The most popular PADI specialty course. Scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives.
Join the Blue Holic Scuba Family
Start the adventure of a lifetime with our PADI Open Water Diver Course. Once certified, you’ll be able to dive up to 60ft anywhere in the world. Suitable for ages 10–99, this course opens the door to unparalleled underwater exploration. Millions have discovered the wonders of the aquatic world through this course—now it’s your turn!
🌍 Global Certification – Dive anywhere in the world up to 60ft.
🤿 Beginner-Friendly – No prior experience required. Just basic swimming skills and good health.
📘 Comprehensive Training – Learn through academics, pool sessions, and ocean dives.
💙 Community & Support – We keep class sizes small, specialize in helping anxious or nervous divers, and offer extra pool time if you need it.
🗓 Duration: 4 days (2 weekends)
Confined Water Dives: Practice skills in the pool on two Saturdays.
Classroom Review: After your second pool session, join a short classroom session to review knowledge and complete the final exam.
Open Water Dives: Apply your skills in the ocean on two Sunday trips (Catalina Casino Point + Channel Islands boat).
💡 If you see a Saturday or Sunday without a pool or ocean session on our calendar, reach out—we may be able to add one if needed.
💰 Most students complete certification for around $1,200 total.
Here’s what’s included:
$209 Course Fee (covers instructor training + PADI certification license)
$400-$500 Boat Trips (Catalina Casino Point and/or Channel Islands)
$70 Pool Entry Fees (2 sessions + more sessions available for anxious divers)
$104 Open Water Manual (required learning material)
$90 Safety Gear (SMB + reel, required for California divers)
✅ Total Value: $999–$1,200 (depending on personal gear choices)
Personal Gear (mask, snorkel, fins, booties, gloves):
We carry everything you need in our shop at multiple price points, and we’ll take the time to ensure each piece fits comfortably before you purchase. Most students invest $350–$600. With any personal gear purchase:
15% discount on all gear
Free rentals of BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, and weights during the entire course
Catalina Island: Departs Long Beach via the Catalina Express ferry. Students meet at the harbor around 5:25AM. Return around 5PM.
Channel Islands: Departs Ventura Harbor. Students meet at the dock at 6AM. Return around 6:30PM.
🚗 No car? We can often help arrange carpools with instructors or classmates from LA.
If you’re coming in from Groupon, we’ll match the Groupon price directly. Just call or email us a screenshot of the Groupon price to set up your discount code.
Enroll: Pay the $209 course fee to secure your spot.
Book Sessions: Reserve your pool and boat dates on our Dive Calendar at your convenience.
Visit the Shop: Stop by at least 1 week before your start date to sign paperwork, pick up your manual, and purchase any gear you need.
Dive In: Complete your pool and ocean sessions with our supportive instructors, and earn your PADI Open Water certification!
Q: Do you provide gear for plus-sized divers?
A: Yes! We have plus-sized gear available. Please call ahead so we can prepare everything you’ll need.
Q: What if I feel panicked or anxious?
A: We specialize in working with nervous divers. You can take as many pool sessions as you need before moving on to the ocean—we’ll make sure you feel safe and confident.
Q: Can I scuba dive if I can’t swim well?
A: Basic swimming skills help, but you don’t need to be an expert swimmer. Our instructors will ensure you feel comfortable in the water.
Q: How does Blue Holic Scuba compare to other stores?
A: We’re passionate about diving and our community. We focus on small classes, personalized care, and creating a safe, inclusive environment where every diver can thrive.
Click “Add to Cart” to begin your scuba journey today. With our experienced instructors, welcoming dive family, and world-class dive sites, you’ll be in great hands as you become a certified diver.
📞 (323) 641-7416
Freediving is the art of breath-hold diving—exploring the underwater world without the use of scuba gear. This ancient practice dates back to cultures that dived for sponges and seafood, with mentions by Plato as early as the Archaic Period. Today, freediving has evolved into a popular sport for ocean lovers, offering a serene and challenging way to connect with the underwater world.
Our freediving course is a self-paced training program designed to help you build the skills, techniques, and confidence needed to freedive safely and effectively. Whether you're new to freediving or looking to refine your skills, this course will guide you from the basics to deeper dives, with optional spearfishing as part of your journey.
✅ Self-Paced Learning: You decide how quickly you progress! While we suggest an 8-week guideline, you can attend pool sessions as often as needed before advancing to ocean dives.
