My boyfriend and I went out on Marissa Dive Charters yesterday and had an absolutely amazing experience! The boat is small/not many passengers and the crew is extremely attentive to the passengers. I'd only been on one dive boat before as I am recently certified, but my boyfriend has been on many and captained a few and he has never seen a dive boat where the crew are that attentive and helpful. It makes everything fast and means your main focus stay on having fun diving, not fussing over your gear. I felt really spoiled the whole time. The dog Captain is so cute and friendly and you can tell he is very loved and well cared for. Lora was our captain and Chris was our dive master and they were both awesome, knowledgeable, and super friendly. Lora would hang out with the passengers and it felt like you were chatting with a friend. Plenty of snacks and warm beverages and chili to keep you satisfied and hit the spot when you get out of the water. We came from Santa Barbara/Ventura and now I want to rush and get my advanced cert so we can come back and go on their other dive charters! We are confident we will travel to San Diego again even if just to dive with Marissa Charters. (And yes the dive sites were awesome and we saw lots of cool critters) read more

As always a great day diving with the Marissa! Very welcoming and helpful crew and knowledgeable makes the whole experience worth it. Can't wait to go back! read more

Marissa Charters - Happy diver! - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Diego,, California

If there was 10 stars....id pick that!! Love this vessel and the crew is amazing and can't forget about the pups. The attn to detail is and has ALWAYS been amazing. Captn's Lora and Chris thank you everytime I go out with you. read more

From the moment I booked our first dive with Marissa Dive Charters, Captain Lora was responsive and helpful. It was our first time doing a California or "cold water" dive, so we had a bunch of questions that she was happy to answer. She hooked us up with a local guide since we had never self guided, and that worked out great. The communication and support with snacks, drinks and other needs onboard was top notch. Thank you, Captain Lora! read more

Professionally run shop. All the staff is helpful, knowledgeable and patient at all skill levels. Like all operators, dive conditions are not in their control. Would use them again for future experiences. read more

Awesome experience, friendly crew. Great boat amenities, knowledgeable captain. Really enjoyed the day with Marissa Dive Charters! read more

What a great dive boat! The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure you have a good dive day. I will definitely dive with them again. read more

Best Scuba Charter in San Diego. Laura and Chris are super helpful!! Highly recommended!!! read more

Marissa Charters - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Diego,, California

The crew was absolutely phenomenal! They kept us warm(they gave my wife a hot water bag to keep warm) had a goody bag with treats to eat & hot drinks. They also were very helpful with those that got sea sick. Awesome with getting you in the water and out. All around great crew. Probably one of the best that we had encountered. Thanks Marissa charters read more

Great dive boat in San Diego -- very organized and welcoming, with individual bins for each diver and a goodie bag with stickers and mask defog, as well as snacks. We had two great dives on the Yukon. Thanks to the crew for making everything run so smoothly. read more

Marissa Charters - Yukon Wreck - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Diego,, California

See all

I have no idea why it's been so long since I reviewed Marissa Dive Charters! Oh wait, it's been months since I've been diving. Today was another great set of dives. Chris dropped us right on top of the Ancient Caverns, and then again hit the bullseye for the NOSC tower. Met some new friends from across the US and more than a few locals. The Marissa crew always has everything you need for a safe and fun set of dives. read more

Kind and accommodating crew! Captain is a sweetheart and the crew is incredible! They take care of you and provide an amazing experience. Can't thank Lora, Chris and Rod enough for the experience. Highly recommend! read more

Marissa Charters - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Diego,, California

Lora has the absolute best sites! I had an amazing time diving through the elk and giant kelp off of Point Loma. The visibility was great and I was lucky enough to encounter a sevengill shark twice! Both sites had lots of structure so you had the chance to look in crevices, on rocks, in the kelp, and open water for a variety of sea life. The boat is comfortable, her crew is amazing and helpful, and Lora gives us plenty of delicious snacks! read more

See all

What a great day of diving with Marissa Dive Charter!! Both Chris and Rod are so nice and helpful. They do a great job briefing and ensuring our safety. The boat is clean and comfortable. They provide great snacks and a cute little gift bag with some essentials. You have your own baskets to keep all your gear!! I highly recommend this charter!! read more

