Question 1

What is scuba diving in San Diego really like?

Accepted Answer

Diving in San Diego is beautiful and rewarding but can be challenging. Cold water temperatures, lower visibility, surge, and currents require mental preparation and proper gear. Water temps range from 46–48°F in February–March to 54–58°F in August–October, with most of the year hovering around 52°F at depth. Average visibility is around 25 feet, with occasional stellar 60–100 foot visibility windows in fall (August–October). Divers should wear at minimum a 7mm wetsuit with hood, gloves, and boots.

Question 2

What is the water temperature in San Diego for scuba diving?

Accepted Answer

San Diego waters are cold year-round at depth. Late winter through early summer temperatures are generally 50–52°F. Late summer through early fall temperatures warm to 55–58°F. Even when surface temperatures are in the 70s, expect cold water at depth. A 7mm wetsuit, hood, gloves, and boots are recommended at a minimum.

Question 3

What is the typical visibility when scuba diving in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

Visibility in San Diego ranges widely. During late winter, spring, and early summer, visibility is typically 5–30 feet. During late summer, fall, and early winter, visibility clears to 40–100 feet. Visibility of 25 feet is considered average. Divers should prepare for conditions as low as under 5 feet and count any day above 30 feet as a great day.

Question 4

Do you supply scuba tanks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marissa Charters supplies AL80 tanks with pro-valves that accommodate both DIN and YOKE regulators. Two steel 100s (DIN only) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tank fills are included in the cost of your charter ticket.

Question 5

Do you supply weights?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marissa Charters supplies hard weights and a limited supply of soft weights. Weights are included in the cost of your charter ticket.

Question 6

Do you supply food and drinks on the dive boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A snack bag is included for each passenger. Snack bags include chips, muffins, Danish, Aussie bites or Paleo Bar, granola bar, fruit snacks, fruit, and candy. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available on request. Bottled water, fizzy drinks, hot tea, and coffee are available. If you have dietary restrictions, contact us in advance.

Question 7

Do you have Nitrox on board? What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marissa Charters is the only San Diego dive charter boat with onboard nitrox fills. We have a continuous blending system that can fill from 22% to 40%. Tanks do not need to be O2 clean. Cost is $12 per fill for single tanks, $24 per fill for doubles. We generally fill to 32% but can accommodate requests up to 40%.

Question 8

What type of nitrox system does Marissa Charters use?

Accepted Answer

Marissa Charters uses a continuous blending nitrox system capable of filling from 22% to 40%. The system is not O2 clean, so we do not recommend using O2-clean tanks. Tanks do not need to be O2 clean to use our fills.

Question 9

What is included in the cost of a dive charter ticket?

Accepted Answer

Included in every charter ticket: AL80 tanks with DIN/YOKE valves, air fills, hard weights, food and beverage (snack bag), hot tea, coffee, or cocoa, warm packs, and Marissa swag bag. Nitrox fills are available for an additional fee ($12 single / $24 doubles). Gear rental is available through House of Scuba with a $20 pickup/drop-off fee.

Question 10

How much does it cost to dive with Marissa Charters?

Accepted Answer

Two-tank local trips cost $159–$175, with all fees and taxes included. Three-tank trips and tech/extended range trips are priced higher. Technical dive trips run $220–$250 per person. All prices are inclusive of tanks, weights, food, and beverages.

Question 11

Do you rent scuba gear?

Accepted Answer

Marissa Charters facilitates rental gear through House of Scuba for out-of-town divers, including a pickup and drop-off service for an additional $20 fee. House of Scuba charges $49 for the core package (regulator with computer, BCD, wetsuit with hood) or $78 for the full personal gear package. Tanks and weights are included in your charter ticket.

Question 12

Does a dive master go in the water with me?

Accepted Answer

No. Per USCG regulations in San Diego, our Dive Master must remain on board the vessel except in the case of a surface emergency. Self-guided diving is the standard. However, Marissa Charters can connect you with trusted independent Dive Masters available for the day of your trip.

Question 13

Do I need a buddy to book a dive trip?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to book with a buddy. Marissa Charters will do their best to pair solo divers with other passengers on the day of the trip. Solo diving is also permitted for divers trained and certified for solo diving, with a redundant system strongly preferred.

Question 14

What should I bring on a San Diego dive charter?

Accepted Answer

Recommended items: 7mm wetsuit or drysuit, all dive gear (unless renting), sunscreen, dry towels, dry clothes, a warm sweatshirt or jacket, seasickness medication (Dramamine or Bonine recommended the night before and 2 hours before the trip), government-issued ID, certification card, and a tip for the crew.

Question 15

What exposure suit do you recommend for diving in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

A minimum 7mm wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and 3–5mm boots is strongly recommended. A drysuit is ideal for maximum comfort on multi-dive trips. San Diego water temperatures are 50–52°F at depth during most of the year, making proper thermal protection essential.

Question 16

How should I weight myself for diving in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb for cold water diving in a 7mm wetsuit with an AL80 tank is 10% of your body weight plus approximately 6 pounds. Cold water and thick exposure suits require significantly more weight than warm-water diving.

Question 17

Do you allow technical divers and technical dive equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marissa Charters welcomes technical divers, decompression divers, rebreather divers, sidemount divers, and scooter divers. Deco and bailout bottles are permitted. All divers must carry a valid, non-expired certification for the equipment and dive profiles planned. Accepted equipment includes CCR, sidemount, doubles, and underwater scooters.

Question 18

What are your trip minimums?

Accepted Answer

Two-tank trips require a minimum of 5 passengers to run. Pre-purchased tickets count toward the minimum. Marissa Charters limits all trips to a maximum of 10 divers.

Question 19

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Individual ticket holders must cancel via email at least 7 days before the boarding time for a full credit or refund. Groups of 4–8 require 15 days notice. Groups of 8 or more require 21 days notice. Cancellations with less notice than required forfeit the full list price. Trip insurance is available through the booking platform at checkout.

Question 20

What happens if the boat cancels due to weather?

Accepted Answer

If Marissa Charters cancels a trip due to inclement or hazardous weather or sea conditions, a full refund is issued. All cancellations are communicated via email. Travelers coming from out of town are encouraged to contact us 3–5 days before their trip to get a weather outlook. Decisions are typically made 12–24 hours prior to departure.

Question 21

What beginner or open water dive sites does Marissa Charters visit?

Accepted Answer

Beginner-friendly dive sites include: Ingraham Street Bridge (depth ~60 ft), Ancient Caverns (~55–62 ft), Lost City (~20–30 ft), and Horse Head Reef (~40–60 ft).

Question 22

What advanced scuba diving sites does Marissa Charters visit?

Accepted Answer

Advanced dive sites include: HMCS Yukon (65–105 ft, Advanced or Deep certification required), Train Wheels (65–105 ft), Strawberry Ledges (66–115 ft), Puzzle Pieces Rock (88–107 ft), and Anger Management (85–105 ft).

Question 23

What is the boarding time vs. departure time?

Accepted Answer

All times listed on the Marissa Charters website and in confirmation emails are boarding times — the time you must be at the boat. Departure occurs after all guests have signed in and safety briefings are completed. Plan to arrive at the listed time, not later.

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