will be cold. We expect water temperatures to be, on average, high 40s to low 50s.
The banks off of Pt Sur are host to a variety of marine species that color the rocks with vibrant purples and reds. Experience otters, sea lions, whales, birdlife, and abundant fish populations along this rugged stretch of coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I park and how do I get back to Monterey?
Right now we are working on secure parking and a shuttle service to bring you to the boat and back to you car. The shuttle service will be included in the price of your trip.
What dive certifications do I need for this trip?
You need a current open water certification to dive on this trip.
What is the age limit?
The minimum age is 12 years.
What are your dive restrictions?
At each dive site we open the dive doors and check each diver off as they exit to the water. Doors will remain open for a determined amount of time by the Divemaster. Between each dive is a mandatory 60 minute surface interval.
Each diver is responsible for their own safety and their buddy. CIEx keeps a deck master and a divemaster on each trip along with a dive assistant that helps with gear and tank fills.
CIEx Dive Policies:
- NO DECO DIVING – Recreational dive depth of 130 ft floor
- Buddy Diving- we do it, so should you.
- Divers with scooters MUST have an SMB
- We recommend all divers have an SMB
- 2 lights for night dives.
CIEx is committed to running the safest dive boats in the world, thank you for helping us with that!
How many people can sleep in an oversized bunk?
Each person is assigned one bunk. Our night watch crew is tasked to focus on the safety of the passengers on board the vessel at all times.
How difficult is the diving?
This trip is for advanced divers. We will be diving at sites with various depth potentials and possible strong currents in cold water.
Can we land on the islands and hike?
This trip does not include landing or hiking on Santa Cruz Island. If you want to hike on the Channel Islands, we recommend that you book a 4-Day Expedition Trip with us! Because you are not paying a National Park entrance fee, you cannot take advantage of the National Park’s terrestrial areas.
Do you offer Nitrox Fills?
Yes, we offer Nitrox fills for certified enriched air divers. Unlimited Nitrox fills are $50 a day and must be purchased ahead of time.
Testimonials
-Tanner Keys | Google
-Mark R. | Yelp
-David C. | Yelp
-Chuyên L. | Yelp
-John S. | Yelp
Recently went on a 5 night, 6 day liveaboard trip off the Truth. The crew and captains were all very nice and welcoming. The boat has great safety protocols to ensure us divers were safe throughout the entirety of this trip. Chef Tim was fantastic! I have never had better quality food on a boat trip, and he has definitely set the bar high. We had amazing homemade dishes almost every meal, he had vegetarian and vegan options as well. I would 100% recommend this boat to anyone interested in planning a multi-day dive trip to the Channel Islands.
-Jill D. | Yelp
We had a wonderful time kayaking through the sea caves and Anacapa Arch. All the on board staff were excellent. We will definitely come back and do a different tour with them.
-Jen Y. | Yelp
-Allyson Arons | TripAdvisor
-Tad | TripAdvisor
-Alicia | TripAdvisor
-Denise W | TripAdvisor
