About Truth Aquatics
The Truth Aquatics liveaboard fleet, moored in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, caters to divers or ocean enthusiasts seeking a stress-free getaway. From those with an interest in lobster diving, underwater cinematography, or hiking, guests aboard Truth Aquatics are wonderfully diverse.
Scuba diving the Channel Islands is not the only activity to enjoy. There’s also ocean kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, island hiking, whale watching, sunbathing and fishing. See our calendar for the different types of trips scheduled. Experience them all, or just a few, the choice is yours, and if you consider eating an activity to enjoy then you won’t be disappointed. The Galley crew serves up some of the best meals you will find anywhere! Truth Aquatics well trained and knowledgeable crew are committed to making your trip an enjoyable one.
Unlike many dive operations along the California coast, the Truth Aquatics fleet has been custom designed specifically for diving. Most other dive operations are comprised of vessels that have been converted from some previous use.
Each Truth Aquatics vessel displays the thought made in the design, layout, and amenities. In 1998 Truth Aquatics began working with the Channel Islands National Park to provide hiking trips and it was then that it was discovered how well the boats worked for this use. For detailed information about the Truth Aquatics dive boats, please see Fleet section of the site.
For over three decades, Truth Aquatics has been providing the best in scuba diving adventures in and around the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary.
The next time you consider getting away for a few days of rest and relaxation, think about a liveaboard dive, or hike vacation to the Channel Islands. An alternative to the floating hotel-like atmosphere of cruise ships, this type of cruising offers a more intimate communion with the ocean and its creatures.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island (639 acres) is 1.67 miles across at its longest point and lies 73 nautical miles (nm) Southeast of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Island is the smallest of all of the California Channel Islands. It is the southern-most island in the Channel Islands National Park and like most of the Channel Islands; it can be seen from the mainland on exceptionally clear days usually in winter. The highest peak on the island is Signal Hill, at 634 feet. While the island is not a volcano it is composed primarily of Miocene volcanic rocks (basalt) interbedded with marine sediments. The steep wave-cut cliffs of its shoreline indicate that this is one of the younger Channel Islands. It exhibits at least six marine terraces; evidence of repeated tectonic uplift and subsidence (called porpoising). Arch Point, on the north-east shore of the island is a 130 ft. arch caused by wave erosion of fault weakened rock. Offshore, there are two named rocks, Shag Rock off the northerly shore (1 acre), and Sutil Island off the southwest end (12 acres). Santa Barbara Island boasts diversity in its habitats, with a few narrow rocky beaches, six canyons, and the badlands area. It is much like Anacapa Island in that it is a haven for sea birds. The steep cliffs and isolation from mainland predators provide safe breeding sites for thousands of sea birds.
Diving:
Santa Barbara Island is known for its large rookery where you can spend hours diving with sea lions. Photographers get more opportunities to photograph these animals up close here than any Channel Island. The playful, curious pups will pose and frolic in front of a diver’s lens as long as one can stay in the water.
The famous “Arch” is a dive to be remembered at Santa Barbara Island. The top of the reef just breaks the surface at low tide and the bottom of the arch lies in 40 FSW. One of the more unique underwater arches in the world it makes the perfect backdrop for photographers. In addition to the Arch, there are many offshore pinnacles that host shear walls and some of the largest clusters of purple hydrocoral found anywhere.
Lush kelp beds make this island a good location for spear fisherman. Calico bass, white sea bass, yellowtail, and an occasional tuna are among the types of game fish that can be found in the waters surrounding this island. As with all Channel Islands, lobster divers make this a prime destination during season.
Santa Barbara Island can be some of the best scuba diving found offshore but if conditions are rough there are not many areas to seek shelter. Because of its small size, ocean swells can wrap around the island, so planning a trip is weather dependent.
Kayaking:
Similar in many ways to Anacapa Island, kayaking Santa Barbara Island offers the perfect setting for this water sport. On calm weather periods it is conceivable to circumnavigate this small island. Weather can be a factor, so attempting this trip is best done on one of Truth Aquatics live-aboard trips where a support vessel is in contact should someone in the party become too exhausted to complete the journey. Once completed, it is a round trip kayaking adventure you will never forget.
Hiking:
Hiking on Santa Barbara Island will provide you with one of the most remote island hiking experiences of any of the Channel Islands. Because of the steep cliffs of its shoreline, the first stage of the trail is steep, but just beyond that you will find 5 miles of hiking trails with gentle rolling hills, beautiful overlooks and breathtaking coastal views.
History:
The first European visitor to the Channel Islands in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer, made no mention of this island. Sixty years later, the island was named by Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who visited the island on December 4, 1602, the feast day dedicated to Santa Barbara. In December 1934, the factory ship California spenta week anchored off Santa Barbara Island, processing whales caught by her two steam-driven whale catchers.
