Dive Cortes Bank

& Southern Channel Islands

June 26 - 29, 2008

Trip Leader: David Laird

$550 Stateroom, $499 Bunk

Climb aboard the Horizon live aboard dive boat for an unforgettable adventure through the best spots in Southern California. Often referred to as "The Galapagos of California," the Southern Channel Islands are known for clear water, lush kelp beds, diverse reefs, and tons of marine life. Weather permitting, we will dive Cortes Bank, which is 100 miles out to sea. This tiny seamount only a few miles long is home to large pelagics like white seabass, yellowtail, bonita, and even giant black sea bass.

Its reefs brag fields of colorful purple and orange hydrocoral and swaying amber kelp stalks. Because it lies so far from shore, it receives little fishing pressure and fewer divers than most spots in So Cal. Diverse kelp forests span much of the reef, with typical visibility between 50 and 100 feet!

June is the best time to dive the islands, with normally high water temperature, calm seas, and great visibility. With up to five different dive sites to explore each day, we will experience a good sampling of the character some of the islands have to offer. The Horizon is an 80-foot live aboard with a spacious deck and restaurant style galley. Two inflatable chase boats will stand by to whisk divers to and from dive sites as necessary. With a roomy sun deck, comfortable bunks, and great food, the Horizon is the choice boat for island hopping.

Because it is docked only five minutes from San Diego airport, it's a quick taxi ride to the harbor if you fly, or you can drive down. We will board the boat in San Diego between 7 and 8 PM on Thursday June 26, heading to either Cortes, San Clemente, or Santa Barbara overnight, weather permitting. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be spent diving the best spots in the Southern Channel Islands.

The boat will arrive back at port around 9:00 PM Sunday, June 29th . The Vagabond Inn hotel is right at the harbor so you can book a night there before flying back or driving back on Monday Morning, June 30th . Why dive Monterey when you could have it all?!!

* A $150.00 non-refundable deposit secures your spot. Trip balance is due 6 weeks prior to departure. Our past 6 June Cortes trips sold out long before June… First come, first served.

*Experience in California boat diving strongly recommended

*Airfare to San Diego not included

*Depending on the price of fuel, a fuel surcharge of between $15 - $35 may apply

David and Yellowtail

To learn more, please come by the store, call or e-mail for more information.

Wallin's Dive Center
1119 Industrial Rd. #7
San Carlos, California 94070
phone: (650) 591-5641
fax: (650) 591-5924