✅ Expert Instruction: Learn breath-hold techniques, equalization, and safety protocols from experienced freedivers.
✅ Real-World Practice: Start in the pool, then advance to open water boat trips once comfortable. By the end of the course, our goal is for you to confidently dive up to 40 feet for up to 2 minutes.
📌 This is a training course only and does not include a PADI freediving certification.
💰 Pool Entry Fees – $35 per session, paid directly to the facility upon entry.
💰 Boat Trips – $200 per trip, required for open water sessions.
💰 Gear – Students must have their own freediving gear for safety and familiarity.
✔️ Freediving mask & snorkel
✔️ Wetsuit (5mm recommended)
✔️ Long fins & booties
✔️ Weight belt & weights
✔️ Socks & gloves
🛍️ We offer a 15% student discount on all gear purchased through our shop!
📌 Why Do You Need Your Own Gear?
Training in your personal equipment builds confidence, promotes safety, and ensures a seamless transition into independent freediving.
Interested in spearfishing? You’ll need a speargun and a valid fishing license. During the final ocean session, you can choose to learn sustainable hunting techniques and apply your freediving skills in a real-world setting.
Pool Practice (Weeks 1–4):
✅ Entry techniques, breath-hold exercises, equalization, and safety skills.
First Ocean Dive:
✅ Experience freediving in kelp forests & reefs while refining your skills.
Pool Practice (Weeks 5–8):
✅ Advanced equalization, extended dive times, and breath-hold progression.
Final Ocean Dive & Spearfishing (Optional):
✅ Put it all together with deeper dives and, for those interested, spearfishing training.
🌎 Supportive Community – Join a passionate freediving network.
🌊 Eco-Conscious – We promote sustainability and ocean conservation.
📅 Flexible Learning – Progress at your own pace with unlimited pool practice.
🧑🏫 Expert Guidance – Learn safely from highly experienced instructors.
1️⃣ Reserve your first pool session today!
2️⃣ Visit our Dive Calendar to book your sessions.
3️⃣ Visit our shop to get your freediving gear & student discount.
Take the plunge and explore the ocean like never before! 🌊✨
The Vader UV420 Mask is a Blue Holic favorite and a must-have for serious divers. Designed and made in Japan, this mask combines unparalleled comfort, durability, and advanced lens technology to enhance your diving experience. Whether you’re exploring kelp forests, deep reefs, or tropical waters, the Vader UV420 ensures a clear, comfortable, and long-lasting fit.
✔ Tested & Trusted – Our shop owner, Harry, has been diving with his for over 20 years, and our team has trusted this mask for years.
✔ Unmatched Comfort – Made from ultra-soft, long-lasting Japanese silicone, providing a secure but gentle fit that won’t leave marks.
✔ Anti-Scratch, UV420 Protection – Protects your eyes from harmful UV rays and blue light, reducing eye strain for long dives.
✔ Wide, Low-Volume Lens – Enjoy a clear, unrestricted field of vision, perfect for spotting marine life and diving in kelp forests.
✔ Secure Fit & Easy Adjustments – Integrated strap clip & soft damper design reduce pressure on the face while ensuring a leak-free seal.
✔ UV420 Cut Lens – Blocks harmful high-energy visible light (HEV), protecting your vision and reducing strain.
✔ 10° Inclined Lens – Expands your downward field of vision, so you can easily check gear, gauges, and surroundings.
✔ Soft Curled Skirt & Strap Clip – Provides a comfortable, custom fit with an effective seal that stays in place.
✔ Drain Skirt for Water Expulsion – Prevents pooling and makes mask clearing easier.
✔ Low-Volume Design – Offers a wider field of view while making clearing and equalization effortless.
🔹 All Levels of Divers – From recreational to advanced, this mask enhances vision, comfort, and durability.
🔹 Kelp & Reef Divers – The wide field of vision and low volume make it perfect for navigating kelp forests & spotting marine life.
🔹 Long Dive Sessions – Lightweight and pressure-relieving, ideal for those who want maximum comfort on extended dives.
📌 Material: Premium Japanese Silicone | Lens: UV420 Anti-Scratch | Fit: Low-Volume, Wide View
💡 This is the shop’s favorite mask for a reason—it’s built to last, built for comfort, and built to perform.
