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Master Dry Suit Diving in Monterey with Bamboo Reef - Monterey

Master Dry Suit Diving in Monterey with Bamboo Reef

Montereymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–5 days

Fitness Level

Basic physical fitness needed; comfortable swimming skills and ability to handle moderate exertion are important.

Overview

Ready to dive deeper? Join Bamboo Reef’s Dry Suit Diver course in Monterey, California, and learn how to master cold water scuba diving with expert guidance and exciting ocean experiences.

San Francisco, California

SDI: DRY SUIT DIVER 2025 (SF)

007 Did It! Dive Dry!

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Adventure Photos

SDI: DRY SUIT DIVER 2025 (SF) photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating Dry Suit scuba diving course that combines classroom learning with practical pool sessions and ocean dives in Monterey. Master essential skills, from equipment handling to emergency procedures, while enjoying the unique challenge of dry suit diving. Earn your certification and explore the underwater wonders of Monterey!

COURSE COSTS:#

$300.00 Tuition

  • Classroom Review
  • 4hr Pool Session
  • 2 Ocean Dives
  • SCUBA Equipment Rental

$150 SDI Digital Materials

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

$100+ Tax Personal Silicone Seals

  • Silicone Neck Seal
  • Silicone Wrist Seals

$33 Online Booking Fees In Person & Phone Bookings do not incur an online booking fee.

Course Subtotal: $550.00 + Tax $583.00 + Tax 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.


DURATION:

  • 2 hour Classroom
  • 2 hour Pool
  • 2 Certification dives in Monterey

OBJECTIVE: This Dry Suit scuba diving class teaches the skills and concepts required to safely and comfortably dive while using a dry suit. You will learn the special requirements for dry suit diving, how to use your new equipment, the benefits of a dry suit, and how to deal with emergency situations that are unique to dry suit diving.

TECHNIQUES/SKILLS:

CLASSROOM:

  • Sizing/Installation of seals
  • Proper donning/doffing techniques
  • Dry Suit & Undergarment fitting/choices
  • Proper equipment care of Dry Suits

POOL:

  • Review gear checks and integrating the additional inflator hose
  • Familiarization with Dry Suit inflator and dump valves on surface
  • Review of proper weighting
  • Descents/Ascents
  • Review surface procedures
  • Hovering at target depth
  • Opening and closing dump valve underwater and using the manual dump
  • Inflating and deflating in different positions, observe the most optimal options.
  • Trapping a bubble in the suit and moving it around to different areas and observe the effect
  • Technique to deal with air trapped in feet malfunction/fail
  • Runaway inflator procedures for both slow and fast dry suit LP hose malfunctions.
  • Dump valve malfunction
  • Options if you were to suffer a catastrophic dry suit flood

CERTIFICATION DIVES:

  • Gear assembly, donning, doffing
  • Practice controlled team descents down a line to hit target depths
  • Hovering in horizontal diver trim at target depths
  • Adjusting for buoyancy while monitoring information systems
  • Practice various potential dry suit failure scenarios
  • Controlled Ascent/Safety stop
  • Debriefs/Logging dives

Your Dry suit Training journey will begin with a practical class session that discusses dry suit options, care, techniques, and philosophies. Then we will get you fitted in our rental suits, if you do not already have your own, and we will practice our buoyancy techniques and become accustomed to the extra challange of managing an additional airspace. Also we will practice various failures and how to deal with them. Finally we will head to the ocean for a day of diving! You will be required to complete 2 dives and perform comfortably the emergency skills, and show sufficient control of your buoyancy that you can dive safely in this new equipment in order to earn your Dry Suit Certification.... after which we hope you will go forth and enjoy all that Monterey has to offer.


DIVER PRE-REQS:

  • Open Water Diver Certification or higher
  • 16 years or older (parent/guardian release is required)
  • Mastery of buoyancy control (able to HOVER in horizontal trim at a specific depth within a +/- 1' range for 3-5min.
  • Cold water diving experience, ideally at least 10 dives, and within the last year.

DIVER RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Perfect Buoyancy

GEAR REQUIREMENTS (Pool Session):

  • Towel
  • Mask & snorkel
  • Fins (yours may not fit, but we should try)

Adventure Tips

Wear Layered Thermal Underwear

To stay warm beneath your dry suit, use moisture-wicking thermal layers suited for cold water diving.

Practice Buoyancy Control in Pool

Pool sessions offer a safe environment to perfect buoyancy skills before ocean dives.

Check Weather and Ocean Conditions

Monterey Bay conditions can change rapidly; always review forecasts and water temps before diving.

Stay Hydrated and Energized

Cold water diving is physically demanding, so drink fluids and eat well to maintain stamina.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Giant Pacific Octopus
  • Sea Otters

History

Monterey was a historic center for the fishing industry and home to the first marine protected areas in California.

Conservation

Local dive centers support Monterey Bay’s marine sanctuaries by promoting responsible diving and minimizing environmental impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Monterey

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Dry Suit

Essential

Provides thermal insulation and protection when diving in cold Monterey Bay waters.

winter specific

Thermal Undergarments

Essential

Keeps divers warm beneath the dry suit during cold water dives.

winter specific

Dive Computer

Essential

Monitors depth, time, and decompression limits to help ensure safe diving.

Dive Gloves

Protect your hands from cold temperatures and rough surfaces underwater.

fall specific