Ventura Dive Charters

From kelp-packed coves to offshore baitballs, Ventura Dive Charters threads a fast, nimble 28' boat into spots the party boats can't reach — keeping groups small so every wildlife encounter counts.

Ventura Dive Charters operates out of Ventura Harbor, running custom dive and research charters along the Southern California coast from Malibu to Point Conception, with primary destinations at Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. Their 28' commercial urchin boat — built in Goleta in 1975 and purpose-designed for fast, safe Santa Barbara Channel crossings — can reach Anacapa Island in under 40 minutes and slip into tight kelp forest coves that larger charter boats simply can't access. A USCG-licensed captain and PADI Divemaster run every trip. Groups are intentionally kept small — a maximum of four divers on open boat charters — to maximize wildlife encounters and allow a truly personalized dive experience. Whether guests want multi-gas technical dives, night dives, spearfishing for white seabass and yellowtail, lobster hunting, nudibranch photography, or family snorkel stops at sheltered coves, the operator will tailor the day accordingly. A80 tanks are available aboard at $20 each; all other gear must be brought by the diver. Private whole-boat charters run at $800 for an eight-hour day to Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island, accommodating up to five passengers. Open boat slots go for $200 per person on select Saturdays, and overnight camping delivery charters to Channel Islands National Park can be arranged for up to three days. The operator also offers reduced rates for 501(c)(3) research and educational nonprofits.