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SDI: Weekend Open Water Scuba Certification - San Francisco

San Franciscoeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 days

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good health with average fitness levels; no prior scuba experience required.

Overview

Discover the thrill of SCUBA diving with a private weekend certification course in San Francisco. Perfect for beginners, this adventure combines expert instruction with breathtaking underwater exploration.

San Francisco, California

SDI: Weekend Open Water Scuba Certification - San Francisco

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

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Adventure Photos

SDI: Weekend Open Water Scuba Certification - San Francisco photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable SCUBA diving journey at Bamboo Reef, San Francisco's premier dive shop. Over three immersive days, you'll gain hands-on experience in a heated pool, mastering essential skills and techniques. With personalized instruction and a commitment to your success, this course opens the door to breathtaking underwater adventures.

COURSE COSTS:#

$300.00 Tuition

  • Classroom Review
  • 2 Pool Sessions
  • SCUBA Equipment Rental

$200 SDI Digital Materials

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

$30 Online Booking Fees In Person & Phone Bookings do not incur an online booking fee.

Course Total: $500.00 $530.00 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.


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.


OVERVIEW: With over 70% of the Earth's surface submerged in water, the hidden wonders of the deep are only accessible through SCUBA diving.

Plunge into the depths alongside sea otters and seals, venture into sunken shipwrecks, and glide through magnificent coral reef overhangs. Whether you're exploring the California Coast Kelp Forests, the tropical coral reefs of Indonesia, or the enchanting freshwater caves (Cenotes) of Mexico, SCUBA diving unlocks a world of breathtaking underwater landscapes.

Prepare for a life-changing experience that will reshape your perspective of the world. SCUBA diving is not just a hobby; it's a journey of exploration and wonder.


COURSE DETAILS:#

DATES & TIMES: Friday 6pm to 10pm (Classroom) Saturday 12pm to 6pm (Pool) Sunday 12pm to 6pm (Pool)

DURATION:

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

CLASS SIZES:

  • 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

Arrive early for the first training session

Getting to the training site early ensures you have ample time to prepare and ask questions with your instructor.

Stay comfortable in layers

Weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable; bring layered clothing to stay warm before and after diving.

Hydrate well before diving

Proper hydration helps prevent decompression sickness and keeps you energized throughout the course.

Listen carefully to safety instructions

Always prioritize safety by paying close attention during training and ask questions if unsure.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Sea Lions
  • Gray Whales (seasonal)

History

San Francisco’s coastline has a rich maritime history, heavily influencing local diving sites with historic shipwrecks and submerged artifacts.

Conservation

Bamboo Reef emphasizes environmentally responsible diving practices, supporting local marine conservation efforts to protect the Bay Area's fragile ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Wetsuit

Essential

A wetsuit helps maintain body warmth during dives in varying water temperatures.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Mask and Snorkel

Essential

Essential for clear underwater vision and breathing during practice dives.

Fins

Essential

Fins improve mobility and efficiency underwater.

Underwater Dive Computer

Helps monitor depth and time to ensure safe diving practices.