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)

See class options

All fees included
Pre-schedule classes offered occasionally

Maya Gerlach

Corey was a great captain! We had a great time on the island time boat. It was easy to book with waterhorse and would recommend if anyone is looking for a private boat charter! Super fun, great price, and amazing staff!

Eric

Great crew, couldn't have been better. Friendly, attentive, park the boat spot on the dive site, literally couldn't ask for more.

Rachel Gillcrist

Awesome crew!

Susie Alcantar

Great experience with the whole family. Our captain Danny was kind & fun! Booking was smooth, easy, and it was a beautiful trip around mission bay. I would recommend & book again!

Dave Karp

Waterhorse took 4 divers out to Pt. Loma yesterday. My first dive on the Orion. Lots of wind and current, but 2 exceptional dives. I was able to photograph an electric ray. Brandon is sooo nice!

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

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

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!

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

Wreck Diver

Aug 30 - 31, 2025
Saturday and Sunday (Labor Day Weekend)

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.

$601/diver (4 boat dives, 2 days)

Get wreck certified

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)

Request Advanced class

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

Request Open Water class

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

Request Rescue class

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)

Request Wreck class

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

Request Dry Suit class

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

Request Boat Diver class

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)

Request Deep class

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

Request Nitrox class

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

Request Photography class

🇲🇽 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.

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)