Love this boat. They know how to take care of every dive group they take. They treat PowerScuba members really nice. Highly recommended.

Still a great boat, all these years later. They no longer help transport gear from your car to the boat, but that's a minor quibble. The Pac Star is, first and foremost, focused on safety. That's what matters most to me when I charter a boat. (I run the largest scuba group in California.) The captain and crew are pleasant and the food is good. (Their breakfast burritos rock!) For overnighters, the sleeping accommodations are good, though some of the bunks are a bit cramped if you're anything larger than a small man. They coax their fill system to get you to at least 3,000 psi, though its more comfortable filling LP steel tanks in multiples. Excellent pricing, especially if you book through their main charter customer, Power Scuba! read more

Wow, what more can you said about this amazing Dive Boat and Dive crew they are by far the most professional and clean Dive Boat and Dive crew in Southern California only do they have Pacstar but they also have the Pacific moon and did we mention the food wow the food on these boats is incredible. They cater to all kinds of divers re-reader divers scuba divers free divers, and even swimmers I want to respond to the review left by Britta below . The safety exits down below are clearly marked. One comes upstairs and the other one is a very large Hatch right in the middle of the bunk area. It is in no way small. The heads have handholds which the sink is connected to. You can't put handicap rails into a Dive Boat area because there's just not enough room so as a well trained Diver you should know better. The boat has both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors place strategically throughout the boat I don't really understand how you know if a battery is a crappy battery or not do you bring a battery tester with you and check boats batteries ridiculous I have to agree on being upset at the place that you booked your boat. However, the person that probably put you on the top bunk maybe did not know that you were 70 years old and if you're on the two day boat, it would've been good for you to talk to the diaster or the charter master and tell him hey I'm 70 years old I can't get up on the top bunk. Can you get somebody to switch with me and I'm sure That would've been taken care of if you just would've asked. And lastly, the reason why the boat doesn't stay at San Clemente Island for two days is because you'll get more diving in. If you go to Catalina at night, you may have gone night diving at San Clemente. I don't know it just depends on the charter group group generally when we're on the boat we do Sacramento Island we might do a night Diver, San Clemente, or will travel to Catalina during dinner during a night Dive or two at Catalina Island get up early and get 3 to 4 dives in on Sunday morning Because it's much closer to the mainland I would suggest in the future when you charter about anywhere in the world that you talk to the charter master and spend some time and get an idea of exactly what is planned for the day the weekend or even a week you might be on. Not All charter masters will be organized best of luck to you. I would recommend you change your review. read more

Pacific Star Dive Boat - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Pedro, California

This is my FAVORITE dive boat! I've never had a bad experience on the PAC Star. The crew has a lot of experience and I especially appreciate how serious they take the safety of every diver. Happy to have breakfast burritos in the morning and I love that I can nap on the bunks all the way back to port. read more

Pacific Star Dive Boat - Great diving - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Huge Thank you to Captain DAVE, and his 3 sons!!!! Great Dive boat! Great prices,great food, snacks, and dessert! Great Crew, they work so very hard for the divers to come out and have a wonderful time diving! They cater to your needs! Safety, procedures are # 1. We loved how open the galley is, and how open the deck is! Plenty of room to walk around and to meet new divers! Roomy RR, great fresh food! 4 Tank dive! Captain DAVE goes above and beyond to give you the best dive spots with safety is #1. They even have role call after each dive, you cannot say here for someone else.. Snacks, drinks provided all day long. We had an amazing time on the Pacific Star, wonderful Captain, & Crew, very helpful.! We meet some wonderful people. See you soon. Thank you for a wonderful day of diving! Wayne & Jeanette read more

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Great dive boat and great service! I feel safe when I dive with Pacific Star and I enjoy the great customer service and all the food! They are diligent with taking roll of divers that enter the water and perform a roll call after every dive and before leaving a location. I have been a guest on their charter over 6 times and have slept well on their boat when I stay the night. Pacific Star is my favorite dive charter. They have taken me to the oil rigs, Santa Barbara Island, Catalina Island and some of the local wrecks. I highly recommend diving with them. read more

