Eco SCUBA’s Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Eco SCUBA FAQ section, where we try to answer some of the most common questions that we receive on a regular basis. Please browse the questions and answer to see if there is any information here to assist you with anyissues that you may be having. If you are not able to find what you are looking for, you can always contact us for more support. Thank you!

How often does the boat go out?Eco 1 leaves the dock at 8:30AM and 1:00PM. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. |
How many divers will your boat take?Eco 1 takes 6 paying passengers only. We are not a “cattle boat”. |
How many dives are on each trip?Each trip is two dives, including our night dive, which does a twilight dive and then returns to the same site for a night dive. |
What kind of dives are done on each trip?Morning trips usually will find Eco1 visiting the Vandenberg or one of our other wrecks, while the afternoon dives (generally) will find us on the reef. |
Is there food and drink on the boat?We offer fresh water, fruit or homemade ginger cookies. We do have a cooler with plenty of room if you want to bring your own treats. |
Can I rent equipment?We have everything you need from mask and snorkel to regulator, BC and wetsuits. |
Do you provide towels?Unfortunately, we do not have laundry facilities available to us, but feel free to bring dry towels and cloths and place them in a dry area of the boat. |
What about the crew?All of our captains are USCG licensed and are very experienced. Either an insured Dive Master or Instructor will be on the boat as your crew and dive leader. All crew is trained in CPR and First Aide and is ready to assist if the need arises. |
You are the only dive shop in town that guides every dive….Why?Our goal is for all of our divers to enjoy a safe and comfortable dive. Many divers are hesitant to dive in unfamiliar waters, are unsure with navigating with a compass or are used to a dive guide showing them “all of the good stuff”. Our philosophy is…let the professional work; you’re on vacation. |
Can I dive without a guide?Of course, if you choose to be you own guide that is perfectly fine with us. |
May I take shells or coral?Unfortunately, Federal and State laws prohibit the taking of live or dead corals, and live or dead conch, so our rule is….look don’t touch. |
Can I take a class to become a SCUBA diver?Introducing people to the wonderful world of SCUBA is what and instructor is all about. Learning to SCUBA is calming for the soul, instills a respect and love for the environment and brings people together who are passionate about the sport. A SCUBA class will start with the books and workbook (or on-line class). After completing that portion at home, you will then come to the Keys, meet with your instructor for review of the materials with plenty of time for questions and answers. After a break for lunch, you’ll head for the pool for a swim test, some snorkeling and go right into your check list of SCUBA skills. Day two will find you in the pool in the morning and diving two dive on SCUBA in the afternoon. Day three is a repeat of day two….and you’re done! Additional dives can be arranged (for a fee) if you feel you need more training dives to build your skills and confidence. |
How long does it take to get certified?Just three days after the completion of book work. |
After I get certified, what kind of diving can I do and are there limits?We suggest that you always dive within your limits. If you are used to Caribbean diving from a boat, you may not be ready to handle five foot surf with 55 degree water in California. Always check with your local dive shop, SCUBA club, or any local dive leader. Be smart…live to dive another day. |
What if I just want to “try SCUBA”?All dive shops offer a “try SCUBA” class, also called a resort class, discover diving or any name that is currently in fashion. The course is a one day, non certified class. Our class runs all day, one hour of classroom, two hours in the pool, break for lunch, come back, go out on the boat and do two dives on the reef for 30-50 minutes each dive. Average depth in the Keys is 20-30 feet. Non- certified divers are limited to forty feet or less by industry standards. |
What if I take my pool and classroom at home? Can I still get certified?Absolutely…just get a “referral” from your home instructor, come down and go out on the boat and complete your open water dives in a subtropical paradise. |
