Twelve years ago, I walked into Ocean Safari already certified but honestly not a diver yet. I'd had a bad certification experience at another shop a couple of years earlier, and it completely destroyed my confidence. My gear sat untouched for two years because I was scared to dive again. Eventually I worked up the courage to walk in and ask to join a local dive trip, I had my card, so I figured I should be able to do it. Somehow Gabe, Soo, and the team recognized exactly where I was and never once made me feel embarrassed about it. They patiently filled in the gaps in my training, helped me work through the things that scared me, and gave me the confidence I'd been missing all along. Looking back, it feels like they quietly re-certified me without ever making me feel like I had to start over. That changed everything. Diving went from something I was afraid of to one of the great passions of my life. With Gabe's mentorship and encouragement, I eventually moved overseas and spent a few years working as a scuba instructor, something I never would have imagined when I first walked into that shop. Over the years, Ocean Safari has become so much more than a dive shop. It's a community and a second home. My parents learned to dive here. Years later, I brought my boyfriend in to get certified, and he's now my husband. We still dive with Gabe, Soo, and the Ocean Safari family regularly. They gave me the confidence I needed to actually become a diver, introduced me to lifelong friends, and gave me a community that still feels like home. Thank you, Gabe, Soo, and everyone at Ocean Safari. You've had a bigger impact on my life than you'll probably ever know. read more

I went in looking to change out the prescription lenses on my 20 yr old mask. Since the style is no longer available I browsed for a new mask. They were very helpful and patient as I tried on masks and asked a lot of questions. read more

Found ocean safari when I was looking to get certified to dive and have kept diving with them ever since. The shop has an amazing community, the staff are super friendly and passionate about all things diving. You can't help but fall in love with scuba diving. The local and international trips are fantastic experiences. read more

Ocean Safari Scuba - San Cristobal, Galapagos - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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10/10 stars Best staff ever. If you want to learn SCUBA diving this is the place to go. The instructors are all patient, motivating, and professional. My dive master, Megumi, is wonderful. She has never said one negative thing about my diving, even though I suck, She has always encouraged me and made suggestions on how I can improve. Safety is the number one priority stressed in every class. I learned so much on my first open dive in terms of how a professional dive should be conducted. If anyone is considering learning how to SCUBA dive, Ocean Safari should be on your list; the staff are very welcoming. read more

Gabe runs a first class outfit and goes out of his way to assist you with equipment purchases, travel arrangements and tours. He has a vast knowledge of quality diving areas around the world and makes reaching your destination easy. I would and have recommended OceanSafari to friends and acquaintances alike. read more

Amazing service, very hospitable staff. They do everything to make you feel part of the Ocean Safari family. All the instructors are great to work with and even better people. Equipment is expensive but prices are fair and you get discounts when you take their classes/certificates read more

The entire staff is amazing. Andy hooked us up with what we needed to snorkel for our trip to the Galapagos Islands, and it all worked splendidly. Will buy any and all gear I need here. read more

Very comprehensive shop includes the scuba diving gear. The owner Gabe is very very knowledgeable and is able to speak Chinese. One of the few shops in Southern California that have a comprehensive stock of everything! They also teach scuba diving via NAUI certification system! read more

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I love Ocean Safari! Started training with them in the fall of 2021 and never looked back. There's an old school family vibe and great instruction at Ocean Safari that I just can't get enough of. Earned my basic, nitrox, advanced, DFA, and rescue certifications with Ocean Safari, and now working on master diver certification. Highly recommend! read more

I was stuck in SGV during coronavirus summer/fall because I wasn't able to return home to China. Fortunately, I looked into this shop to see about getting back to diving from 12 year suspension. They helped me get back up to speed, one step at a time. These guys just love the ocean, love talking about it, and love teaching others to appreciate it. From personable head guy Gabe, to Andy, Thomas, Joanne, Megumi, you can't find a more enthusiastic, friendly team. What a great place! read more

Ocean Safari Scuba - Morning Leaving San Pedro - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Gabriel, California

The cashier at Bed Bath & Beyond smiled as I plopped down only 1 item on her counter: a frosting spatula. She probably thought I was gonna decorate a cake. I smiled back. Little did she know I was planning something more sinister... Gabe, the owner of Ocean Safari, not only worked as a commercial deep sea diver, but has taught scuba to police and special ops. The other guys at this shop -- Andy, Thomas, Luis -- are also excellent instructors...dedicated to fun, but safety foremost. They happen to be some of the coolest dudes you'll ever meet. Just like cool dudes tend to throw better parties, Ocean Safari organizes the sweetest dive trips. Our most recent was an advanced session at the oil rigs off Long Beach. Deep underwater, the post of these rigs were covered with massive scallops. With their shells slightly open, it looked as if the scallops had smirks. "Hehe, look at that guy scuba diving with a kitchen utensil." That's when I STABBED them with the frosting spatula, methodically shucked the meat, then ascended with my treasure bag up to the boat. I don't do cake. That day, in all of Los Angeles, the freshest and most heavenly serving of scallops was not to be found at Providence or Urasawa, but atop my humble particleboard coffee table: genuine diver scallops de Playa Largo seared with salsa de mantequilla. read more

Ocean Safari Scuba - Step 1: Put on dive gear. - Scuba Diving Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I love these guys! Gabe, Thomas and Andy are always there to help with questions I have regarding new equipment or of recommendations on where to go diving. Glad I've built a solid relationship with them and am glad they are local to me. read more

Sometimes we go on vacation and find that our destinations offer scuba diving excursions. And most of the time the instructors their will give us a quick lesson or briefing then throw us in the ocean to dive. Ocean Safari; however, is not that kind of shop. They run as a family that wants you to join them and explore the ocean. The owner, Gabe, is one of those guys who you can't help but trust and love. He will never rip you off, EVER. And needless to say, I trust him with my life. The instructors here care about you, laugh with you, and genuinely want you in the diving family. I have been diving with them since I was 15 and there has not been a moment of discontentment (except for squeezing into cold & wet wetsuits :P) There are 20+ years of diving experience here and the instructors are both extremely passionate and qualified. I can rave on and on about OSDT, but I don't want to give you an essay. So to sum up, here are my points: ______________________________ -Loving & Genuine Instructors -Professional & Passionate Instructors -Offers the Best deals -Relaxed environment -Legit California Diving -You will gain a second family ______________________________ -----If you're not too savvy underwater or if you have a difficult time learning, then this is the Perfect place for you. They go along with your speed, help you as much as they can, and will never rush you. P.S. Hi Gabe, Thomas, Andy, Luis, Rick, Stu, Soo, Diane, Alex, Adam, Julia, Conan, and every one else! C= read more

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One of the better dive shops around town. Thomas and Andy are exceptionally talented in what they do. I've spent way more money in the shop than I'd like but these guys make it easy with service and price. read more

The team at Ocean Safari Scuba has been exceptional from the moment I contacted them. I've long wanted to get my scuba certification but time and resources made it difficult. Now that I have more of both I was looking for a shop in the LA area to get started. From the start, they were the most responsive via email when I reached out. I hit other shops and they usually took days to respond. Ocean Safari usually got back to me within a few hours. When I went in to visit I met with Thomas who answered endless questions and was exceedingly patient. The big selling point for me was that they told me they wanted to train competent divers, not certified divers. You can see this in their curriculum as they require more pool hours and dives for certification than most. However, they are still competitively priced. They have a variety of teachers, all of different styles, but all focused on making you a better diver. They seem to be pretty strict about making sure you're ready for open water dives so if you're having problems with skills it's a no-go for diving in the ocean. However, if they see you are doing well, they also encourage you to take other classes and try out different skill seminars. They're very pro-active if you show an interest in expanding your education. Finally, although diving is expensive, they are great about price matching and will make their recommendations based off of your financial situation and diving goals. "Buy once, cry once," is my current motto but they work with all types of budget situations. Overall, the place feels like a family and they really commit to the growth of their students. It's the exact type of shop I was looking to find. Significant thanks to Thomas and Andy for being great reps of the Ocean Safari team - they're overwhelmingly helpful and patient with me. read more

Solid dive shop in the San Gabriel Valley. Out here, there are few and far shops in between West LA and the inland empire. Ocean Safari fits the bill perfectly with great staff, reasonably priced trips, and prompt turnaround service. They have a strong presence each year at LA Scuba Show and their course director Gabe is super personable and well connected with the diving community. read more

My son and I have been diving with Ocean Safari for the past 2 years. We got our Open Water, Advanced and Nitrox with Andy, Gabriel and Thomas as our main instructors and Ruben, Haruko, and Matsumi as our assistant instructors. Very professional and they make you feel safe diving with them. I have made diving trips to the Philippines, Hawaii and Aruba and no one can compare to the professionalism of Ocean Safari. I will be going to a live on board with Ocean Safari in Bali in September and I would not be comfortable unless it's with Ocean Safari. read more

