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).
Schedule Overview:
Weekend One
Saturday: Pool & academics (6 hours)
Sunday: Island Boat Dive (7am–5pm)
Weekend Two
Saturday: Pool & academics (6 hours)
Sunday: Island Boat Dive (7am–5pm)
Courses start every weekend. You may split weekends for $85.
What’s Included
✔ Open Water Diver online eLearning code
✔ 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, bathing suit, 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. Our professional team—over 30 instructors and full-time staff—ensures top-notch instruction and dive shop support. We offer consistent schedule every week, 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
-
How long does certification take?
It is a merit based course designed to be completed over two weekends, with eLearning done beforehand. -
Do I need my own gear?
We provide rental gear, but you must purchase your mask, snorkel, fins, boots and gloves- shop with us and save as a scuba student. You’ll pick up rental gear before class for proper fitting. -
Is the certification recognized globally?
Absolutely- certifications are accepted worldwide and is a lifelong certification. Once a diver, always a diver. -
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.
If you are hoping for weekday training or just want more specialized individual training any day f the week, we offer Private Training Program as well either at our pool or at your home pool (must be over 6ft deep).
-
Which Beginner Scuba Course Do I Choose?
Scuba Diver Certification vs Open Water Certification. This vi...
-
A message from the Ocean
If the ocean could speak, what would she say? Sign up at LA's ...
-
Dive California
Massive looming kelp forests, playful sea lions, curious Garib...
-
How to Get Scuba Certified
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular s...