Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Scuba Diving Training in Monterey, CA
Aquarius Dive Shop has been a trusted name in scuba diving since 1970, dedicated to providing exceptional training and underwater experiences in Monterey Bay. As a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center, we offer courses ranging from beginner certifications to elite professional development programs. Our heated pool and strategic location near Highway 1 ensure convenient, year-round access to high-quality confined water training. We foster a vibrant diving community through Underwater Voyagers, Monterey Bay's largest dive club, connecting over 400 members with weekly dives and exclusive benefits. Our team of seasoned instructors prioritizes safety, thoroughness, and real-world adaptability, preparing divers to excel in challenging environments globally. With decades of combined experience, we emphasize hands-on learning, ocean conservation, and personalized mentorship to cultivate confident, skilled diving professionals.Our commitment extends beyond instruction to include equipment rentals, guided tours, and travel opportunities that enrich the diving experience. Located just off Highway 1, we provide free, unlimited parking for divers bringing boats, ensuring seamless access to Monterey Bay's renowned dive sites. Our reputation for excellence is reflected in testimonials from graduates who credit our rigorous standards and supportive environment for their success in the diving industry. For over 50 years, Aquarius Dive Shop has remained Monterey Bay's premier destination for divers seeking unparalleled training, community, and adventure.
Services
Scuba Courses
Guided Dives
Equipment Rentals
Dive Club
Travel Trips
Private Tours
Night Dives
Instructor Training
Refresher Programs
Dive Certifications
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- Established in 1970, we offer over 50 years of scuba diving expertise.
- Certified PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center with elite training programs.
- Experienced instructors with real-world cold-water training expertise.
- Heated pool for year-round confined water training sessions.
- Active dive club connecting over 400 local divers in Monterey Bay.
Associations and certifications
- PADI
What people say
Expert instruction
Thorough training programs
Supportive instructors
Successful certifications
Strong diving community
Services
Scuba Courses
We offer PADI-certified scuba courses from beginner Open Water Diver to advanced instructor training. Our programs emphasize safety, cold-water adaptability, and real-world skills. Students gain hands-on experience in our heated pool and Monterey Bay's challenging marine environment.
Guided Dives
Explore Monterey Bay with expert-led shore dives for all experience levels. Our divemasters provide local knowledge, safety briefings, and equipment support. Choose group or private tours with flexible scheduling for 1- or 2-tank dives daily.
Dive Club
Join Monterey Bay's largest dive club with 400+ members. Enjoy weekly night dives, weekend excursions, and exclusive discounts. The club fosters community through bi-weekly dives, equipment support, and educational events.
Equipment Rentals
Access full-service dive equipment rentals including regulators, wetsuits, and dive computers. Our maintained gear suits all experience levels, supporting single-tank dives or multi-day expeditions in Monterey Bay's conditions.
Instructor Training
Our PADI Elite Instructor Development Course trains elite dive professionals. The program includes mentorship, teaching methodology, and exam preparation. Graduates gain global teaching credentials through rigorous classroom and open-water instruction.
People
Dane Durand
Course Director
Dane Durand is a PADI Course Director with decades of experience training elite dive professionals. He specializes in cold-water instruction and real-world teaching strategies that prepare instructors for global environments.
Bruce Weitzenhoffer
Course Director
Bruce Weitzenhoffer co-leads PADI instructor training programs with a focus on safety and adaptability. His mentorship emphasizes practical knowledge, confidence-building, and ocean conservation principles for diving leaders.
Questions
What scuba certification levels do you offer?
We provide PADI courses from beginner Open Water Diver to professional instructor certifications, including specialty programs like Enriched Air and Rescue Diver.
Can beginners participate in guided dives?
Yes, we offer Discover Scuba Diving experiences for uncertified divers and guided tours tailored to all skill levels in Monterey Bay.
How do I join the Underwater Voyagers dive club?
Join online or in-store for $55 annual dues. Membership includes weekly dives, exclusive discounts, and access to Monterey Bay's largest diving community.
Do you offer equipment rentals for single dives?
Yes, we rent regulators, wetsuits, dive computers, and full gear setups for single-tank or multi-day diving adventures in local waters.
Are private dive instruction sessions available?
Private guided tours and instructor development sessions are available weekdays with advanced reservation for personalized training experiences.
Reviews (4)
Melanie E.
Dec 01, 2021
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Incredible service, very organized and efficient shop. Matt was an amazing dive master. He was very patient and helped me feel comfortable in the cold water. I am sincerely impressed and will definitely dive with Aquarius again! I loved the marine life I saw, it was an incredible dive.
Mitch Brock
Nov 27, 2021
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After completing the online requirements, my daughter and I earned our open water portion of PADI certification thru Aquarius Dive Shop. Dane was very helpful getting this arranged as we were traveling from Oregon with a narrow time window. Our instructor was Will Marciano, and he was GREAT! A wonderful combination of knowledgeable, patient, and fun to be with. Everyone we encountered at the shop was kind and helpful. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Robin S.
Nov 26, 2021
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Excellent shop with great trainers and guides. I took their class to get my open water certification and went on 2 guided dives with Nick. He made sure I was comfortable and enjoyed the experience. I highly recommend.
Matthew S.
Nov 20, 2021
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I had a great time diving with Will over a couple of days in November 2021. The first day was a refresher course at Breakwater and the next day was Monastery Beach. I found Will careful, thorough, helpful, polite, and knowledgable. This is not tropical diving -- it was great to be with someone who knew what he was doing.
