Frequently asked questions

Port of Departure: San Diego

What's Included in the Cost?

• Meals, non-alcoholic beverage, domestic beer and house wine, tanks, weights, diving
• Daily room make-up and berthing area cleaning
• Wet suit, dry suit drying service
• Clothes dryer service for towels, lycras and anything else that gets wet!
• NITROX (32%) on departures of 5 days or greater

What's Not Included?
(but available onboard or with arrangement prior to the trip?)

Imported beer and upgraded wine, satellite telephone and email charges Equipment Rentals / Services NITROX (32%) on departures of 4 days or less

What water temperature and visibility should I expect?

• Winter (December - March): 50 - 57 degrees F
  Visibility: 50 - 100 feet
• Spring / Fall (April - June, October - November): 58 - 64 degrees F
  Visibility: (Spring) 30 - 60 feet, (Fall) 50 - 120 feet
• Summer (July - September): 62 - 70 degrees F
  Visibility: 30 - 60 feet

Wetsuit, drysuit or what?
Well, that's really up to your personal thermostat. Wetsuit's are fine year around and most of the crew dive 7mm wetsuits, with hood, gloves and booties winter, spring and fall. Either a one piece with hooded vest or a Farmer John style is best, but once again depends upon your personal thermostat and style preference.

Summer finds us typically in 5mm suits with all of the accoutrements. Some folks shed the hood, but once again that's up to your thermostat.

Drysuits are an great winter early spring and late fall option and are very effective at battling the chill. If you don't mind the extra drag and additional hoses, and your thermostat runs on the cool side, we'd recommend this route.

What weather conditions and temperature(F) should I expect?
Winter time is of course the coolest with daytime temperatures typically in the mid 60's. Nighttime quite often is cool, in the mid to low 50's. Spring will find daytime temperatures typically in the upper 60's to low 70's. Nighttime will once again be cool, in the mid 50's. Summer is the warmest time of the year with daytime temperatures in the mid 70's to low 80's and nighttime in the mid 60's.

Weather is variable in the winter and spring with occasional wet weather from the north, while summer and fall provides the most consistent weather with generally sunny days and beautiful nights.

What dive equipment should I bring and where is it stored onboard the boat?
Your dive equipment should be in it's own storage bag and will be kept alongside the main cabin. Fin's, masks, booties, gloves can be stored with your tank on the dive deck. You'll be able to leave your bc and regulator set up on your tank. Slide to the bottom of this page for equipment recommendations.

What level of dive certification do I need?
Our Channel Islands departures to cater to all levels of diver, beginner to advanced. All we ask is that you are in fairly good physical shape, can swim 100 feet on the surface with your equipment on and have a keen sense of adventure!

Do you hold our hands or can we dive as we like?
We treat you like adults and allow you to define you own dive profiles and surface intervals. We ask that you perform your safety stops and arrive back on the boat with 500psi in your tank.

The divemasters and crew dive on a regular basis and are happy to buddy up with you on a dive, but we do not offered guided dives unless it is prearranged through our office.

Speaking of divemasters, what do they do?
They watch the pool while diving operations are underway, assist you with equipment issues and help you in any other fashion that you need. The divemasters are also part of the vessel crew and perform a myriad of other vessel related duties, so don't be surprised if you find one of them cleaning the restrooms during the evening or helping with food service during meals.

Do you offer pre-dive site orientations?
Yes, and very detailed ones too. You should know and understand all of the details of each dive site for your safety and enjoyment. We also provide a detailed dive site drawing on our trusty dry erase board that you will find easily viewable on the dive deck.

You provide tanks and weights?
Yes, aluminum 80's and hard weights are available onboard our vessels. A crewmember will ask you prior to departure if you need a tank. Weights and weight belts are distributed after departure.

Can we bring our own tank?
Sure, but only one per person. If you dive with a pony bottle or spare air, you may it as well. Your tank needs a valid hydrostatic test date and must have been visually inspected and have sticker affixed within the year.

What pressure can you fill up to?
Our upper limit is 3500psi on both air and NITROX. Do not ask us to fill your low or mid pressure tanks up to a unnaproved pressure as we will not do it.

