San Diego Scuba Diving Tours
Take a scuba diving tour of San Diego’s most famous dive site: La Jolla Cove.
Explore colorful reefs, mysterious grottos, and a majestic kelp forest.
You might even get a photo op with a playful sea lion!
What’s Included in Your Guided Scuba Tours?
Our guided tours include:
- Full dive gear package
- 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
What Scuba Diving Tours Do You Offer?
We offer 4 scuba diving tours in San Diego:
- 1-Tank Guided Dive
- 2-Tank Guided Dive
- Guided Night Dive
- Private Guided Dive
La Jolla Cove: 2-Tank Guided Dive
On the first dive, we’ll head out to the giant kelp forest. On the second dive, we’ll explore the reefs along the shoreline. If water conditions permit, we’ll slip into La Jolla’s famous, open-air sea caves.
Maximum Depth
15 to 20 feet
Average Bottom Time
50 to 60 minutes
Common Sightings
Horn Shark, Sea Lion, Garibaldi, Kelp Bass, California Sheephead, Moray Eel, Guitarfish, Stingray, California Spiny Lobster, Sea Star, Surfperch, Opaleye
Price: $220 (includes rental gear)
La Jolla Cove: 1-Tank Guided Dive
Explore the giant kelp forest at La Jolla Cove and discover all the creatures hiding inside.
Maximum Depth
35 feet
Average Bottom Time
50 to 60 minutes
Common Sightings
Sea Lion, Garibaldi, Guitarfish, Kelp Bass, Sevengill Shark, Tope Shark, Black Sea Bass, California Sheephead, California Spiny Lobster, Sheep Crab
Price: $155 (includes rental gear)
La Jolla Shores: Guided Night Dive
Explore the Pacific Ocean after dark! Our 1-Tank Guided Night Dive will take you to the edge of the La Jolla marine canyon, where you can discover a dazzling variety of nocturnal animals. This is the most thrilling diving experience in San Diego!
Price: $185 (includes rental gear)
Private La Jolla Cove Scuba Diving Tour
Take a private 2-Tank Guided Dive at La Jolla Cove without the distraction of other divers.
This is the perfect scuba tour for:
- Beginning divers who want to hone their skills
- Traveling photographers / videographers
- Divers with any specific needs or sightseeing interests
We’ll cater this tour to your needs.
Price: $350 (includes rental gear)
FAQs
Do I have to be certified to take a guided scuba tour?
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.
Are the dives very strenuous?
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.
What will I see on my dives?
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!
What should I bring?
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!
Where can I leave my personal belongings?
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.
Where do we meet?
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.
What is the cancellation policy?
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