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 Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is a rocky island located 90 nautical miles Southeast from Santa Barbara, California. This island’s close proximity to Los Angeles has transformed it into a popular tourist destination. The island is 22 miles long and eight miles across at its greatest width. The highest point on the island is Mt. Orizaba 2,126 feet. Most of the island is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Diving:
Catalina is known for its calmer, clearer, and warmer waters. Even though Catalina is the most populated dive site of any other Channel Island; it is still sought out by scuba divers around the globe. Lush kelp forest, garibaldi, yellowtail, kelp bass, white seabass, giant black sea bass, leopard sharks, blacksmiths, opaleyes and many more surround this island. Photography and sightseeing are the main activities but free divers enjoy the possibilities of spearing yellowtail and white seabass. Truth Aquatics makes this destination part of its itinerary on the southern islands liveaboard dive trips mostly during the summer months.
Kayaking & SUP:
Catalina Island offers many kayaking as well as stand-up paddle boarding opportunities. Solidified volcanic ash cliffs drop into blue pacific waters with several sea caves located along the shoreline makes this island a kayakers dream. Playful sea lions, healthy kelp beds and temperate conditions are reasons this island has become so popular. Truth Aquatics only runs kayaking and paddle boarding excursions to this destination by private charter because of its distance from Santa Barbara.
Hiking:
There are many hiking trails along Catalina Island. Beach walking is allowed to anyone but a permit is required for any back country travel. Permits can be acquired through the Catalina Island Conservancy.
History:
The Island is home to five native land mammals: the Island Fox, a subspecies of the California Ground Squirrel, the Santa Catalina Island Harvest Mouse, the Santa Catalina Island Deer Mouse, and the Ornate Shrew. The Catalina Conservancy is working to restore bald eagles to the island with several chicks hatching in 2007. Bald Eagles were edged out by the invasive Golden Eagles that threaten the native Island Fox. DDT, which was used before as a pesticide, softened the shell of the bald eagle egg which made it harder for the egg to reach its hatching and thus the populations dwindled.
A herd of American Bison supposedly first imported in 1924 for the silent film version of Zane Grey’s western tale, The Vanishing American, still roam the island. Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600 individuals. In recent years the Conservancy initiated a scientific study that determined that a herd of between 150 and 200 would be good for the bison, and ecologically sound for the island. Although the bison are not native to the island, they comprise an important role in the cultural fabric of Catalina. Therefore, the Conservancy has no plans to remove all the animals from the island.
People have been living on Catalina Island for 7,000 years. These inhabitants have a rich and varied history ranging from Native Americans to the Spanish Pimungans, hunters and smugglers to ranchers, miners and military occupation. Today the island and its warmer waters have been developed into a vacation destination with about one million tourists visiting every year.
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