Spectre Dive Boat Ticket – Anacapa Island
Join Eco Dive Center aboard the Spectre for a full day of scuba diving around Anacapa Island, one of Southern California’s beautiful Channel Islands. Explore kelp forests, rocky reefs, underwater pinnacles, and diverse marine life. Each trip offers a unique experience, with dive sites selected by the captain based on the day’s ocean conditions.
BOAT SCHEDULE & DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Arrival Time: 6:00 AM
Departure Time: 7:00 AM
Return Time: Approximately 4:00 PM
Boat Location: Ventura Harbor, Dock D
Boat Address:
1591 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
Please arrive 45 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and equipment preparation. The boat departs promptly at its scheduled departure time.
Directions: Get Directions to the Spectre Dive Boat
BUYING TICKETS
Each diver must purchase their own ticket online. If you are purchasing multiple tickets, please call 310-398-5759 for assistance.
DIGITAL WAIVERS
A digital boat waiver for Eco will be sent to you once you have registerred. You will also receive an email or text with an electronic waiver for the boat a couple days prior to departure. All required waivers must be completed before boarding.
Minors must be accompanied aboard by a parent or legal guardian, who must complete the required documentation.
BOARDING & CHECK-IN
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Arrive 45 minutes before departure.
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Check in with the divemaster upon arrival.
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Certified divers must present proof of certification. Students participating in a course are exempt.
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Arrive fully prepared with all required scuba equipment and personal belongings.
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After checking in, set up your equipment and complete all gear checks before departure.
DIVE SITES & OCEAN CONDITIONS
The captain selects dive sites based on the best available conditions, including visibility, tides, currents, surge, swell, and wind. Specific dive sites cannot be guaranteed.
The crossing from Ventura Harbor to Anacapa takes approximately 90 minutes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way! Dolphins sometimes surf the boat’s bow wake, making the crossing an adventure of its own.
EQUIPMENT & RENTALS
You are responsible for bringing all required scuba equipment and personal belongings. Rental equipment is not available aboard the Spectre.
If you need to rent equipment, arrange pickup from your local dive center in advance, ideally the day before your trip. Please arrive with everything ready for a full day of diving.
FOOD, DRINKS & LUNCH SELECTION
Two meals, snacks, and drinks are provided throughout the day.
Each traveler may choose one lunch option:
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Chicken
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Tri-tip
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Veggie cheeseburger
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Veggie burger
Please select your preferred lunch option when booking, if prompted. If you have specialized dietary needs, please bring any additional food you may require.
SEASICKNESS
If you are prone to motion sickness, consider purchasing an appropriate motion-sickness remedy from your local pharmacy before the trip. Follow the product instructions and plan ahead.
DIVE BUDDIES
If you do not have a dive buddy, one can be assigned to you. Please let the divemaster know during check-in so arrangements can be made before departure.
HUNTING & FISHING
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Spear-guns are not permitted aboard, as we are there to sight see.
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Responsible lobster grabbers are welcome during lobster season. A valid fishing license and appropriate lobster gauge are required.
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Always follow applicable fishing regulations and marine protected area restrictions.
CREW GRATUITY
If you enjoy the service, food, and hard work provided by the crew, tips are appreciated. A gratuity of $25–$30 per person for the day is typical.
BOAT FACILITIES & ETIQUETTE
The Spectre is equipped with marine heads (toilets), an indoor galley with tables and booths, a bunk room, and a small hot tub that divers are welcome to use after their dive day.
Please observe the following rules:
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No wetsuits in the hot tub.
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Keep wet gear and clothing out of the bunk room.
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Do not bring hard scuba equipment into the galley.
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Keep personal belongings compact to help preserve shared space.
PARKING & DIRECTIONS
The Spectre is located at Ventura Harbor Village near Dock D.
Address:
1591 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
Whale Lot: The Whale Lot is located at the far north end of the shops and restaurants along Spinnaker Drive, near the ramp leading down to Dock D. Parking fees may apply depending on the day. Check posted signs for current rates.
