Calboat Diving - Spectre Dive Boat
Calboat Diving - Spectre Dive Boat
4.9
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Ventura, California
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Calboat Diving - Spectre Dive Boat
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
1,087 reviews
Excellent
1,010
Very good
57
Average
10
Poor
9
Terrible
1
Vacationer818108
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
My 14 year-old son and I did a trip on the Spectre dive boat yesterday, and it was a wonderful experience! It was my first time diving in California, and I couldn't believe how incredible it was to explore the kelp forests. On the first dive we saw so many harbor seals, and they swam right up to us and twirled around playfully, and one even seemed to be following my son wherever he went. That alone made the whole adventure well worth the money.
All three dive sites were outstanding, and we felt really well taken care of on the boat. Our rental equipment was delivered directly to our dive stations on the boat, and a divemaster helped us set everything up properly to ensure our safety. The food on the boat was all freshly cooked and yummy, with unlimited snacks and drinks available all day. And the hot tub on the boat was such a nice bonus; they even delivered us ice cream sundaes with freshly baked and still-warm brownies to eat while we soaked in the hot tub after completing the final dive. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely dive with them again.
All three dive sites were outstanding, and we felt really well taken care of on the boat. Our rental equipment was delivered directly to our dive stations on the boat, and a divemaster helped us set everything up properly to ensure our safety. The food on the boat was all freshly cooked and yummy, with unlimited snacks and drinks available all day. And the hot tub on the boat was such a nice bonus; they even delivered us ice cream sundaes with freshly baked and still-warm brownies to eat while we soaked in the hot tub after completing the final dive. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely dive with them again.
Written December 18, 2024
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.
cbphillips45
Bakersfield, CA1 contribution
Sep 2024
The Spectre dive boat is by far the best dive boat I’ve ever been on. From the crew to captain to the food and the boat itself. All are first class. I would definitely recommend this boat to anyone wanting to dive the Channel Islands.
Written September 30, 2024
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.
Daniel K
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
I have been diving since 1989 and have completed hundreds of dives all over the world, so when I tell you this outfit is world class, I know what I'm talking about.
The staff is kind, patient, knowledgeable, and always professional. They will do their best to accommodate any request. When I asked if they could switch our rented tanks to DIN, they didn't hesitate to switch them out, even though it meant more work for them. They could have easily tossed yoke adapters onto our tanks and made it our problem, but they didn't. Little stuff like that is what takes an experience to the next level.
And make no mistake, this crew is next level.
The food is delicious. The set up of the boat is great. The high giant stride off the side is a fantastic way to start a dive (you can use a ladder if you prefer). The captain handles the vessel with nearly paranormal dexterity.
Criticism... well, I would prefer a bit more time to dive. They keep a pretty tight schedule, only allowing an hour per dive. I was coming up with well over 1200psi on each dive (which we old schoolers consider a sin). But most people won't care about that. And honestly, since I was guiding a couple of inexperienced divers who were ripping through tanks like they were running from something, it didn't matter, anyway.
One more head on the boat would help cut down on wait times, but it was never more than a few minutes.
Other than those two minor details, it was perfect. This is an experience I would recommend to any diver of any level. And I will be back on board the next chance I get.
Oh, and diving the Channel Islands should be on every diver's destination list. It is extraordinary.
The staff is kind, patient, knowledgeable, and always professional. They will do their best to accommodate any request. When I asked if they could switch our rented tanks to DIN, they didn't hesitate to switch them out, even though it meant more work for them. They could have easily tossed yoke adapters onto our tanks and made it our problem, but they didn't. Little stuff like that is what takes an experience to the next level.
And make no mistake, this crew is next level.
The food is delicious. The set up of the boat is great. The high giant stride off the side is a fantastic way to start a dive (you can use a ladder if you prefer). The captain handles the vessel with nearly paranormal dexterity.
Criticism... well, I would prefer a bit more time to dive. They keep a pretty tight schedule, only allowing an hour per dive. I was coming up with well over 1200psi on each dive (which we old schoolers consider a sin). But most people won't care about that. And honestly, since I was guiding a couple of inexperienced divers who were ripping through tanks like they were running from something, it didn't matter, anyway.
One more head on the boat would help cut down on wait times, but it was never more than a few minutes.
Other than those two minor details, it was perfect. This is an experience I would recommend to any diver of any level. And I will be back on board the next chance I get.
Oh, and diving the Channel Islands should be on every diver's destination list. It is extraordinary.
Written September 4, 2024
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.
scubaucsb
1 contribution
Feb 2025
The UCSB Scuba and Freediving club sends divers out each month with the Spectre dive boat for years and we always have an amazing time! They get you to three wonderful dive sites, feed you well, and make sure the hot tub is warm for after your dives. Deckhands are awesome and we couldn't recommend the boat more!
