Waterhorse Charters
Waterhorse Charters
5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Read more
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Kindness-certified San Diego boat charters :)
After getting frustrated with unfriendly maritime experiences, we set out to become the friendliest marine entertainment company in SoCal.
Our aim is to give you the kindest leisure experience of your life so you can decompress from a stressful week the way you’re supposed to: joyfully and at ease.
Our offerings include:
- Scuba Diving Boat Charters
- Scuba Diving Membership
- Scuba Diving Certifications
- Freediving Charters
- Snorkeling Charters
- Wildlife Watching Cruises
- Party Cruises
You don't want your leisure time ruined by a salty crew or a cramped boat. Let's make sure you get the complete opposite experience! NO SHOP HOURS, PLEASE TEXT
San Diego, California
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Waterhorse Charters
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
(26 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
267 reviews
Excellent
256
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
0
David K
2 contributions
Mar 2022
I feel boat diving is the way to best way to dive. I highly recommend Waterhorse as a Dive Charter Business that will deliver your money’s worth. Let start with the ease of on-line reversion, email and text updates, on-line waivers, and refunds if the weather cancels a trip. That is added value before you show up! Next, show up, check in, and the ease of getting your equipment’s to the boat, they will move your equipment from the unload area to the boat. So far, Waterhorse has removed the emotional stress of waiting in long lines to check in and fill out waivers and the physical stress on get equipment to the boat, added value!
On the boat, I experienced dive professionals to meet, assist, and guide me in my equipment set up based on what my needs. On the Humboldt, I enjoyed fresh coffee, and watch other get tea and snacks. At this point, I relaxed. They provided a good safety brief that outlined the dive plan of the day. At each dive site, I got a good dive site brief and saw a dive master lead divers around the site. The best part of the day was the 2 different types of soups to enjoy. The water was 50 degrees at 60 feet on 25 Mar 2022, warm soup after the dive was added value!
Diving has so many variables that requires diver professionals to react too and assist divers. I saw divers that was seasick and treat with care and kindness, not pressured to continue to dive or told what they should have done, they were treated with respect and care. I saw divers that had minor equipment issues and the dive professionals assisted and resolve the issues. At the end of the day, I saw divers get assistance getting their equipment back to the loading area, tanks refilled, and induvial questions taken care of.
With Waterhorse, you are paying for a dive culture that is positive for all divers no matter their dive ratings, experience, and equipment issues that might happen. The positive dive culture on the boat is added value and is what is needed to continue to promote the diving industry.
On the boat, I experienced dive professionals to meet, assist, and guide me in my equipment set up based on what my needs. On the Humboldt, I enjoyed fresh coffee, and watch other get tea and snacks. At this point, I relaxed. They provided a good safety brief that outlined the dive plan of the day. At each dive site, I got a good dive site brief and saw a dive master lead divers around the site. The best part of the day was the 2 different types of soups to enjoy. The water was 50 degrees at 60 feet on 25 Mar 2022, warm soup after the dive was added value!
Diving has so many variables that requires diver professionals to react too and assist divers. I saw divers that was seasick and treat with care and kindness, not pressured to continue to dive or told what they should have done, they were treated with respect and care. I saw divers that had minor equipment issues and the dive professionals assisted and resolve the issues. At the end of the day, I saw divers get assistance getting their equipment back to the loading area, tanks refilled, and induvial questions taken care of.
With Waterhorse, you are paying for a dive culture that is positive for all divers no matter their dive ratings, experience, and equipment issues that might happen. The positive dive culture on the boat is added value and is what is needed to continue to promote the diving industry.
