How to Book a Dive Central Trip and Where the Boat Departs

Updated

Book through Dive Central's online booking or at selected dive shops, pay in full to confirm, and show up at the "K" Dock at the Monterey Marina 30 minutes before departure. The boat, the Escapade, is a 38-foot Canaveral certified for 20 divers, and scheduled two-tank trips run $135 per person in Monterey or Carmel. Bring all your own gear, including tanks and your C-card — only beverages and snacks are provided on board.

Booking a Trip

Two ways to book, per Dive Central:

  • Online through the Dive Central website booking link.
  • In person at selected dive shops or directly with Dive Central.

Full payment is required to confirm a booking. Scheduled weekend trips run year round; check the schedule for departure times. Midweek trips, night dives, and tour-guided trips can be arranged in advance, and specialty trips (underwater guides, instruction, private groups, extended trips) are priced on request.

Cancellations: Customer cancellations can be rescheduled if you give at least 72 hours' notice. If Dive Central cancels a confirmed trip due to weather or mechanical failure, it will be rescheduled or refunded.

Where the Boat Departs

Departures are from the "K" Dock at the Monterey Marina, located just to the right of the public boat ramp, next to the Harbormaster's office.

Driving south on Highway 1: take the Del Monte/Monterey exit, follow Del Monte to the Old Fisherman's Wharf parking lot entrance. The "K" Dock is at the top of the dock area.

Parking: available in the Fisherman's Wharf parking lot (metered or ticketed). There is an unloading area at the top of "K" Dock.

Before You Board

Item Detail
Arrival time 30 minutes before departure, to assemble gear and suit up
What to bring All gear including tanks, C-card, and personal items
Bag rule Equipment may be brought aboard in soft bags only
What's provided Beverages and snacks
Not provided Gear and tanks

Dive Central offers the freedom of unsupervised buddy diving, with an experienced skipper, crew, and dive masters aboard for comfort and safety. The Escapade cruises at up to 20 knots to cut travel time, and carries GPS, radar, radio, first aid, and oxygen. Dive sites in Monterey and Carmel Bay are chosen based on weather and ocean conditions.

Common Questions

Do I need to pay when I book? Yes — full payment is required to confirm the booking.

Can I rent gear? No. Gear and tanks are not provided; divers are responsible for all equipment.

What if the weather turns? If Dive Central cancels for weather or mechanical failure, the trip is rescheduled or refunded. Customer-side cancellations need 72 hours' notice to reschedule.

Where do I download the waiver? A waiver form is available for download from the Dive Central site.

Contact: Local (831) 247-9177, or email Jim directly at [email protected]. Dive Central is owned and operated by Jim and Beverly Capwell, 820 Bay Avenue, Ste 200, Capitola, CA 95010.