Santa Barbara Island is home to a large sea lion rookery and seabird nesting colonies. It is also home to the largest breeding colony for Xantus’s Murrelet, a threatened seabird species. Xantus’s murrelet is listed as vulnurable, because so much of their breeding takes place on such a small and isolated island. Spring rains bring out the flowering plants, such as the tree sunflower, the endemic Santa Barbara Island live forever (Dudleya traskiae), shrubby buckwheat, sea blite, and an annual poppy. There is a visitor contact station/museum on the island, with exhibits, dioramas, and murals of the natural and cultural resources.
Truth
The Truth is the original Truth Aquatics boat, and thanks to regular updates and maintenance it remains a world-class liveaboard diving and excursion vessel. Its reduced rates compared to the rest of the fleet make it an ideal entry level boat for smaller charters and groups of friends. The versatile Truth is equally at home running to San Miguel for spear fishing excursions as it is spending lazy days with kayakers at Painted Cave.
• Date launched: 1974
• Where built: Venice, California
• Length: 65’-0”(weather deck)
• Length overall (LOA): 69’-0”
• Beam: 22’-0”
• Bunk Capacity: 45 people maximum, 12 double bunks, 20 single bunks.
• Type of Bunk facility: Open berthing with pillows, blankets, curtains, and reading lights. Dressing room located in bunkroom.
• Mains engines: Detroit Diesel 8V92 Turbo DDEC @ 550 HP each
• Generators: Northern Lights MP55C, 55 KW, 220/110 Volt
• Cruising speed: 10 Knots
• Fuel Capacity: 1000 Gallons
• Range: 550 Nautical miles
• Electronics: 46 mile radar, VHF Radio, Single Sideband Radio, Video depth finder, Digital depth finder, GPS, • Offshore Navigator Computer Program, Underwater Recall, Dive tracker™
Heads: 2
• Showers: 3 (1 on deck, 2 below deck) , fresh hot water
• Water capacity: 1050 gallons
• Galley: Outfitted with all appliances necessary for food preparation and is waterproof for divers in wetsuits. Onboard built-in Barbeque.
• Galley seating: Cushioned and separate chairs.
• Sundeck: Large upper deck area provides seating and pads for sunbathing.
• Lifesaving: Rafts and Jackets for 49 passengers.
• First Aid: Full first aid kit, O2 bottles, Auto Defibulator, Certified Crew.
• Safety: EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon)
Fixed CO2 engine room fire suppression system
Compressors: Ingersoll-Rand 10T-2@18 C.F.M.
Ingersoll-Rand 15T-4@21 C.F.M.
Capable of filling to 3500 P.S.I.
Nitrox
• Live Game Wells: Built in in transom for game storage.
• Gear Storage: Kayak rack for storing kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards off the deck.
• Stern Compartment: Used for Wetsuit Drying Room, Game Freezing, Clothes Dryer
• Exits: Port, Starboard, and Bow exits for easy water entry. Mask rinsers at each exit.
• Chase Boat: 16 foot Caribe with 40 HP Honda 4-stroke outboard.
• Water Boarding: State of the art ramp at stern for easy boarding
• Dive area: All offshore Islands of Southern California. Primary destination of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel Islands. Other Islands visited are Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, San Nicolas, and Cortez Banks.
• Cost: Individual prices vary depending on charteree. All multi day trips include all meals, snacks, beverages (excluding alcoholic), and air refills
• Owner: Glen Fritzler, Truth Aquatics Inc.
• Address: 301 West Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3886 USA
Concepcion
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Conception combines larger size and greater speed with the perfectly tailored design of the Truth. The larger size allows for a revised galley and bunk layout, including more double bunks, bathrooms, and showers. This makes the Conception ideal for larger charter groups or limited load trips, with enough comfort to easily bring the Southern Islands within reach.
• Date launched: 1981
• Where built: Long Beach, California
• Length: 75’-0”(weather deck)
• Length overall (LOA): 79’-0”
• Beam: 25’-0”
• Bunk Capacity: 46 people maximum, 13 double bunks, 20 single bunks.
• Type of Bunk facility: Open berthing with pillows, blankets, curtains, and reading lights. Dressing room located in bunkroom.
• Mains engines: Detroit Diesel 8V92 Turbo DDEC @ 550 HP each
• Generators: Northern Lights MP55C, 55 KW, 220/110 Volt
• Cruising speed: 10 Knots
• Fuel Capacity: 1600 Gallons
• Range: 880 Nautical miles
• Electronics: 46 mile radar, VHF Radio, Single Sideband Radio, Video depth finder, Digital depth finder, GPS, Offshore Navigator Computer Program, Underwater Recall, Dive tracker™
Heads: 3
• Showers: 4 (2 on deck, 2 below deck) , fresh hot water
• Water capacity: 1830 gallons
• Galley: Outfitted with all appliances necessary for food preparation and is waterproof for divers in wetsuits. Onboard built-in Bar-B-Que.
