Pacific Ocean Water Sports

California, United States

The team at Pacific Ocean Water Sports are exactly who you want when you’re learning to dive in California. They're based inland, but don't let that fool you; they’re absolute experts on the local cold water conditions, which, let's be honest, can be a bit of a shock if you're used to the tropics. We love their rigorous approach to training, really preparing you for the realities of diving here, often in thick kelp forests and surge. What makes them special, we think, is their genuine passion for Monterey and the Channel Islands. They run regular trips, and their divemasters know those sites inside out – where the horn sharks hide, the best spots for nudibranchs, and how to navigate when the visibility drops to a few metres. We’d suggest you embrace their rental gear, especially if you’re new to cold water; a drysuit makes a huge difference to comfort, and theirs are always well-maintained. The shop itself is unassuming, but the knowledge and camaraderie are top-notch. If you’re serious about diving California’s unique underwater world, these are your people.

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