Pacific Wilderness is the Leader in SCUBA Gear Sales, SCUBA Training & SCUBA Repair. Our stores stock only the best in top quality, Name-Brand dive gear for less! We Sell Only the Most Respected Brands of Life Support Equipment and We Back All Purchases with a 30 Day Lowest Price Guarantee.
All Pacific Wilderness Employees are Divemasters or Higher in Training and All Have Undergone Extensive Equipment Training - Including Regulator Repair, Hazmat Training, Tank Inspection Courses and Seminars in Fitting Gear Properly.What Does All This Mean to You?. You'll be Dealing with a Well Rounded, Experienced Dive Professional when Selecting Equipment!
All Pacific Wilderness Employees are Divemasters or Higher in Training and All Have Undergone Extensive Equipment Training - Including Regulator Repair, Hazmat Training, Tank Inspection Courses and Seminars in Fitting Gear Properly.What Does All This Mean to You?. You'll be Dealing with a Well Rounded, Experienced Dive Professional when Selecting Equipment!
Services
Students have Several Class / Pool Sessions during their Open Water Course, all within the San Pedro Store. Imagine hauling gear to and from a pool site several times. Getting fitted, Checking it out, Checking it back in - and each time loading wet gear into your car at the end of each pool session!
Have you ever wondered what it's like to breathe underwater? If you want to find out but aren't quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving will let you try scuba to see if you like it.
While not an actual scuba certification, during the Discover Scuba Diving experience you'll learn how to use scuba equipment in our custom built indoor heated pool and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time.
While not an actual scuba certification, during the Discover Scuba Diving experience you'll learn how to use scuba equipment in our custom built indoor heated pool and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time.
Our SCUBA Refresher Class is for those Divers who may feel they need a little "brushing up" on their skills and some help regaining their comfort in the water. This class is designed for already certified divers who may not have been in the water for a while and feel a few hours with a Dive Professional should give them the edge they need to enter the Underwater World again.
The fun and adventure in diving starts as soon as you begin your OpenWater SCUBA Class at PACIFIC WILDERNESS. The PADI OpenWater Diver Course is the most popular SCUBA course in the world and we teach it here at PACIFIC WILDERNESS! Each segment is designed to ensure that you learn the skills needed to enjoy diving to the fullest.
This is our Accelerated program for those of you limited on time. The Semi-Private beach dives program incorporates about 24 hours of Instruction in Class, Pool and Beach Diving Sessions only. Once you Complete all Class, Pool and 4 OpenWater Dives - your Instructor can sign you off.
This Course runs the same as our Standard All Beach Diving Course, but has a 4 to 1 Student/Supervisor Ratio on the Open Water portion of the Class (Standard Ratio is 8 to 1).It gives your Group the ability to take a Semi-Private OpenWater Class with just your Friends at the same Price as Standard "Pre-Scheduled" Courses (Based on 4 or More Students).
This Course runs the same as our Standard All Beach Diving Course, but has a 4 to 1 Student/Supervisor Ratio on the Open Water portion of the Class (Standard Ratio is 8 to 1).It gives your Group the ability to take a Semi-Private OpenWater Class with just your Friends at the same Price as Standard "Pre-Scheduled" Courses (Based on 4 or More Students).
Reviews (25)
Andrea G.
Jan 27, 2022
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This place is AWESOME. I've had nothing but amazing experiences at Pacific Wilderness. I was certified about 7 years ago with Joe Huynh (best scuba instructor EVER) and recently had my fiancé go through the open water course too (also with Joe!). I highly highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves the ocean and a great adventure!
Second, the staff is super friendly. Jason especially is easy going, always has a positive attitude, and is helpful with anything you might need around the store.
If I could give this place 10 stars, I would!
Thanks!
Second, the staff is super friendly. Jason especially is easy going, always has a positive attitude, and is helpful with anything you might need around the store.
If I could give this place 10 stars, I would!
Thanks!
Kelley Morales
Jan 24, 2022
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Yorick H.
Dec 11, 2021
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Andrey S.
Oct 29, 2021
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Fiona T.
Oct 28, 2021
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*edited 11/4/2021: *Long story short !Future customers: please review the 1 star or 2 stars commentsss if you are interested in taking a class with this shop. They did a good job in defending themselves, felt like a debate or in a court, but DID NOT attempt to solve the problem collaboratively or make the customers happy. That's why I put the initial comment : WORST COSTUMER SERVICE, which means, if you happen to have a conflict with this company, they are RIGHT but you are WRONG. Avoid and Be Aware. Thank you for reading*
Did not follow CDC guideline of COVID safety procedures. Having more
Did not follow CDC guideline of COVID safety procedures. Having more
Mark H.