You have NITROX available?
Yes we do, 32% from our membrane system. You'll need your NITROX certification card onboard and will need to show it to the divemaster or captain prior to your first fill. We have an analyzer onboard, and you must analyze your tank and log your percentage into our log book.

At this time we do not offer NITROX certification, but that may change in the future.

How should I pack?
Think soft luggage...accommodations are boat style, very compact. You'll be on a boat, not a ship. Storage is available below the bunks in your cabin or in cubbies if your in dormitory. If there is an empty bunk in dormitory, you'll be able to store some of your stuff there too.

Casual, comfortable and relaxed. Your on vacation, dress like it! There are no formal occasions and the only suit you'll need onboard is your wet or drysuit. Sweats, sweatshirts, t-shirts, sandals, UGG Boots (Winter), sneakers, windbreaker, swimsuits, etc. Bring a towel as well.  

How many other divers will be onboard?
Our maximum number of divers we will have onboard for a Channel Island departure is 30. If you like a Channel Islands departure with fewer divers, look for the LIMITED PASSENGER LOAD departure that only take 22 divers.

Can non-certified persons join me?
Of course they can! The snorkeling at most of our dive sites is fantastic. Bring them along to join in the fun!

What will we do at night?
Typically after dinner a night dive will be offered. This depends on Mother Nature and her mood. Other than the dive, relaxation is the key. Socialize with the your fellow divers from all walks of life, enjoy the nighttime stars and watch the sea lions chasing flying fish under the lights of the boat.

If we are going to move to another island that will typically take place at night while you are snug as a bug in you bed.

What to Bring:

Dive Equipment

• Duffle Bag for Gear
• Certification Card
• California fishing license (If hunting)
• Tank (We supply Aluminum 80's, but if you are more comfortable with your own you are welcome to bring it. Unless you are diving doubles, only one tank per person is allowed onboard.)
• Wetsuit; water temperature 56-61 degrees winter & spring, 62-70 summer &fall. 7mm suit recommended.
• 3-5mm suit optional in summer & fall for snorkeling Weight belt (We provide standard web weight belts and hard weights. Bring your own if you are more comfortable with your own equipment.)
• Hood, gloves, booties
• Mask, snorkel, fins
• Bouyancy compensator
• Regulator, pressure gauge, depth gauge, compass
• Dive computer (optional)
• Dive tables Dive logbook Game bags/game clip (if hunting), lobster measuring device (when in season)
• Dive lights, cyalume sticks or battery operated equivalent (For night dives)
• O-rings, silicone
• Spare high and low pressure hose
• Spare mask and fin strap
• Slate
• SCUBA TUBA or DIVE ALERT signaling devices (Mandatory for Cortes Bank or Multi-day Baja live aboard trips.)
• Free-diving spearfishermen please have a flag attached to either you or your float system for better visibility in choppy seas.

Personal

• Personal toiletries
• After dive jacket
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen...
• Camera
• Film Batteries
• Towels (2)
• Washcloths (4)
• Sleeping bag (Optional, the bunks have a pillow and blanket. Sheets provided on multi-day liveaboard trips.)

Clothing
Very comfortable and relaxed can be cool and warm on same trip

• Jacket, sweats
• Shorts
• Sandals

Miscellaneous

• DAN dive - medical insurance ( or similar)
• Trip / Travel Insurance
• Hangers for drying gear (heavy one for wet suit)
• Batteries and battery charger
• Books, magazines, VHS cassettes, audio cassettes (Boats have VCR, TV, and on-deck player)
• SOFT LUGGAGE IS RECOMMENDED.

Hunting And Licensing
You must have a California fishing license in your possession for any hunting activities. They can be purchased at H & M Landing or any California fishing tackle or sporting goods store.

CERTIFICATION CARD-
You will be required to show your certification card before departure.

Port of Departure:

• Northern Baja and Alijos Rocks: San Diego
• California Socorros: Cabo San Lucas or La Paz

What's Included in the Cost?

• Meals, non-alcoholic beverage, domestic beer and house wine, tanks, weights, diving
• Daily room make-up and berthing area cleaning
• Wet suit, dry suit drying service
• Clothes dryer service for towels, lycras and anything else that gets wet!
• NITROX (32%) on departures of 5 days or greater

What's Not Included?
(but available onboard or with arrangement prior to the trip?)