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Last weekend my mom and I went on the over night trip to Santa Barbara with a total of 8 dives. Being this was the first time either have us have done anything like this (she doesn't dive just came along for the experience) we really had no idea what to expect. I booked this with just expecting to dive 8 dives then head back to AZ. But left with far more, met great people, and even learned a few things. The food was outstanding and I definitely will be joining furture trips! The first 2 dives were probably the best dives I've ever been on. read more

Pacific Star Dive Boat - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Pedro, California

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The Pacific Star dive boat and Crew are outstanding. Lots of room on the deck, a large galley, and a large swim step. The crew is always catering to your needs with outstanding food and snacks between dives. Safety procedures are always followed to ensure we all have a fun and enjoyable trip. Highly recommended. read more

Been diving on this boat a bunch of times. Best crew ever! They are completely attentive and in charge. The only way to mess yourself up is by not paying attention to what you're doing. The food is fantastic too and there is plenty of it. A wonderful experience! read more

Pacific Star is an amazing dive boat. The crew is fantastic. Very helpful and organized to ensure you have the best dive experience. The food is beyond delicious. Breakfast served to order, snacks after 1st dive., lunch then typically brownies and ice cream on the way home. Love this boat and crew!!! Thank you. read more

Stay off this one for now. They promised 2 days of diving San Clemente Island on the July trip. On Saturday night they transited to Catalina with no valid or even understandable reason. Nobody went on that trip to dive Catalina. There were many from other regions who went on that trip. This boat is in all significant respects as unsafe as Conception was. One small ladder hatch leading from the bunks to the enclosed galley, and one aft staircase to the deck, way too narrow and crappy handholds. The small heads had NO hand holds. I fell and was injured in a head on the way to Catalina, couldn't dive Sunday. No place to sit in the heads except dirty toilets. No private place to sit on the boat. Only saw one smoke alarm, a crappy battery one placed so everyone could see it at the aft "stairway". Finally, stay away from Dive n Surf. I'm 70, and one of the first people to sign up. They placed me in a top bunk. I bruised my breastbone trying to climb into it. A bad deal and a bad outfit. read more

Pacific Star Dive Boat - No handholds. - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Pedro, California

My husband and I absolutely love taking dive trips with the Pacific Star because of how professional, friendly and awesome the crew members are. The food & snacks are delicious. We normally drive from Vegas to San Pedro and get to sleep on the boat the night before our fantastic dive trip start. The bunks and cabin are comfy & spacious which makes it easy to sleep. The boat super clean. Our dive trips with pacific star are always relaxing and fun! We always look forward to diving on this boat because of how much fun we have! read more

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My dive club (Power Scuba) and I have used the Pac Star exclusively for diving for many So Cal dive sites over the past several years. I can't express enough that this dive boat and staff are the best in LA county. The family owned and operated boat makes your dive adventure the safest and most enjoyable they can. I've personally have done hundreds of dives ranging from day trips to multiple day and night trips. I prefer the Pac Star over all other dive boats in the area and I'm looking forward to many more trips in the future. read more

Boat staff is very nice, helpful, knowledgeable about dive sites, and are good cooks!

excellent attention to detail and excellent service. They made my diving a great experience, highly recommend

Beautiful little dive boat out of San Pedro/22nd street landing. Sailed out to Catalina Island for a three dive day for $140+tip, lunch and crew help included. Crew was very nice and helpful, and Captain Dave was big on safety and protocol, which you like to see as a diver. They knew some great sites, and dropped us perfectly to explore them. Plenty of time between dives, and some really great food on board. read more

Pacific Star Dive Boat - Great day at Catalina - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Pedro, California

