2018 NCRD Annual Channel Islands Trip
When Wednesday, 13 September (board at 8PM, depart around midnight) through Saturday, 15 September, 5PM
Where Channel Islands
Cost $595
Trip Leader Lauren Wilson
NCRD has again arranged to charter the Vision dive boat for a 3-day/3-night dive trip to the Channel Island Marine Sanctuary in mid-September, when ocean conditions generally tend to be very good. It's our boat for those three days, and depending on weather and diver load, we can explore anywhere the Vision normally goes. Pricing is set to break even with 24 paid divers and a Northern Islands itinerary.
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 (recommended gratuities are 15-20%). Alcoholic beverages are not available for purchase on the Vision, but you can bring your own.
GENERAL ITINERARY AND CONDITIONS
Our plan is for a 3-Day trip to the Northern Islands, or if extended by agreement we'd start in the south and work our way back up north.
We will depart port Wednesday night and start diving Thursday morning. Five dives a day are generally possible including night dives, except Saturday where 3 dives are possible before returning back to port in 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
In year's past we've either easily sold out this trip, or struggled to break even, or somewhere in between.
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.
The contract offers us a cancellation window of 60 days. If we don't sell the minimum 24 to break even by that date we will cancel the trip and refund everyone and the club will eat the lost deposit of $500.
DESTINATION ISLANDS
Please click each of the below island names to be directed to information from Truth Aquatics’ website:
Vision DIVE 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 the order 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 13th, at around midnight. for the overnight ride to our first dive destination. Boarding will be allowed from 8PM. Santa Barbara is only 350 miles south of San Francisco -- an easy and relatively inexpensive 6-hour drive from San Francisco, especially for carpoolers.
ABOUT RAINBOW DIVERS
Rainbow Divers is a 501(c)7 non-profit mutual benefit organization, and can only organize activities and trips for its members. Membership is cheap and comes with a bunch of new lifelong friends at no extra charge. So if you’d like to participate in this trip, please join us.
Payments are due within 10 days of sign up, and are generally non-refundable. If you sign up and your plans change there may or may not be someone interested in taking your spot. If you cancel without having made all payments it is your responsibility to find someone to pay your obligation in full. It is a very good idea to carry trip insurance to cover such an eventuality.
Trip payments may be made by PayPal or by personal check. PayPal will accept credit card payments, regardless of whether you have a PayPal account. The price is the same regardless of payment method. Please consider using PayPal, as electronic payment greatly simplifies the work of our volunteers. Please send PayPal payments to paypal@rainbowdivers.org
Divers are required to carry valid, in-force dive accident insurance, such as may be obtained from Divers' Alert Network (DAN).
Divers must agree to NCRD's Event Terms and Conditions to participate in this trip.
Event Terms and Conditions.pdf
Rainbow Divers Liability Release
