San Diego Scuba Diving Tours
Dive into LA JOLLA. This gorgeous diving locale features a variety of marine habitats scrunched together in a small area, creating a biodiversity hotspot that’s ebbing and flowing with animals big and small.
Explore colorful reefs, hidden grottos, and a majestic kelp forest. Or, take a night dive into a mysterious underwater canyon, where horn sharks, octopus, and shrimp abound.
You might even get a photo op with a playful sea lion!
What's Included in Your Guided Scuba Tour?
Our guided tours include:
- Full dive gear package (including wetsuits)
- Weights and cylinders
- Bottled water
- Detailed site and marine life briefing
- A safe space to store your personal belongings
- An experienced guide to lead your dives
Please bring acceptable proof of certification at check-in. [Physical certification card or e-card on Scuba Training Agency app.]
A GoPro action cam can be rented for $45 (you can take home the memory card). Torches can be rented for $15.
Scuba Tours in La Jolla
1-Tank Guided Dive
Explore the kelp beds at La Jolla Cove. A 1-Tank dive is a good option if you don’t want to spend too long in the cool, temperate water.
Common Sightings: Sea Lion, Guitarfish, Kelp Bass, Sevengill Shark, Black Sea Bass, California Sheephead, California Spiny Lobster, Sheep Crab, Garibaldi
- Max Depth: 35 ft.
- Avg. Bottom Time: 50-60 minutes
- Price: $155 (includes rental gear)
2-Tank Guided Dive
On the first dive, we’ll swim out to the giant kelp forest. On the second dive, we’ll explore the reefs along the La Jolla bluffs — and we’ll slip into one of La Jolla’s famous open-air sea caves, if conditions permit.
Common Sightings: Sea Lion, Guitarfish, Kelp Bass, Sevengill Shark, Black Sea Bass, California Sheephead, California Spiny Lobster, Sheep Crab, California Moray, Horn Shark, Sargo, Surfperch, Garibaldi
- Max Depth: 35 ft.
- Avg. Bottom Time: 50-60 minutes
- Price: $220 (includes rental gear)
Guided Night Dive at La Jolla Shores
Discover the Pacific Ocean after dark! Our 1-Tank guided night dive will take you to the edge of the La Jolla underwater canyon, where a dazzling variety of nocturnal animals come out to hunt and socialize in the dark of night. This is the most thrilling diving experience in San Diego.
- Max Depth: 35 ft.
- Avg. Bottom Time: 50-60 minutes
- Price: $220 (includes rental gear)
Private La Jolla Cove Scuba Diving Tour
Explore La Jolla Cove with a private guide — you’re the only diver in the group! Perfect for:
- Beginning divers who want to hone their skills
- Traveling photographers / videographers
- Divers with specific needs or sightseeing interests
- Price: $350 (includes rental gear)
FAQs
Due to the ocean conditions in Southern California, we require all participants to show proof of a scuba diver certification from an internationally recognized scuba training agency. We accept certifications from SSI, PADI, SDI/TDI, NAUI, and others. If your training agency is not listed here, please inquire directly with us.
Our scuba tours are enjoyed by divers of all ages and experience levels, but it’s always best to do your own homework. California diving does not equal your average boat diving in tropical waters. You’ll have to access the water by walking down a set of stairs and over some sand. You must also be comfortable entering through low surf, on certain days. Most often, dives require only a short swim to the point of descent.
The dive sites we explore are inhabited by a wide variety of marine life, but some animals are easier to find in specific areas or in particular seasons. Read our blog for more info on San Diego diving!
All divers must bring a photo I.D. and proof of dive certification.
You might also consider bringing:
- Swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen
- Your logbook
Feel free to bring a waterproof digital camera or GoPro, if you have one!
It’s best that you leave all valuable items in your locked car or at home. If you’re using public transit to reach our meeting spot, then your dive guide will be happy to store your valuables during the dive.
We’ll meet at Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla. You’ll find us set up in the grassy area near the restrooms. Please arrive early – parking can be difficult to find, especially in the summer months.
A full refund will be given for reservations canceled/rescheduled 72 hours prior to the dive, or if the dive is canceled by the guide due to unsafe diving conditions.
- Reservations canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled dive day will be charged 50% of the rate
- Reservations canceled within 24 to 12 hours will be charged 75% of the rate
- No refunds are issued for reservations canceled less than 12 hours prior to the dive, or if the diver decides not to complete the dives at the time of diving