My family went on the rookery dive on the Pacific Star. The dive locations were great! My kids loved the sea lion rookery. The staff however was not. It's no fun to be pressured and scolded for taking your time to make sure you are prepared and safe. With kids, you check their gear as well as your own so yes it will take longer. Rather than getting your clients upset and stressing them out, how about telling all of your clients to be back by a certain time. It's how school trips and group tours I've been on work. That way you get to stick to your schedule and your clients can enjoy their dive at their own leisure. No pressure and stress for everyone. I'd think twice before using this dive boat if you want a leisurely experience, have kids, or are a beginner or novice diver. My kids have been diving for years so they aren't beginners, but we still check their equipment. Having the crew stressing the family out will dampen that fun experience. 5 stars for the underwater part. 1 star for the above water part. My husband booked this dive through Eco Dive Center. Originally I posted the review on Eco Dive Center until they hounded my husband and I to remove the review and post it on the Pacific Star Dive Boat instead. Eco Dive Center said this is the 3rd complaint about this dive boat in recent months. read more

Great experience. I went with a group of friends on 8 dives. I was impressed with the safety of the staff. Some of the deck hands may not have been cuddly teddy bears, but I knew that they took their jobs seriously. We got entangled in the kelp and although we were able to extricate ourselves and make it to the boat, it was obvious that the crew was geared up and ready to intervene if needs be. Above all, that's what I want in a dive boat. Good solid equipment, professional crew, and good. read more

We had a charter for a full boat and they canceled with some lame excuse two days before the event. Be wary they can cancel because they want to. read more

Proberly my favorite party boat, let me explain why. First, I have me own boat and usually dive Mailbu to Catalina island often, especially during lobster season. But on occasion, and usually if I'm with with my son ( a commerical diver in the gulf ) I want to relax and let someone else drive. I have been on this boat about 8 times in 15 years. Dave wouldn't know me if he stood next to me, but the day I dive off his boat he knows me and everyone else on board very well. The dive brief is very informative, the food is great and plentyful, and bunks are first come not assigned, the way I like it. Another thing Dave does is ask if any one wants to dive a certain spot in the area, if conditions are good and its doable, its done. The boat also has dock carts for use, Is kept in very good condition and has one of the best deck crews around, most are family .Air fills are fast, live bait well on board and the deck is clear and clean. I have dove several other boats proberly 10 in Los Angeles over the last 25 years, but haven't found any as enjoyable as the Pacific Star. And for me it's all about enjoyment. Try this boat you'll like it ! read more

I would recommend to stay away from from these guys unless you want to be dis-appointed, We made reservations thru living social 3 weeks ago for one, & gave a credit card for the second diver @ full rack rate prices. So this morning myself & my dive buddy got up @ 4 A.M. to go diving, got there by 6 A.M. set up our gear, go to fill out paper work to only get turned away, the staff is so unorganized it wasn't even funny, while there the gentleman doing the check in called the girl who does the reservations & SHE PLAYED IT OFF LIKE SHE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF US. Without a dive our plans to dive was shot. Moral to the story is that these guys are stupid enuf to not read the contract on a groupon prior to signing the agreement, shame on them, BUT to turn away those who paid & booked it legitly to take those who paid FULL rate and act like it wasn't ever booked is plain B.S. in my opinion, There are other dive boats that TAKE CARE of their guests. STAY AWAY read more

Dove the oil rigs this weekend off the Pacific Star. Had a great time, super helpful crew, great getting us in and out of the water. At one point my dive buddy thought he had an equipment malfunction, they got out a wrench and spare spg, discovered the issue (which ended up being no big deal) and got it squared away. Can't wait to go again. read more

The pacific start crew continues to impress me with their professionalism and great service. Just came back from another visit at the rigs organized by Power Scuba and I want to give another thumbs up to the crew and Captain Dave. Thank you again for the great service! read more