• Satellite telephone and email charges
• Equipment Rentals / Services

What water temperature and visibility should I expect?

Northern Baja: (San Benito, San Martin, Cedros and Guadalupe Islands)

• December - March: 55 - 62 degrees
• April - June, October - November: 58 - 67 degrees F
• July - September: 66 - 75 degrees F

Southern Baja: (Alijos Rocks, Socorros)

• April - June: 68 - 73 degrees F
• November - January: 73 - 78 degrees F

Wetsuit, drysuit or what?
Northern Baja: The conditions are very close to southern California. What you wear is really up to your personal thermostat. Wetsuit's are fine year around and most of the crew dive 7mm wetsuits, with hood, gloves and booties winter, spring and fall. Either a one piece with hooded vest or a Farmer John style is best, but once again depends upon your personal thermostat and style preference. Summer finds us typically in 5mm suits with all of the accoutrements. Some folks shed the hood, but once again that's up to your thermostat. Drysuits are an great winter early spring and late fall option and are very effective at battling the chill. If you don't mind the extra drag and additional hoses, and your thermostat runs on the cool side, we'd recommend this route.

Southern Baja: 5 - 7mm suit in spring and a 3 - 5mm suit in Fall and early winter.

What weather conditions and temperature(F) should I expect?
Northern Baja: Winter time is of course the coolest with daytime temperatures typically in the upper 60's. Nighttime quite often is cool, in the mid 50's. Spring will find daytime temperatures typically in the upper 60's to low 70's. Nighttime will once again be cool, in the upper 50's. Summer is the warmest time of the year with daytime temperatures in the mid 70's to low 80's and nighttime in the mid to upper 60's.

Southern Baja: Spring and Fall are typically very pleasant with daytime temperatures in the mid 70's to low 80's and nighttime temperatures in the upper 60's to low 70's. In southern Baja we work on either side of hurricane season and typically do not encounter much adverse weather.

What dive equipment should I bring and where is it stored onboard the boat?
Your dive equipment should be in it's own storage bag and will be kept alongside the main cabin. Fin's, masks, booties, gloves can be stored with your tank on the dive deck. You'll be able to leave your bc and regulator set up on your tank.

Slide to the bottom of this page for equipment recommendations.

What level of dive certification do I need?
Our Channel Islands departures to cater to all levels of diver, beginner to advanced. All we ask is that you are in fairly good physical shape, can swim 100 feet on the surface with your equipment on and have a keen sense of adventure!

Do you hold our hands or can we dive as we like?
We treat you like adults and allow you to define you own dive profiles and surface intervals. We ask that you perform your safety stops and arrive back on the boat with 500psi in your tank.

The divemasters and crew dive on a regular basis and are happy to buddy up with you on a dive, but we do not offered guided dives unless it is prearranged through our office.

Speaking of divemasters, what do they do?
They watch the pool while diving operations are underway, assist you with equipment issues and help you in any other fashion that you need. The divemasters are also part of the vessel crew and perform a myriad of other vessel related duties, so don't be surprised if you find one of them cleaning the restrooms during the evening or helping with food service during meals.

Do you offer pre-dive site orientations?
Yes, and very detailed ones too. You should know and understand all of the details of each dive site for your safety and enjoyment. We also provide a detailed dive site drawing on our trusty dry erase board that you will find easily viewable on the dive deck.

You provide tanks and weights?
Yes, aluminum 80's and hard weights are available onboard our vessels. A crewmember will ask you prior to departure if you need a tank. Weights and weight belts are distributed after departure.

Can we bring our own tank?
Sure, but only one per person. If you dive with a pony bottle or spare air, you may it as well. Your tank needs a valid hydrostatic test date and must have been visually inspected and have sticker affixed within the year.

What pressure can you fill up to?
Our upper limit is 3500psi on both air and NITROX. Do not ask us to fill your low or mid pressure tanks up to a unnaproved pressure as we will not do it.

You have NITROX available?
Yes we do, 32% from our membrane system. You'll need your NITROX certification card onboard and will need to show it to the divemaster or captain prior to your first fill. We have an analyzer onboard, and you must analyze your tank and log your percentage into our log book.

