Catalina Liveaboard Dive Vacations

Dive the Kelp Forests of Catalina - Only $289!

We have a couple of fabulous liveaboard trips right now.  Sign up today!  Space is limited.

This trip is being escorted by Academy of Scuba / Lake Mohave Scuba.

This is a limited load boat.  Only 15 Spots Are Available.

Date: BUG FEST - March 16 - 18, 2012

DRY SUIT AND OVERSIZE TANK RENTALS AVAILABLE.  Inquire at:  rental@academyofscuba.com

Start your new year off with an affordable, value packed, 2-night liveaboard with lots of opportunity to dive Catalina and the kelp forests of California.  Dive, eat, and sleep right on the boat. It's all included.

The Great Escape has a reputation for better dive trips and they work hard to keep that reputation. The Great Escape's multiple day liveaboard dive trips provide the finest California diving available. We often visit sites that are too remote for day trips. A good example is on some trips we explore deep offshore reefs and pinnacles like Cortes Bank, Begg Rock, and Tanner Bank. On some trips, we also visit outer islands like San Nicolas Island, the back side of San Clemente Island, and San Miguel Island. You will have the opportunity to make three to seven dives on every dive day including at least one night diving evening.

We will visit a combination of both known sites, and explore new ones. We usually start each day with an advanced dive at a deep reef or pinnacle. Then we progress to shallower sites as the day develops. The day will end with a twilight and night dive at our anchoring spot for the night.

About The Great Escape

World Class Southern California Diving
The Channel Islands
Deep Reefs and Pinnacles
Wreck Dives
Lush Kelp Forests

The Great Escape
80' long with a 25' beam
Diving Amenities
Large Deck with Sit Down Tank Racks
Fresh Water Camera Rinse Tank
Camera Storage, Charging, and Maintenance Station
Large Live Well and Deep Freezer for Game
Up to 3200 psi air fills (DIN supported)
Lighted Swim Step for Night Dives

Comfortable Accommodations
Large Bunks and Staterooms
Huge Galley that Comfortably Seats 30
Large Sun Deck
Two Heads and Four Hot Showers

Knowledgeable and Courteous Service from Our Friendly Crew
From your first call until your return home

Good Food Made from Fresh Ingredients
All food, air fills, and non-alcoholic beverages are always included!
Your Best Value in Liveaboard Dive Trips!

What's Included: And, Your Itinerary

Our trip is "all-inclusive".  What does that mean? That means you will board the dive boat on Friday night (before midnight).  Hit the bunks when you are all loaded.  Somewhere in the middle of the night, the captain will fire up the engines and head for Catalina.  Around 6am, you will hear the anchor chain fall and smell the bacon from the galley. Combined with the salt air, I can't think of a better way to wake up.  A nice hot breakfast and you are ready to start your day of diving. We will dive all day on Friday and get a few night dives in too.  All day air fills are included (but you do need to bring your own tank and weights from your shop). The only time you need to stop and rest is to eat, surface interval, and ... nap.  From time to time, we will switch dive sites. After your night dives and dinner/dessert, retire to your bunks and start all over again on Sunday.  We'll dive all day and in the late afternoon, return to Long Beach.  We'll arrive back at dock around 5:00pm, which means you will be home, in Phoenix, around midnight.  Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about Monday.  Back to work.  The good news is you can return to Underwater Vacations and book your next trip on the Great Escape.

What's Not Included - And The Not So Fine Print

You need to bring all your own equipment, spare parts, exposure protection, etc. to be a California diver.  There is no equipment on board. Expect the water temp to be in the mid 50's Fahrenheit.  Bring a boat coat, towel, and all personal sundries, clothing and items that you will need for the weekend.  We will not be stopping in any ports. Crew tips are not included.  Fish and Game licenses are not included. It is REQUIRED that you bring your own tank and weights. Transportation to and from Long Beach is not included. Although there is a good chance you can find people to carpool with leaving from Phoenix. Optional hotel stays in California are not included. No dive instruction is included. Dive guides are not included, but available at extra cost. We highly recommend dive insurance such as D.A.N or Dive Assure. You will be required to sign a waiver and show proof of certification.  

You are responsible for your own dive plans and profiles. We strongly advise use of a dive computer and diving well within your limits and training. If you have any special needs or requests, we will do our best to accommodate them.