This past weekend my husband and I went diving off the Pacific Star to the oil rigs. I was extremely disappointed in the crew, specifically one of the deck hands. We had just boarded 45 minutes prior to departure as required, and proceeded to assemble our gear. First of all, the tanks are packed like sardines in there so we're trying to diligently squeeze our stuff while not disturbing other guests' items. At the time there were other gear, but most of the guests were not in the area so we did have a some room to maneuver. After about 5 minutes of this, of course I was not even close to being finished, but I was berated (SCREAMED at) by the deck hand to move my dive bag which was under the bench, to move it out of the way to the bow of the boat. Again, my gear was still in the bag and I was working on emptying the bag. I told him that was clearly the only and safest place I could be the bag right now, as I was unpacking. My husband just stepped away so I also told him that my husband was also still unpacking. He yelled at me that I could not leave it there. However as soon as my husband showed up his tone softened and he said that it was fine until the boat briefing in which everyone will be told to move their bags to the bow to make room. After my first dive, same deckhand yelled at me for missing a step on my climb up the dive boat. In the surge and swinging of the boat, I didn't know it was there. I couldn't feel it with my foot. He screamed at me that I was making it hard on myself. I still got on the boat. I really didn't need to be YELLED at so much so the people on the bow could hear him. This also wasn't a one-sentence yell. It was at least 2 full minutes of rebuking as I kept on climbing out of the boat and sat down on the bench to unload, and he was still yelling at me.  Second dive, I threw one my fins at him, which of course he proceeded to yell at me for. This, I admit, was my fault. I was aiming for his mouth. I was just sick of him at this point. Of course he kept yelling at me as I hobbled back to my seat to unload my gear. Third dive, as I was climbing out, he held out his hand, so I grabbed it only to get my foot on the first step (I looked this time) and then tried to pull my hand away and to grab the rails. It was stuck, so I yanked twice. Turns out he was holding on and he grabbed on tighter and yelled again at me to not lean back. I screamed back at him to let go so I could grab the rail. He kept pulling my hand as if he was going to pull me on the boat by my simply pulling at my right shoulder socket. I yelled back so much my voice is still hoarse today. He didn't yell as long this time. I am fuming at this point. The captain kept repeating "I hope you guys enjoyed the dives...somewhat" and all I could repeat in my head was "This deckhand ruined the entire trip for me. I hate Pacific Star." We're still expected to tip after that kind of service?  My husband received a completely different treatment and received no berating at all, even when he wasn't following the directions and I had to remind him (I am also more experienced and skilled). In my 12 year dive career, this is the worst service I have ever received from any dive crew ever and definitely the worst dive boat in California. I want to support family owned boats, but you need to watch and train your crew. Customer Service goes a LONG way. I will not be boarding the Pacific Star again. read more

WORST DIVE BOAT EXPERIENCE EVER!! Firmed up my reservation three weeks before the dive trip with Sonja - even gave her my credit card information to hold the spots. I was paying with one LivingSocial deal and the other at full pop. Emailed Dave twice in the interim to confirm how many dives and when the boat leaves but never received a reply - in hindsight this should have been my first clue. Arrived at the boat by 6:30am after getting up at 4:30am to be there by then. When we went to sign paperwork we were told we were not on the list. Dave just kept talking about how he makes no money off the LS deal - not the kind of thing you tell the customer - and then called the lady I talked with to make the reservation. Once he told her they had 34 on the list and can only have 28 on the boat....then asked her if she remembered booking me.....she said no. Gee, no surprise. I reminded her of several parts of the conversation and I have no doubt she remembered but did not want to admit it. She just kept saying things like "we had a lot of people trying to book" and I'd reply, yes I know, I was one of them - and you booked me. Just kept denying, offering no recourse or apology. We had to drive home with no dives that day. I will never book with this dive boat again - the disorganization is the worst I've ever seen and if they are that bad with a simple task of booking reservations, why would I trust them not to leave divers or have safe dive practices. Stay away from this dive boat!! BTW...LivingSocial responded quickly and issued me a credit for the full amount I paid - they apologized for the bad experience with Pacific Star....maybe P.S. should take some tips from L.S. on customer service. read more

