California Diving Academy offers an amazing diving program with professional coaching and a clear,…read morewell-run structure. My daughter started at age 9, and under Coach Eric's guidance, she has quickly improved in both diving and life skills like confidence, focus, and teamwork. CDA stands out because it combines high-level training with strong character development. Younger kids learn from older teammates in a positive, respectful environment. The whole community is supportive, and the kids truly thrive. Coach Eric is very experienced and always gives clear, personalized feedback. He's great at explaining things to both kids and parents. Whether it's in the water or Dryland, he's always focused and encouraging. The facility is fully equipped, and the flexible schedule is a big plus for families. If your child wants to compete at a high level, or just enjoy diving in a caring place, CDA is the best in the Bay Area. Highly recommend!

My 16 year old daughter started diving at California Diving Academy this past summer and it has…read morebeen an outstanding experience. She was an avid gymnast for the past ten years. On vacation last summer, her aunt (a former D1 diver) showed her some dives and suggested she just "try" diving. They looked online, found Cal Diving Academy, and sent an e-mail. Coach Eric called my daughter that afternoon to tell her about the program and suggested she come in the following week just to try it out. My daughter did not intend to switch sports then and there, but she loved diving and everything about Cal Diving Academy. From day one, the coaches and the other divers have been welcoming, friendly, and inclusive. The coaching has been incredible. Her diving is beautiful and she has learned so much. More importantly, the coaches show incredible kindness, compassion, and are very attentive to the whole athlete. Guiding them gently through fears and getting to know them as people. I am so grateful that my daughter found coach Eric and Cal Diving Academy. She is a happier person having found this new home away from home.

Idonya still continues to provide outstanding opportunities for anyone looking to get certified in…read morethe Bay Area. My daughter did her rescue diver certification with Idonya and now feels ready to help others should the need ever arrive (although hopefully it does not!)

I had a great time getting certified with Idonya. She is knowledgable, patient, and we always had a…read moregood time at my pool lessons and even more once we got out to the ocean. There was plenty of flexibility on times to work with my schedule. I felt totally ready to go on my first dive in Thailand. Thanks, Idonya!

Had a great experience in the Open Water Dive certification class. I appreciate the clear…read morecommunication, the relaxed pace, and the confidence from the instructors. I look forward to continuing my diving education with DNT.

I went there to buy a mask that would work with my prescription…read more The gal working went above and beyond my expectations. She read the blog post that listed masks for a farsighted prescription. She had me try on several masks. I found the perfect mask to fit my face. I used See the Sea for the prescription lens. The prescription worked well.

I bought two preowned steel tanks here. Jon, the owner, was responsive to my questions over texts…read more He was friendly when I met him at the store. He even pointed out that my Octo was missing an exhaust cover, and offered to mail me the part as I live in the Bay Area. I got the part a week later in the mail, while other dive shops couldn't order one for me. I would definitely go back when I'm in the area or consider signing up a friend for a PADI course.

We bought our new masks and snorkels recently. Excellent service and expertise from John the owner…read more He took time to make sure we each selected what was best suited our needs. Two people were in pool taking a snorkel lesson. Great place!

We love Sherman Swim School! I am an actual customer. My kids took swimming lessons and got to see…read morethe big kids diving, and now they are divers themselves. At Sherman, they are very attentive and always looking for ways to help their customers. The pool is perfectly heated, so ideal place for winter/spring lessons. The facility is nice and clean, with seating, umbrellas, and a fine mist for the hot summer afternoons. I highly recommend this place if you want private swimming lessons or diving lessons for your kids.

Sherman Swim School is the best! My (now) 8yr old daughter had attended swim sessions over the past…read morefew years, and it totally prepared her for her dream of being on a swim team. Her teachers were fantastic and they fine-tuned each lesson to turn her weaknesses into strengths. They made each lesson fun and my daughter always left the pool wishing she could swim longer. I also realize the focus they placed on technique and timing created a solid foundation for her to grow from. She can swim all four strokes, is now a very confident swimmer and having a blast on the swim team. She even tells me she might be interested in diving down the road, and we'll know exactly where to go to learn! It was easy to work with them to schedule days and times to fit what worked for us best (as my daughter's activities seem to change all the time). We could always count on having a day to swim and my daughter looked forward to it every week. In summary, Steve, Laurie and all the teachers are the best. We couldn't recommend Sherman Swim School more!

I would like to update my review for Bamboo Reef following their response to my earlier complaint…read moreabout price gauging and poor customer service. Earlier this year, my partner fell violently ill before his pool sessions and when we reached out to understand our options we were met with very impersonal treatment. However, after the kind response from the owner - thank you, it meant a lot! - our experience was dramatically different. The new price to reschedule pool sessions was $150, which felt much more reasonable. I appreciate the center for taking the feedback seriously. While my additional purchase/rental costs concern remains, my partner had a pleasant and educational learning experience during his weekend pool sessions at Bamboo Reef. He found his instructor to be candid and thorough. We are grateful a diving school exists in the city.

Suddenly closed down and ran off with everyone's money. I've been calling and emailing for the past…read morefew weeks, but there has been no response.

My friends and I just finished our scuba certification course with Scott and Lynn in Brentwood (for…read morepool dives) and Monterey (ocean dives). I'd give them 6 stars if I could! They're true professionals, very passionate about diving, and focused on safety. They made sure that we felt comfortable in the water, took time to explain everything with patience and care, and never cut any corners. They also accommodated our busy schedules. I would follow their recommendation and spread out the lessons. Scuba is an intense workout, and consolidating everything into two weekends was more taxing than we thought. Scott, Lynn - hope to dive with you again soon!

Wanna learn to dive? In Monterey? Which will make you SUCH a badass in other divers' eyes?…read more Learn with Scott and Lynn! You get classroom sessions, pool sessions, and open water check-out dives. He'll cut you a sweet deal on equipment, too. 100% win, even if you are a sucky diver like I am.

My daughter and I had a wonderful experience getting our open-water certification. Over the last…read moretwo weeks, we were supported by three wonderful instructors. Each of the instructors knew what they were doing and each took time to work with us during the course and program. In every interaction, they were friendly, patient, and professional. I could not have asked for more and I know that my daughter and I are both so happy that we got to have this remarkable experience with such a fine group of people. I hope to see them all on a future dive! Thank you!!!!

Sonoma Coast Divers is where I got my initial Open Water Scuba certification and I liked them…read moreenough that I stuck with them for nearly a dozen other Scuba related certifications over the years. The instructors, dive guides, and retail employees are all super friendly and knowledgeable. They all love diving and it's great to just go in and talk shop with them from time to time. I've had several instructors teaching various courses and while personalities and teaching styles vary, they were all very professional and safety focused. They'll answer questions, give examples and advice...in general they'll do anything they can to make you a better diver. I've referred several people to them and pretty much everyone I've sent has come back reporting that they really enjoyed their experience also. Only downsides: 1) They don't service Scubapro equipment, so I have to take my regulator elsewhere 2) Closed Sundays If you're looking for a local dive shop, or if you've never dived and want to experience it, I highly recommend Sonoma Coast Divers!