Your first breath underwater changes something. Blue Holic Scuba is built around that moment and everything that comes after it. You don't need experience, a strong swimming background, or to have it all figured out before you start. You just need to show up. We'll take care of the rest.

We are a 5-Star PADI Dive Center in Los Angeles specializing in small-group instruction, extra support for nervous divers, and real California ocean diving. We aim for a maximum of 4 students per instructor so every student gets the attention they need.

Once certified, you can dive to 60ft anywhere in the world. No scuba experience required. Just comfort in the water and an interest in seeing what's beneath the surface.

Your Enrollment — What's Included

Select who's diving and your preferred learning format above. Both formats include the same in-water training. The difference is how you complete your academics.

📘 Manual — Just Me: $480 / Me + a Buddy: $940

Study at home with the printed PADI Open Water manual at your own pace.

• Instructor training
• PADI certification processing
• Printed Open Water manual
• SMB + reel safety kit

💻 eLearning — Just Me: $545 / Me + a Buddy: $1,070

Complete your academics online before your first session. Study anywhere, on your schedule.

• Instructor training
• PADI certification processing
• PADI eLearning access
• SMB + reel safety kit

Me + a Buddy enrollments include a $20 discount off the combined price. Both students must attend all sessions together.

Found Us on Groupon or Looking for the Base Course?

⚡ Base Course — Just Me: $209 / Me + a Buddy: $400

See a better price on Groupon? Call us at (323) 641-7416 and we'll send you a price match link to purchase directly on our site.

Already purchased on Groupon? Just bring your voucher to the shop when you come in to sign paperwork.

The Base Course covers instructor fee and PADI certification processing only. Everything else is added separately based on your needs and schedule.

Included:

• Instructor fee
• PADI certification processing

Not included:

• Course materials — PADI Manual ($126.60) or eLearning ($225.90)
• Safety gear — SMB ($52) and reel ($39)
• Pool sessions ($35 each)
• Ocean dives ($200–250 each)
• Gear rental ($95 per training day, waived with purchase of personal gear)

Most students find that one of the bundled options above is the better value. Everything is included upfront with fewer add-ons to track. But if you're looking for the base price, you're in the right place.

Training Sessions — Booked Separately

Pool and ocean sessions are scheduled through our Dive Calendar once you enroll. Book early as sessions fill up.

🏊 Pool Sessions — $35 / Session

Pool sessions run Saturday mornings. Most students complete training in 2 pool sessions.

If you are feeling nervous or anxious, you can book additional Saturday sessions at the same rate until you feel fully ready for the ocean.

No pressure, no judgment.

🌊 Ocean Training Dives — $200–250 / Day

Ocean dives run on Sundays. 2 ocean days are required to complete certification.

Choose from Casino Point on Catalina Island or Channel Islands boat trips. Prices vary by location and departure.

Course Structure — 2 Weekends

Spend your weekends learning skills in the pool on Saturday before heading into the kelp forests of Catalina Island or the Channel Islands on Sunday.

You will build confidence one step at a time, guided from your first breath underwater through certification.

Most students complete certification over 2 weekends:

Weekend 1

Saturday morning: Pool Session 1
Sunday: Ocean Dive 1

Weekend 2

Saturday morning: Pool Session 2
Saturday afternoon: Classroom Review + Final Exam
Sunday: Ocean Dive 2 + Certification

If you need extra time in the pool before heading to the ocean, simply book additional Saturday sessions.

We move to the ocean when you are ready.

Planning Your Training

Here is how the full cost comes together. See the gear section below for rental pricing and how to avoid rental fees entirely.

Typical Course Costs

Enrollment: $480 Manual / $545 eLearning
Pool Sessions: $70 (2 typical)
Ocean Training Dives: $400–500 (2 days)
Personal Gear: $350–600

Typical Total

Manual: $1,300–$1,650
eLearning: $1,365–$1,715

Variable Costs

• Gear rentals: Free for the entire course when you purchase personal gear with us, otherwise $95 per training day
• Additional pool sessions if needed: $35 per session

Enrolling with a buddy? Simply double the per-person totals above and subtract $20 for the buddy discount built into your enrollment price.

Your Personal Gear

Mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and gloves are required for this course. These items are not included in rentals. Every student needs their own, fitted to them.

BHS students receive 15% off all personal gear purchased in our shop, plus free gear rentals for the entire course.

We carry gear at multiple price points across all categories. When you come in, we fit each piece to your face, your feet, and your hands. You choose based on fit, comfort, and budget.

We carry Scubapro, Bare, Seac, and Atomic. If there is something from one of those brands you would like that we do not have in the shop, just ask and we can order it for you.

Most students invest $350–600 in personal gear.

Purchase Personal Gear With Us — $0 Gear Rentals

Purchase your personal gear with us and we waive all gear rental fees for your entire course.

BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, and weight belt are included at no charge for every pool and ocean session throughout your training.

Standard Gear Rental Package — $95 / Training Day

Our rental package covers:

• BCD
• Regulator
• Wetsuit
• Tank
• Weight belt

Most students train a minimum of 4 days to certify, which is $380 in gear rentals if renting for every training day.

Rental pickup and drop-off: Gear rentals are picked up Thursday or Friday before your training weekend and returned Monday or Tuesday after. Plan accordingly when booking your sessions.

Browse personal gear →
View rental options →
Do I really need my own gear? →

How to Get Started

1. Enroll Online

Choose your learning format and who's diving. Complete your enrollment to secure your spot.

2. Book Your Sessions on the Dive Calendar

Reserve your pool and ocean dates right after enrolling. Sessions book up, so do not wait on this step.

3. Visit the Shop at Least 1 Week Before Your First Session

Sign paperwork, pick up your manual or get your eLearning login, and get fitted for your personal gear.

We will walk you through every piece and make sure everything feels right before you commit to anything.

4. Weekend 1, Saturday Morning — Pool Session 1

Your first confined water session. Learn foundational skills such as regulator purging, mask flooding and octo breathing in a controlled, comfortable environment.

5. Weekend 1, Sunday — Ocean Dive 1

Apply your skills in open water for the first time. Casino Point or Channel Islands depending on your booking from the calendar.

6. Weekend 2, Saturday Morning — Pool Session 2

Build confidence learning advanced skills before the final ocean dives.

7. Weekend 2, Saturday Afternoon — Classroom Review + Final Exam

Review your quizzes from the Manual and complete your written exams.

8. Weekend 2, Sunday — Ocean Dive 2 + Certification

Complete your final certification dives. By this point you will be comfortably diving. 

Once complete, you are a PADI Open Water Diver, certified to dive anywhere in the world up to 60ft.

Need extra pool time before heading to the ocean? Simply book additional Saturday sessions.

We move to the ocean when you are ready.

Getting There

🌊 Catalina Island — Casino Point

Departs Long Beach via Catalina Express ferry.

Meet: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
Meet Time: Around 5:30am
Departure: 6:00am
Return: Around 5:00pm

Shore dive once on the island.

🚤 Channel Islands — Boat Trip

Departs Ventura Harbor.

Meet at the dock: 6:00am
Return: Around 6:30pm

🚗 No Car? No Problem.

We can often help arrange carpools with instructors or classmates from LA. Just let us know when you enroll.

Certification Is Just The Beginning

Most dive shops certify you and send you on your way.

At Blue Holic Scuba, certification is your invitation into an active Los Angeles dive community that gets in the water every weekend.

Once you are certified, all of our sessions and trips are open to you:

• 🏊 Saturday pool practice sessions
• 🌊 Catalina Island dives
• 🚤 Channel Islands boat trips
• 🦞 Lobster season dives when the season opens
• 🏝️ Overnight trips to Santa Barbara Island

Show up when you want, dive with people you know, and stay connected to a community that genuinely enjoys being underwater together.

Finishing Your Ocean Dives Elsewhere — Referral Option

Planning to certify while traveling?

We offer a referral option. Complete your academics and some in-water training with us in LA, then finish your remaining ocean dives with any PADI dive center at your destination.

A referral can include any combination of pool and ocean sessions with us.

Referral Pricing Starts At

Manual Referral: $550
$480 enrollment + 2 pool sessions

eLearning Referral: $615
$545 enrollment + 2 pool sessions

Additional sessions are added at standard rates.

Students who purchase personal gear with us receive free gear rentals for all sessions completed at BHS.

Give us a call and we will put together an exact number based on your situation.

Common Questions

What if I feel anxious or panicked in the water?

We specialize in working with nervous divers. You can take as many pool sessions as you need before moving to the ocean.

No timeline pressure. We go at your pace.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Comfort in the water is required, but you do not need to be an expert swimmer. Your instructor will work with you throughout training to build your skills and confidence in both the pool and ocean.

Do you have gear for plus-sized divers?

Yes. We carry plus-sized gear. Please call ahead so we can prepare everything you will need before your shop visit.

Do I need my own gear?

Yes. Mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and gloves are required for every student. These items are not included in rentals.

When you visit the shop, we will fit you properly and help you find the right gear for your body, budget, and goals.

Read more about why your own gear matters →

What is the age range?

Open Water certification is available for ages 10 and up. No upper age limit.

Know your body, know your capabilities.

Can I complete part of the course and finish my ocean dives on vacation?

Yes. That is our referral option. See the referral section above or give us a call and we will walk you through it.

📞 (323) 641-7416

What makes BHS different?