I went on the Pacific Star out to the wreck of the Palwan today. The boat is very nice, with a spacious galley and nice hot showers. The crew was helpful and the food was good too. The crew kept the tanks filled between dives, and the fills were consistent- all within about 50 psi. The captain did a great job of getting us anchored close to the wreck and gave us a good bearing to find it. I brought my gear in a rolling bag and there was plenty of room to store the bag on the bow. The only thing that keeps me from giving 5 stars is the boat's swim step, which hinges up and down as the boat pitches. In other words, the swim step didn't go down when the boat went down, and that made it harder to get back on board. In spite of the swim step's shortcomings, I look forward to going back out on this boat again. All in all it is much nicer than many boats I have been on. read more

Wow....I had the opportunity to dive on the "Pacafic Star" Saturday .The trip was a 3-tank dive on the offshore oil rigs and scallop hunting. Elwood, Jake, captain Dave, and our cook were all amazing! Very professional service and comprehensive briefings made for great scuba diving. Hunting scallops was an adventure with tasty rewards for dinner. On our surface intervals we were blessed with multiple blue whales breaching near the boat. Captain Dave positioned the boat for repeated views of these magnificent animals. From the boats Kitchen we had eggs and hash browns for breakfast, sausage pasta for lunch, fresh fruit and red velvet cake after, plenty of snacks all day. I will definitely be back for another adventure with Pacafic Star & crew! read more

Hi, I herd about this charter from a dive friend ( DM ) who said" This is her favorite boat!" I checked their web site out, I really liked what I read and saw. I had a few questions. I called and left a VM, minutes later Sonja called me back, between her and this deep voice in the back ground , they answered all my questions and I know as a diver I will be taken care of as all divers will be well cared for! We look forward to diving with this charter and I have full confidence this will be our go to charter. I look forward to diving new areas and the oil Riggs! Sonja and to the man with the deep voice, " Thank you!" For being so patient ,kind,and answering all my questions you two are sweetheart's looking forward to diving with your charter and meeting you!! Safe and happy travels and we will see you soon!! Jeanette read more

This is the leader with Dive Boats & Crew ! Time after time, they have proven to be safe and make the most of where ever we dive. I only wish I hadn't second guessed the Captains take on last weeks conditions. Had I followed how he called it, I would have been one of the 25 diver's that were wise enough to not sit beach side, but be diving with pristine conditions ! Today was another day of diving at my now favorite location. The Oil Rigs, due to this captain & crew. Thanks guys ! Great job. Look forward to seeing you soon. ~Waverly read more

I would HIGHLY recommend finding another boat to dive on: If I could rate them MINUS stars-I would. My story- Some of our class had buoyancy issues and I had to chase after one headed to the surface. By the time we connected, we had drifted about 60-70 yards down current. I had to tank tow this particular diver to the drift line which we managed to pull ourselves into the boat stern. When we reached the boat stern- good ol' captain Dave was hanging out on the stern. There was a previous diver that was boarding and he had not yet cleared the transom gate. He was standing there wobbly legged and I was not sure if he was going forward. Following my training I slide off to the side a bit allowing him to clear. Captain Dave said " get out of the water" which I replied wait a minute- the gate was not cleared. I was also exhausted from fighting the strong current and having to tow this individual to the drift line. (by the way I have many years and dives under my belt). So at that time ol' Dave said he had to pull in the tender. AS I was starting to get out of the water the tender hit me in the back (head and shoulder) as I was trying to get out of the water. I managed to make my way as fast as I could to the upper deck and at that time good ol' DAVE put me into an underarm shoulder lock. Basically put his arm under mine and locked me in and pulled me close to him and said the next time I tell you to get out of the water = you get out. I have two drivers adrift. Well if it was that much of an emergency: 1) why is he spending time to assault me in an arm lock 2) go do your rescue and then come back and tell me what I did wrong. I don't think this is the way a good dive company runs a dive boat. The dive business is a tough business and to have something like this to occur just amazes me. Several divers that were at the stern later said this guy was out of line. I don't think physically assaulting a customer is the way to handle a situation regardless if I was at fault or not. In my opinion he should have said: "clear the gate- we have divers coming up" and then let us board. Yet he just stood there. Hitting me in the back of the head with the tender while he was pulling it in is a whole different item. Never said" hey look out tender coming in or slide over to the Port side tender coming in. Like I said, there are WAY BETTER boats to enjoy diving here in SoCal- Certainly a more customer conscious captain. read more

