Question 1

Can I dive a specific wreck like the Yukon?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Each trip on our schedule has the dive site destinations listed. Our recreational dives run exactly what is on the schedule the vast majority of the time, every once and a while we will switch up the sites due to conditions. Our technical charters are a little more variable based on conditions, although we do our best to stick to the listed sites.

Question 2

Can I dive the Yukon while I'm still in a certification class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you are actively enrolled in an appropriate class and diving it with an instructor certified for teaching that class. Examples of appropriate classes include Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, and Advanced Wreck Diver, etc. For Advanced Wreck, tech, and similar classes, you must already hold your Advanced certification. Additional note: Your certified instructor has to be actively teaching your class that qualifies you for that depth and dive, not a Dive Master. A Dive Master alone cannot teach the class or take a diver deeper than that diver is already certified for, professional standards require a certified instructor.

Question 3

What certification do I need?

Accepted Answer

At the very least, scuba divers need a basic open water certification. Each dive site in a trip has listed minimum certification requirements. If you see this, that means that you have to have that minimum certification requirement in order to join the trip. Unfortunately, we're unable to make exceptions. You must be certified to the depth of the dive that you have signed up for. For our tech divers, this also means that you need to be certified for the rig that you're diving. You cannot dive a closed-circuit rig to your open-circuit certification depth: You must stay within the limits of certification you have for the rig you are diving.

Question 4

Can non-divers snorkel on a private full-boat charter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-divers are welcome to snorkel along on a private full-boat charter. Your non-diver or snorkeler friend will book along side you, just as a diver would.

Question 5

How much does the independent in-water guide charge?

Accepted Answer

We have a referral network of trusted guides Captain Lora has vetted. Since our guides are independent, we don't set or quote their prices. When a diver requests a guide, we facilitate an exchange of contact info between you and the guide, and you discuss pricing, scheduling, and payment directly. 🙂 We will however find a guide who is available on the date you requested so you don't have to call our whole network:)

Question 6

Do you do memorials or ash scatterings?

Accepted Answer

We do, but we keep these private, for business partners, family, or close friends rather than as a booked trip. If this is something you need, reach out to me directly and we will talk.

Question 7

Do you offer photo or video service?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. We do grab fun shots for Instagram, so tag us and you might get featured.

Question 8

Can I bring my camera, even a big rig?

Accepted Answer

For sure, bring whatever setup you love.

Question 9

Can we bring our dog?

Accepted Answer

Bring your fur-buddy! Just keep them leashed and supervised while they soak up the sea breeze.

Question 10

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Accepted Answer

Please do! Pack your favorite drinks and snacks, just no glass, since there is a $200 fee if glass breaks. Connect your playlist to our Bluetooth sound system and bring the vibes. Do not forget sunscreen.

Question 11

Can we drink alcohol on board?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to enjoy some drinks, just keep it chill. If anyone gets too intoxicated, we will cut the trip short for safety. And to keep things legit, no federally illegal substances on board, including THC products, which is a Coast Guard rule with no exceptions.

Question 12

Do you run bay cruises or party boats?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We prioritize our diving trips, but once the dive day is over we run bay cruises. Two hour minimum, the whole boat captained and crewed, with a Bluetooth sound system, a swim ladder and swim platform, and room for up to 22. Bring your own food and drinks, bring your playlist, bring the dog. They are a favorite for bachelorettes, birthdays and dog cruises. All of our cruise information is at marissacruises.com

Question 13

How does a tech day work?

Accepted Answer

Tech days run on a set timeline with live-boating at some sites. All the details, your dive plan, timing, and drop procedure, come to you in your tech trip email so you can prep before you ever reach the dock.

Question 14

Do you allow technical divers, rebreathers, sidemount, scooters, or staged deco?

Accepted Answer

All welcome on our recreational trips, and we run dedicated tech days a couple of times a month too. You will need a valid, non-expired certification for the exact equipment and profile you are diving.

Question 15

What gas can you provide for a tech dive?

Accepted Answer

Air and nitrox on board. Bring your deco, trimix, and bailout bottles already blended, and reach out ahead of time so we can plan your gas and your day together.

Question 16

What are the extra fees for Coronado?

Accepted Answer

There are none. Coronado is $375 and that is everything, including the Mexican tourist permit and the conservation bracelet. The price you see is the price you pay, at checkout and at the dock.

Question 17

What do I need to bring for Mexico?

