Aqua Safaris

Aqua Safaris has been the go-to dive center on California's central coast for over 25 years, and the title of PADI 5 Star Dive Center is well earned. With 4 PADI Instructors on the team, this Santa Cruz shop runs a full slate of education from Open Water Diver right through Assistant Instructor — alongside full-service support, rentals, equipment sales, and both local and distance dive travel.

Where you'll dive and what you'll learn

New divers can start with the PADI Open Water Diver course, which runs from USD 685 over roughly 4 days. Beyond the classroom, Aqua Safaris leads tours of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, with regular trips to favourites like Breakwater, Point Lobos, Stillwater Cove, Otter Cove and numerous Monterey and Carmel Bay sites. Underwater you might encounter sharks, whales, turtles, ocean fish and other marine mammals and reptiles.

An eco-active, 100% AWARE center associated with Reef Check California, Aqua Safaris also offers an onsite classroom, Adaptive Services Facility, retail shop, air fills and Nitrox. It's a natural fit for everyone from first-timers to conservation-minded divers.