At this time we do not offer NITROX certification, but that may change in the future.

How should I pack?
Think soft luggage...accommodations are boat style, very compact. You'll be on a boat, not a ship. Storage is available below the bunks in your cabin or in cubbies if your in dormitory. If there is an empty bunk in dormitory, you'll be able to store some of your stuff there too.

Casual, comfortable and relaxed. Your on vacation, dress like it! There are no formal occasions and the only suit you'll need onboard is your wet or drysuit. Sweats, sweatshirts, t-shirts, sandals, UGG Boots (Winter), sneakers, windbreaker, swimsuits, etc. Bring a towel as well.  

How many other divers will be onboard?
Our maximum number of divers we will have onboard for a Channel Island departure is 30. If you like a Channel Islands departure with fewer divers, look for the LIMITED PASSENGER LOAD departure that only take 22 divers.

Can non-certified persons join me?
Of course they can! The snorkeling at most of our dive sites is fantastic. Bring them along to join in the fun!

What will we do at night?
In northern Baja we will typically offer a night dive. This depends on Mother Nature and her mood. When diving the Socorros or Alijos Rocks night dives will not be offered as dive lights are not permitted in the Socorros and Alijos Rocks is a very exposed open ocean location that even during the daytime poses a fair number of challenges.

We quite often will hold the morning dive orientation the night before so that when it is time to go diving in the morning you're already ready to go. Plus we'll have occasional slide shows or video presentations. If we are going to move to a different island this typically takes place during the nighttime hours.

What to Bring:

Dive Equipment

• Duffle Bag for Gear
• Certification Card
• California fishing license (If hunting)
• Tank (We supply Aluminum 80's, but if you are more comfortable with your own you are welcome to bring it. Unless you are diving doubles, only one tank per person is allowed onboard.)
• Wetsuit; water temperature 56-61 degrees winter & spring, 62-70 summer &fall. 7mm suit recommended.
• 3-5mm suit optional in summer & fall for snorkeling Weight belt (We provide standard web weight belts and hard weights. Bring your own if you are more comfortable with your own equipment.)
• Hood, gloves, booties
• Mask, snorkel, fins
• Bouyancy compensator
• Regulator, pressure gauge, depth gauge, compass
• Dive computer (optional)
• Dive tables Dive logbook Game bags/game clip (if hunting), lobster measuring device (when in season)
• Dive lights, cyalume sticks or battery operated equivalent (For night dives)
• O-rings, silicone
• Spare high and low pressure hose
• Spare mask and fin strap
• Slate
• SCUBA TUBA or DIVE ALERT signaling devices (Mandatory for Cortes Bank or Multi-day Baja live aboard trips.)
• Free-diving spearfishermen please have a flag attached to either you or your float system for better visibility in choppy seas.

Personal

• Personal toiletries
• After dive jacket
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen...
• Camera
• Film Batteries
• Towels (2)
• Washcloths (4)
• Sleeping bag (Optional, the bunks have a pillow and blanket. Sheets provided on multi-day liveaboard trips.)

Clothing
Very comfortable and relaxed can be cool and warm on same trip

• Jacket, sweats
• Shorts
• Sandals

Miscellaneous

• DAN dive - medical insurance ( or similar)
• Trip / Travel Insurance
• Hangers for drying gear (heavy one for wet suit)
• Batteries and battery charger
• Books, magazines, VHS cassettes, audio cassettes (Boats have VCR, TV, and on-deck player)
• SOFT LUGGAGE IS RECOMMENDED.

Hunting And Licensing
Northern Baja: Freedive spearfishing is allowed on some of our northern Baja expeditions. The take of invertebrates is completely prohibited by Mexican Law. Contact our office for a list of hunting and non-hunting departures. Fishing licenses are provided and are included in the trip fee as needed.

Southern Baja: Fishing and spearfishing is not allowed in the Socorros.

CERTIFICATION CARD-
You will be required to show your certification card before departure.

Welcome to the world of the Guadalupe Island great white shark! The adventure that you are about to embark on has been defined by the few to travel before you as

"One of the greatest adventures of a lifetime!"