This dive boat is pretty good. We went on a day trip to dive the oil rigs. But slept overnight onboard the night before. Clean boat, clean bathrooms, good food and lots of it. The crew was great. Very helpful getting us and in and out of the water. The location on the dock was a bit of a hike, if you can, bring your own cart. read more

Starting with a side note: Many of the negative reviews ( for the pacstar and others) are from people how don't really get how the So. Cal. dive boats work. You kinda need to book through a shop or clubs you like. often if you book on with the boats your are just filling space on somebodies boat full of students. The boat is just helping out whoever scheduled the charter months ago or making a few extra bucks selling spots that may or may not be open. These clubs and shops are the bread and butter for the boats and you off the street will never have has much pull. (for example A beach dive class on a Saturday may be blown/washed out and the student then jump into the spots that are "open" on the Sunday charter that shop had at the last sec. and the boat never knows till they show up) Its not like full service dive shops at resorts who has 4 boats. These guys work with a ton of shops and clubs and run a few open boat when the boat is free. The impression of disorganization is in part due to the fact that the boat "belongs" to a different group everyday nobody could keep it strait 100% of the time. Also if you are looking for fancy private lessons at your house in your hot tub... don't call a dive boat. It's like calling southwest for flying lessons... Find a shop/club ( or a few) that you vibe with and go on their trips. Dive n surf, power scuba, and Pacific wilderness are some of my favs. Ok the review: No boat is perfect but these are good people who do a damn good job! Bunks: Pros: there are a lot of bunks(w/ a couple of configurations) they have personal reading lights privacy curtains There is a nice shared area for charging light, cameras and stuff. Cons: They are small and can be a trick to get in and out ( its a boat people) Food: Its very good for a boat The breakfast burritos are awesome Coffee tea soda water always available The galley is a "wet" area and can seat almost everyone at once Dive deck: Pros: Good air fills !!! you hit the water a solid fill! they have nitrox and O2 for the techies. Big open deck. There is room for some DPV and toys without feeling jammed Easy to climb back on I like that they have a dingy in the water The galley is "wet" so you can get out of the sun/weather wherever you pop up the crew sees you... they are always keeping an eye out I feel like they have my back when I'm in the water big camera tanks showers on swim platform Cons: the red deck gets hot...but the flag looks cool the path to the exit point can be tight with a lots of gear. In general: Pros: Dave gets you to good spots! you never dive junk! ( even when conditions suck) They are quietly all about safety, without being a pain.(not like Fire Marshal Bill) The breakfast burritos!!! 2 big head each with showers enough wet space out of the sun They wash dishes (not using 5000 paper and foam cups and plates) Everyone one the crew knows their stuff and are willing to help Cons: bunk area is a little dark and stuffy the boat feels a little lived in and could use a de-clutter Pro tips: small battery fan if you like a lot of air when you sleep Milk crates are great for keeping your gear under the bench limited room for roller bags/boxes on bow or sundeck -it's ok to leave some junk in the car. the bunks are not cold, don't bring you arctic sleeping bag if you get sea sick the low center midship (back bunks) bunks move very little Cans for BYOB after dive drinks( you can get good stuff in can if you plan ahead) Listen to and tip the crew they will save you from yourself if you let them! read more

