Dive Central

Agree with Nick G. We had a great time last weekend (very good dive conditions) and the crew on the Escapade were very helpful. A couple of guys had hawk-​eyes for equipment concerns such as loose tank straps and they were very friendly as well. I would definitely recommend this boat.

Jim Capwell is a great captain with an uncanny ability to drop anchor on some of the best dive sites in Monterey. His boat is fast and stable in anything but the roughest seas.
More importantly, however, Capwell is a stellar human being.
If you’re looking to go out on a commercial dive boat, the Escapade is a great choice.

Vanessa Y. stated that «I have been on a few dive charters out of Monterey and every time I leave wishing the boat crew was more like the vacation boats out of Hawaii and Thailand. I thought maybe it just was a California thing.»
In general it is a stateside /​weekend dive thing. Monterey dives (as well as Channel Island dives) are not resort dives and you the diver tend to be on your own. Stick with and help out your buddy. (You should always do that of course, but especially here, as there is no dive master leading a party of dive tourists).
That said, the Escapade’s crew are a great bunch, and their service is absolutely top notch, especially given that it’s not resort diving.

Best dive charter in Monterey! This crew does it right!
I have been on a few dive charters out of Monterey and every time I leave wishing the boat crew was more like the vacation boats out of Hawaii and Thailand. I thought maybe it just was a California thing.. . until I found Dive Central and their boat the Escapade! They say full service and they mean full service! It is fantastic.
The crew is all super friendly and out going. They bring great energy on the boat, make you laugh, and even help you with the heavy stuff. The crew works together like a well oiled machine.. . you can tell they have done it a few times. I like that the boat is well staffed! They even have a rescue diver on the bow at all times, just in case. This is comforting and nice to know they are not cutting staff even when charters might be light or the staff member is rarely needed.
Full service, they say.. .. . yes! It starts off with a lovely array of snacks and drinks with a constant offering and reminder to hydrate and drink that water. When it comes time to suit up the gear, they are on call watching, anticipating and waiting to lend a hand. They defog your mask for you, buckle you into the gear, and send you off. They also stay out of your way if you are a do it yourself sorta diver. It is a perfect balance. My favorite part is that they are super helpful after the dive.. . when you are most exhausted. You can swim up to the boat, kick up a fin, and they will take it off for you. Who doesn’t love having their shoes taken off for them?
The boat is well equipped, clean, and in excellent condition. The bathroom is above par for a marine head and is decorated with a sea shell toilet seat! It is so spacious too. Fancy!
I highly recommend this boat charter to anyone considering an adventure in Monterey. Jim, the boat captain, has lots of experience that radiates off his calm and cool demeanor.
I had a really great time on the Escapade and hope you all do too!