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Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Recommend calling ahead of time if you need to rent tanks or refill air

Amazing instructors and service! 10/10 would recommend. I recently started taking scuba classes with Ocean Safari Scuba and they were 1) helpful in guiding me to choose the type of gear that was best suited for my diving preferences and budget 2) very thorough and clear instructors 3) very passionate and conscientious about the environment - the instructors would take care to impart knowledge on scuba diving practices that are sustainable and would minimize harm to the environment e.g. use special sunscreens that won't hurt the coral reefs, practice sustainable hunting aka don't just go shooting every shiny fish you see Also, I especially appreciated how they accommodated my complicated schedule by opening up weekend classes when I was unable to attend any of the weekday ones - thank you Ocean Safari Scuba! Pretty stoked to finish the rest of the course and then do the open water dive trips - if you're looking for the place to get certified, this is it :) read more

Ocean Safari is a first-class scuba shop. Gabriel is very knowledgeable and experienced dive director, the entire crew are absolutely incredible! If you want to learn scuba diving from the best, come to Ocean Safari, enjoy the world-class epics experience. read more

Wanted to become scuba certified so my friend and I decided to choose the place with the best reviews. Ocean Safari has 5 stars for a reason. Spoke on the phone with Thomas and he gave me a very simple but in-depth explanation on what I need to do to become certified. I signed up for a in class session right then and there. All the staff I have encountered have been very friendly. By the time you finish your certification you would most likely get to know everyone just because they are there at the shop, at the pool sessions, and at the open water dives. I was under the impression that I didn't need to buy anything to become certified but I ended up buying almost $1000 worth of equipment so that's something to look out for. You would also have to pay for the open water dives that you need to become certified so $$$ can definitely rack up. Things you will need - snorkle - fins - goggles - booties - goggle defogger - mask/head cover to prevent hypothermia (i thought i wouldnt need it, but BOY it helped alot on the open water dives). - anti-nausea medication Things they provided - BC - Wetsuit - tank I bought everything I needed and extras like a quick release knife just in case i get caught in seaweed, and i bough a equipment bag. I had an amazing time on my first open water dive. Haruka was one of our dive instructors and she opened up an uni under water and fed it to us. It was the best experience. Although pricey, I would say that I have been adequately trained to dive in open water. Knowing how to be safe is the most important. read more

My Local dive shop!!! I've been doing business with them since 2005. Gabriel the owner is the best dive shop owner/instructor. He is very passionate about diving, traveling and photography. Originally I received my Open Water certification from a different dive shop. Then I joined Ocean Safari for a local trip in 2005. I could tell the difference right away. Watching Gabe & Crew teaching the new diver, was so much better than the training that I received from the other dive shop. They are very thorough, safety minded but at the same time they will try to show you how interesting and fun diving is. Since then I got my Advance, Rescue and Nitrox certification from them. 2 International trips and countless local trips. read more

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This place was amazing. I had a bad experience at another local shop and what a relief it was to find ocean safari club. Nice staff and a great selection. read more

Went in a few times recently to service my regulator and rent some tanks. Thomas and Gabriel are very knowledgeable and been extremely helpful. Quite the gem hidden in the middle of SGV. I will be coming here in the future for all my local diving needs. read more

I started diving in late 2008. I was introduced to the sport by a co-worker who lives in Whittier. He has been diving for over 12 years and told me after visiting many dive shops over the years, the best place to learn was Ocean Safari Scuba in San Gabriel. I was surprised and happy to know how close it was since I lived in Alhambra only 3 miles away. I took my friends advice and visited that afternoon. I had never considered diving before because even though I had never inquired before, I always assumed diving was expensive and a rich mans sport. After meeting Gabriel, the shop owner my preconceptions all went out the window. His classes were so affordable (under $300). I went in thinking I would wait a few months and ended up signing up that same day. His shop rents out all the equipment you need or you can purchase gear right there too. He carries lots of equipment from affordable to professional grade. Lessons were held conveniently at East L.A. College pool and his intructors are simply the best. They really care about you and your skills and make sure you are completely comfortable in the underwater environment. Once you're ready for the real thing, you go out to one of the local Channel Islands on a charter dive boat with a group organized by the shop. My first dive ever was amazing. I felt like I was landing on another planet when I reached the bottom at 73 feet. Since then , I have lots more dives under my belt. Gabriel and his instructors are really helpful and always make you feel safe. His shop organizes trips atleast twice a month locally through out the year. You'll meet lost of great professional people from all Southern California and have long lasting memories. If your interested in learning to dive or just want to find a new dive shop to dive with, Ocean Safari Scuba is the place!!! Hope to see you all out there and meet you underwater someday. read more

