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Vision
Not too long ago, Dale and I were able to get away for a few days and take a three-day boat trip to the Northern Channel Islands aboard the dive boat Vision. Three days aboard this boat is pure luxury. Try diving from the Vision on one of their limited load dives and you may never again question whether to go to the nearby tropics for a long weekend or stay at home.
Now I know what you’re thinking, but I am extremely prejudiced when it comes to California diving. I believe California has the best and most diverse diving in the world. Along with that comes the fact that we also have the best charter boats to take us to our destinations. To be the best, you must always improve and change what the customer wants.
Answering a call from their dedicated customers, Truth Aquatics has included “Limited Load” dive trips in their schedule. Lasting two, three and even four days, the boat will take a maximum of 26. That includes everyone, passenger and crew alike. “Limited load” diving sets up an environment that allows you to delve into your passion to a greater degree, with just a bit more elbow room, both on the boat and underwater.
I found our group to be divided into roughly three groups: photographers, hunters, and the leftover group of miscellaneous, i.e., the sightseer or buddy who goes along with whatever the dominant diver does.
If you’re a photographer, you can practically stake out an entire table in the galley as your own personal workspace. No need to decide between a housed camera or a Nikonos, video or still pictures—bring them all! The Vision’s main salon is huge. You have plenty of time and room to challenge your skills. E-6 processing is offered on many limited load trips. With a smaller group aboard, you can share your developed film with each other, swap tips and generally improve your skills (provided you are open to the fact that you can always improve—some divers do not think that is a possibility).
Underwater hunting can and did take place alongside the photographer (not literally). Some hunted the entire trip. They brought back food for their own table and also shared the bounty by sharing with the cook, who in turn made the most superb fish and lobster gumbo I ever tasted. Some divers alternated between photography and hunting. They chose their activity based upon time of day and water conditions. Lots of room and time allows to thoroughly concentrate on whatever activity you choose for the hour. It seemed as if everyone came back happy, with something to fill their belly or slide tray.
The Vision galley produces culinary pleasures that rival some of the best restaurants—but it is also hearty and abundant, just what tired, hungry divers need. Menus include barbecued tri-tip steak, roast turkey, complete with all the trimmings, breakfast to order, and a Mexican fiesta meal. There are sodas and juices to drink, but bring your own booze (after diving only, of course).
The Vision dive boat is extremely roomy, even if it hadn’t been a limited load trip. At 80-feet long and a roomy 26-feet wide, it gives each passenger a wide berth, so to speak. With three heads and four showers (two on deck and two below deck) there was no waiting, no matter what time of day. The bunks are roomy as well. Each have a reading lights and privacy curtains. In the bunk area is a changing room for privacy. And especially noticeable is the quiet in the bunk room. It is very well insulated. And for those who like fresh air, it is fully ventilated.
The Vision rates right up at the top with the world’s best live-aboard dive boats. It comes from a company that has been diving the Channel Islands for many decades and knows the islands as well as anyone. Also operated by Truth Aquatics is the Conception, similar in size and configuration to the Vision, and the smaller Truth. In addition to the limited load trips the Vision runs a variety of custom charter trips for dive clubs, dive stores and other groups and an occasional single-day trip to the nearby islands. All the Truth Aquatics boats are based out of Santa Barbara at Sea Landing. For more information, call (805) 962-1127 or on the web visit www.truthaquatics.com.
Kim Sheckler is Executive Editor of California Diving News, Executive Director of the annual SCUBA Show expo (each June in Long Beach, CA), and co-author of the book newly released A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.
Return to Cover Page/Contents for July 2001 issue