moderate
3–4 hours
Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable swimming, and able to manage basic scuba equipment.
Join a private guided 2-tank dive at La Jolla Cove to explore vibrant marine life with expert instructors. Shore entry and small groups make for a personalized, unforgettable dive experience.
Most Popular Tour • Certified Divers Only • Incl. dive-gear package
Dive into the vibrant underwater world of La Jolla Cove, a premier San Diego destination. Experience a thrilling 2-tank dive amidst a rich marine sanctuary, featuring playful sea lions, colorful Garibaldi, and even sharks. With expert guides and easy shore access, this unforgettable adventure awaits certified divers ready for exploration.
SCUBA CERTIFICATION REQUIRED
Minimum of 13 years old to dive
NOTE: Each participant Must be in good physical condition and be able to carry one tank unassisted.
2 Tank Dive - 4.5 to 5 Hours
San Diego is a world-class scuba diving destination and scuba divers from all over the world travel here to explore and photograph the numerous species of marine life found in the La Jolla Underwater Park. San Diego's most popular shore dive site is the La Jolla Cove. The La Jolla Cove is located in beautiful La Jolla, adjacent to Scripps Park which is inside an Ecological Reserve & Marine Sanctuary. Within the Marine Reserve, it is unlawful to fish or remove anything (other than trash), making it great for observing marine life.
Diving at La Jolla Cove offers a wide variety of diving experiences, typically easy shore access and entry, reasonable visibility, and is highly recommended for anybody interested in having an underwater experience in San Diego. A short surface swim is involved, as the dive site begins just steps off the beach. The maximum depth here is approximately 35 feet with an average bottom time of 50 to 60 minutes, depending upon air consumption. Our dive times are 7 am for morning dives.
We dive the La Jolla Marine Reserve daily and greatly enjoy showing off our beautiful Kelp Forrest, the playful California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, as well as the California state fish the Garibaldi, Kelp Bass, Sheep head, Sting Ray, Rock Sole, Morey Eel, Yellow Tail, Leopard Shark, Horn Sharks, Black Sea Bass, Bat Rays are common, as well as Sea Stars, Sea Hares. In the summer months, it’s not unusual to see Seven-Gill Sharks and Soup-fin Sharks (also known as Tope Sharks). This dive site is densely populated with marine life, you don’t need to look hard to find marine life. Dive California's highly experienced dive guides will make your guided dive safe, easy, and enjoyable. Dive California guides are some of the most experienced divers you'll find in San Diego. Collectively, we have over one thousand dives in and around San Diego and many more in other locations around the world. We would love to show you the best that undersea San Diego has to offer!
Do I have to be certified to SCUBA DIVE with you?
Yes, due to the southern California ocean conditions, we require all participants to show proof of a Scuba Diver Certification from an internationally recognized Scuba Training agency. We accept certifications from. SSI, PADI, SDI/TDI, PDIC, CMAS, NAUI, RAID, BSAC, IANTD, ANDI, GUE, NASE, UTD, and others. If your certifying training agency is not listed here, please inquire directly with us to confirm your status.
Are the dives very strenuous?
All our dives are enjoyed by divers of all ages and experience levels, but please feel free to do your homework, California diving does not equal your average boat diving in Caribbean waters. You will access the water by walking a set of stairs as well as being comfortable with a little surf entry on certain days. Some dives require a surface swim to the point of descent.
What may I see on my dives?
Depending on the dive site and season, our offered dive sites is filled with a wide variety of marine life, including Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, the endangered Giant Black Sea Bass, Tope (Soup Fin) Sharks, Seven Gill Sharks, Horn Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Bat Rays, Sting Rays, Octopus as well as many of our orange friends the California State Marine Fish the “Garibaldi” and many more.
What should I bring?
• All Divers must bring a photo I.D. and proof of dive certification. • Swim-suit, swim-shorts, towel, sunscreen • Your logbook • A waterproof digital photo camera or GoPro if you have one
Where can I leave my personal belongings?
It is best that you leave all valuable items in your locked car and if you use any other way of public transportation our dive guide will be happy to store these items in their car for the time being.
** We will not guarantee or foresee the visibility, diving/ocean conditions, or specific expected wildlife interactions. If we establish unsafe conditions, you will be given the option for a refund, changing the dive site to a different location, or rescheduling only if relocation is not an option. *
What is the cancellation policy
• A full refund is given if the reservations are canceled/rescheduled within at least 72 hours prior or if the dive(s) is canceled by the Dive Guide due to unsafe diving conditions. • A reservation canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled dive day will be charged 50% of the product rate. • No refunds are issued for reservations canceled within less than 24 hours ' notice prior to scheduled dives as well in the case that the diver decides not to complete booked dives at the time of diving
Morning dives offer calmer waters and better visibility, enhancing your underwater experience.
Capture the vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes with a quality waterproof camera.
Inspect and test all scuba equipment prior to the dive to ensure safety and comfort during your adventure.
Maintain a safe distance from sea creatures and avoid touching or disturbing the environment.
La Jolla Cove was designated as a marine reserve in 1971 to protect its diverse sea life and promote responsible underwater tourism.
Dive California actively promotes sustainable diving practices to minimize impact on the delicate marine ecosystem of La Jolla Cove.
Keeps you warm during cooler spring and fall water temperatures for comfort throughout each dive.
spring specific
Essential for clear vision underwater and efficient movement while diving at La Jolla Cove.
Capture vibrant marine life and landscapes during the bright summer months with a reliable waterproof camera.
summer specific
Improves safety by marking your position during shore entries and exits, especially in areas with boat traffic.