San Francisco (415) 362-6694
Monterey (831) 372-1685
Get Ready for Your Open Water Certification!
- Signup Here-
SCUBA diving unlocks 70% of our planet hidden beneath the waves, and there’s no better place to start than California’s spectacular coast. At Bamboo Reef, we train divers to explore Monterey’s majestic kelp forests, encounter playful sea otters, and discover vibrant nudibranchs in one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
Whether you dream of diving tropical reefs, freshwater cenotes, or the dramatic cold waters of the Pacific, your journey begins here. Our expert instructors will equip you with the skills to dive confidently in Monterey Bay’s underwater wonderland – where harbor seals, bat rays, and towering kelp create unforgettable adventures.
Your underwater passport starts with Bamboo Reef. Dive in today!
*Regardless of where your class location is, all ocean checkout dives occur in Monterey Bay, California.
Are you looking to go diving underwater? We are here to help!
With Bamboo Reef Dive Centers you can complete your certification in 3 easy steps:
1.
HOME STUDY
Complete your Open Water Diver Online eLearning from SDI at your leisure. With 15 dedicated chapter of in depth information you'll be pumped to start diving!
2.
CLASS & POOL SESSIONS
Sign up for our Weekend or Evening OpenWater Classes. Over a period of 4 hours of class review and over 10 hours of pool time, you'll be set for the ocean!
3.
OCEAN CERTIFICATION DIVES - MONTEREY
Join us down in beautiful Monterey, CA where you will complete 4 dives over 2 days and complete your Open Water journey.
OR
OCEAN CERTIFICATION DIVES - REFERRAL
We'll send you off with referral paperwork where you will finish your 4 required dives on vacation. Return your paperwork and we'll sign you off as an Open Water Diver.
Class schedule options
Important information
Pool - Swim Assessment
* The Swim Assessment is designed to gauge your in water comfort and identify any weakness before we begin. You do not need to be an expert swimmer but a confident one*
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200 metre swim without rest - no time limit
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10 minute tread or survival float
Age & Depth Limitations
Junior Divers - Under 15 years of age
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Minimum age 10 years old
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Under 12 yrs must dive with an instructor at all times
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12 to 14 years of age may dive with a parent or guardian
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Recommended Depth Limitation - 40 FT / 12 M
*Divers in Training under 15 years of age are required to enroll in private sessions*
Open Water Divers - 15 years or older
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Recommended Depth Limitation - 60 FT / 18 M
Pool Skills
Snorkeling
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Clearing Water from your Mask & Snorkel
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Proper Finning Technique
SCUBA
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Breathing Underwater
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Equipment Familiarization & Troubleshooting
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Neutral Buoyancy Control
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Entries & Exits, Descents & Ascents
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Buddy Skills - communication, assistance, & rescue
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Emergency Training - lost weights, low/out of air
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Many More Skills
Recommendations
Fitness Recommendations: SCUBA Diving is an equipment intensive sport. You should be prepared to carry heavy equipment and to swim in various conditions, including currents.
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Comfortable carrying 30 to 60 lbs of WET gear
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Decent Kinesthetic Awareness - meaning you should know how your limbs move in a given space without visual feedback.
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Decent Cardiovascular Fitness & Endurance to engage in 1 to 3 hours of total diving
Every student is required to have their own Mask, Snorkel, Booties, Fins & Gloves.
RECEIVE 10-20% ALL EQUIPMENT PURCHASES THROUGH BAMBOO REEF
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Dive Mask
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Snorkel
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5-7mm booties
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Open Heel Scuba Fins
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3-5mm gloves, only required for ocean
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Bathing suit & towel
Dive Mask
Snorkel
5-7mm
Dive Booties
Open Heel
Scuba Fins
3-5mm
Dive Gloves
(Required for Ocean Only)
Minimum gear requirements
Facility info
Bamboo Reef - San Francisco
Mon-Fri: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sunday: Storefront closed - Limited entry for classes
facilities:
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Classroom
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Outdoor heated pool (on-site)
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Changing Rooms
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Bathroom
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Store
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Gear Repair & Air Fills
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Rentals
facilities:
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Classroom
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Outdoor pool (off-site)
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Bathrooms
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Store
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Air & Nitrox Fills
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Rentals
Bamboo Reef - Monterey Bay
Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am - 6:00pm