Two tank trip to ancient caverns and pinnacles. Awesome spots that Marissa has scoped out. Helpful and friendly crew. As a local diver it's always a good time on Marissa read more

I had an excellent time with Marissa Dive Charters. Before my dive even started, I confided in Captain Lora that I did have a pre-existing heart condition. But, as opposed to other dive charter companies I tried, she was able to contact her insurance company in order to make sure it was okay, so long as I had a clearance letter from my cardiologist. I felt she really went above and beyond, and was very kind about it. Once I got to the boat, everything went quite smoothly. The crew, Chris and Nate, were wonderful, and so helpful. They had hot beverages and snacks. They helped me quite a lot with my gear. Connor's Canyon Pinnacle, and Lost City kelp Forest were amazing dive sites. We got buzzed by a sea lion. I I've never been diving in a kelp Forest before, and this was a great experience. Highly recommended. read more

Marissa Charters - A view off the aft starboard corner of the boat, showing that there was quite a lot of fog. It was fine anyway. - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Diego,, California

See all

Amazing sites, excellent service, boat dogs, what else needs to be said? Diive with marissa!

Best dive boat in San Diego. Captain Lora and the crew are super organized and provide superior service!

A great two-dive day on the Marissa! I always enjoy their rocky-reef dive sites like Connors Canyon and Strawberry Fields Ledges (named for its abundant strawberry anemones) off Point Loma. Captain Lora and Divemaster Chris are always very helpful and attentive and do their best to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable. They'll even make you an "instant hot water bottle" (clever use of big Ziploc bags!) if you get cold on a dive. Since COVID, they've provided individual goody bags with snacks, candy, muffins etc. and also a "diver bling" bag with mask defogger, hand sanitizer and tissues. Hot tea and coffee are available on request. Lora's two beagles (in doggy life vests, of course) are sweet and friendly - and hilarious. (I think they honestly believe they are guarding the divers against those sea lions out in the kelp.) We have so many beautiful critters in our rocky reef: nudibranchs, colorful sponges, the aforesaid strawberry anemones, at least 3 species of gorgonians, tunicates, sea stars, morays, many different species of fish. Caveat for divers who are new to California rocky reefs, or who mostly dive in excellent tropical viz: do bring a good dive light. It's not nighttime-dark down there, but you'll miss seeing all the lovely colors if you don't have a light. read more

See all

Amazing team who I would highly recommend. Attention to detail including snack bags, water and own mask bucket is above and beyond. Local knowledge of dive sites and tips is very good. Our group were made to feel very welcome and we enjoyed the experience. We will be back for more diving... read more

Marissa Charters - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Diego,, California

Very hospitable. Attentive to safety. Spread a fun environment throughout the trip and diving time. Captain made us coffee herself. In marine life, this is highly appreciated. I am going back on the boat again. And guess what? They have Nitrox onboard. read more

One of our favorite charters, and definitely one of the best. They are smaller than some, so you don't have to worry about 20+ divers on a boat. They are very supportive, aware of divers' needs, and they go the extra mile to make sure you have great dives. Thanks, Chris and Rod, hope to see Captain Lora on the next trip. read more

Nothing short of an incredible experience on this boat! From start to finish, the service was amazing. The crew went above and beyond to make sure we were safe, providing weights, tanks, air fills, good dive briefings. Scout made friends with everyone aboard. Safety was clearly their top priority, as every precaution was observed. Lots of reminders to drink water. They kept us fueled with plenty of delicious snacks throughout the trip--perfect for recharging between dives. There is nothing better than hot tasty chili after some cool dives! Overall, the crew made for an unforgettable dive experience. I can't recommend them enough if you want to excellent dives and to be well-fed. read more

Killer setup for diving with the on-board compressor! Didn't even have to break down our kit between dives. Our team was very well-prepped for our dives of the Yukon and Ruby E and the crew loaded us up with tea to warm us up after we popped topside. We'll be back...! read more

Captain Lora, "Captain Beagle", and crew were all super friendly and accommodating. Nitrox fills right on the boat were a bonus, along with the entire set-up. This was my first San Diego dive experience and I will definitely be back. I highly recommend Marissa Charters. read more

