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Spectre
A crew that makes the difference combined with all the features divers look for…fast 3000
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Plain and simple, San Diego has some excellent diving over a wide variety of sites. Right out of the gates just west of Mission Bay is Wreck Alley with several shipwrecks to explore. To the north are the reefs and kelp of La Jolla, as well as the submarine canyons. Southward are fascinating reefs including underwater cliffs and walls in addition to one of California’s largest kelp forests off Point Loma. Farther south are the clear life-filled waters around the Coronados Islands in Mexican waters.
And an excellent dive charter boat fleet serves these many dive sites. The most recent entry to this fleet is the superb dive boat Humboldt. In just a little over one year, the Humboldt has firmly entrenched itself with a growing following and a reputation for excellence in customer service.
Measuring in at 45 feet long and 16 long wide, this boat is built specifically for diving charters. And it is perfectly suited for this short run market. Cruising at 26 miles per hour, most of the dive sites are just a few minutes away, barely enough time to get your gear on! (Don’t worry; they don’t rush you.) The run out to Wreck Alley is only 20 minutes. Point Loma kelp is under 30 minutes out, depending on the specific location. And the Coronados Islands are only a 45 to 50 minute run.
Tanks and weights are included (you are, however, welcome to bring your own). Tanks supplied are 3,000 p.s.i. Catalina aluminum cylinders. Nitrox filled tanks are available at an extra fee. Tanks, and weight belts are already aboard. Full rentals are available at an extra fee.
The Humboldt excels in “resort-style” diving. You can translate that to “ultra-easy.” Arrive at the dock and they will take your gear down to and onboard the boat. If you request, they will set up your gear for you. Once on the dive site, after the briefing, if you’d like, they’ll help you into your dive gear. The Humboldt is premier in service. Skipper Ryan Wilbarger and divemaster/deckhand Lee Davis are to be commended for this excellence as well as the crew dockside at the OEX dive shop.
There are several features about this boat you will no doubt find attractive. First, the dive deck is exceptionally large. There are 72 tank slots, but the boat will take only a maximum of 22 divers per trip. Benches port and starboard have ample storage space for dive gear underneath. Dive bags are stored forward in the cabin. Entering the water is simple and easy. The transom is wide open for easy access to the water. The large swim step off the stern is at water level, so a giant stride is a piece of cake. Reboarding the boat is via two large aluminum ladders with just the right climbing angle and wide comfortable steps. Between dives can get out of the wind and relax in the spacious cabin with small tables for food or tending to camera gear. Need a pit-stop? The head compartment is also exceptionally large. Like the sun? There is also space atop the cabin for a solar warming surface interval.
The Humboldt conducts mostly two-tank trips with an occasional three-tank trip. Two- tank trips to the wrecks, local kelp forests and the submarine canyons are usually about four to five hours. Coronados Islands trips are longer, depending on whether it’s a two-dive trip or a three-dive trip. Most trips are in the morning, but afternoon trips are also occasionally conducted.
For more information on the Humboldt, visit www.waterhorsecharters.com online.
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