Small class sizes with a maximum of 4 students per instructor, genuine patience with nervous divers, and a community that keeps diving together long after certification.

We care that you actually enjoy diving.

Blue Holic Scuba
3636 W Olympic Blvd, Suite A
Los Angeles, CA 90019

📞 (323) 641-7416

Mon–Fri 10ish am–7pm
Sat 10ish am–4pm

🌊 Advanced Open Water Course

Build Confidence. Expand Your Diving. Dive More.

The Advanced Open Water Course is about getting more comfortable in the ocean through real dives—not sitting in a classroom.

You’ll learn by doing, with guidance from an instructor, while gaining experience in different diving environments.

Who This Is For

• Newly certified divers who want to build real ocean confidence
• Divers who feel unsure about buoyancy, depth, or navigation
• Anyone looking to get more experience before traveling or diving more independently
• Divers who want to improve, not just collect certifications

🎁 Special Offer: Free Advanced Course

We offer a FREE Advanced Open Water Course when you purchase your BCD + Regulator system in our shop.

This is gear you’ll grow into as a diver—and training with your own setup makes a noticeable difference in comfort, trim, and confidence.

📞 Call us at (323) 641-7416 to learn more.

What This Course Is

• No final exam
• No classroom-heavy structure
• Focused on real ocean diving experience

You’ll complete guided dives while building skills that make you a more capable and aware diver.

Why Take This Course

• Build confidence in depth, navigation, and conditions
• Improve buoyancy, trim, and air consumption
• Explore different types of diving before choosing specialties
• Dive more—this course is centered around time in the water
• Earn credit toward future PADI specialties

Course Structure

Prerequisites

• Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
• Minimum age: 12

Certification Requirements

• 5 Adventure Dives
• Completed over 2 ocean dive days (boat trips)

This is a hands-on course—most of your learning happens in the water.

Your 5 Adventure Dives

Required

• Deep Dive
• Underwater Navigation

Highly Recommended

• Peak Performance Buoyancy

Electives (based on conditions + instructor guidance)

• Fish Identification (great at Casino Point 🌿)
• Underwater Photography
• Wreck Diving (conditions permitting)
• Search & Recovery
• Night Diving (scheduled separately)

📍 Where You’ll Dive

Catalina Island (Casino Point)
Calm conditions, ideal for navigation and buoyancy work

Channel Islands Boat Trips
More dynamic conditions, ideal for depth and exploration

We’ll guide you based on your comfort level and goals.

💰 Pricing

Course Fee: $350
(Waived with BCD + Regulator purchase)

Boat Trips (Required)

• 2 ocean days
• ~$200–$249 per trip

Materials

• Manual: ~$94.80
• E-learning available (call for pricing)

🤿 Gear Requirements

Required for Training

• Compass
• Dive knife or cutting tool
• Dive light

Personal Gear (Required)

• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Boots
• Gloves

Shop Perks

• 15% off personal gear
• Free rental gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, weights, tank) when gear is purchased

Rental Option:
Up to ~$95 per boat day

💡 Why We Recommend Owning Your Gear

Advanced is where things start to click.

Training with your own setup helps you:

• Build consistent buoyancy and trim
• Feel more stable dive to dive
• Reduce task loading underwater

That’s why we offer the course free with gear—it sets you up long-term.

🧭 Specialty-Friendly Training

Your dives can count toward specialties like:

• Deep Diver
• Navigation
• Peak Performance Buoyancy
• Fish ID
• Underwater Photography

You can continue building at your own pace.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Call or visit the shop
2. Choose your dive dates on the Dive Calendar
3. Pick up materials and gear
4. Start diving

📞 (323) 641-7416
📍 3636 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles

Blue Holic Perspective 🌊

This course isn’t about checking boxes.

It’s about becoming:

• More comfortable in the ocean
• More aware underwater
• More confident in your decisions

You’ll leave with more dives, more clarity, and a better sense of the diver you’re becoming.

Scuba Refresher Course

Get Back in the Water with Confidence

If it’s been a while since your last dive, this course is designed to help you rebuild comfort, review key skills, and reconnect with your gear before getting back into the ocean.

Most divers haven’t been in the water for months or even years—you’re not alone. Let’s get you dive-ready again.

Who This Is For

• Divers who haven’t been in the water for a year or more
• Anyone looking to rebuild confidence before a dive trip
• Certified divers who want to feel more comfortable and prepared

Course Overview

• Held Saturdays (pool only)
• Includes refresher videos to review at home
• Optional classroom session available (Saturday afternoons)
• Option to continue with an instructor in the ocean

Course Fee: $150

• Pool entry: $35 (paid separately)
• Boat trip: not included
• Rental gear: mask, snorkel, fins, boots not included

Continuing Into the Ocean

After your pool session, you can continue into the ocean with an instructor.