Written March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert P
San Diego, CA5 contributions
Jun 2021
I seldom write reviews on Trip Advisor, but with Waterhorse I couldn’t resist. Such a great operation from stem to stern! On my first dive with them a few years ago I was part of an advanced diving class going to the Yukon site, and I was very pleased by the efficiency, professionalism, and especially the good spirits of Captain Zach and the crew aboard the Humboldt. Now, with my second trip with Waterhorse (to the Pt. Loma kelp beds) completed (having not dived during the pandemic over the previous 16 months), I am even more impressed! From the excellent help of Karina and Hanna with my detailed online questions beforehand to the good knowledge, advice, and attention of Matthias (my “tour guide” for the dives), on up again to Captain Zach himself (always attentive, friendly, and ready to help if and as needed), I found what I was looking for: skilled professionals, knowledgeable and safety-conscious, but also with a great sense of humor, good spirits, and camaraderie in the mix as well. I’ve already booked several more days of diving with Waterhorse through the coming summer and fall. For my money, Waterhorse Charters is without doubt the best diving operation I have used over my several decades of diving in southern California. Very highly recommended!
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily P
1 contribution
Jul 2020
This was my second time with Waterhorse Charters and they are always great people. Went on a two tank boat dive in Point Loma Kelp Forests and it was great! The staff is friendly and personable. I was trying out a new BC and regulator, so this was a great dive to do so!
Covid policies were thorough and enforced. If you are really worried about Covid, would recommend a shore dive because close quarters on small boats are inevitable. Everyone wore a mask and was respectful of other people's space though!
Would definitely recommend seasickness tablets and cold water gear (while warm at the surface, temperatures were 50-55F at 60-70 feet and dark in the kelp forests). If you are a new diver, I would definitely recommend buying the "guide" option at checkout!
Covid policies were thorough and enforced. If you are really worried about Covid, would recommend a shore dive because close quarters on small boats are inevitable. Everyone wore a mask and was respectful of other people's space though!
Would definitely recommend seasickness tablets and cold water gear (while warm at the surface, temperatures were 50-55F at 60-70 feet and dark in the kelp forests). If you are a new diver, I would definitely recommend buying the "guide" option at checkout!
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJ D
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Solo
Preparation email had me arrive a lot earlier than I needed. Was a little irritating since I had to drive 2 hours; I could have slept an extra hour. Dive shop has a few last minute things you may need but not a full retail dive shop. No bathroom available early morning but able to use attached restaurants when it's open. Minimal boat ride to sites, about 30-45mins. Boat has ample space, enclosed cabin serving 2 types of soup, chips, snacks, coffee, etc. included. Clean bathroom and nice views from second level bridge. Weights and tank (they refill on boat) included. Crew was friendly and helpful getting in and out of the water.
First time diving the Pacific. Did 4 dives: 2 morning and 2 afternoon. Both morning trips were at Kelp Forest (different parts), both afternoon were on same wreck (HMCS Yukon). I don't know if there's a lack of wrecks or sites available but I've always had multiple sites per 2 tank dive in the Gulf and off NC. Would have liked more variety. The original trip I booked was cancelled due to low census but they were very generous making up for it. Overall good experience and would recommend this charter. Good value and nice crew.
First time diving the Pacific. Did 4 dives: 2 morning and 2 afternoon. Both morning trips were at Kelp Forest (different parts), both afternoon were on same wreck (HMCS Yukon). I don't know if there's a lack of wrecks or sites available but I've always had multiple sites per 2 tank dive in the Gulf and off NC. Would have liked more variety. The original trip I booked was cancelled due to low census but they were very generous making up for it. Overall good experience and would recommend this charter. Good value and nice crew.
Written March 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Illustrated Diver
San Diego, CA4 contributions
Apr 2021
The best boat to experience all that San Diego Diving has to offer, and regular trips to Islas Coronados. The crew is very able, attentive, and makes you feel like home. The boat is great, even has a hot shower to rinse after your dive. Customer service is excellent, I would recommend diving with them any day any time; I've dived well over 100x with them over the past couple years. A++
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forrest P
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • Solo
Waterhorse Charters is a fantastic dive op out of the San Diego area. Full dive shop for gear rental, air and nitrox fills, 2 dive boats.
The crews on board the vessels are top notch! Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Due to Covid-19 they have modified their approach to be safer, only touching gear and loading the passengers gear if absolutely needed. Boat and dive briefs are quick and thorough.
