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.

Included

Private instruction

PADI eLearning

No shore diving

Scuba equipment + tanks

Why Us

Direct access to sites

2 - 5 days completion

No gear purchase

Graduation discounts

Price range

$500 - $2,180 (1 diver)

$369 - $1,437  (2 divers)

$325 - $1,190 (3 divers)

$304 - $1,066  (4 divers)

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

2026 Scuba Classes

Advanced Diver

March 21 & 22 (includes Coronados)
September 6 & 7
(Labor Day)

$842/diver (5 boat dives)

Wreck Diver

May 23 & 24 (Memorial Day)
November 14 & 15
(Veteran's Day)

$601/diver (4 boat dives)

Custom Private Class

Set your own dates and dive sites
See below for specialties and prices

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!

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. 🎓

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 to start your recreational scuba diving life. 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 dry suit 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 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 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 professional photographer.

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.

advanced-padi-certification-san-diego

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

CLASS DATES Flexible choice based on public schedule and class requirements. Contact us →
POOL SESSIONS Scheduled before boat dives when applicable, 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 +

san-diego-dive-boat
san-diego-scuba-diving
humboldt-dive-deck

Orion

12 divers

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

san-diego-wildlife-cruises
2
orion-deckhouse

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