Scuba diving San Diego by boat, with all the creature comforts. Heated shower, hot soup, warm crew.

Set sail from the closest commercial dock to the ocean with our friendly, safety-first crew. Whether you're avoiding shore dives or seeking a community-focused, cost-effective dive, we got you covered: scuba diving San Diego with us brings all the warmth you need for cold-water dives. Enjoy weekly trips to Wreck Alley, La Jolla Ecological Reserve, Point Loma giant kelp forest, and the sea lion-filled Coronado Islands.

Included

Captain and deckhand

Tanks + weights

Hot soup, snacks, bevs

Sea sickness help

Self-guided dives, tour guide optional.
Advanced certification required on some trips.
Complimentary tanks vary (AL80 or LP Steel 85).

Ammenities

Hot shower

Galley + second deck

Full marine bathroom

Low-hanging ladders

Price (per diver)

$179 - $329Β  (public trip)

$88 - $233Β  (private charter)

Solo, freedivers, and non-divers welcome

JANET MARIE ORTIZ
JANET MARIE ORTIZ
Long overdue review! My boyfriend and I were in town and booked Waterhorse Charters for a private scuba lesson for him, since he recently got certified and wanted more practice and wanted to feel more confidence. I was also looking to do more freediving and breathwork training, and from the very beginning Karina was amazing! She walked me through our options, answered my 101 questions, and was super accommodating to what we both wanted to do. Everything felt easy and well-organized. My boyfriend’s instructor, Brandon Wiese, was patient, knowledgeable, and really helped him feel more comfortable scuba diving, which helped him be a better diver. My freediving instructor (the blonde fella!) was awesome! He helped me with my breathing and I was able to master the duck dive. I loved that he’s an active freediver/spearfishing and with his help, i was able to beat my own record in static apnea!! Overall, such an amazing experience- Thanks guys!
Josh Lee
Josh Lee
10000% worth the time. Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff. Would go again!!
M. Smith
M. Smith
As always Waterhorse works to maintain a loyal customer base. They do it by providing a consistent, reliable and safe service. They have always given a bit "extra". Taking a moment on the way to/from the dive site to observe breaching whales was that "extra" this trip. Great job guys!
Tony Drake
Tony Drake
Amazing crew, great energy
Chris Curl
Chris Curl
Captain Brandon and crew were very friendly, helpful and professional. This is the second dive trip we’ve done with Waterhorse and both were great experiences.
Shawn Gustaw
Shawn Gustaw
These guys rock. I'm sure there are other good shops in San Diego but if we're down that way we'll definitely be booking with Waterhorse again. We had booked the Coronado Islands trip back in October but it got cancelled due to weather so we went on a local trip with them and still had a blast. Got some amazing pictures of nudibranchs on that trip which was super cool because we don't have that many up in the LA area. They recently opened up another Coronado Islands trip and we jumped at the opportunity and we were super happy we did. Diving with the sea lions was such a surreal experience, and Zach, Brandon + crew were as always super helpful and friendly. The absolute best way to celebrate your birthday :). Whenever we get around to doing the Yukon, we'll be back. See ya guys then!
michael filippini
michael filippini
I love this vendor, simply the best and friendliest crew and ship that takes you to local tours. I'm always happy when I use water horse charters. I do feel; however, as it was mentioned on the lobster trip on Sunday 11/23/25 that Zack should consider a night trip to point loma kelp beds as it is a great spot for lobster!
Matt Nachtigal
Matt Nachtigal
We had such an amazing time diving the HMCS Yukon. The crew and guides were awesome and made the whole experience unforgettable. They gave a really clear safety briefing before the dive so we always felt safe and well taken care of. Underwater, the guides pointed out so many cool creatures we probably would have missed on our own. The wreck itself was incredible, and the entire trip ran so smoothly. The hot soup and hot shower on the boat after diving were an absolute game changer. Highly recommend diving the Yukon with this crew. We can’t wait to go again!

CREW-RIER SERVICE: We'll help you with your gear, proper weighting, yolk and DIN valves, and pairing you up with a buddy

WELCOME TO BRING: Personal tanks (fills up to 3000psi), CCRs, doubles, scooters, camera gear, backpacks, extra snacks

ADD-ONS AT CHECKOUT: Tour guides, 7mm wetsuits, rental gear, Nitrox tanks, GoPro rental

Scuba Diving San Diego Highlights

Shark Safari

Shark Breeding Grounds

Embark on a kelp and reef diving journey, where we'll visit sevengill, swell, and tope sharks in their breeding habitats.

$185/diver (2 dives, 5 hours)

Summer Diving

June, July, August

One of our favorite times of the year is here: with warmer days and water temps, and a fresh wave of traveling dive friends coming aboard.

$175 - $319/diver

Requires valid passport

Scuba Diving San Diego Dive Sites

Scuba Diving San Diego Sites

  • Lobster Shack < 60 ft
  • Middle Grounds < 60 ft
  • Keyhole < 60 ft
  • Toilet Bowl < 60ft

πŸ‘©β€βœˆοΈ Crew tip: The best time to visit the islands is from September through December when sea lion diving is world-class!

  • Kelp Beds < 60 ft
  • Ancient Cliffs 65 - 100 ft
  • Train Wheels 65 - 100 ft

πŸ‘¨πŸΌβ€βœˆοΈ Crew tip: Point Loma is home to prime sevengill shark diving from February through May, and lobster diving from October through March.

  • HMCS Yukon 60 - 100 ft
  • Ruby E. 65 - 80 ft
  • El Rey 65 - 80 ft
  • Old Ingraham 60 ft

πŸ§‘πŸ»β€βœˆοΈ Crew tip: The HMCS Yukon, our top wreck choice, is the largest and most advanced wreck we visit (bring lights!).

  • Kelp Beds/Reefs < 60 ft
  • Pinnacles 60 - 90 ft
  • Scripps Canyon 70 - 130 ft

πŸ‘©πŸΎβ€βœˆοΈ Crew tip: Diving La Jolla by boat is so different! It's effortless, less crowded, and goes way beyond La Jolla Coves and La Jolla Shores.

All in one Mission Bay shop
Check-in, rental gear fitting, boat boarding

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We'll keep you safe
Crew trained with quarterly drills and safety debriefs

We'll treat you right
Kindness is contagiousΒ is our life and work essence

We'll make it easy
Help with gear, tanks, weights, and finding a buddy

Destinations

Fleet

Humboldt

21 divers

Comfortable and safe, our Newton 46' Dive Special flagship is a local favorite that ensures easy entry and exit.
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Orion

12 divers

Cozy and private, our Newton 38' provides for an intimate dive experience and indoor comfort.
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Min. guest reached or money back
Public trips: Full refund up to 7 days

"So professional and easy to work with, not used to that."

Todd Thumpson
Veteran Programs