It pains me to write this review because Dave Harvey seems like a nice guy, but I feel an obligation because of the bad experience that my wife and I had. We found Dave Harvey online because my wife needed Dive lessons for a trip to Hawaii we were going on. Dave got back to us and the price was reasonable, so we went over to the boat to meet him. Once onboard, he gave my wife and I (and another couple) the rundown of fees, what is required to be certified, and when we could all meet for the lessons. I decided to sign up for Nitrox training, as well. My wife and I offered up our pool for training because it was convenient for us but still, I though it was generous of us to offer that up, given that we were paying Dave to certify us. Facilities should be arranged by the instructor, don't you think? The following week, Dave came over for the first lesson. He arrived about a half hour late, which meant that my wife had to do some of her training in the dark. I also gave Dave a steel tank that I needed to have hydro-stated and refurbished that he said he would take care of. After the first lesson, he said that our pool was too small and that we would have to go to another Scuba School's pool in Montclair (about a 45 minute drive from where we live). He also gave me the textbook for Nitrox certification after my wife's first lesson, but no other study materials. When we arrived at Scuba Schools of America (the School that Dave Harvey wanted us to go to for the pool) we were appalled at the ridicule and high-pressure sales tactics that we were subjected to (see my review of SSA, my 1st yelp review). We told Dave we would not be going back to Rusty Berry's establishment. Furthermore, if you google Rusty Berry's shop, you will find copies of a lawsuit where SSA was sued after a diver died using a rebreather that SSA sold to him. To make a long story short, Dave was unable to finish my wife's lessons in time and we had to finish her training Hawaii, paying "resort prices" to do so, all because of Dave's lackadaisical training curriculum. Furthermore, the dive shop in Hawaii informed us that Dave had filled out the paperwork wrong and they almost made my wife start over because Dave couldn't fill out the form correctly. Also, when Dave gave me the Nitrox book, he was supposed to have have given me 3 diving tables that a student has to have in order to study for the test. Without the tables, it is impossible to pass the test. I passed the Nitrox test, and gave the tables that I copied to Dave so that the next student wouldn't suffer the same fate as I did. However, Dave never sent in my cert to PADI!!! I had to contact PADI, wait for them to contact Dave (but Dave blew them off too) and finally, PADI issued my certification, in lieu of Dave's lack of response. Lastly, there is the issue of the steel tank I gave Dave for hydrostat: once back from Hawaii, I called Dave to see what the status of the tank was. He told me it would not hydro and had rust but said that it was no big deal and that he would give me one of his older tanks to make up for it. I went over to pick up the tank one evening and even gave him a 12 pack of beer in exchange (he wouldn't let me pay him for it). It was dark by then, so I didn't realize until I got home that the tank he gave me was also out of hydrostat, so I was back to square 1. Suffice it to say that in my experience with Dave Harvey, he couldn't have screwed up anything else if he tried! Considering that diving is a sport that can cost you your life, if not careful, I don't think you want Dave Harvey anywhere in the loop with your training or certification. As far as diving on his boat? Forget about it!!! read more

I really wanted to like this boat and its owners. I am pro private owners running their thing and would support them any time. HOWEVER, Upon contacting them, I learned that they are not only rude, unpleasant and careless, they are also extremely unorganized! The husband says the charter is open, the wife says it's closed; in other instances, the circumstance is reversed. They are hardly ever in agreement on the schedule and it makes me wonder whether they communicate at all. They hardly ever answer the phone, and when they do, you are treated as if you're a debt collector. They are short with you, unwelcoming, and overall unpleasant. I purchased a Living Social voucher, despite my friends suggesting me against it (due to the same issues I'm describing here). I thought to myself that it's easy to pass judgement upon someone, but not fair, without having had the experience myself. Well, I did. After having called them about 5 different times, trying to book a charter to Catalina, I was turned down for a variety of reasons. Either their charter was full, or they thought it was, or maybe it was, or maybe it wasn't... I guess not for me to know. On the 6th time calling, at a date not too far prior to the voucher expiration date, I was told that the offered charters to Catalina were no longer available for the already purchased and paid for vouchers. Although I was surprised to hear that stated so boldly, I told them, "No worries, I'll just call Living Social and ask for a refund," at which point this missus tells me, "They are not going to refund you your money, you are not going to get it back. You had SIX (emphasized) months to call and make arrangements, WHAT were you thinking?!" I was so shocked to hear this, thinking, "Wow, are you seriously trying to get business with this filthy attitude?!" I, not only won't EVER dive with them, but also deter any potential business from them. They are crooks, and reading other people's reviews doesn't surprise me. I feel like I got onboard with the rest of the diver community on being against Pacific Star. I hope the word spreads and their business sinks. P.S. I got my money back from Living Social. read more

