2015 NCRD ANNUAL TRIP TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WITH SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO DIVE SAN CLEMENTE & CATALINA
Add yourself to the waitlist HERE.
When: Wednesday, 16 September, 10:00PM through Saturday, 19 Sept, 5:00PM
Where: Channel Islands (Southern Islands: San Clemente & Catalina)
Cost: $620
Trip Leader: Linda Pinfold
NCRD has arranged to charter the Vision boat for a 3-day/3-night dive trip to the southern islands of the Channel Island Marine Sanctuary in mid-September when ocean conditions generally tend to be very good. Please join us for a chance to dive San Clemente Island, as well as Catalina Island and one of the northern islands (such as Santa Cruz or Anacapa Islands), all for the price of $620.00.
Southern Islands diving is mostly rock reef and kelp forest diving, just like the Northern Islands. However, water temperatures tend to be warmer at the Southern Islands (exceeding 70 degrees in the summer) and as a result, the visibility can be better. Also, the Southern Islands dives tend to see more pelagic fish species. Divers are more likely to see fish like yellowtail, barracuda, and even tuna on Southern Islands dives.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations are on board the Vision. The price includes all meals and snacks for 3 days, and air fills. Divers should bring ALL their gear, including one tank and weights. Gear can be rented from SEA Landing, conveniently located on the Vision's dock. Nitrox is available on the Vision at an additional cost (click here for details). Gratuities are not included. Alcoholic beverages are not available for purchase on the Vision, but you can bring your own.
GENERAL ITINERARY AND CONDITIONS
A southern islands dive trip on board the Vision will normally spend the first day at the listed destination, and then slowly work back up to the Northern Islands visiting different spots along the way. Our plan is for a 3-Day San Clemente Dive where we will dive San Clemente Island on day 1, Catalina Island on day 2, and the Northern Islands on day 3. This process makes for the most varied and interesting diving.
We will depart port the evening of September 16th so that we may start diving the morning of Thursday, September 17th. Five dives a day are possible including night dives, except Saturday where 3 dives are possible before returning back to Santa Barbara. Water temperature can vary up to 15 degrees from the Northern and Southern ends of the island chain with an average of 50-60°F in winter and 60-70°F in summer. Diving can be challenging at times. Prior cold water experience is strongly encouraged. Note that the dives from the Vision are not guided dives. You must be able to plan and execute your dives independently.
GO/NO GO DECISION
This trip is a go unless we are unable to register at least 26 people by July 5th. If unable to register enough people, we may need to explore other options, e.g. a half charter or cancellation. If we have over 26 registrants, there will likely be a refund of any surplus funds.
Please note that we have signed a contract to charter the Vision, and registered participants will not be entitled to a refund if you wish to cancel. You are responsible for finding a replacement. Please read carefully the terms and conditions for all NCRD trips.
INFORMATION ON DESTINATION ISLANDS
Please click each of the below island names to be directed to information from Truth Aquatics’ website:
Vision BOAT
The Vision is part of the Truth Aquatics fleet, and thanks to regular updates and maintenance, it is a world-class liveaboard diving and excursion vessel. Details on the boat are available here.
The Vision is also equipped with kayak racks for storing kayaks or paddle boards for non-diving passengers.
BUNKS
Divers will be given their choice of bunk based on whether they will be sharing a bunk and when they signed-up for the trip. The earlier you sign-up, the more likely you are to get your preferred bunk. There are no private cabins or en suite baths. The sleeping area is a large bunk room. The restroom and shower area is shared.
BOARDING AND DEPARTURE
The Vison will depart Santa Barbara Harbor on Wednesday, September 16th, at 10:00 p.m. for the overnight ride to San Clemente. Boarding will be allowed from 8pm until departure time (10pm). Santa Barbara, which is only 350 miles south of San Francisco -- an easy and relatively inexpensive 6-hour drive from San Francisco, especially for carpoolers.
