Venice Dive Charter

Popular Excursions:

2 Tank Dive

4 hours
Equipment rental available
Must be open water certified

$150/PersonCall to Book

Bubble Watcher

4 hours
Enjoy observing from boat deck
No certifications necessary

$100/PersonCall to Book

Dedicated DM

Per diver, max 2 divers
DM assists you the entire trip
When available

$90/PersonCall to Book

Catalina Grace is Located at Slip #3 at Venice Fisherman's Wharf!

Meg Shark Tooth Diving

Join us on our shark tooth dive charter for exploration with fossil expert, Ben Schultz! You’ll meet at Venice Fisherman’s Wharf, Slip #3, 509 North Tamiami Trl, 34285.

You’ll travel to various spots between Venice and Manasota on a 2-tank dive adventure. Ben will discuss each site with you and give you direction on the best way to find megs and other fossils for both sites. This is not a guided dive, but a dedicated DM* is available for a small additional fee. He/she will be with you the entire trip.

Bubble watchers are welcome to join the ride and watch from the deck. This must be reserved at time of booking.

Important Information:

Charter reservations must have a minimum of three divers to go out.

Charter participants who will be diving must show proof of minimum Open Water scuba certification prior to boarding and have a
completed waiver. Army Tank dives requires Advanced Open Water certification (see Waivers tab).

Boat supplies tanks only. Divers must bring all of their own gear, including their own weights and collection bag. Rental gear is available through Venice Dive Center for an additional charge. All rental gear needs to be paid for and picked up at the store the day prior to the dive and returned to the store upon completion of dive. Catalina Grace has a hot water wash down which is nice in the winter months. Not certified? We can help with that! Contact us about our open water certification courses or other certification courses.

No GPS devices, personal tanks, alcohol or smoking allowed on boat.

You must cancel 72 hours in advance of your charter date to receive a refund. No exceptions. We will give you as much advanced notice as possible if weather conditions force us to cancel. We are not responsible for your other expenses should we need to cancel the charter for any reason. Boat supplies tanks only. Please call the shop for the most up to date availability.

About Catalina Grace:

She is a 36' Uniflite ex military boat with a single diesel inboard engine that has retired her services to be a Dive Charter Boat.

You'll meet the crew of Catalina Grace by 7:00 am and depart promptly at 7:15 am for a two tank dive, returning at approximately 11:30 am. CG goes out 7 days a week, weather permitting, and typically stays north of the pier. She can take up to 8 customers.

We ask you to limit your dive to 90 minutes per tank for the consideration of other divers. When available, a dedicated Dive Master can be hired to dive with you for a minimal extra fee per diver.

There is a maximum of two divers for each DM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dives will we be doing?

This is a shark tooth/fossil dive. You will be swimming around and picking up sharks teeth and other fossils that you get to keep. Please do not pick up any coral pieces. This is illegal and they will be returned to the Gulf. Maximum depth is 32 feet.

Am I guaranteed to find a huge megalodon tooth?

All divers have the same chance of finding a meg. If you listen to the DM on the boat’s directions, you should do well.

Do I have to bring my own gear?

Yes, each individual is required to provide their own gear, including weights and goody bag. Boat will supply tanks only. No personal tanks are allowed.

I'm visiting from out of town and do not have my own gear. Where should I go for gear rentals?

Any rental gear needed from us can be picked up at Venice Dive Center the day prior to your charter and returned upon completion. 902 S. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 34275

Do you supply water and snacks?

The boat will have water and crackers/cookies. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, but we ask that you NOT bring large coolers.

What time should I arrive, when will we return?

You will arrive at the boat by 7:00 am. Any paperwork that you have not completed will be done at this time. The boat will leave promptly at 7:15 am. The Catalina Grace should be back to the dock around noonish.

How much bottom time do I get?

We ask that you limit your dive to 90 minutes, for the consideration of others. We require you to be back on the boat with 500psi left in your tanks.

Where is the boat located?

The boat is located in Venice, FL. We are in slip #3 at the Fisherman’s Wharf Marina 509 North Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285

Will I have a personal guide diving with me?

We offer the use of a personal DM for a small fee per diver. This is limited to two people per DM. This must be reserved at time of booking.

What is the minimum/ maximum number of divers per trip?

A minimum of 3 divers is required for a trip to run. In the event that the minimum is not filled, we will call you to cancel. You can either get a complete refund or reschedule for another date. Our boat, Catalina Grace takes a maximum of 8 customers.

Can I book online?

At this time all reservations must be called in to the shop 941-497-5985. Payment is due at time of booking. Waivers can now be done online. Please see the Waiver tab.

Should I tip the crew?

Absolutely. While it is not required, tipping is greatly appreciated. Our crew members work very hard to ensure your trip with us is as enjoyable as possible. - Customary Tips are $10 per dive - (on a 2-tank trip the customary tip would be $20)

Do you offer special rates for bubble watchers?

Yes, bubble watchers (non-diving guests) are allowed on the boat for a discounted rate.

May I bring alcohol on board?

Unfortunately, No. This is not allowed by our insurance provider.

What is your cancellation policy?

A 72-hour notice is required for a full refund or reschedule. If we cancel for any reason, you will be given the option of a full refund or to reschedule your trip.