Accepted Answer

A valid, physical passport book, kept on you the whole trip. No weapons. No marijuana or other federally illegal substances, no exceptions.

Question 18

Do you run trips to the Coronado Islands?

Accepted Answer

We do, and it is a full day with 3 to 4 dives, 3 of them guaranteed. About 2 hours of transit each way, chili on the ride home, and we skim the trench on the way looking for whales and dolphins.

Question 19

Where are you, and where do I park?

Accepted Answer

Mission Bay Sportcenter, 1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109. Once you are on Santa Clara Place, look for the second break in the median and turn left, past the swing sets and baseball field, and you will find the lot. Parking is free but limited, so carpool if you can and arrive early. We are the only dive boat on the dock, and gates open at 8am, or 7:30 for tech trips.

Question 20

How does tipping work?

Accepted Answer

Tips are not included, and they are very appreciated. Customary is 15 to 20% of the listed ticket price, and we take cards, cash, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App and Zelle. Your crew hauls tanks, tracks bubbles, and keeps your day safe and fun, so a little love in the tip jar goes a long way.

Question 21

How long until we reach the dive site?

Accepted Answer

Usually under 35 minutes, about 15 through the bay and another 15 to 25 out to the site. San Diego gets deep fast, so we do not have to go far.

Question 22

What waiver do I sign?

Accepted Answer

A digital waiver, and everyone in your party signs their own before boarding. Knocking it out ahead of time makes check-in a breeze.

Question 23

How crowded is the boat?

Accepted Answer

We cap it at 10 divers, even though the boat is Coast Guard rated for 24. That is on purpose. You get room to gear up, and you are never a number out here.

Question 24

Is the boarding time the time we leave?

Accepted Answer

Nope. The boarding time is when you need to be on the dock, ready to step on the boat. We head out after sign-in and the safety briefings.

Question 25

I do not have a buddy. Can I still come?

Accepted Answer

For sure. You do not have to sign up with a buddy, and we are happy to pair you with another diver who is also looking for one. We have generous regulars who fold people into their group all the time, and I usually know exactly who those people are. If you would rather dive solo, that is fine as long as you are trained and comfortable for it, and we strongly prefer you carry a redundant air source.

Question 26

Do you provide an in-water dive master, and why not?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide an in-water dive master. Our Coast Guard inspection certificate requires that our dive master remain on deck. The second reason we don't provide an in-water dive master is safety. Now you might be blinking at this point, but hear me out. California conditions are unlike conditions in the Caribbean or Hawaii, where they have nearly unlimited visibility. We have generally quite limited visibility, averaging around 20'. This makes it too difficult for a single guide to keep track of a large group of people. We find that the safest thing to do is for our customers to hire a private guide that is there to look after you and only you.

Question 27

Any advice on seasickness?

Accepted Answer

Take it seriously even if you do not usually get sick. What works best for most folks is the recommended dose of Dramamine (less drowsy), Bonine, or ginger the night before, and again about 2 hours before boarding. Regular-strength Dramamine knocks some people out, so test it on yourself before trip day.

Question 28

Do you rent gear?

Accepted Answer

We facilitate rentals through House of Scuba with a pickup and dropoff service, which is a lifesaver if you are flying in. The Core package is $49 (regulator and computer, BCD, wetsuit and hood) and Core plus Personal is $78 (adds gloves, boots, fins, mask and snorkel). There is a $20 pickup and dropoff fee on our end. I will need your height, weight, shoe size, and usual wetsuit size, and rentals need to be arranged at least 3 days before your trip.

Question 29

Do you have nitrox? What mix?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we blend it continuously on board, anywhere from 22 to 40%, usually around 32. Your tanks do not need to be O2-clean, and please do not bring O2-clean tanks, since our fill system is not O2-clean. Bring your own analyzer if you have one, and we have one too.

Question 30

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Your regulator, computer, and BCD, your hood, gloves, and boots, a 7mm or drysuit, sunscreen, dry towels and dry clothes (yes, bring them right on the boat), a sweatshirt or jacket or two, seasickness medication, a government ID, your certification card, and a tip for the crew.

Question 31

What comes with my ticket?

Accepted Answer

AL80 tanks with DIN or Yoke valves, air fills (nitrox available for a little extra), weights, hot tea, coffee, cocoa, fizzy drinks, and water, warm packs for chilly bones, individually wrapped snacks, a goodie bag, defog, hand sanitizer, tissues for your snotty scuba face, your awesome crew, and beagle loves.

