Openwater Habitat Marine Schools - California
The team at Openwater Habitat Marine Schools in California are all about getting you truly comfortable in the kelp. This isn't your average quick-certification shop; they focus on building confident, skilled divers ready for the often-chilly, surge-y realities of California diving. We’d suggest them particularly for newer divers looking to properly hone their buoyancy and cold-water skills, or anyone wanting to get serious about local diving. We love that they really take their time. You won't feel rushed through skills, which is essential when you're contending with a bit of a current or trying to spot a garibaldi in the swaying kelp. Our favourite memory from diving with them was a late afternoon shore dive where the light filtered through the kelp forest, making it feel like we were drifting through an underwater cathedral. They’re excellent at helping you read conditions, too – knowing when to wait for the slack tide makes all the difference for an enjoyable dive here. If you're serious about becoming a competent California diver, they're a solid choice.
- Location
- California, United States, North America
- Coordinates
- 33.745235, -117.841640
- Phone
- +1 714-558-1055
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://www.openwaterhabitat.net
- Certification Agencies
- ["PADI"]
- Courses
- PADI Dive Center [padi:475]
- Address
- 1800 East 1st Street, Santa Ana, California 92705-4002, United States
Dive Sites Near Openwater Habitat Marine Schools
Openwater Habitat Marine Schools provides access to 15 dive sites in California.
Other Dive Centres in California
- Adventure Sports Unlimited - PADI
- Adventure West Scuba - PADI
- Aloha Scuba
- Anderson's SCUBA diving
- Any Water Dive Center - PADI, DAN
- Aquanautics Dive, Inc - ["PADI"]
- Aquarius Dive Shop
- Aqua Safaris - EFR, DAN
- Aqua Sports
- ASD Scuba School
Best Time to Dive in California
The warmest water temperatures in California occur in August, averaging 20.6°C (up to 24.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 14.0°C.
The calmest sea conditions are typically in July with average wave heights of 0.60m.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 14.4°C (air: 14.0°C)
- February: 14.0°C (air: 13.8°C)
- March: 14.2°C (air: 13.3°C)
- April: 14.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
- May: 16.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
- June: 18.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
- July: 20.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
- August: 20.6°C (air: 19.6°C)
- September: 20.4°C (air: 19.7°C)
- October: 18.8°C (air: 18.4°C)
- November: 16.3°C (air: 16.0°C)
- December: 15.6°C (air: 14.3°C)
Marine Life in California
Home to 10 recorded species including 8 reef fish, 1 other, 1 octopus & squid.
Notable Marine Life
- Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi)
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) - Reef Fish
- Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) - Reef Fish
- Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) - Reef Fish
- Little post horn squid (Spirula spirula) - Octopus & Squid
- Prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) - Reef Fish
- cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) - Reef Fish
- Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) - Reef Fish
- brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) - Reef Fish
- Ribbonfish (Lepidopus caudatus) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for California
Based on average water temperature of 17.1°C.
- Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
- Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
- Mask - essential for every dive
- Fins
- BCD - buoyancy compensator
- Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
- Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
- Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
- Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories