The Spectre is a good boat with good service. I have to echo Richards concerns for you as a newer diver. Have you dove the Channel Islands before? Your average dive in Socal is much more like an intermediate level dive from the perspective of vizibility, current, cold water and navigation. The crew will do their best to buddy you up, but that can yield results that can range from very good to very poor. An option: see if the Spectre Office knows if a dive shop has any classes or dive masters going out on the boat that day. You could potentially hook up with the class or their staff. Although you may not want to sit in the sand and do mask drills, classes usually get in several tours and that would be enjoyable. Also, tell the office your situation and ask them if they have any suggestions. Some operations have "buddy friends" that will assist newer divers on trips for a fee which is less than hiring a professional DM. Ocean Safari dive shop in San Gabriel CA offers this on their boat trips. In general, if you book a boat trip through a reputable dive shop and explain to them your level of experience and interest they will do their best to take care of you and set you up with a buddy they probably know will be a good partner for you. Finally, diving here is "worth the stretch", enjoy!
