Business Details
40 Years
experience
Adventure Sports in Ventura, CA
Cal Boat Diving has been the premier provider of scuba diving and snorkeling experiences in the Channel Islands since 1986. Founded by Captain Ted Cumming, a Ventura County native with over 50 years of maritime experience, we operate the Spectre, California's largest single-day dive boat. Our team combines decades of expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction, offering seamless online booking, delivered rental gear, and exceptional onboard amenities like freshly prepared meals and a hot tub.With a 5-star reputation on TripAdvisor and a focus on innovation, we ensure every guest enjoys the wonders of the Channel Islands' marine ecosystems. Our family-owned business continues to evolve, maintaining the Spectre's cutting-edge design while preserving the personalized service that has made us a trusted leader in California diving.
Services
Dive Trips
Snorkeling Tours
Gear Rentals
Online Booking
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer seamless online booking and delivered rental gear.
- Our crew includes 50-year maritime veteran Captain Ted Cumming.
- Freshly prepared meals and hot tub included in every trip.
- Family-owned business with TripAdvisor's #1 tour rating in Ventura.
- Spectre boat features three dives, air fills, and onboard amenities.
What people say
Exceptional crew
Gourmet meals
Hot tub access
Seamless booking
Prize-winning service
Services
Dive Trips
Year-round scuba diving trips to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands aboard the 85-foot Spectre. Includes three dives, air fills, and expert crew guidance. Ideal for all skill levels with hot tub access and gourmet meals included.
Snorkeling Tours
Guided snorkeling adventures to California's kelp forests and marine reserves. Equipment available for rent. Suitable for non-divers with same-day trips departing Ventura Harbor at 7 AM.
Gear Rentals
Online rental booking for dive tanks, wetsuits, and accessories. Gear delivered directly to the Spectre boat. Includes 7mm wetsuits, hoods, and gloves for cold-water comfort.
Online Booking
Secure 24/7 booking system for dive trips and gear rentals. Instant confirmation with flexible cancellation policies. Managed by FareHarbor platform specialists for hassle-free reservations.
Catering Services
Chef-prepared meals including breakfast sandwiches and grilled tri-tip lunches. Vegetarian options available. Meals included in trip price with snacks, drinks, and dessert provided throughout the day.
People
Captain Ted Cumming
Co-Owner
50-year maritime veteran who began captaining in 1970. Native Ventura County resident with deep local knowledge. Renowned for transforming the Spectre into California's premier dive vessel through continuous innovation.
Nathan Cumming
Co-Owner
Second-generation captain who grew up on the Spectre. Holds 100-ton license since age 20. Manages daily operations and technical upgrades while maintaining the boat's family legacy standards.
Questions
What dive locations do you visit?
We visit Anacapa or Santa Cruz Islands based on daily conditions. Our captain selects optimal sites for marine life visibility and diving experience.
What's included in the dive trip price?
Price includes three dives, air fills, gourmet meals, hot tub access, and onboard amenities. Rental gear available at additional cost.
Can non-divers join the trip?
Yes! Snorkelers receive discounted pricing. The boat accommodates all guests with comfortable lounging areas and marine wildlife viewing opportunities.
What cancellation policy applies?
Cancel 7 days before weekend trips or 72 hours before weekday trips for full refunds. No-shows receive no credit under any circumstances.
How do I book a trip?
Use our FareHarbor online system for instant confirmation. Book from anywhere worldwide, or contact Captain Ted directly at 866-CALDIVE for assistance.
What makes Spectre unique?
As California's largest dive boat, we offer individual dive stations, chef-prepared meals, hot tub, and 35+ years of operational expertise unmatched by competitors.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Lina Lopez
Dec 08, 2021
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It was a very nice experience!!! My boyfriend doesn't know speak English, but everybody on Spectre made him feel great...
Oisin
Nov 17, 2021
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We went on the spectre on Saturday and it was by far the best dive boat experience we've had along the west coast. Everything from the staff and their ettoquite, to the facilities and the food, exceeded our expectations. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great day out. We went on another dive boat on Sunday back to the channel islands and it wasn't anywhere near as good as the Spectre boat!
An added bonus was that we also could rent gear and have it waiting for us at the boat when we arrived and also allowed to leave it on the boat at the end of the day. Super convenient
An added bonus was that we also could rent gear and have it waiting for us at the boat when we arrived and also allowed to leave it on the boat at the end of the day. Super convenient
Harish S.
Oct 01, 2021
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This review is only for the snorkeling trip on this boat. The trip is ok if you're scuba diving or have prior experience. As a first time snorkeler, the sea sickness was very bad. They didn't have motion sickness pills and we couldn't eat or drink anything the whole trip because we would puke it right out. Only the scuba divers have seats in the back deck, the stable part of the boat. The snorkelers have only indoor seating which worsens the sea sickness. We had to sit on the floor of the boat in the back deck the whole trip to be able to control the sea sickness. Also they never
Jj P.
Sep 18, 2021
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The boat and crew are great but beware that they allow spearfishing hunters too so you have to worry about some yahoo with a loaded weapon risking diver safety and enjoyment. It's like bird watching with a duck hunter. I've been on a lot of dives and never had to deal with this conflict of interest. I won't be back unless they change their policy.
Art L.
Sep 05, 2021
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Amazing operation . Safe Thorough , professional and just really nice people. They could not 'tbe more helpful or accommodating . The captain, works hard to find the best spot for the conditions and gets you literally on top of the dive spot and gives detailed briefings so there is no " I swam forever and could not find the site " Food - great and plentiful .They really make it fun and safe and the best possible diving .