Question 32

I have dietary restrictions. Can you handle that?

Accepted Answer

We will do our best for your specialness. Note it on your reservation if you can, and if you missed that, just text me ahead of time.

Question 33

Can I bring my own tanks, steel tanks, or doubles?

Accepted Answer

Bring whatever you like. It does not change your price, since tanks are already part of your ticket.

Question 34

Do you have DIN or Yoke?

Accepted Answer

Both. Our AL80s have pro-valves, so DIN or Yoke is your call. We also have two steel HP100s that are DIN only, first come first served.

Question 35

Will I see sea lions, lobster, or a specific animal?

Accepted Answer

We sure hope so, but the animals decide, not us. There is great life year round, and certain seasons are better for certain critters, but we will never promise you a sighting.

Question 36

What about current and surge?

Accepted Answer

Expect mild to moderate surface current in the afternoons, and we run a current line so you have something to pull yourself along. Surge is part of diving here. We cancel for big swell and usually run in a 1 to 3 foot swell.

Question 37

How much weight will I need?

Accepted Answer

A solid rule of thumb is about 10% of your body weight plus 6 pounds or so with one of our AL80s. We have weights on board.

Question 38

How cold is the water, and what should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Most of the year it is 50 to 52 degrees. Coldest is about 46 to 48 in February and March, and warmest is about 55 to 58 from August into October. Plan on at least a 7mm with a hood, gloves, and boots, or a drysuit.

Question 39

What is the visibility like?

Accepted Answer

It swings. Roughly 5 to 30 feet from late winter through spring, and 40 to 100 feet from late summer into fall. We call 25 feet an average day. Visibility, sea state, and what you will see are never a promise. We pick great spots, but the ocean runs the show.

Question 40

I have an old Marissa Dive Charters ticket. Will you honor it?

Accepted Answer

We can, with a little verification. Email me a photo of the intact ticket stub with the ticket numbers first and we will get you sorted.

Question 41

How do gift certificates work?

Accepted Answer

You can buy them right on the website, and they work like cash toward any trip. Straight, non-promotional gift certificates do not expire.

Question 42

How do store credits work?

Accepted Answer

If we cancel your trip for weather or a boat issue, you choose: a full refund, or store credit with 10% extra on top. The bonus is our thank you for staying with us, and it lands as its own credit so there is usually a little left over for the trip after next. Credits go out as a coupon code by email, so check your spam folder, and if you cannot find it just text me. If you cancel inside the notice window, that is case by case and there is no bonus. Straight gift certificates never expire.

Question 43

Can I move my booking to another date, or give it to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, just text me and I will move it over for you. If there is a price difference, I will put it on the card on file.

Question 44

When will I know if my trip is on?

Accepted Answer

Weather cancellations get announced 12 to 24 hours ahead by email, so keep an eye on your inbox up to the night before. If you are traveling in and need more lead time, text me 3 to 5 days out and tell me how much notice you need, and I will watch the forecast with you.

Question 45

What happens if you cancel my trip for weather or a boat issue?

Accepted Answer

You choose, a full refund or a reschedule. I may ask if you would be open to a store credit instead, but the call is yours.

Question 46

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

To get a full credit or refund, here is the notice we need: individual tickets, 7 days before boarding time; groups of 4 to 8, 15 days before boarding time; groups of 8 or more, 21 days before boarding time. With less notice than that, the trip is charged at full price with no credit, refund, or rain-check. A valid credit card has to be on file for every reservation. Refund requests can be submitted in writing up to 7 days after the trip and are looked at case by case. I do my best to be reasonable about real illnesses and emergencies, so please just talk to me.

Question 47

How do I reach you, and how fast will you answer?

Accepted Answer

Text is your best bet, and I usually answer at all hours. Text or call 619-757-3280. Our phone hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm, and email is CaptLora@MarissaCharters.com. All trip correspondence, including cancellations, goes through email.

Question 48

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

With fuel and inflation, we have put our energy into keeping the base prices fair rather than juggling a stack of discount codes. For groups and private charters, text me and we will talk.

Question 49

What does nitrox cost?

Accepted Answer

$16 per fill for singles and $28 for doubles. We can run your card for it right on the boat.

Question 50

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On orders over $350 you can split it with Affirm or Klarna at checkout, which covers a Coronado day or a couple of seats together. Otherwise you pay when you book, and we take Apple Pay, Link, Amazon Pay and any major card.