See all

As a tech diver, I love that they do not complain or charge more for us tech divers to bring our gear everyday. They are my go to boat charter. read more

Professional crew and an exceptionally well-run outfit. Captain Lora is on top of everything: from safety briefings to equipment management to helping divers in and out of the water. Chris did a great job of both captaining the boat and assisting divers, and Rod was incredibly helpful (thank you for fixing the strap on my new backplate and wing!) and he is clearly also a VERY knowledgeable divemaster. (California diving is always unguided unless you specifically choose to book a divemaster to accompany you, as one of the passengers today did.) It was a joy to have a crew that was incredibly competent and also personable, relaxed and good humored. read more

Great people, great dive! Will definitely be back again. The most helpful crew I've ever had on a dive boat.

Chris and Lora were very helpful and professional. Briefing was complete and so were the security protocols. Equipment was good and they did a good job helping divers in and out the water. They gave us a decent snack bag and had their own custom goodie bag. Liked the team and the boat. For the cost of the trip , I believe this is really good. I dove the HMCS Yukon and loved the way the crew was alert and took care of everything and everyone. read more

Not all Dive !! both are created equal, and a trip on the Marissa will let you know that. Captain Lora and dive master Chris will take great care of you and bring you on a fantastic adventure in the Southern California ocean. On this boat there are so many lovely touches that really show that they care about the divers. Milk crates with everyone's name labeled and freshwater dunks for your mask that are not shared. as well as a nice individual dry space for each diver with a lovely snack pack with some cute gifts and stickers from the crew. Not to mention that they have some cute beagles that will keep an eye out for any kelp and make sure that everyone is alerted to his presence. I really enjoyed my time on the Marissa and my highest complement is that I would definitely dive on this but again, and I have it booked again in a few months so I must really mean it. read more

See all

What a Wonderful Dive Operation! Had a Great dive on The Yukon & The Ruby. Nice, Clean boat and the Crew were awesome. I highly recommend Marissa Dive Charters (This is my first Yelp Review!) read more

I have used Marissa Dive Charter over many years coming down from Sacramento,CA. I have always enjoyed the professional Service and the extra hygiene services at each station. I highly recommend diving on the Marissa when making your choice to dive in San Diego. read more

I have been diving with Marissa Dive Charters for over 10 years and they have always exceeded my expectation. Today's dive once again exceeded my expectation. There is nothing Lora and Chris won't do to make your trip amazing. read more

The crews are amazing! Because I have Dramamine allergy and can't take that seasickness drug, I had bad seasickness. However, the crews are very very helpful with great positivity energy and helped me putting my gloves and fins on and stabilize my tank once I got back etc. because I was too dizzy from seasickness to do so. (I was completely fine once I'm in the water.) (Even the dog give me a kiss to make sure I was ok) I'm appreciative for the trip and the awesome crew members!! (I also like the little antifog bottle gift. I always want to buy one and now I have it) read more

Marissa Charters - On boat - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Diego,, California

Couldn't have asked for a better day. Beautiful weather, boat and a very positive crew. We felt safe! excellent safety and dive site brief. Two dives; one at Strawberry Ledge and one at Connor's Canyon. Two hour drive be dammed, I'll be back for sure. read more

Captain Lora did a great job today and Divemaster Chris was exceptional. Thank you for supplying gear crates with water, snacks and handy scuba goodies. Looking forward to the next trip with the Marissa. read more

Had the pleasure of diving with Marissa Dive Charters on the Yukon. The captain and crew were very friendly, the personalized goodie bag and snack bag were awesome, and the dives were fantastic! I definitely plan on visiting more sites in San Diego with the Marissa when I'm here again! read more

Captain Lora and Boatmaster Chris were great at welcoming and taking care of everyone. The boat is well equipped. Giving us individual crates with snacks, water, and a pouch (with hand sanitizer, shampoo, and tissues) is much appreciated. Providing individual water bucket for our cameras is also very nice. read more

Great dive charter Friendly boat, great crew- and they really go above and beyond with the snacks, perks, doggies, and kindness read more

Great crew, really organized. Gave everyone their own snack bag, defog, hand sanitizers & stickers! Thanks to Lora, Chris & Nate!