I never know what life will call upon me, what shit shay knocks on my door, or what obligation you have signed up but got forgotten; at this moment of my life, nice and calm, I choose to learn and to experience diving with a tank. It was very peaceful, comfortable, calm and relaxing after I heard my own first breath under the water. It was so new yet very familiar. I found myself turning into a fish, up and down from the surface and stayed near the bottom of the pool. I have completed 2 pool lessons and strive to complete the full course ASAP. The team is amazing, from fitting you with the gears, to opening up your mind about scuba diving; not a second they look away from you. Especially during training. At times, you feel defeated, but before you say anything, they have seen it all, and promptly reassure your safety and addressing your concerns. I feel it is a great training for those who needs to learn how to trust others and themselves. Before you begin the classes, study the materials and making sure your calendar is open for weekends or weekdays evenings. Some exotic places they will take you requires getting onto the boat at midnight Saturday and back late afternoon Sunday. They have all the gears to fit you and they provide rental too. Will definitely make it to the Santa Barbara Island one day! read more

I got certified with OS when I was 14 and I have been with them for over 10 years. Even though the shop is now a 45 min drive from me, I will never think of going somewhere else. If you are looking for scuba classes, this is where you should go. Gabe, the shop owner, has like a billion years of experience! They really make you feel like you are part of the family too. The most important thing is none of the OS instructors will rush you through their course. They make sure that you are comfortable with the necessary skills before they move you forward. Unlike other places, you don't do any dinky beach dives for your certification. With OS you are out at some awesome dive site and diving off boats. Scuba is not a cheap sport, but Gabe will always work with your budget, If you tell him what your budget is, he will get you the best gear for that range. One of the best things about the OS is that everyone who dives with them is nice and friendly. Sign up for any of the boat trips and Gabe will help you find a dive buddy if you are going solo. I met my best friend on a boat trip! If you are going with a class there are always assistant divers with the group and they take such good care of you. read more

The best place to learn diving, enjoy diving trips, and make friends in Southern California. Gabriel and his crews are very patient and super nice. Dove with them in Channel Islands, Bay Islands, Baja, Indonesia and many beautiful places in past 20 years. They always make extra efforts to ensure the diving safety, teaching underwater knowledge and skills. Look forward to diving with them on the coming live aboard on the classic Arenui to Forgotten Islands in 2023. read more

I've tagged along with a few other dive groups once, but I will always stick with the OSDT. I've gotten multiple certifications from Ocean Safari and it was as simple as can be, not to mention really worth the money. Ocean Safari is located on Las Tunas and Del Mar, across the street from the San Gabriel Post Office if you know where that is offhand. It's a small shop, so keep an eye out for the bright red-and-white flag. Gabe is the shop owner, and you can often see his family there, as well as Tom and Andy. The whole Ocean Safari family is just that, a family. They know and love diving, and it really shows. Getting trained is a snap, the day- and weekend trips are a great little getaway and the real dive trips for the hardcore divers will leave you breathless. Diving may be pricey as far as sports go, but it's an enjoyment sport, not a competitive sport. The equipment, training and dive trips are well-priced and Ocean Safari can always do anything possible to work with your budget, not to mention the trips themselves are well worth it! I've been to Fiji and the Solomon Islands with the guys from OS and a network of many others whom I've met through the shop, and I'm still hoping to see Indonesia soon! Long-story-short, these guys taught me everything I needed to know about diving and safety and more, the trips and sights are second to none, and Ocean Safari knows how to make you feel at home wherever you're diving. If you're thinking of diving, these are the people to talk to. And if you don't know the first thing about it or have a friend who dives to help you out, this is definitely the place to go! You couldn't ask for more from a dive shop/network! read more

I didn't meet anybody else from the store but Andy. I came in as a noob, asking for the basic skin diving equipment and he sorted everything out with me. Super cool dude! Explained to me on the use of my equipment and it's maintenance. He mentioned to me about the shop's NAUI scuba certification and I believe I might go forward with that. Extremely excited! This shop and it's employees get an A+++++ from me! Great variety of masks, fins, wet suits, BC's, and any other scuba equipment your heart desires! read more