Question 51

Are taxes and fees included in the trip price?

Accepted Answer

The listed price is the total you pay, so yes. On the booking page you will see it itemized into the base ticket plus a small fuel surcharge, a city tax, and a 3% service fee, which together add up to the listed total.

Question 52

Do you charge less if I bring my own tanks?

Accepted Answer

Same price either way. Tanks and weights come with your ticket, and our pricing is right in line with what the dive shops charge, so there is no separate rate for bringing your own.

Question 53

How much does a trip cost?

Accepted Answer

Here is the all-in pricing, meaning tanks, air, weights, taxes, and fees are all included: a 2-dive local trip is $199 for Wreck Alley and $209 for Point Loma or La Jolla kelp and reef, a 3-dive local day is $229, technical trips are $249, and the Coronado Islands with 3 to 4 dives is $375 with the Mexico permits included.

Question 54

Can you accommodate adaptive divers or divers with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we have. Send me a text first so I can plan the day around what you need. The one case I would gently steer away from is a wheelchair passenger on a dive trip, only because of how much time we spend sitting at the site, which tends to invite seasickness. That is about your comfort, not a closed door.

Question 55

Can a non-diver come just for the boat ride?

Accepted Answer

For sure. Non-divers ride at half the trip price. One heads-up, a passenger who is just sitting topside is a prime target for seasickness, so we strongly encourage seasickness prevention the night before and again before the trip.

Question 56

How old do you have to be?

Accepted Answer

To dive with us, 12 and up. To ride along as a non-diving passenger, any age, as long as a parent stays on the boat with the child.

Question 57

Do you teach courses or certify divers?

Accepted Answer

We're a dive charter, not a training shop, so we don't run certifications. We're glad to point you toward instructors we trust.

Question 58

I'm worried about the cold. Will I freeze?

Accepted Answer

Our water sits around 50 to 52 degrees most of the year, so cold is a real thing we plan around, not something we wave off. We'll solve it together. That might mean renting a drysuit, a heated vest, or a hooded vest. Get warm, stay warm, and the whole day gets better.

Question 59

Do you take divers certified through agencies other than PADI?

Accepted Answer

All of them. PADI, SSI, NAUI, BSAC, CMAS, SDI, TDI, IANTD, ANDI, and GUE are all welcome. Which sites you can dive comes down to your certification level and what each site calls for.

Question 60

I'm nervous I'm not ready. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Let's talk it out. Send me a text and tell me what's got you nervous. A lot of the time it's something we can solve together before you ever reach the dock. If it turns out a little extra support would make you more comfortable, I'll tell you straight and we'll find the right fit.

Question 61

It's been years since I dove. Will I be okay?

Accepted Answer

Depends how long it's been. If you're a touch rusty, a refresher course is a great move, or I can refer you to a guide you can hire for the day so you have a pro right at your side. Text me how long you've been out of the water and we'll figure out the right call together.

Question 62

I'm a new diver. Can I dive with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We run sites for every level. If you're newly certified, we'll put you on the sites that match your training, and you'll usually be in good company with other divers right around your experience. Tell me a bit about where you're at when you book and I'll point you to the right trip.

Question 63

What's included?

Accepted Answer

Quick brag: when you sign up you get access to your Marissa dive portal, which includes a generic packing list you can customize, and you can add as many packing lists as you would like. Every ticket includes: • AL80 tanks, DIN or Yoke • Air fills on board, and yes we can fill HP to a real HP psi. Nitrox fills are available but not included • Weights • Individually wrapped snacks • A Marissa goodie bag with baby shampoo, mask defog, custom-labelled hand sanitizer, 4-ply tissues for your snotty scuba face, and fun stickers We want to make sure you are as comfy as possible, so we have these aboard too. Just ask a crew member. It is not a problem, not a hassle, we want you to stay happy, hydrated, sugared, caffeinated, whatever you need 😉 • Hot tea, coffee and cocoa • Fizzy drinks and water • Warm packs for post-dive coziness Listed prices are all-in. Taxes and fees are included, with no surprise charges at the dock. Just a reminder: we do not provide rental gear, but you can... you guessed it... rent it 😉. We also do not provide an in-water guide or dive master.

Question 64

Do you offer private dive charters?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We do! We offer special pricing for shops and whole boat charters. Please contact Captain Lora for more info.

FAQ

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