Snacks on board the boats, on board compressor for tank fills on the Humboldt (custom 46’ Newton dive boat).
Perfect operation for dive shops wanting to plan trips, individuals looking for a hot spot with many many dive sites. Recreational and technical divers welcomed with dive sites to accommodate all levels of divers. Full schedule on their website to help guide users deciding on what dives their level of certification allows them to go on.
The crews on board the vessels are top notch! Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Due to Covid-19 they have modified their approach to be safer, only touching gear and loading the passengers gear if absolutely needed. Boat and dive briefs are quick and thorough.
Snacks on board the boats, on board compressor for tank fills on the Humboldt (custom 46’ Newton dive boat).
Perfect operation for dive shops wanting to plan trips, individuals looking for a hot spot with many many dive sites. Recreational and technical divers welcomed with dive sites to accommodate all levels of divers. Full schedule on their website to help guide users deciding on what dives their level of certification allows them to go on.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danni M
San Diego, CA70 contributions
Jul 2021
Hubby & I are experienced divers but new to cold water diving so we asked around and multiple dive shops recommended Waterhorse. We were not disappointed! The boat was spacious and the crew was extremely helpful and answered all of our questions. We paid extra for a dive guide, Frankie, who was awesome! Visibility was pretty poor but Frankie still pointed out sharks, octopus, lobsters & various fish on our first dive. During our surface interval we enjoyed hot soup & snacks while we warmed up. We told Frankie that we love searching for nudibranchs and he said that he would find at least 5 species on our 2nd dive! He took us to an area that had lots of nudi's and we had a great dive spotting macro life (a great thing to do when visibility is poor). As I was getting back on the boat, one of my integrated weight pockets fell into the water and rapidly sunk.... Frankie said he'd go look for it. With limited visibility and an anchored boat that was moving I wasn't very hopeful but about 5 minutes later he surfaced WITH my weight pocket!!! We talked about the different nudi's we spotted and another member of the crew came over with nudibranch ID cards. It was a great day & we look forward to diving with Waterhorse again very soon!!
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScubaBobOC
Lake Forest, CA2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Thanks to Waterhorse Charters for a great trip south of the boarder yesterday, crew and passengers all mask wearing and passport holding, for a little 'nados diving. You are a stellar example of how small businesses are tacking this new world. Safety has always been a key attribute of California Dive Boats, and you are setting a new bar for safety and fun!
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John J
2 contributions
Feb 2020
Waterhorse Charters has always been a good dive operation, but since Zach and Karina have taken over they have really done some nice things to make it even better. The website and reservation process is simple and all inclusive, so that when you arrive to dive there is no paperwork to do; you such show them your C card and get on the boat! The additional small boat they purchased was a great idea; in the past trips with any of the San Diego dive charters were frequently cancelled, but with a boat that only requires 3 or 4 divers minimum there should be fewer cancellations. I had a great experience and highly recommend them!
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
2 contributions
Sep 2021
This past weekend was my very first trip on a charter boat for a wreck diving and tough the dive itself was surreal, the crew was awesome. I am looking forward to returning to Waterhorse again and visit the same wrecks with more courage :P . They were extremely accommodating as well as helpful. They had weights in case a diver had forgotten theirs or when the strap to my fin broke and they lent me their spare. They also offer air and nitrox refills. They provided great communication and expectations from their customers with professionalism. It's obvious that they provide excellent services from the returning customers that were on the boat with me and the hubby. Our first trip, we took Camarao which I called the little boat which hold up 8 people, including crew and on our second day trip we went on the Humboldt which I called the party boat which hold more people. I am extremely pleased with our trip as well as the crew and looking forward to go diving with them again.
Price: A+++++
Quality of Service: A+++++++
Price: A+++++
Quality of Service: A+++++++
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waterhorse Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Waterhorse Charters Information
Excellent Reviews | 254 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 9 |
Waterhorse Charters Photos | 204 |