All-inclusive scuba certification San Diego that fit your schedule. No shore dives, no hidden costs.

Fast-track your scuba certification San Diego with our kindness-certified crew on the city’s premier dive boat. Enjoy small, private groups of up to four—ideal for new divers, busy professionals, or travelers. Successfully complete most courses in a single weekend, away from La Jolla Shores.

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Included

Private instruction

PADI eLearning

All boat dives

Scuba equipment + tanks

Pool sessions included when required.
Certification card and log book also included.
Drysuit courses require outside rentals or BYO.

Why Us

Direct access to sites

2 - 5 days completion

No gear purchase

Graduation special

Price range

$500 - $2,180 (1 diver)

$369 - $1,437  (2 divers)

$325 - $1,190 (3 divers)

$304 - $1,066  (4 divers)

All fees included
Pre-schedule classes offered occasionally

Paul Laybourn
Paul Laybourn
My dive guide, Shane was knowledgeable, resourceful and personable. My daughter and I had two awesome dives at the Old Ingraham Bridge site and Yucon Wreck capturing several nice pictures. I highly recommend Waterhorse Charters for San Diego boat and shore diving.
Katie Deodat
Katie Deodat
Waterhorse is our favorite scuba dive charter company in San Diego! My family and I have booked with them several times over the years and they consistently have friendly and professional staff, safe and clean boats, and always provide a comfortable and fun experience all around! I highly recommend Waterhorse to any local or visiting divers to San Diego!
Stetson Davis
Stetson Davis
Once again whaterhorse charters put together a fantastic trip to dive the HMCS Yukon! Very helpful getting in and out of the water, hits and tricks to find cool things, and a huge supply of snacks on boat! i will ALWAYS use Waterhorse Charters when diving out of Mission Beach!
Darrin Kloostra
Darrin Kloostra
Loved the dives. The crew is very knowledgeable about all the dives sites and does a greaet predive briefing to maximize your dive.
Flo Li
Flo Li
My mono-fin free diving buddy found Waterhorse Charters when I told him I wanted to free-dive the Point Loma Kelp Forest. I have since gone several times with this charter and each time I'm so grateful for the level of service and attention to details they provide. I feel safe and taken care of from booking, to check-in, loading, putting on my gear, feeling safe in the water to come back getting my camera soaked in the fresh water bucket, hot shower on board, and hot coffee/cocoa/soup they provide. Truly exceptional. Highly recommend for Scuba and Free-diving.
Ariana Silva
Ariana Silva
I had an absolutely fantastic experience with Waterhorse Charters on Sunday, February 2nd, for a scuba diving trip to the Yukon with Bernard. From start to finish, everything was smooth, professional, and well-organized. The nitrox tanks were prepared and ready for analysis upon arrival, making the process seamless. Brendon and Brandon were an incredible crew—knowledgeable, friendly, and super helpful. They provided an excellent briefing on the wreck, the marine life we’d encounter, and the best way to navigate the dive. Their passion for diving and customer service really stood out. They were also more than willing to assist with gear whenever needed, making the experience even more enjoyable. The highlight of the dive was the fantastic visibility—20 to 30 feet on the Yukon! It made exploring the wreck even more exciting, allowing for some amazing underwater views. Overall, this was an outstanding trip, and I highly recommend Waterhorse Charters to anyone looking for a top-tier dive experience in San Diego. Can’t wait to book my next trip with them!
Zachary Hupp
Zachary Hupp
My first time diving in California, and the crew at Waterhorse made is so great! So much so, that I booked TWO days of diving with them during my trip to San Diego. Zach made sure we had everything we needed before and during the dives. We had hot soup waiting for us during our surface intervals, with a lot of other snacks for the taking. I will absolutely be booking more charters with Waterhorse the next time I get back to San Diego!
John George
John George
This is the best dive company in San Diego hands down. I have been diving with Waterhorse charters for almost three years now and every trip it never ceases to amaze me how helpful, kind, and attentive the crew is. Zack helped out last week to get lobster season rolling and I came home with four of them! Don’t look anywhere else if you are wanting to dive in San Diego. Update: Just had another great trip with out to the Ruby E and Yukon with Capt. Zach and Capt. Brandon. Everything was discussed prior to entering the water which made for safe and fantastic diving! Always recommend diving with Waterhorse over any other company out there.
Markus Sturkey
Markus Sturkey
Waterhorse Charters truly exceeded my expectations and provided the best dive charter experience I’ve ever had. From the owners to the crew, everyone is top-tier. I had the pleasure of meeting Zach, one of the owners, at the Scuba Show, and I corresponded with his wife Karina over email to make changes. The entire booking process was seamless and professional. My spouse, who often accompanies me on dive trips, mentioned that Captain Charles was the nicest captain she’s ever met. The divemasters I had, Brandon and Jon, are probably the best dive guides I’ve ever had. I can confidently say they gave me my favorite dives of all time so far. I had heard nothing but good things from multiple people, so my expectations were high—and they met or exceeded every one of them. If you’re looking to dive in the San Diego area, Waterhorse Charters is the way to go.

FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE: We can accommodate most dive instruction transfers, work with various certification agencies, and adjust to tight schedules

SELF-PACED ELEARNING: Complete the theory portion of your course at your own pace with PADI eLearning prior to the class start date. Average 3 to 5 hours of material.