*(From a 2012 review I posted, which for some reason never appeared. Now that I've created a new Yelp account, I owe it to Ocean Safari to try to post my review once again. Although I wrote it 4 years ago, it is still just as true): I've visited Ocean Safari twice. The first time I spent about an hour with Gabe and Andy asking questions, trying gear, and . . . enjoying the company. I didn't factor that last one into my plan, but it just happened naturally. They are super friendly, knowledgeable, and confident. Other reviews mention the word "warm," and I heartily agree. They were in no way rushed or impatient. They are very competent salesmen, but there was no strain to sell me something. In fact, after that first hour long visit, I walked out with nothing but some free scuba magazines Gabe handed to me. They seemed truly happy to have just had the visit, and glad to have shared knowledge about something they're passionate about (ask them about San Miguel island and you'll see what I mean). I was in the area again today, and decided to stop in. They remembered me, and again I felt like an old friend. I was in the market for a new mask, and Andy was glad to help me through the process of finding the best one. In the meantime I asked about different things, like the freediving classes they offer. I asked what it's like to dive on the Peace boat. We talked about lobster season. I asked about different dive lights, at which Andy took out his actual setup and showed me what he uses for photography. It was all very pleasant. And then Gabe quoted me a great price on the item I'd asked about. I was very pleased, and I'm being vague on purpose lest they get too many people expecting the same deal. Just go, and you'll be sure to get either a tangible benefit, or an intangible benefit, but more likely you'll get both! read more

great place and service upon getting my cert here, i started fearing water, and when i finish, i'm very comfortable in water and no need to fear drowning again thanks a bunch to Gabe, Luis, Rick, Thomas, and Andy read more

Came here to rent snorkeling gear for a trip to Catalina because SportsChalet didn't rent out fins or masks etc. They charge about the same as SportsChalet for a wet suit but they also rent out the fins, masks and boots too! Unlike SportsChalet, they actually care the suit fits you and make sure it's the right sizing. I felt really bad since I was between sizes and the guy kept trying to find one that fit. Everyone that worked here was really nice. Upon returning the gear, they gave a list of excursions and boating trips for scuba diving! I've been scuba diving once so I'll definitely come back and maybe do an excursion or look into getting certified. Friendly staff and good prices! read more

Excellent service and knowledge of scuba diving! i was certified at this shop and Gabe has constantly been teaching me more and more about the ocean as well as scuba diving. The extra classes and seminars on fish identification and ocean rescue diving really improve your overall experience with the ocean. the more you know the safer you are. Good thing Gabe knows it all! read more

Had the pleasure to meet such an AMAZING person Gabriel owner of Ocean Safari. Best Instructor ever - hands down!! He certified my daughter Kim Johnson and husband Eric Johnson & son Brian Johnson. Gabriel and his team are very diligent and ethical in all ways, they make sure all students are confident with skills, as competent diver. Your safety is Gabriel and his team top priority !! Ocean safari have amazing dive trip, meet a lot of good people through them. GOD has blessed us with good people. read more

I ended up not taking OW lesson here after I signed up for, ANDY and other employees here are very nice, understanding and refund me for the learning material. Great service and great atmosphere here. read more

Ocean Safari Scuba is awesome! Gabe and his staff are very helpful and knowledgable. Gabe gave me awesome prices on ScubaPro regulators, a pressure gauge, and an air tank. I recommend the shop to anybody from beginners to professionals. -Steven Esco read more

Great Team Working to satisfy all the diving needs and also non diving materials which I found it very useful for hiking and camping trips. So glad to have them. Great Customer Service, and prices too :) read more

May 2016 I took a Navigation class. Thomas was my Instructor. Awesome instructor! I learned so much from this class, and I am looking forward to achieving my AOW. This shop is serious about scuba diving, and making sure that each student is confidant with each skill and being a competent diver! Rest assured that your safety is their top priority in each and every skill level you achieve!. Gabriel, runs a top-notch shop! A big thank you to,Gabriel Thomas, Andy,Megumi, Sumi and Norbit! You are in great hands with this dive shop! Top notch gear! Great dive trips to. read more

We took a refresher course from Ocean Safari. They were very friendly and knowledgeable. I could feel they were very enthusiastic about teaching. Also, the price was reasonable. read more