Free Parking: Free street parking may be available nearby. You can pull into the loop driveway to unload your gear, then move your vehicle to a legal parking space. The Dolphin Lot is another option within a short walking distance; check posted signs for current parking rules.
The walk from the Whale Lot to the boat deck is approximately 500 feet. Community dock carts may be available but can be scarce during busy morning boarding times. Bringing your own folding gear cart or dolly is highly recommended.
For additional directions and local dive boat information, visit:
https://divecenter.com/dive-boat-charters/
CANCELLATION POLICY
No refunds or exchanges are permitted within 7 days of the scheduled departure date. Please review your plans carefully before purchasing your ticket.
ABOUT ANACAPA ISLAND
Anacapa Island lies approximately 14 miles south of Ventura, California. It consists of three small islets—East, Middle, and West Anacapa—with steep sea cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and a rugged coastline. In 1980, the island became part of Channel Islands National Park.
Beneath the surface, Anacapa offers rocky reefs, kelp forests, pinnacles, small overhangs, and a variety of underwater habitats. Scattered rock ridges rise above sandy bottoms, creating shelter for an abundance of marine life.
MARINE LIFE
Anacapa’s reefs are home to a fascinating variety of marine creatures. Depending on the dive site and conditions, divers may encounter:
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Invertebrates: Nudibranchs, including the colorful Spanish shawl, chestnut cowries, brittle stars, and other reef-dwelling species.
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Reef fish: Garibaldi, opaleye, blacksmith, kelpfish, gobies, blennies, painted greenlings, black perch, halfmoons, and California sheephead.
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Kelp forest inhabitants: Fish and other marine life moving through the underwater forest, with occasional visits from larger pelagic species.
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Larger wildlife: Sea lions, seals, and, on fortunate crossings, whales and dolphins.
Anacapa has historically supported abalone populations, and divers may learn about these species and their conservation. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Please observe marine life responsibly and follow all applicable protections.
POPULAR DIVE SITES
Dive sites are selected by the captain based on the day’s conditions. The following locations are possibilities, not guaranteed stops.
CATHEDRAL COVE
Cathedral Cove is a relatively shallow dive area on the northeastern side of Anacapa, known for its giant kelp, Garibaldi, and playful sea lions. Its protected setting and generally shallow reef areas can make it suitable for training dives and divers looking for a relaxed underwater experience when conditions allow.
Typical depths are around 25–30 feet, depending on the route and location. Rocky crevices and reef structures provide habitat for kelpfish, perch, opaleye, blacksmith, senoritas, nudibranchs, and other local marine life. Sea lions may approach curious divers, offering memorable encounters.
Cathedral Cove is within a protected marine area. Please respect all applicable restrictions, do not collect marine life, and maintain a considerate distance from wildlife.
CORAL REEF
Located off the southwestern end of Anacapa, Coral Reef consists of large reef formations separated by sandy channels, with brittle stars and smaller kelp forests in shallower areas.
The variety of reef structures and marine life makes this site especially appealing to underwater photographers. Divers may encounter a wide range of fish, and larger visitors such as yellowtail may occasionally pass through. The different reef sections offer plenty to explore across multiple dives.
UNDERWATER ISLAND (ISLAND REEF)
Underwater Island, also known as Island Reef, is a prominent underwater pinnacle near the southwestern section of Anacapa, east of Coral Reef. The pinnacle rises from approximately 60 feet to around 20 feet below the surface, creating a dramatic underwater landscape.
Its rocky slopes and edges are covered in marine life, including brittle stars, rockfish, black-eyed gobies, juvenile sheephead, lingcod, and colorful anemones. With favorable visibility, the pinnacle offers excellent opportunities for underwater photography and observing reef life.
Currents can strengthen at this site, so divers should remain aware of conditions, follow the divemaster’s briefing, and stay within the planned dive area.
GET READY FOR A GREAT DAY OF DIVING!
Bring your certification card, properly prepared equipment, appropriate layers, and everything you need for a full day on the water. Follow the crew’s instructions, respect the marine environment, and enjoy exploring the underwater world of Anacapa Island aboard the Spectre.
We look forward to seeing you on board!