GRADUATION SPECIAL: Dive membership fee waived for 1 year. Enjoy 25% off all public dive trips and rental gear with us. 🎓

Pre-Scheduled Group Classes

Advanced Diver

May 16 - 17, 2025
Friday and Saturday

This certification will give you a true, all-around San Diego diving experience—from wrecks to depths. Includes Coronado Islands trip.

$842/diver (5 boat dives, 2 days)

HMCS Yukon Specialty

July 12, 2025
Saturday

Learn from a local instructor everything there is to know about the HMCS Yukon, the biggest and most intact shipwreck at Wreck Alley.

$308/diver (2 boat dives, 1 day)

Certifications

Custom Scuba Certifications San Diego

Advanced Certification

This certification will give you a true, all-around San Diego diving experience—from wrecks to unique deeper environments. 🇲🇽

1 diver $1,349
2 divers $1,011/diver
3 divers $899/diver
4 divers $842/diver

eLearning: 8-12 hours
Requirements: 5 dives (deep, navigation, plus 3 adventure dives)

Open Water (beginner)

This certification will get you ready for recreational scuba diving with hassle-free skill development. Swimming ability required. 🇲🇽

1 diver $2,180
2 divers $1,437/diver
3 divers $1,190/diver
4 divers $1,066/diver

eLearning: 10-15 hours
Requirements: 2 pool sessions, 5 ocean dives

Rescue Certification

This certification will give you a true, all-around San Diego diving experience—from wrecks to unique deeper environments. 🇲🇽

1 diver $1,360
2 divers $973/diver
3 divers $844/diver
4 divers $780/diver

eLearning: 10-12 hours
Requirements: 1 pool session with 10 rescue exercises, 2 rescue dives

Wreck Certification

This certification and Wreck Alley are a match made in heaven. Nothing like graduating at one of the top wreck diving spots in the US.

1 diver $995
2 divers $732/diver
3 divers $645/diver
4 divers $601/diver

eLearning: 6-8 hours
Requirements: 4 dives (navigation and penetration)

Dry Suit Certification

This certification allows you to dive in cold weather comfortably year-round. A dry suit purchase is recommended before the class.

1 diver $1,004
2 divers $674/diver
3 divers $564/diver
4 divers $509/diver

eLearning: 3-4 hours
Requirements: 1 pool session, 2 ocean dives

Boat Certification

This certification lets you master the skills needed for boat diving, giving you access to dive sites beyond the reach of shore divers.

1 diver $607
2 divers $476/diver
3 divers $432/diver
4 divers $410/diver

eLearning: 2-4 hours
Requirements: 2 dives focusing on techniques for diving off a boat

Deep Certification

This certification opens up access to San Diego’s deeper sites, letting you explore environments and marine life beyond recreational limits.

1 diver $995
2 divers $732/diver
3 divers $645/diver
4 divers $601/diver

eLearning: 3-5 hours
Requirements: 4 dives (between 60 and 130 feet)

Nitrox Certification

This certification gives you extended bottom time and reduces fatigue, perfect for maximizing your San Diego diving adventures.

1 diver $856
2 divers $650/diver
3 divers $581/diver
4 divers $547/diver

eLearning: 3-4 hours
Recommendation: 2 guided dives to practice analyzing Nitrox

U/W Photography

This certification teaches you how to capture underwater marine life and seascapes like a pro, turning your dives into lasting memories. 🇲🇽

1 diver $856
2 divers $650/diver
3 divers $581/diver
4 divers $547/diver

eLearning: 3-5 hours
Recommendation: 3 dives at the Coronado Islands

🇲🇽 Classes with this symbol are priced with a recommended full-day Coronado Islands trip, where a valid passport is required. Pricing and trips can be adjusted if you prefer to complete your certification locally.

Scuba Refresher

If you haven’t dove in 2+ years or want to expand on your current skills, we offer two options to get you back in the water confidently:

Private Guide: Add a private guide to your chosen trip for hands-on, skill-sharpening dives (optional at check-out).

PADI ReActivate Program: If you prefer a structured refresher with eLearning and formal skill review, request the PADI ReActivate class here.

Nitrox Add-On

Enhance any of the certifications above by including a Nitrox Add-On for only $350/diver.

This includes eLearning, tank analysis training, and diving with Nitrox tanks during your certification dives.

Request your certification and Nitrox Add-On it here.

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

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

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

Public Trip Schedule

Select tentative dates for your scuba certification San Diego classes based on your class requirements

OPEN WATER SITES
Mexico: Coronado Islands (3 dives)
Point Loma: Kelp Forest (2 dives)
La Jolla: Reefs (2 dives)
Shallow Kelp & Wreck (2 dives)

ADVANCED/DEEP SITES
Wreck Alley: Yukon + Ruby E. (2 dives)
Wreck Alley: Yukon + El Rey (2 dives)
Wreck Alley: Yukon Double Dip (2 dives)
Point Loma: Ancient Cliffs (2 dives)
La Jolla: Rocks & Pinnacles (2 dives)
La Jolla: Scripps Canyon (2 dives)

POOL SESSIONS
Scheduled before boat dives, locations vary

Destinations

Fleet

Humboldt

21 divers

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

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Orion

12 divers

Cozy and private, our Newton 38' provides for an intimate dive experience and indoor comfort.
Learn more +

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2
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Min. guest reached or money back
Public trips: Full refund up to 7 days

"They were encouraging and patient. Really appreciated their friendly and welcoming approach."

Will Wilson
Temecula, CA