How much does a Dive Central trip cost and what is included?

Updated

A standard Dive Central trip is $135 per person for a 2-tank dive in Monterey or Carmel Bay, and full payment is required to confirm the booking. That price covers the boat ride and onboard beverages and snacks — it does not include dive gear or tanks, which divers must bring themselves.

What the $135 covers

Included Not included
2-tank dive trip in Monterey or Carmel Bay All dive gear (soft bags only aboard)
Beverages and snacks Tanks
Experienced skipper, crew, and dive masters C Card and personal items
Freedom of unsupervised buddy diving Parking (metered or ticketed at Fishermans Wharf lot)

The boat, the Escapade, is a 38-foot Canaveral certified for 20 divers and cruises at up to 20 knots to cut travel time to the dive sites. It carries GPS, radar, radio, first aid, and oxygen. Dive sites are chosen based on weather and ocean conditions.

Specialty trips are priced separately

Pricing for specialty trips — underwater guides, instruction, private groups, extended trips, and similar — is available on request. There is no published rate for these, so you need to contact Dive Central directly to get a quote.

Booking and logistics to plan around

  • Departure point: the "K" Dock at the Monterey Marina, just right of the public boat ramp next to the Harbormaster's office.
  • Arrival time: 30 minutes before departure to assemble gear and suit up before boarding.
  • Schedule: weekend trips run year round; midweek trips, night dives, and tour-guided trips are available by prior arrangement.
  • Parking: Fishermans Wharf parking lot, metered or ticketed. Unloading is at the top of "K" dock.
  • Cancellations: customer cancellations may be rescheduled with at least 72 hours' notice. Trips cancelled by Dive Central for weather or mechanical failure are rescheduled or refunded.

What to bring

Since gear and tanks are not provided, plan to bring everything: all dive equipment, tanks, your C Card, and personal items. Equipment must be brought aboard in soft bags only. A waiver form is available to download before your trip.

Contact and booking

Book online, at selected dive shops, or through Dive Central. The operation is owned and operated by Jim and Beverly Capwell, with a local number at (831) 247-9177 and a direct email for Jim at [email protected].