Channel Islands Dive Adventures FAQ
Below is our FAQ to questions you might not have thought about for CIDA. To find and book a dive trip please visit our Dive Calendar page for up-to-date information on all CIDA trips and for release forms and waivers visit the Dive Policies page.
How do you decide which boats to charter?
We pick the boats to charter depending on the destination, length of trip, and how many divers we would like to take. Some boats are better for smaller groups and others are better for longer trips (bunks) or overnight trips. We also keep in mind how good the crew is and are they safety conscious. More of our trips are advanced trips so it also depends on which boats can get us to the dive sites we want to go to.
Which boats do you use?
Channel Islands Dive Adventures currently uses the Giant Stride, Spectre, SoCal Diver, and the DV Triton. For more information on the boats we use please click here.
What type of dive spots do you visit?
Reefs, pinnacles, walls, wrecks, planes, oil rigs, Big Sur, and anything else that makes for an adventure. We try and go to different spots that most divers have not had a chance to dive before and the location varies from the Channel Islands to San Diego to the Ventura offshore coastline and more.
Are all your trips advanced trips?
No, we do tend to have more advanced trips, but we also do some easy relaxed trips that are great for beginners. Some days we just need some easier diving and a day to unwind; these trips are great for that.
Do you offer trips for photographers?
That would be a BIG yes because most of our trips are to locations that photographers love.
Do you allow spearfishing, lobster catching, and scallop collecting?
We sure do as long you are a responsible hunter and pay attention to the Fish & Game rules. We have some specific bug trips and our rig trips are excellent for scallop collecting. All the boats we currently use allow all types of hunting.
What if I don’t have a buddy?
If you need a buddy we can always find you one, usually, there are quite a few repeat customers that are looking for a buddy.
Do you allow non-divers on the trips?
Sometimes, please call for non-diver prices, the price depends on the trip they would like to go on.
Do you allow free divers or divers with rebreathers, doubles, or scooters?
Yes! We like to think, if you have the training why not use it and CIDA has some excellent trips for freedivers or divers using rebreathers, doubles, or scooters. If a boat won’t let you do any of these things CIDA will not use them!
What is the primary focus of your trips?
To get divers diving! Usually, no matter where you are diving, you can always take photos or just sightsee. Some of our trips are set up with a primary purpose in mind like wrecks, hunting, pinnacles, or deep reefs.
What makes your trips different than a normal open boat?
The main difference between a CIDA trip and a normal open boat is that CIDA charters the boats and then plans the trips to try to go to spots you wouldn’t normally get a chance to go to ( for various reasons) plus we try our best to make sure your day is the best by having excellent dive hosts/tour guides aboard every trip to see that your day turns out to be the best it can!
Do you plan longer warm-water or cold-water vacations?
Yes, currently Channel Islands Dive Adventures plans at least three longer vacation trips per year. Usually one warm water and one cold water or something more specific like diving the wrecks in North Carolina. Please see our Dive Vacations page for all the details.
Your trips sound good, can a shop or club get on your trips?
Sure, just contact us and we will try our best to accommodate your group. We can even put together a special trip for your group. We will do our best to help. We also provide a 5% discount on any CIDA SoCal dive trip to members of any club or group that actively promotes CIDA. To get the 5% discount the members use a coupon code when signing up for trips.
Trip Prices
Trip prices vary depending on the dive destination and boat used.
Do you offer student and military discounts?
Yes, a 10% discount on any CIDA SoCal dive trips for Students, Military, Fire, and Law Enforcement personnel and Health Care Workers.
Do you sell gift certificates?
What a great gift idea and yes. CIDA can make certificates for any occasion, just let us know the amount and we will take care of it.
Booking spots on trips
All spots are to be paid for in full at the time of booking. Please remember, that once you have paid for a spot on a trip, that spot is yours and is no longer available to anyone else. If you cannot make it and we have been notified, we will try our best to fill the spot, but ultimately you are responsible for your spot.
Cancellation Policy
To cancel a reservation: Call us at 1-805-469-7288
| No Refund | 50% Credit** | 100% Credit** |
|---|---|---|
| If canceled in 0-3 days | If canceled in 4-7 days | If canceled in 8 or more days |
| No Refund | 50% Credit** | 100% Credit** |
|---|---|---|
| If canceled in 0-14 days | If canceled in 14-30 days | If canceled in 31 or more days |
**Credits are good for one year**
Longer warm/cold water trips
The cancellation policy for warm and cold water vacation trips will vary depending on the resort or operator used. See the information for individual trips that are planned.
Weather Policy
All destinations are subject to change depending on the weather and sea conditions. The dive boats can usually make the trips in any kind of weather, rain or shine. Sometimes the weather may not look so good, but most times there are still places to dive. The Captain of the boat being used for a particular trip has the final decision, with concern in providing for the safety and well-being of the passengers and crew aboard. If the Captain or Channel Islands Dive Adventures cancels a trip, then refunds will be given. Never consider a trip canceled until advised by the Captain or Channel Islands Dive Adventures.
Methods of Payment
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