The next time you consider getting away for a few days of rest and relaxation, think about a liveaboard cruise to the Channel Islands National Park Marine Sanctuary. An alternative to the floating hotel-like atmosphere of cruise ships, this type of cruising offers a more intimate communion with the ocean and its creatures.

The Truth Aquatics fleet, moored in romantic Santa Barbara, California, caters to divers or those just seeking a stress-free getaway. In 1996, Truth Aquatics placed sixth in Rodale’s SCUBA Diving Magazine’s readers choice in the Top 100 Overall best diving excursions. They also received top awards in best value for diving dollar, most big animals encountered, fourth best destination in the US, number one in best dive staff, best day boat and highest overall rating for any dive operation in the US.

A popular misconception is these cruises are for avid divers only. Non-divers can also enjoy the ultimate in peaceful relaxation—no crowds to fight, no lines, no tourist traps, only kayaking, fishing, sunbathing, whale watching, taking advantage of a boon of photo-ops both above and below the water, or just lounging around taking in breathtaking sunsets. Some trips are designed to include hiking on the Channel Islands National Park. The Channel Islands are fast becoming a worldwide dive destination due to its marine diversity.

Diving in the Kelp Forests of the Channel Islands

Diving around the Channel Islands is a unique experience for divers more accustomed to tropical waters. Similar to tropical waters, the waters are clear with lavish flora and fauna representing every hue imaginable, but unlike tropical diving, giant kelp offers another dimension to your dive. Diving in kelp is similar to a walk in a lush forest of trees with these plants growing to heights of more than 120 feet. Giant kelp helps support an aquatic ecosystem that provides domicile for over more than 800 species of marine life.

Channel Islands trips offer you the opportunity to discover a variety of underwater landscapes. Water visibility in these waters can range from 40 to 100 ft and on rare occasions sometimes even up to 150 ft. There are untold opportunities for viewing and photographing a panorama of underwater vistas. Unlike the coral reefs of tropical waters, the reefs in the Channel Islands are comprised of varied types of rock structures. Like coral reefs, the cracks and crevices provide ideal living quarters for many species. The rocks are overlaid with brightly colored bouquets of anemones, starfish, and garlands of hydrocoral, sponges, and sea fans. Moray eels, octopus, abalone, rock scallops, California spiny lobsters, and a host of others inhabit rock fissures and crevices. Divers may chance upon giant black sea bass weighing in at 500 pounds, or a halibut, lingcod, vermilion rockfish, calico bass and more. Migrating gray whales, blue whales, hump back whales, schools of dolphins, seals and sea lions are familiar sightings in the Channel Islands during crossings.

The Truth Aquatics Fleet

Truth Aquatics has three of the finest custom-built dive boats in California. Built from the ground up strictly as dive boats by divers, you will appreciate their appointments. However, these cruises are not recommended for dieters. Expect great food, with menus including breakfast cooked to order, hot and cold lunch items, hot hors d&$8217;oeurves and dinners that include steaks, chicken, and seafood, not to mention the desserts. Meals are served round the clock in their spacious galley dining areas and no one goes hungry. Special dietary needs can also be accommodated.

The well-staffed crew is there to serve you. A three-day excursion, including all meals, snacks, beverages (excluding alcohol, BYOB) air fills, and fun, is only $415.

Many design features make the Truth Aquatics fleet unique including circulating mask rinsers at exits to a submerged ramp and boarding step for easy boarding after your dive. Large benches at the bow and stern make suiting up easier while a special warm-air room dries wet suits quickly between dives. Dual air compressors allow rapid tank refilling so there is never a wait for your next dive. Warm showers on deck are available to refresh you after your dive. For those who like to fish, there are live game wells as well as deep freezers to store your fresh caught game. Fish & Game licenses are mandatory for any collecting and these can obtained from the Sea Landing office prior to departure, or contact the Department of Fish & Game.

Diving with Truth Aquatics in the Channel Islands is an experience of a lifetime! The diving, islands, sunsets and sunrises are absolutely astonishing. The staff is exceptional and you are treated as a guest, not simply a passenger. Fun is the game from the second you board—you won’t want to leave. What an incredible way to meet new and exciting divers. These boats are among the most comfortable and well equipped on the west coast—diving with Truth Aquatics is as effortless as it gets—California Diving at it’s best.

Some highlights of past channel Island trips include:

• Swimming with hundreds of sea lions
• Bowriding dolphins
• Incredible visibility in perfect kelp forests
• Abundant fish—cabezon, male & female sheepshead, even a glimpse of the elusive giant black sea bass
• Amazing invertebrates: Sea Hare, nudibranchs, lobsters, sheep crabs, corals and so much more
• Sharks and rays: Horn Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Swell Sharks, incredible rays, all harmless but beautiful.

Meet up in Santa Barbara, or join the caravan leaving Aqua Safaris. Sign up today!!! Spaces are limited.

Driving instructions:

Directions, coming from the North: Head South down Hwy 101 take the Castillo Street exit in Santa Barbara. Take a right on Castillo, go to Cabrillo and take a right. Go to Harbor Way and take a left, (this is the main harbor entrance.) Take a left at the Naval Reserve Building, and pass into the parking lot after taking a parking ticket. Go straight to the last parking lot, you will see the Sea Landing Building and the Boats sitting at the dock. Park only in the parking stalls. Double length stalls are reserved for vehicles with boat trailers. If you parked in a double stall you will be ticketed and towed. Make sure you take your parking ticket into the Sea Landing Office and Dive Shop for validation. With validation parking costs only two dollars a day!