 Printer-Friendly | Back  No matter how hard they try, Southern California dive charter boat owners can't control the weather or the diving conditions. So two boats going to the same spot on the same day will have the same experience underwater. But what happens on the journey out and back and in-between dives is another matter all together. And one thing that makes diving the Great Escape (out of Queen's Wharf in Long Beach) such a pleasure.It starts from the moment you board the boat. A long ramp makes it easy to roll your dive bag from dock to deck. There you'll find two long benches that run the length of each side of the back of the boat, with individual numbered gear stations along the way. The first thing you do is bungee your tank into an available slot, put your weights on the deck underneath the bench, and stow your gear bag along the side of the boat or on the bow. The next thing you'll appreciate are the bunkrooms. There are two to choose from and both are accessed from the front of the spacious galley/salon. Going down the left-hand side takes you to the forward bunkroom where you'll find eight bunks (singles and doubles). Go down the right-hand side and you're in the rear or main bunk area, where there are 12 bunks (singles and doubles, all with privacy curtains) as well as 6 staterooms with 12 more bunks. Don't get too excited about the word "stateroom." It's a nice way of saying, "bunks with a door" but it offers more privacy and space. Each stateroom has two bunks (and a door), hooks for hanging things, and some storage underneath the lower bunk. Couples especially prize staterooms. Some groups reserve these ahead of time and sometimes it's first-come-first-served. Check with your charter group to see what their policies are.  Probably one of the most-appreciated things about the Great Escape is the galley. There are five banquettes that can each seat six divers. There's also a photo area in the back with a waist-level workstation, shelves for storing cameras and accessories, and plugs for charging. On top of that, there's a 42-inch plasma TV that's rigged for viewing photos and videos, as well as watching DVDs on the journey out and back.The Great Escape was one of the first Southern California boats to go to a food-and-air-included format. Owner Tim Burke installed steam table/warming trays down the center of the galley. This means that everyone can be fed at the same time. That all translates into more time available for diving. Tim and galley chef Rob Ritchie take great pride in serving a wide variety of food. While you'll still find toast, bagels, cereal, yogurt, and other standard morning fare, you'll also be able to design a custom-made omelet. Other breakfasts might find pancakes, French toast, or waffles as the choice. For lunch there's usually salad, vegetables, rolls, and main dishes than can range from spaghetti to stir fry to Cornish Game Hen. Out on the dive deck, the size of the Great Escape (80’ x 25’) allows many divers to move about easily. There are two entry gates amidships, and there's a large swim step with two ladders to get you back on board at the end of the dive. Crew members will help you with fins, and once you've put your tank back in its numbered station, removed your regulator, and tagged your cylinder with a yellow I-need-a-fill ring, it should be ready to go in time for the next dive. And after a dive what diver does not enjoy a hot freshwater shower? On the Great Escape there are four. No waiting for this pleasure. In short, diving the Great Escape is truly a wonderful experience. It’s a well-designed big boat, with a helpful crew who will make the day easier for you, and a tasty culinary experience awaits you in the galley. It all adds up to a dive boat that you should plan to be on soon. Charters are available for groups, but the boat also offers open boat trips to Catalina Island. Reservations for these open boat trips can be made online with PayPal. For more information on the Great Escape, visit their web site at www.diveboat.com or call 866-348-3262. Ken Kurtis is owner of Reef Seekers Dive Co., author of many articles, past recipient of the California Scuba Service Award, and Chairman of Chamber Day/Evening. © Copyright 2007, all rights reserve, by Saint Brendan Corporation, P.O. Box 11231, Torrance CA 90510, mail@cadivingnews.com. No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system/website, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The contents of this publication/website are opinions of the individual writers. The publishers of California Diving News and its contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and with it comes inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or, in extreme circumstances, death. Readers are admonished to use their own best judgement in each individual situation. |
