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 Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is the second largest of the Channel Islands and lies about 26 nautical miles (nm) from Santa Barbara. The island is nearly 17 nm long, 10.75 nm wide at the widest point, and 53,195 acres or 83.118 sq. mi. The highest peak is Vail Peak, at 1589 feet. It is a diverse island of grass-covered rolling hills, steep canyons, creeks, rocky inter-tidal areas and sandy beaches adorned with sand dunes and driftwood. The Chumash people who lived in the Channel Islands at the time of European contact called the driftwood wima because channel currents brought ashore logs from which they built tomols, a plank canoe.
Diving:
In the 1970’s and 80’s scuba divers flocked to Santa Rosa to take advantage of the many species of game fish available. Talcott shoals, lying off the Northwest section of the island is a large plateau that offers various terrains for divers. The western section of Talcott becomes more dramatic in its topography and offers not only game divers hunting opportunities, but great photo opportunities as well. The wreck of the Aggie lays in 25 to 50 feet of water along a ridge that today is basically scattered steel beams and plate. The East End has a wonderful assortment of pinnacles that are covered in corynactis and clouds of fish. Santa Rosa Island is a transition island where the water begins to chill and you begin to see both cold water, and warmer water species combined.
Kayaking:
Kayaking Santa Rosa Island can be challenging and should be attempted by experienced kayakers due to the quickly changing weather and currents that can occur at this island. The sandy beaches and cliffs are breeding and resting areas for sea birds and seals and sea lions. Exploring the island in this way offers a unique experience of seeing these larger marine mammals and seabirds.
Hiking:
There are several trail options for hiking Santa Rosa Island ranging from flat trails and roads to more those that are more rugged. The island has a variety of rare plants many of which are not found any place else in the world and the endangered Torrey Pine forest is a must see. Santa Rosa has several rare plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. It also is home to the endemic island fox and the spotted skunk.
A variety of Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana var. insularis) grows on the island. The population of this endangered species is estimated at approximately 1000 trees. Physicist C. Michael Hogan postulates that the P. torreyana was first brought to the island from the Central Coast mainland by Chumash peoples using their plank canoes. The Island Oak (Quercus tomentella) is native to the island.
Flightless geese, giant mice and pygmy mammoths are extinct, while the island fox, spotted skunk, and munchkin dudleya (Dudleya gnoma) one of the six endemic plant species on the island, still live there. The island is home to one of only three known populations of Hoffman’s rockcress.
History:
Archeological and paleontological sites are abundant on the island. In 1994, the world’s most complete skeleton of a pygmy mammoth (Mammuthus exilis) had been excavated; a dwarf species related to the Columbian mammoths. In 1960 archaeologists discovered humans remains dating back 13,000 years at Arlington Springs on Santa Rosa Island. These remains are among the oldest human remains in the Americas and were discovered by Phil C. Orr, curator of anthropology and natural history at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Orr believed the remains were those of a 10,000-year old man and dubbed them the “Arlington Springs Man”
The Arlington Springs Man was later re-examined by Orr’s successor at the museum, John R. Johnson. Johnson came to the initial assessment that the Arlington Springs Man was actually the “Arlington Springs Woman”. Radiocarbon dating determined that the remains dated to 13,000 years B.C. making the remains potentially the oldest-known human skeleton in North America. The term “Arlington Springs Woman” was used at that time to refer to these remains. After further study, Johnson reversed his assessment in 2006, concluding that the remains were more likely those of a man, and the name “Arlington Springs Man” was again the more appropriate name.
The Arlington Springs Man lived on Santa Rosa at the end of the Pleistocene. His presence on an island at such an early date demonstrates that the earliest Paleoindians had watercraft capable of crossing the Santa Barbara Channel, and lends credence as well to a “coastal migration” theory for the peopling of the Americas. During the last ice age, the four northern Channel Islands, including Santa Rosa Island, were conjoined into Santa Rosa, a single island that was only five miles off the coast.
Santa Rosa Island was originally part of a Spanish land grant. The island was used as a sheep ranch during the mid-1800s by the More family. Then during the cold war the United States Air Force maintained a radar base on the island. In the late 1970s Mobil Oil Corporation was granted exploration rights on the island. Both explosive and vibroseis exploration methods were used. Extensive surveys and geological maps were made at that time. And finally in 1980, Santa Rosa Island was included within Channel Islands National Park. The island’s owners since 1902, ranchers Vail & Vickers of Santa Barbara, were opposed to inclusion of the island in the park. Vail & Vickers used the island for cattle ranching and a private hunting reserve. Vail & Vickers successfully lobbied to have the legislation stipulate that purchase of their land would be the highest priority of the Channel Islands National Park. The Vail & Vickers voluntarily sold the island in 1986 for the appraised value of nearly $30 million. The initial agreement to allow continuation of the ranching and hunting operation for three months was extended under a series of special use permits issued by the National Park Service. A lawsuit by National Parks Conservation Association in 1996 resulted in a court-approved settlement agreement, which included removal of all cattle from the island and phased reduction by Vail & Vickers of the non-native deer and elk by 2011.
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