• Galley seating: Cushioned and separate chairs.
• Sundeck: Large upper deck area provides seating and pads for sunbathing.
• Lifesaving: Rafts and Jackets for 110 passengers
• First Aid: Full first aid kit, O2 bottles, and crew is certified annually in CPR and O2 administration.
• Safety: EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon)
Fixed CO2 engine room fire suppression system
• Compressors: Ingersoll-Rand 10T-2@18 C.F.M.
Ingersoll-Rand 15T-4@21 C.F.M.
Capable of filling to 3500 P.S.I.
Nitrox
• Live Game Wells: Built in in transom for game storage.
• Gear Storage: Kayak rack for storing kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards off the deck.
• Stern Compartment: Used for Wetsuit Drying Room, Game Freezing, Clothes Dryer
• Exits: Port, Starboard, and Bow exits for easy water entry. Mask rinsers at each exit.
• Chase Boat: 16 foot Caribe with 40 HP Honda 4-stroke outboard.
• Water Boarding: State of the art ramp at stern for easy boarding
• Dive area: All offshore Islands of Southern California. Primary destination of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel Islands. Other Islands visited are Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, San Nicolas, and Cortez Banks.
• Cost: Individual prices vary depending on charteree. All multi day trips include all meals, snacks, beverages (excluding alcoholic), and air refills
• Owner: Glen Fritzler, Truth Aquatics Inc.
• Address: 301 West Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3886 USA
Vision
As the flagship vessel of Truth Aquatics, the 80’ Vision is the largest, fastest, and most spacious boat in the liveaboard fleet. With numerous amenities and comforts, including a fresh water maker, spacious bunkroom, and increased fuel capacity, the Vision is ideal for long range or extended stay trips. From the Big Sur coastline to Cortez Banks, the Vision is prepared to embark on nearly any charter voyage you can dream of.
• Date launched: 1985
• Where built: Oxnard, California
• Length: 80’-0”(weather deck)
• Length overall (LOA): 88’-0”
• Beam: 26’-0”
• Bunk Capacity: 46 people maximum, 13 double bunks, 20 single bunks.
• Type of Bunk facility: Open berthing with pillows, blankets, curtains, and reading lights. Dressing room located in bunkroom.
• Mains engines: Detroit Diesel 60 Series @ 550 HP each
• Generators: Northern Lights MP55C, 55 KW, 220/110 Volt
Isusu 36 KW, 220/110 Volt
• Cruising speed: 10 Knots
• Fuel Capacity: 2000 Gallons
• Range: 1100 Nautical miles
• Electronics: 46 mile radar, VHF Radio, Single Sideband Radio, Video depth finder, Digital depth finder, GPS, Offshore Navigator Computer Program, Underwater Recall, Dive tracker™
Heads: 3
• Showers: 4 (2 on deck, 2 below deck) , fresh hot water
• Water capacity: 1830 gallons. 600 GPD water maker.
• Galley: Outfitted with all appliances necessary for food preparation and is waterproof for divers in wetsuits. Onboard built-in Barbeque.
• Galley seating: Cushioned and separate chairs.
• Sundeck: Large upper deck area provides seating and pads for sunbathing.
• Lifesaving: Rafts and Jackets for 110 passengers
• First Aid: Full first aid kit, O2 bottles, Auto Defibulator, Certified Crew.
• Safety: EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon)
Fixed CO2 engine room fire suppression system
• Compressors: Ingersoll-Rand 10T-2@18 C.F.M.
Ingersoll-Rand 15T-4@21 C.F.M.
Capable of filling to 3500 P.S.I.
Nitrox
• Live Game Wells: Built in in transom for game storage.
• Gear Storage: Kayak rack for storing kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards off the deck.
• Stern Compartment: Used for Wetsuit Drying Room, Game Freezing, Clothes Dryer
• Exits: Port, Starboard, and Bow exits for easy water entry. Mask rinsers at each exit.
• Chase Boat: 16 foot Caribe with 40 HP Honda 4-stroke outboard.
• Water Boarding: State of the art ramp at stern for easy boarding
• Dive area: All offshore Islands of Southern California. Primary destination of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel Islands. Other Islands visited are Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Clemente, San Nicolas, and Cortez Banks.
• Cost: Individual prices vary depending on charteree. All multi day trips include all meals, snacks, beverages (excluding alcoholic), and air refills
• Owner: Glen Fritzler, Truth Aquatics Inc.
• Address: 301 West Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3886 USA