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Dive Into the Depths: Night Diving Adventures in Monterey Bay - Monterey

Dive Into the Depths: Night Diving Adventures in Monterey Bay

Monterey•challenging

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

4–6 hours

Fitness Level

Should be in good health with comfort in varied dive environments; able to handle physical demands of night diving.

Overview

Explore Monterey Bay like never before with the SDI Night/Limited Visibility course—two thrilling dives that spotlight the ocean’s nocturnal creatures and sharpen your diving skills under the stars.

Monterey, California

SDI: NIGHT/LIMITED VIZ (SF & MB)

The Darkness Beckons

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Adventure Photos

SDI: NIGHT/LIMITED VIZ (SF & MB) photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of night diving in Monterey, where the underwater world transforms as nocturnal creatures emerge. This unique course combines classroom learning with two exhilarating dives, including a twilight dive to spot unusual critters. Enhance your diving skills while capturing stunning underwater photography against a mesmerizing dark backdrop.

COURSE COSTS:#

$300.00 Tuition

  • Classroom Review
  • 2hr Class Session
  • 2 Ocean Dives
  • SCUBA Equipment Rental

$150 SDI Digital Materials

  • Mobile & Web Versions
  • Digital Logbook
  • Digital Certification Card
  • Certification Processing Fees

$27 Online Booking Fees In Person & Phone Bookings do not incur an online booking fee.

Course Subtotal: $450.00 $477.00 w/ the Online Booking Fees

***The payment of Course Fees guarantees TRAINING, not necessarily certification.

Certification is EARNED only by successfully meeting all applicable standards and objectives.***

OBJECTIVE: Night is when the underwater world comes alive. This is the time when the underwater hunters emerge from their hiding spots to capture unsuspecting prey. Diving at night or limited vis. is a particular challenge and one that we encounter a lot here locally. But it is one that brings special treats for those who choose to face those challenges as well as overall confidence in diving.

DURATION:

  • 2 Hour Classroom (beach)
  • 2 Certification Dives in Monterey

SCHEDULE:

  • Saturday afternoon & evening (Monterey)

TECHNIQUES/SKILLS:

  • Equipment familiarization
  • Information gathering
  • Communication techniques
  • Light management
  • Review of navigational skills
  • Site Safety preparation
  • Entries/Exits
  • Surface procedures
  • Controlled ascents/descents
  • Lost Buddy procedure
  • Light failure procedure
  • Critter ID

Then when we meet in Monterey for your Certification Dives, we will cover topics relating to the tools we use for Night diving. Then, we will start with a twilight dive to familiarize ourselves with the area we will be diving while there is still some late daylight. Twilight dives are like the commuter hour for critters so you often get to more unusual critters and different behaviors.

Your second dive will be after the sun has set and will require us to now employ all our techniques to safely execute a Night dive.

Night diving is a rewarding activity and allows a diver to see a different cast of characters in familiar surroundings. It is also an excellent type of diving for those who are dabbling in photography and video as the colors really pop against the dark backdrop.

DIVER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Open Water Diver Certification or higher
  • 16 years old (parent/guardian release is required)
  • Mastery of buoyancy

DIVER RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Perfect Buoyancy
  • Navigation

GEAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • Mask & snorkel
  • Boots & fins
  • Gloves
  • Compass
  • Primary dive light
  • Backup dive light
  • Tank marker light

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Slate & pencil
  • SMB
  • Strobe

GEAR INCLUDED FOR COURSE:

  • Semi-Dry Wetsuit
  • Regulator, Octopus, Dive Computer
  • BCD
  • Tanks
  • Weights

Adventure Tips

Use a dive light designed for night diving

A high-quality dive torch is essential to identify creatures and communicate underwater safely at night.

Practice buoyancy control beforehand

Limited visibility requires precise buoyancy to avoid stirring sediment and maintain orientation.

Stay close to your dive buddy

Night dives demand increased vigilance and proximity to ensure safety in low-visibility conditions.

Check weather and sea conditions

Calm seas and clear evenings make for safer, more enjoyable night dives.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Giant Pacific octopus
  • California spiny lobster

History

Monterey Bay has long been a hub for marine research, famously inspiring the Monterey Bay Aquarium's mission to protect ocean life.

Conservation

The dive operators follow strict guidelines to minimize impact on delicate ecosystems, promoting sustainable interaction with marine habitats.

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Adventure Hotspots in Monterey

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Underwater dive torch

Essential

Crucial for visibility and communication during night dives.

Wet suit (5mm or thicker)

Essential

Keeps you warm in cold Monterey Bay waters after sunset.

spring;fall;winter specific

Surface signaling device

Essential

Enhances safety when surfacing at night near boats or shore.

Underwater camera with low-light capability

Perfect for capturing rare nocturnal marine life in their natural habitat.