Just back from a wonderful weekend of diving on the Pacific Star. Overnight at Santa Catalina incredible dives at 4 spots on the island. The next day 2 amazing dives on the offshore oil rigs. 80 ft or more visibility, good food and an attentive crew. What more could I ask for! read more

Thanks for an absolutely fantastic 2-day trip with Dive N' Surf last weekend. Capt. Dave, 2nd Capt. Jake, Elwood & Max (and Sonja onshore, when I called in advance with a question about docking time), you all went above and beyond to make sure we were all comfortable, happy & safe divers - not to mention pinpointing the key locations for all our lobster hunters and making sure we all saw the Risso's dolphins and blue whales! As always, we all appreciate the oustanding service and superior knowledge on the Pacific Star! read more

Went out on this boat last Saturday. It was an amazing trip with a bunch of friends. The crew of the Pacific Star was awesome. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. Can't wait to dive with them again. read more

Awesome diving the other day with Capt. Dave and crew. Hit the Olympic (dropped us right on top) and then 2 oil rigs. Boat has a stern console so it can be backed right to the rig to pick up divers. All this plus got meals! read more

If we could only RATE with a MINUS- So many Dive boats in this business- why would you want to use this one? I would suggest you choose others. My Story~ . I have been diving for quite a few years and have a good number of dives under my weight belt. We were out on this boat during Aug and the last dive had a pretty stiff surface current. Some of our class had buoyancy issues and I had to chase after one headed to the surface. By the time we connected, we had drifted about 60-70 yards down current. I had to tank tow this particular diver to the drift line which we managed to pull ourselves into the boat stern. When we reached the boat stern good ol' Captain Dave was on the stern area to the left of the boarding gate. There was a previous diver that was boarding and he had not yet cleared the transom gate. Wobbly legged, he did not look very stable and took a couple of minutes to get his bearings. Following the smart diver training I slide off to the side a bit allowing him to clear. (so as to not fall backwards, cracking my head open) Ol' Dave said " get out of the water" which I replied wait a minute- the gate was not cleared. I was also exhausted from fighting the strong current and having to tow this individual to the drift line. Ol' Dave said he had to pull in the tender. AS I was starting to get out of the water the tender hit me in the back (head and shoulder) as I was trying to get out of the water. I managed to make my way as fast as I could to the upper deck and at that time Ol' Dave put me into an underarm shoulder lock. Basically put his arm under mine and locked me in and pulled me close to him and said the next time I tell you to get out of the water = you get out. I have two drivers adrift. Well if it was that much of an emergency: 1) why is he spending time to assault me in an arm lock 2) go do your rescue and then come back and tell me your complaint.. I don't think this is the way a GOOD QUALITY dive business is run. The dive business is a tough business and to have something like this to occur just amazes me. Several divers that were at the stern later said this guy was out of line. I don't think physically assaulting a customer is the way to handle a situation regardless if I was out of process or not. In my opinion he should have said: clear the gate- we have divers coming up" and let us board. Hitting me in the back of the head with the tender while he was pulling it in is a whole different item. Never said" hey look out tender coming in or slide over to the Port side - tender coming in. PADI professional levels (DM, Instructors) are specifically taught to NEVER infringe on someone's space (improper touching or grabbing). Wonder where this guy learned his craft...some fishing boat , no doubt. Now I know why the other captains on the same dock call him DH! read more

Love these guys! Have dove off this boat at least half a dozen times and they have never let me down. Always great food and great guys to deal with. We have done some amazing locations and Captain Dave always gets us on the spot first time every time! The crew is dialed in and knows what they need to do. read more