Modern boat diving in San Diego. As effortless as it gets.

Set sail from the closest commercial dock to the ocean with our friendly, safety-first crew. Whether you're avoiding shore dives or seeking a community-focused, cost-effective dive, we've got you covered.

Included

Captain and deckhand

Tanks + weights onboard

Hot soup, snacks, bevs

Sea sickness help

Self-guided dives, tour guide optional.
Advanced certification required on some trips.
Complimentary tanks vary (AL80 or LP Steel 85).

Ammenities

Hot shower

Cozy galley, second deck

Full marine bathroom

Low-hanging ladders

Price per diver

$165 - $315ย  public trip

$88 - $233ย  private charter

All fees included
Solo, freedivers, and non-divers welcome

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โœˆ๏ธ Crewrier service: We'll help you with your gear, proper weighting, yolk and DIN valves, and pairing you up with a buddy

๐ŸŽ’Feel free to bring: Personal tanks (fills up to 3000psi), CCRs, doubles, scooters, camera gear, backpacks, extra snacks

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Add-ons at checkout: Tour guides, rental gear, Nitrox tanks, GoPro rental, all-inclusive private scuba certifications

Destinations

All in one Mission Bay shop
Check-in, rental gear, and boats

CAPT R.T. Rushton, USN, ret.
CAPT R.T. Rushton, USN, ret.
Great Dives with the inaugural voyage of the ORION. Superb crew support as usual. Strongly Recommend Waterhorse as the San Diego Dive Charter of Choice.
Mike Merrill
Mike Merrill
Great communication, awesome service and offered a fantastic dive experience on the HMCS Yukon. If you are diving solo and considering a guide, do not hesitate. Jonathan and the Waterhorse Crew really made my day/dive. Even with rough conditions and low visibility, they were one of the few charters actually running and the whole crew really turned what could have been a bust into a great day of diving.
Daxton Burgin
Daxton Burgin
Awesome first boat dive!
Amy Davis
Amy Davis
One of the best dive trips I've been on in California. The crew is GREAT! knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming, and did not make me feel like my plethora of questions was too much. The boat was great, good snacks, helpful. I can't say enough good things about this trip on the Humbolt with Waterhorse Charters to Coronado Islands. Diving with the sea lions was AMAZING. thank you for an unforgettable trip.
Stacey Purzycki
Stacey Purzycki
Amazing experience!! I am a new diver with only 7 dives completed before this trip. Charles & Brandon were super helpful and gave great information about each dive site. Swimming with the sea lions was super cool! Can't wait to book another trip!!
James Wasser
James Wasser
Helpful crew ensured we saw dolphins and sea lions and las Coronados Islas. The food was hot and tasty. Had up to one hour dive times. Check them out .
Paul Fowler
Paul Fowler
My son and I had a great time diving with Waterhorse charters the first weekend in December. All of your staff were super helpful. In particular, Mike, Shawn, and Charles were super courteous and helpful. We will be back again soon!
garrett thompson
garrett thompson
This is a great dive operation that weโ€™ve now gone out 3 times with to Coronado Is and Wreck Alley. The staff is very friendly, efficient and clear with communications. Weโ€™ll continue to go diving with them whenever weโ€™re in San Diego!
Bill Mashek
Bill Mashek
Nice folks to work with in booking. The crew was attentive and professional food ok. Lots of snacks
Daniel Hudson
Daniel Hudson
Such a great day. Highly recommend

๐Ÿ Fall Diving

Best time of year to dive locally

LOBSTER SEASON Sep 27 - Mar 19, 2025
๐Ÿฆž Point Loma/La Jolla lobster specials
๐Ÿฆญ World-class sea lion diving in Mexico

MULTIDAY 10% off, only pay for 1 day of gear contact us
MEMBERSHIP 25% off public dive trips, 1 year enroll

We'll keep you safe

Crew trained with quarterly drills and safety debriefs

We'll treat you right

Kindness is contagiousย is our life and work essence

We'll make it easy

Help with gear, tanks, weights, and finding a buddy

Fleet

Humboldt

21 divers

Comfortable and safe, our Newton 46' Dive Special flagship is a local favorite that ensures easy entry and exit.
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san-diego-dive-boat
san-diego-scuba-diving
humboldt-dive-deck

Orion

12 divers

Cozy and private, our Newton 38' provides for an intimate dive experience and indoor comfort.
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Website Images
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Min. guest reached or money back
Public trips: Full refund up to 7 days

"Are you sure you are a Southern California Dive Charter? So professional and easy to work with, not used to that."

Todd Thumpson
Veteran Programs