Know What You’re Seeing Underwater
The PADI Fish Identification Specialty Course helps divers better understand and recognize marine life encountered on local dives. By learning how to identify fish families and key characteristics, you’ll gain more context and appreciation for each dive.
This course is ideal for divers who enjoy observing marine life and want to deepen their connection to the underwater environment.
Course Details
-
Dives Required: 2
-
Course Fee: $250
-
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
-
Minimum Age: 10 years
-
Certification: PADI Fish Identification Specialty
Dive locations vary based on conditions and scheduling.
Where This Course Is Conducted
Fish Identification dives are typically completed during local shore dives or boat trips, where a variety of marine life can be observed.
Local Shore Dives
Commonly conducted at sites with kelp forests and rocky reefs, ideal for observing resident fish species.
Boat Dives
This specialty may also be completed on scheduled boat trips, offering access to deeper reefs and diverse habitats.
Your instructor will select sites that support learning and safe observation.
What You’ll Learn
During two scuba dives, you’ll focus on:
-
Identifying characteristics of local fish families and species
-
Using fish identification cards and references
-
Conducting simple fish surveys
-
Observing marine life without disturbing habitats
-
Learning about Project AWARE and conservation practices
The first dive of this specialty may count as an Adventure Dive toward the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
Gear Requirements
Required Gear
-
Standard scuba equipment
-
Underwater slate or wet notes
-
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Recommended
-
Local fish identification card or booklet
Gear requirements will be confirmed prior to diving. Rentals are available.
Specialty Bundle Option
This course is included in our Specialty Diver Bundle.
Complete any two PADI Specialty courses for $350 and receive:
-
2 PADI Specialty certification cards
-
Credit toward Master Scuba Diver
Available specialties include:
Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, Underwater Navigation, Fish Identification, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, and Enriched Air (Nitrox).
Note:
-
PADI eLearning / course materials are not included
-
Boat trips and gear rentals are not included
Course Flow
After purchase:
-
An instructor will contact you by email or phone
-
You’ll coordinate scheduling and dive locations
-
Orientation and course overview are completed before diving
Exact dates and locations vary. Please refer to our Dive Calendar.
Eco-Conscious Diving
Understanding marine life is a key part of protecting it. This course emphasizes observation, awareness, and low-impact diving techniques aligned with Project AWARE principles.
How to Book
Ready to recognize what you’re seeing underwater?
📞 Call us at (323) 641-7416 to:
-
confirm prerequisites
-
discuss scheduling options
-
learn more about specialty bundling