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Annual Channel Islands Dive Trip

Start
25 Jul 2013
11:30 PM
End
28 Jul 2013
5:00 PM
Location
Truth Aquatics, Santa Barbara CA • SOLD OUT • Waitlist Available
Spaces left
0
Registered
30 registrants

Registration

(depends on selected options)

Base fee:

3-day Chanel Island Liveaboard on the Truth – $490.00
Price includes 3 days of diving, tank air fills (must bring own tank), all meals and accommodations.

Registration is closed

NCRD ANNUAL TRIP TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WITH SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO DIVE SAN NICOLAS

When: Thursday, 25 July, 11:30PM
through Sunday, 28 July, 5:00PM

Where: Channel Islands

Cost: $490

Trip Leader: Brad Carter

REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST

This summer, NCRD has arranged to charter the boat Conception for an affordable and convenient 3-day dive trip to the Channel Island Marine Sanctuary. Please join us for a chance to dive San Nicolas Island, as well as Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz or Anacapa Islands, all for the low price of $490.00. The Conception boat departs from Santa Barbara, which is only 350 miles south of San Francisco -- an easy and relatively inexpensive 6-hour drive from San Francisco, especially for carpoolers. And because this trip is scheduled over a weekend, divers need only take one day off work if they drive down Thursday after work and drive home Sunday evening after returning to Santa Barbara harbor.

GO/NO GO DECISION

This trip is a go.

Please note that we have signed a contract to charter the Conception, and registered participants will not be entitled to a refund if you wish to cancel. You are responsible for finding a replacement. Please read carefully the terms and conditions for all NCRD trips.

SAN NICOLAS ISLAND

This is the most remote of the California Channel Islands. It is owned by the U.S. Navy, which makes it a destination for divers and wildlife only. Its untouched ecosystem is a haven for all kinds of sea life, including elephant seals and large spiny lobster. Rocky reefs that are covered with strawberry anemones, sponges, gorgonians and thick beds of giant kelp ring the island. Begg Rock is located about 10 miles northwest of San Nicolas. This rock pinnacle juts nearly vertically up from over 300 feet in a rocky ridge to about 15 feet above the surface. Every inch of its surface is encrusted with invertebrate marine life.

IMPORTANT: The U.S. Navy can close the island to diving at any time without notice. Because of its remote location, weather conditions can also restrict access. But if all goes as planned, we will dive at San Nicolas on Friday and possibly Saturday. Or if weather and conditions allow, we may visit Santa Barbara Island on Saturday. Sunday, the last day of diving, would be spent at Santa Cruz or Anacapa.

CONCEPTION BOAT

The Conception is part of the Truth Aquatics fleet, and thanks to regular updates and maintenance, it is a world-class liveaboard diving and excursion vessel. Details on the boat are available here.

BUNKS

Divers will be given their choice of bunk based on when they signed-up for the trip. So the earlier you sign-up, the more likely you are to get your preferred bunk.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

All accommodations are on board the Conception. The price includes all meals and snacks for 3 days, and air fills. Divers should bring ALL their gear, including one tank and weights. Gear can be rented from SEA Landing, conveniently located on the Conception's dock. Nitrox is not available on the Conception. Gratuities are not included. Alcoholic beverages are not available for purchase on the Conception, but you can bring your own.

BOARDING AND DEPARTURE

The Conception will depart San Barbara harbor on Thursday, July 25, at 11:30 p.m. for the overnight ride to San Nicolas. Boarding will be allowed from 8pm until departure time.

DIVING SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS

Diving will start the morning of Friday, July 26. Five dives a day are possible including night dives, except Sunday where 3 dives are possible before the trip back to Santa Barbara. Water temperature can vary from the upper 60s to the mid 50s depending on currents, upwellings, and how exposed the islands are. Diving can be challenging at times and cold water diving experienced is required. Note that the dives from the Conception are not guided dives. You must be able to plan and execute your dives independently.