If one pool session and one ocean dive doesn’t feel like enough, consider moving into the Advanced Open Water Course for more time in the water with instructor support.

Refresher course fee is waived when enrolling in Advanced.

Advanced Course Path (Optional)

• 2 boat trips (6 ocean dives total)
• Skills: navigation, buoyancy, deep diving
• Certification to 130 ft

Gear Information

We recommend having your own personal gear:

• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Boots
• Gloves

Student Perks:

• 15% off personal gear
• Free rentals (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, weights, tank) when gear is purchased

Rental Option:
Full rental available (up to $95 max per day)

How to Get Started

1. Purchase the Refresher Course
2. Book your session on the Dive Calendar
3. We’ll follow up with next steps

👉 Book your pool session here: Dive Calendar

FAQ

What happens after I book?
Reserve your pool session on the Dive Calendar so we know when to expect you.

It’s been a long time—will I be okay?
Yes. This course is designed for exactly that. You’ll review core skills in a controlled environment with an instructor. If you want more time and support, continuing into the ocean or moving into Advanced is a great next step.

Blue Holic Perspective 🌊

This isn’t about starting over—it’s about getting comfortable again at your own pace so you can enjoy diving the way it’s meant to feel.

Questions?

Call us at (323) 641-7416 or stop by the shop—we’re happy to help you figure out the right next step.

Blue Holic Freediving Course
Discover freedom beneath the surface

What is Freediving?

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.

Course Information

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.

How It Works:

✅ 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.

What’s Included in the $400 Course Fee?

• Unlimited pool practice sessions (Saturdays, 8 AM – Noon) until you feel confident and ready for the ocean.
• Two instructor-led ocean freediving sessions (including an optional spearfishing component for those interested).
• Instructor guidance and personalized coaching.

📌 This is a training course only and does not include a PADI freediving certification.

Additional Costs to Consider

💰 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.

Required Freediving Gear:

✔️ 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.

Optional Spearfishing Component

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.

Suggested Training Schedule

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.

Why Freedive with Blue Holic Scuba?

🌎 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.

Ready to Begin?

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! 🌊✨

Become a Leader in the Water

The PADI Divemaster course is your first step into professional diving.

It’s designed for divers who want to go deeper into their skills, understand diving at a higher level, and support others in their journey—whether that leads to a career or simply becoming a more capable, confident diver.

At Blue Holic, this course is approached with intention. You’ll work closely with our instructors to build real confidence, awareness, and leadership in the water.

What This Course Is About

The Divemaster course is not just about logging more dives—it’s about learning how to:

• Guide and support other divers
• Anticipate and manage situations underwater
• Refine your own skills to a professional level
• Understand how dive operations actually run

You’ll move from being a participant to someone who can hold space for others in the water.

What You’ll Learn

Through a mix of classroom, pool, and ocean sessions, you’ll develop:

Dive Leadership Skills

• Supervising dive activities
• Assisting with student divers
• Conducting dive briefings

Problem Solving & Safety

• Risk management and diver safety
• Anticipating and resolving common issues

Advanced Dive Knowledge

• Dive theory and environment awareness
• Equipment setup and management

Practical Experience

• Mapping dive sites
• Search and recovery scenarios
• Deep dive planning
• Assisting with Discover Scuba Diving

Requirements to Start

• Minimum 18 years old
• Certified Rescue Diver
• Emergency First Response (CPR/First Aid) within 24 months
• Medical clearance within 12 months
• 40 logged dives to begin
• 60 dives required for certification

Equipment Requirements

As a dive professional, you’ll need your own full gear setup, including:

• Mask, fins, exposure suit
• Regulator & BCD
• Dive computer
• Compass
• Knife or cutting tool
• Surface signaling devices (SMB + whistle)

You’ll receive 15% off gear through our shop if you need anything.

How We Run It at Blue Holic

• Small, intentional training groups
• Real-world experience (not just checklists)
• Focus on confidence, awareness, and leadership
• Supportive, neurodivergent-friendly environment

You won’t just complete the course—you’ll understand what it means to be responsible for others in the water.

What’s Not Included

• PADI Divemaster Crew-Pak (~$550)
• Any additional specialty courses (optional but recommended)

Optional Add-Ons

We may recommend combining your training with:

• Deep Diver Specialty
• Search & Recovery Specialty

These help build the skills you’ll actively use as a Divemaster. We've discounted the price from $500 to $350 with the two PADI diving specialty bundle.

Getting Started

Stop by the shop or reach out to begin your Divemaster journey.

We’ll walk you through:

• Timeline
• Schedule
• Gear setup
• Training expectations

Blue Holic Perspective 🌊

This course is for divers who want to become steady, capable, and aware in the water—not just certified.

If that’s what you’re looking for, this is where it starts.