Dive into a private, guided 2-tank adventure at La Jolla Cove and explore stunning marine life and kelp forests with expert guides. Discover an underwater world tailored just for you in beautiful San Diego.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical health, comfortable with basic scuba skills, and able to handle moderate swimming and shore entry.
Wildlife
History
La Jolla Cove has been a renowned dive destination since the 1960s, celebrated for its ecological diversity and protected marine reserve status.
Conservation
Strict regulations protect La Jolla’s marine ecosystem, emphasizing catch-and-release practices and no-touch rules to preserve fragile underwater habitats.
Dive California
Dive into a private, guided 2-tank adventure at La Jolla Cove and explore stunning marine life and kelp forests with expert guides. Discover an underwater world tailored just for you in beautiful San Diego.
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.
Check Local Water Conditions
Before diving, always review recent water visibility and tide reports to ensure optimal underwater views.
Arrive Early to Prepare
Give yourself plenty of time to complete gear checks and briefings to maximize dive time and safety.
Respect Marine Life
Avoid touching or disturbing sea creatures like sea lions and garibaldi; observe from a safe distance.
Wear a Full Wetsuit
Even in summer, water temperatures can be cool; a full wetsuit provides warmth and protection.
Full Wetsuit (5-7mm)
Keeps you warm in cooler water temperatures year-round, especially in winter months.
winter
Underwater Camera
Capture stunning photos of marine life and kelp forests during your dives.
Dive Gloves
Protect your hands from rocky shore entry points and cool water, enhancing comfort.
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Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Enhances diver safety by marking your location during surface ascents.