PADI & SDI Open Water Diver Certification in Los Angeles – Includes 2 Catalina Island Boat Dives

Learn to Scuba Dive in Los Angeles the Right Way

When you begin your Open Water Diver certification with Eco Dive Center, you're not just learning scuba skills — you're entering an entirely new world: the underwater world of Southern California.

Our beginner scuba course is designed to build confidence step-by-step. You’ll never feel rushed. We introduce each skill gradually so you become calm, comfortable, and capable in the water.

By the end of your course, you’ll:

• Master essential scuba diving skills

• Understand dive safety and etiquette

• Learn buoyancy control (the skill that makes diving effortless)

• Gain real-world boat diving experience

• Earn your internationally recognized lifetime certification

And yes… you’ll probably be grinning from ear to ear. Scuba diving does that to people.

Why Our Open Water Course Is Different
Many programs offer either costly full-weekend Catalina trips or only beach dives. We let you choose: every weekend across two weekends, pick the Island Boat Diving option (calmer waters, abundant life), the Beach Diving option (shorter and budget-friendly, but more effort), or even mix one weekend of each. Whichever path you take, you’ll finish as a confident, certified diver, ready for adventure!We promise to deliver the most adventurous, educational, inclusive scuba diving experience possible.

Our goal is not just to certify you — but to prepare you to dive confidently anywhere in the world.

Throughout your training, we focus on:

• Buoyancy mastery

• Ocean awareness

• Fish identification

• Environmental stewardship

• Safe diving practices

You’ll finish prepared, and ready to take your next step as a diver.

Course Commitment & Schedule

Your Open Water certification includes:

✔ Two weekends of pool & ocean training
✔ 10 hours of online eLearning (complete before water sessions)
✔ Scuba rental gear provided—except mask, snorkel, fins, and boots (available at a student discount).

Scheduling Options:
Each Sunday, pick your dive adventure:

1. Island Boat Dive (Catalina/Anacapa, calm waters, wildlife)

2. Beach Dive (shorter, budget-friendly, more physically active)

Schedule Overview:
Weekend One
Saturday: Pool & academics (6 hours)
Sunday: Island Boat Dive (7am–5pm)
OR Beach Dives (7:30am–12:30pm)

Weekend Two
Saturday: Pool & academics (6 hours)
Sunday: Island Boat Dive (7am–5pm)
OR Beach Dives (7:30am–12:30pm)

Courses start every weekend. You may split weekends for $85.

What’s Included

✔ Open Water Diver online eLearning code (SDI included; PADI option +$95 for material cost difference)
✔ Lifetime Open Water certification
✔ Two Sunday diving experiences (your choice: island boat dive days or beach dive days)
✔ All scuba equipment rentals during training (personal mask, snorkel, fins, and boots are purchased separately—student discounts available)
✔ Additional fun dives included on boat days
✔ All required course elements—no hidden fees

Bonus: The course is free with a qualifying scuba system purchase!

Prerequisites

• 12 years or older

• Basic swimming ability

• Basic snorkeling skills

Ages 10–11 are welcome as well though require a semi-private trainer (+$150). Please call to register: 310-398-5759

What’s Not Included

• Harbor parking fees

• Food & drinks (bring water, snacks, towel, sunblock)

• Transportation to dive locations

• Personal gear- Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Boots and Gloves (student discounts available)

 

Why Choose Eco Dive Center?
With 22+ years in Los Angeles, we offer year-round weekend training—no seasons off. Choose PADI or SDI, with transparent pricing. Our professional team—over 30 instructors and full-time staff—ensures top-notch instruction. We offer flexible dive options, a thriving dive community, and no hidden fees. We’re a full-service dive center—not just a website—so your support continues beyond certification. Ready to dive in? Sign up now!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does certification take?
   You’ll complete it over two weekends, with eLearning beforehand.

2. Do I need my own gear?
   We provide rental gear, but you must purchase your mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. You’ll pick up rental gear before class for proper fitting.

3. Can I choose boat or beach dives?
   Yes! Boat dives are calmer and more scenic. Beach dives are for those with California ocean experience and are more budget-friendly.

4. Is the certification recognized globally?
   Absolutely—both PADI and SDI certifications are accepted worldwide.

5.  How much is the student discount on personal gear?

   Our student discount increases as you complete your personal setup:

   • 5% off when you purchase a mask, snorkel, and fins package

   • 10% off your entire package when you add boots and gloves

   • 15% off your entire package when you complete your kit with a mesh bag, defog, or additional accessories

   Our team will professionally fit your gear to ensure comfort, performance, and long-term use.

 

If you don't have 2 weekends to spare towards scuba training?

If you're looking for a quicker path or prefer a more limited depth certification, our PADI Scuba Diver Program might be perfect. It offers a single weekend of training and certifies you to dive under professional supervision up to a shallower depth.

If you are going on vacation and want to do your ocean dives at your vacation spot, try the PADI or SDI Referral Program.  That allows to to get the Academic and Pool training out of the way before your trip then enjoy your training at your chosen destination.

Open Water Diver certification is performance-based. Enrollment in this course does not guarantee certification. Students must successfully complete all required academic, pool, and open water performance standards in order to earn certification. Deposit & Cancellation Policy A **$100 non-refundable deposit** is required at the time of registration. Because boat charters and instructional staff are reserved in advance specifically for your course, the following policies apply: * Scheduling changes made **7 days or more prior to the course start date** may be rescheduled at no additional cost. * Changes made **within 7 days of the scheduled start date** are subject to: * The full value of any reserved boat ticket, which is the responsibility of the student. Boat ticket values range between **$209–$219 per day**, depending on the vessel. * An **$85 instructor rescheduling fee** for late cancellation or rescheduling (Within 7 days of scheduled session). This protects the independent instructors contracted to conduct your training. These policies ensure that boats and instructors who have committed their time are treated fairly. Medical Requirements All students must complete a standard scuba diving medical questionnaire prior to participation. If any responses require physician clearance, written medical approval must be obtained **before** participating in water activities. The need for medical clearance does not automatically waive the cancellation or rescheduling policies above. However, we will always review medical situations thoughtfully and make reasonable accommodations when practical. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Our Commitment to You Eco Dive Center is a locally owned, family-operated dive business. We rely on our community, our reputation, and long-term relationships — not one-time transactions. Our policies are designed to set clear, reasonable, and honorable expectations for everyone involved. Transparency protects both our customers and the instructors, captains, and crew who dedicate their time to your training. Whenever possible, we will always do our best to exceed expectations and find fair solutions. Our goal is not just to certify divers — but to build lifelong relationships within our diving community. We appreciate your understanding and your trust.

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