Take your freediving to the next level with Dive California’s PADI Advanced Freediver Course. This three-day course combines classroom theory, pool training, and open water dives off San Diego’s coast to build skill and confidence underwater.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 days (full-day sessions)
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical health with strong swimming skills and ability to handle breath-hold training.
Wildlife
History
La Jolla’s coastline has long been a site of marine research and conservation, with underwater ecological reserves protecting delicate habitats since the 1970s.
Conservation
Dive California supports sustainable freediving practices that minimize disturbance to protected kelp forests and marine life, promoting ocean stewardship.
Dive California
Take your freediving to the next level with Dive California’s PADI Advanced Freediver Course. This three-day course combines classroom theory, pool training, and open water dives off San Diego’s coast to build skill and confidence underwater.
Dive California is a San Diego–based dive operator focused on guided shore dives and PADI training around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. The business offers a variety of experiences for certified divers and students, including single-tank and two-tank guided shore dives, night dives, private guided dives, and instructor-led referral and refresher programs.
Guided shore dives provide easy access to kelp forests, rocky reefs, and abundant marine life such as sea lions, Garibaldi, and leopard sharks common to the La Jolla ecological reserve. Dives are led by experienced guides who provide personalized attention in small groups, emphasize shore-entry procedures, and follow local navigation and safety practices. Private two-tank options and early-morning departures are available for divers seeking more intimate or specialized outings.
Training programs include PADI courses such as the Open Water Diver referral program and the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. The referral program completes open-water dives over two days with a private instructor, while the Advanced course uses five Adventure Dives to expand skills in areas like night diving, deep diving, and underwater navigation.
DC’s Ultimate Refresher Course is designed for returning divers who want to rebuild confidence and competence through two guided shore dives and focused instruction. Booking options include group and private reservations, and instructors tailor sessions to certification level and comfort; participants should contact Dive California for availability, scheduling, and current local dive conditions before planning a visit today.
Location
San Diego, CA
Based in La Jolla for shore access
Guided Trips
Single & 2-Tank
Public and private options available
PADI Programs
Open & Advanced
Referral and advanced courses
Specialty Dives
Night & Refresher
Night dives and refresher courses
Reserve guided shore dives, private 2-tank trips, night dives, or PADI training with experienced instructors — easy shore access in San Diego.
Prioritize Hydration
Drink plenty of water before and between sessions to avoid dehydration, which can impact breath-hold performance.
Focus on Relaxation Techniques
Use relaxation and breath control learned in the pool before attempting deeper dives in open water.
Understand Buddy Protocols
Always dive with a trained buddy and practice safety drills regularly to mitigate risks underwater.
Acclimate to Ocean Conditions
Spend time adjusting to ocean temperatures and currents before deep diving to avoid surprise physical stress.
Freediving wetsuit
Provides thermal protection and flexibility for various water temperatures during pool and ocean dives.
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Freediving fins
Long, flexible fins improve propulsion efficiency crucial for deeper dives.
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Freediving mask and snorkel
Low-volume masks streamline equalization and visibility; snorkels aid breathing at surface without fatigue.
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Waterproof watch or dive computer
Tracks time underwater and surface intervals to support safe and effective breath-hold training.
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