Adventure Collective
SDI Monterey Open Water Dive Course in California - San Francisco

SDI Monterey Open Water Dive Course in California

Montereymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–5 days

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good general health with basic swimming ability and comfortable in water environments.

Overview

Become a certified diver with Bamboo Reef’s SDI Monterey Open Water course. Experience personalized training and ocean dives in California’s captivating Monterey Bay.

Monterey, California

SDI: Monterey Open Water

Explore the Underwater World – Start Your Scuba Journey This Weekend!

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

SDI: Monterey Open Water photo 1

About This Adventure

Dive into adventure with our comprehensive SCUBA certification course! Over three days, you'll master essential skills in a heated pool, guided by expert instructors in small groups. Experience the thrill of underwater exploration while building confidence and comfort. Join us to create unforgettable memories beneath the waves!

COURSE COSTS:#

$200.00 Tuition

  • Classroom Review,
  • 2 Pool Sessions
  • SCUBA Equipment Rental

$200 SDI Digital Materials

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

$200.00 4 Ocean Certification Dives

  • Normally $300.00 $100.00 OFF when booked together
  • 4 Ocean Dives in Monterey
  • SCUBA Equipment Rental

In Person & Phone Bookings do not incur an online booking fee.

The payment of Course Fees guarantees TRAINING, not necessarily certification. Certification is EARNED only by successfully meeting all applicable standards and objectives.


As the sole dive shop in San Francisco and a pioneer in California's diving education since 1962, our training facility offers an unparalleled and unforgettable experience. With our outdoor heated pool, top-tier rental equipment, and first-rate facility, we stand as the ideal choice to embark on your diving journey.

At Bamboo Reef, our unwavering commitment is to your success and confidence as a diver. Our primary objective is to ensure you have ample time to develop the comfort and confidence required for underwater exploration. With 12 hours of dedicated pool instruction and intentionally small class sizes, we prioritize personalized attention, ensuring your diving education is as unique as it is effective.


COURSE DETAILS:#

DATES & TIMES: Saturday 8am to 4pm (Class & Pool) Sunday 8am to 4pm (Class & Pool)

DURATION:

  • Approximately 4-6 hours online SDI E-learning
  • 4 hours Academic Review and Gear Familiarization
  • 10 hours Pool Training & Skill Development

CLASS SIZES:

  • Small groups 6-8 students

OBJECTIVES:

  • Assemble & Test SCUBA Equipment
  • Develop Comfort Breathing Underwater
  • Learn Proper Use of SCUBA Equipment
  • Practice Buoyancy Control
  • Practice Emergency Skills

TECHNIQUES/SKILLS:

  • Snorkeling Skills
  • Entries & Exits
  • Clearing & Retrieving a Regulator
  • Flooding, Removing, & Clearing your Mask
  • Proper Descents/Ascents
  • Neutral Buoyancy
  • Remove and Replace Gear Underwater & at the Surface
  • Diver Emergency Skills

GEAR INCLUDED:

  • 5mm Wetsuit
  • Regulator w/ Dive Computer
  • Buoyancy Compensator
  • Tanks
  • Weights

GEAR REQUIREMENTS: PERSONAL GEAR:

  • Swimsuit & Towel
  • Mask & Snorkel
  • Fins w/ Neoprene Booties or Socks

GEAR AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: 10-20% OFF ALL EQUIPMENT PURCHASES

  • Mask & Snorkel
  • Neoprene Boots
  • Fins
  • Neoprene Gloves

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Swim 200m Continuously Without Rest
  • Tread Water / Survival Float for 10 Minutes
  • 15 years or older (parent/guardian release is required)

Students under 15 years of age are required to attend private lessons Please call the shop to set up private lessons.

Any participant under the age of 18 will REQUIRE:
- The parent/guardian to be listed as the main point of contact.
- A SEPARATE email & phone number for the parent/guardian and the minor participating in the course.

GENERAL PHYSICAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Comfortable walking/carrying 40-60# wet gear 10-15 yards

Adventure Tips

Start with Pool Training

Complete the pool sessions thoroughly to build essential diving skills before ocean dives.

Dress in Layers

Monterey weather can be cool and variable; wear layers over your wetsuit for comfort on land.

Check Gear Fit

Ensure your wetsuit and dive gear fit properly to maintain safety and warmth underwater.

Hydrate Well

Drink plenty of water before and after dives to avoid dehydration during physical exertion.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Sea otters
  • Garibaldi fish

History

Monterey Bay has a rich maritime history, once serving as a key fishing and whaling hub along California’s coast.

Conservation

Local organizations actively work to protect the marine ecosystem, emphasizing low-impact diving and habitat preservation.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Wetsuit (5mm or thicker)

Essential

Keeps you warm and protected from chilly Monterey waters, especially from fall through spring.

fall specific

Dive Computer

Essential

Tracks your dive time and depth to help manage a safe and enjoyable underwater experience.

Waterproof Sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin during surface intervals spent on the boat or shore in summer’s strong sun.

summer specific

Neoprene Gloves

Provides extra warmth and protection when diving in colder months.

winter specific