Written February 4, 2025
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.
StewartDeats3
Los Angeles, CA21 contributions
Feb 2025
The Spectre is a great dive boat with an attentive and thoughtful crew. It's a very goo value. If the boat is full, it can be a bit crowded with the salon unable to fit everyone and allow them to get out of the weather. On Feb 9, we had a light load and plenty of room.
Written February 12, 2025
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.
Marie M
Ojai, CA1 contribution
Sep 2024
You truly get your money’s worth and more! Spending a whole day diving and visiting rare sites that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to is an incredible experience. The detailed breakdown of each site helps you know what to look for while ensuring your safety. I love how the staff assists you in getting in and out of the water, handling fins and cameras with care. They are exceptionally observant and genuinely look out for your best interests. I cannot recommend the Spectre boat enough! I’m sharing this experience with all my friends and can’t wait to book again.
Written September 24, 2024
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.
Violinshann
Chicago, Illinois123 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We dove with Calboat Diving on March 23, 2024. We were rescheduled due to weather, and the company was very proactive on making sure we could get on another day.
The dives were fun, and we could tailor them to how we wanted. We most enjoyed that we were on our own and could take time to enjoy the micro organisms of the Giant Kelp Forest.
After, the hot tub was amazing!
The dives were fun, and we could tailor them to how we wanted. We most enjoyed that we were on our own and could take time to enjoy the micro organisms of the Giant Kelp Forest.
After, the hot tub was amazing!
Written March 29, 2024
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.
Leon F
Nyack, NY96 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Awesome day trip! I'm from NY and really a "Caribbean diver" so I was nervous to try diving in colder water without a dive master leading the dive. If you have those fears, don't worry, you'll love it!
The crew was incredible and the boat was very comfortable. I brought my dive gear and just rented a tank, 7m wet suit, hood, and gloves. I really didn't feel cold at all until about 45min into the dive. I made use of the onboard hot tub to warm up in between dives and was fine. The food onboard was also incredible from the home made breakfast sandwiches to the freshly grilled tri-tip for lunch in true California style.
The diving was great and very cool to see the beautiful kept forests. Saw lots of marine life as well. Other divers onboard were super friendly and it was very easy to buddy up since I was solo. Had an awesome dive buddy that was a regular and probably better than if I'd hired a dive guide! He also said these guys are the best dive operators in SoCal.
Thanks for an awesome experience, will definitely be back the next time I'm out in Southern California to visit family!
Tips: You really don't need a guide, dives are pretty straightforward. Make use of the hot tub in between dives and bring some layers to warm up in between dives if you tend to get cold.
The crew was incredible and the boat was very comfortable. I brought my dive gear and just rented a tank, 7m wet suit, hood, and gloves. I really didn't feel cold at all until about 45min into the dive. I made use of the onboard hot tub to warm up in between dives and was fine. The food onboard was also incredible from the home made breakfast sandwiches to the freshly grilled tri-tip for lunch in true California style.
The diving was great and very cool to see the beautiful kept forests. Saw lots of marine life as well. Other divers onboard were super friendly and it was very easy to buddy up since I was solo. Had an awesome dive buddy that was a regular and probably better than if I'd hired a dive guide! He also said these guys are the best dive operators in SoCal.
Thanks for an awesome experience, will definitely be back the next time I'm out in Southern California to visit family!
Tips: You really don't need a guide, dives are pretty straightforward. Make use of the hot tub in between dives and bring some layers to warm up in between dives if you tend to get cold.
Written August 12, 2024
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.
Shawn B
La Canada Flintridge, CA31 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Always a great time on the Spectre! The captain is very passionate about the dive sites, safety, and guests having a great time. Great food, great crew. This day was amazing as local conditions were superb. Viz nearing 100 feet!
Written August 30, 2024
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.
RonMcNamara2024
Sugar Land, TX2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Could not have been a better experience! My son and I did two days of diving and they were absolutely perfect. We are already planning our trip for next year and we will add a third day. The dive sites were excellent as were the pre-dive briefings which were thorough and knowledgeable. The vibe on the boat both days was friendly and laid back which was a reflection of how we were all treated by the Spectre crew…safe, friendly, and helpful! Highly recommended!
Written September 30, 2024
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.
Do they take you to see the kelp forest in Channel Islands? That’s mainly the reason I want to dive out there but I know I can also go to Catalina
Written June 20, 2019
Yes, sea lion pups....protected , so huge lobsters to see, no hunting
Written July 19, 2019
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