Location, location, location...
Guadalupe Island, 215 miles south of our point of origin and 150miles west of the Baja, Mexico peninsula is a true offshore mountain that rises more than 4000 feet from the ocean floor, to over 4000 feet to its' highest peak. This ecologically diverse landmass that stretches over 20 miles in length and 8 miles in width has in the past 8 years become the best place in the world to see one of the greatest apex predators that our planet has ever known.

Guadalupe Biosphere
In 2003, the terrestrial portion of Guadalupe Island was given biosphere status by the government of Mexico. Following suit in 2005, the waters surrounding the island were presented with the same status. This action in our view was the best course of action possible to help protect the multitude of endangered species that live on and around Guadalupe Island.

To learn more about conservation efforts and terrestrial research being conducted on the island go to:
www.islandconservation.org

To learn more about the Guadalupe Island Conservation Fund visit
www.guadalupefund.org

Shark Diving and How You'll Do It
Cage diving with great white sharks is easy and uncomplicated. If you're already a certified scuba diver it will be a breeze. If you are not a diver, looking forward to your first time underwater, you may find yourself wanting to become a scuba diver after this adventure. It's that much fun!

For you non-certified divers, our onboard dive staff will guide you through the basics of underwater existence, complete with a comprehensive course onboard the vessel that will cover: use of the regulator, mask and weight system. One member of our staff will enter the cage with you on your first time into the water to ensure that you can clear water out of your mask and purge water from your regulator (air supply). The staff member will stay with you in the water until you demonstrate that you are ready to go it alone. If you need additional practice, our staff will work with you until your are ready.

Feeling All Caged In
Our vessels are equipped with the largest shark cages on the planet and can comfortably accommodate 5 shark divers at a time. The cages are suspended on the surface by two large attached floatation pods and are positioned directly off of the vessels dive platform. The deepest you will be in the water would be at the bottom of the cage, 9 feet.

Your air is supplied from the vessel via a hookah system that is always on. Breathing air is supplied from our expansive air purification and storage system. Our storage capacity is so large that we are required to turn on our high pressure compressors only once per day to replenish our supply. We can keep up to 18 divers breathing comfortably for 11 hours on a single charge!

We break the divers up into two groups of 8, and then split each group into teams of 4. One half of the boat will be in the water at any given time. Cage rotations last for one hour per rotation. The cages are typically deployed and ready for action by 7:00am with diving throughout the day that concludes between 4:30 and 6:00 pm depending upon the weather, conditions and time of year. You could have the opportunity to spend up to 5 hours per day in the water viewing great white sharks!

What You'll Need to Bring
You can rent a Shark Dive Package through our website, or bring your own dive equipment. You will not need as much equipment as a typical scuba dive adventure. Download our equipment checklist to assist you in packing all of the right equipment. You will find a list of personal items to bring. When packing, remember the atmosphere is casual and informal. You're on vacation, relax

Guadalupe Island...Photographers Heaven
White sharks are the focus of this adventure, and we will do everything that we can to ensure that you have the opportunity to view these animals within shutters reach. In addition to viewing great white sharks, you will be able to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the island, ocean and all of the animals that you encounter during the course of your time at sea. Whales, sea lions, fur seals, dolphin and a multitude of bird species will be seen, with many at close range. Keep your cameras handy, and if photography is not your cup of tea, soak it up mentally. This is an experience that you will remember for a lifetime!

Work To Be Done
As you read this, shark research is being conducted by Mexican and American interests to determine:

• Why Guadalupe has become white shark central
• Where these animals are migrating from prior to the Guadalupe shark season
• Where they travel after departing Guadalupe Island

And finally, what effect eco-tourism is having upon there behavior

Horizon Charters provides continued logistical support for both American and Mexican research interests. With that said, funds are needed to keep the projects alive. If you have interest in providing monetary support with a tax deductible donation we can point your interest into the proper direction.

Many more years of dedicated research will need to be conducted to answer the simple questions posed above. At some point during your adventure we will hope to host one of the islands working researchers for an evening of Q & A. This is not a guarantee as work schedules and weather quite often dictate whether we will have a researcher available to us.