La Jolla Kelp and Reef Dive Charter, by Boat
Boat access to sites shore divers cannot reach · 2 dives · ten divers · boards 8:00 am at Mission Bay
Marissa Charters runs two-dive La Jolla kelp and reef trips by boat from Mission Bay, San Diego, for $209 per diver, all taxes and fees included. Boat access reaches La Jolla sites that shore divers cannot, including God's Rock and Quast Rock at 55 to 75 feet. Ten divers maximum, tanks and weights included, nitrox blended onboard.
Boat diving La Jolla is a different dive
Almost everything written about diving La Jolla is about shore diving: the Cove, the Shores, the Ecological Reserve, a surface swim out and back. This is not that. The boat puts you on the offshore reefs and pinnacles that sit beyond a shore swim, drops you on the site, and picks you up at the surface. No surf entry, no long kick, and sites that see far fewer divers than the Cove.
The sites
God's Rock and Quast Rock, twin pinnacles at 55 to 75 feet, are the La Jolla stops we run most. The listing names the sites before you book, and the crew makes the final call on the water. The dive site directory has a page for each.
Certification
Advanced Open Water on the deeper sites. The trip listing states the requirement for the day, and your card has to be current and match the dive. Not sure a trip fits your card, text Capt Lora at (619) 757-3280 before you book.
What the ticket covers
- Transit to and from the sites
- Core crew, a Master Captain and a Dive Master
- AL80 tanks in DIN or yoke, and air fills
- Hard and soft weights with belts
- Your own dry bin and wet bin
- Enclosed head with an electric toilet and hot shower
- Snacks and goody bags, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options
- Water, hot cocoa, coffee, tea and warm packs
- A Marissa swag bag
Per seat, taxes and fees included. Pay in full, or use Affirm or Klarna at checkout.
What it doesn't cover
- Nitrox fills. $16 single, $28 doubles, for nitrox certified divers
- Rental gear. Through House of Scuba, roughly $57 to $89, plus $20 for pickup and drop off
- An in-water guide. Per USCG order our Dive Master stays aboard. We'll connect you with a trusted independent guide if you want one
- Crew tips. Customary 15 to 20%. Card, cash, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App or Zelle
Where and when
Mission Bay Sports Center, 1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109. Parking is free. Boarding is 8:00 am, and boarding is not departure. We leave once everyone is aboard, kit is mostly assembled and the briefings are done.
Water runs 50 to 52°F. Bring a 7mm with hood, gloves and boots, or a drysuit if you're trained in one.
Questions we get about this trip
Is this shore diving at La Jolla Cove?+
No. This is boat diving from Mission Bay to La Jolla reefs and pinnacles that shore divers cannot reach. You board the boat, we take you to the site and pick you up afterward.
How deep are the La Jolla boat sites?+
God's Rock and Quast Rock sit at 55 to 75 feet. The listing names the sites and depths before you book.
Do I need Advanced Open Water?+
For the deeper sites, yes. The trip listing states the requirement for the day.
How long is the trip?+
The trip card carries the day's timing. Boarding is 8:00 am at 1010 Santa Clara Place.
Are tanks and weights included?+
Yes. AL80 tanks in DIN or yoke, air fills, and hard and soft weights with belts are in the price.