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.
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 and final exam
Sunday: Ocean dive 2 and 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 them entirely.
Enrollment: $480 (Manual) or $545 (eLearning)
- Pool sessions (2 typical): $70
- Ocean training dives (2 days): $400–500
- Personal gear (mask, snorkel, fins, boots, gloves): $350–600
- Typical total: $1,300–$1,650 (Manual) or $1,365–$1,715 (eLearning)
Variable
- Gear rentals: free for the entire course when you purchase personal gear with us, otherwise $95/dive day
- Additional pool sessions if needed: $35/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 weightbelt are included at no charge for every pool and ocean session throughout your training.
Standard Gear Rental Package — $95 / Dive Day
Our rental package covers BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, and weightbelt. Most students dive a minimum of 4 days to certify, which is $380 in gear rentals.
Rental pickup and drop-off: Gear rentals are picked up Thursday or Friday before your dive day and returned Monday or Tuesday after. Plan accordingly when booking your sessions.
How to Get Started
- Enroll online — Choose your learning format and who's diving. Complete your enrollment to secure your spot.
- 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.
- 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.
- Weekend 1, Saturday morning: Pool session 1 — Your first confined water session. Learn foundational skills in a controlled, comfortable environment.
- 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.
- Weekend 2, Saturday morning: Pool session 2 — Reinforce your skills and build confidence before the final ocean dives.
- Weekend 2, Saturday afternoon: Classroom review and final exam — Complete your knowledge review and written exam with your instructor.
- Weekend 2, Sunday: Ocean dive 2 and certification — Your final certification dives. 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 at 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach CA 90802 around 5:30am. Departure at 6am. Returns around 5pm. Shore dive once on the island.
Channel Islands — Boat Trip
Departs Ventura Harbor. Meet at the dock at 6am. Returns 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 shore 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. Pricing starts at:
- Manual referral: $550 ($480 enrollment + 2 pool sessions). Additional sessions added at standard rates.
- eLearning referral: $615 ($545 enrollment + 2 pool sessions). Additional sessions 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. Our instructors will make sure you feel secure in 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 actually enjoy diving.
Blue Holic Scuba
3636 W Olympic Blvd, Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90019
📞 (323) 641-7416
Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 10am–4pm