Oct 16, 2021
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The main reason for my 1 star review is because of the interactions I had as a customer with one of the employees, Jason.
I came into this dive shop the other day with my friend who had signed up via Groupon for an open water certification class. I myself am open water certified and wanted to help my friends pick out any equipment they may need as I am decently familiar with basic equipment. I am extremely disappointed to say that the manner in which Jason handled my friend as a new dive student as well as myself was appalling and disrespectful.
He spoke to all of us in a very condescending
I came into this dive shop the other day with my friend who had signed up via Groupon for an open water certification class. I myself am open water certified and wanted to help my friends pick out any equipment they may need as I am decently familiar with basic equipment. I am extremely disappointed to say that the manner in which Jason handled my friend as a new dive student as well as myself was appalling and disrespectful.
He spoke to all of us in a very condescending
Julie L.
Aug 18, 2021
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I got certified for open water with Khrystyna! She's the BEST! If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have made it! I was so nervous and scared! She talked to me, kept me calm, didn't rush me, and taught me breathing techniques to help me relax. I highly recommend her class! Just be sure you're a good listener and pay attention while she demonstrates the skills. Khrystyna has an amazing team, Danya and Blake! All professional and a lot of fun!!!
Jennifer B.
Aug 01, 2021
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Karen K.
Jul 28, 2021
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Got my open water certification this past weekend & I am SO happy! Everybody at PW is awesome, helpful, kind, and hilarious! I really felt like I made a new lil scuba family. David, who I spoke to on the phone and worked the whole store, was SO HELPFUL. He literally answered every one of my one million questions, and made me feel super confident in every decision. He's also really funny, so he made the whole process fun as hell. Grant was my instructor and he is fantastic. He is very thorough, explains everything so that you actually understand the concept instead of just making you memorize
E. C.
Jul 19, 2021
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First things first. They work on commission. The will try to tell you your equipment is bad or not ok so they can sell you theirs.
When I was there for a class, they told this couple they could dive even if they had medical issues so that they would buy about $1000.00 in gear. When dive day came, the couple had to scramble to get approval from their doctor (on a Saturday) so he could sign off on their dive. They weren't previously told this.
The price for a dive class is ok. I paid about $400.00 from a Groupon.
When I was there for a class, they told this couple they could dive even if they had medical issues so that they would buy about $1000.00 in gear. When dive day came, the couple had to scramble to get approval from their doctor (on a Saturday) so he could sign off on their dive. They weren't previously told this.
The price for a dive class is ok. I paid about $400.00 from a Groupon.
Chris G.
Jun 25, 2021
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This is a topline review of the store, I love the ocean and I snorkel and dive. This store has got everything you could need as it relates to diving and general ocean activities, the pricing is fair market.
On my most recent visit I needed some base coat wax for a new surf board, and they had it. I called and spoke with Jason who was very helpful on the phone and just as great in person.
On my most recent visit I needed some base coat wax for a new surf board, and they had it. I called and spoke with Jason who was very helpful on the phone and just as great in person.
Kim G.
Apr 27, 2021
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Nicola Macchitella
Apr 24, 2021
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The instructors were great, they took all the necessary time to help us understand the process, they walked us through all the techniques and they made us feel extremely safe at all time. It was very awesome. (I really felt much more prepared when I went diving with other people later on)
I would have given 5 starts if it wasn’t for the fact that the people running the shop didn’t respect ANY Covid protocol. No masks, talking very close to your face et cetera.
On top of that, they were rude and disorganized with my paperwork. I needed to pick some papers up so I called to check if they had
I would have given 5 starts if it wasn’t for the fact that the people running the shop didn’t respect ANY Covid protocol. No masks, talking very close to your face et cetera.
On top of that, they were rude and disorganized with my paperwork. I needed to pick some papers up so I called to check if they had
Ann Dunn
Jan 22, 2021
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As part of the certification process, I had my first open water dives in Catalina, and felt super confident diving in the ocean for the first time. We got to see so many fish while practicing scuba skills. Would highly recommend anybody thinking about scuba certification go to Pacific Dive center and ask for Cullen as their instructor.
Joe Hansen
Nov 23, 2020
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Couldn’t recommend this Local Dive Shop (LDS) more. Jason and David are the ideal guys to set you up with the best gear for your needs at unbeatable prices (I’ve shopped around a lot and unless another shop is running a crazy temporary sale on something specific this rings true even against internet site purchases). They won’t push expensive products or unnecessary items on you for the sake of the sale. They genuinely care that you leave there happy with your purchase which has lead me to be a repeat customer with no second thoughts. Keith is a Grade A instructor and straight shooter - nobody
Ria R.
Nov 03, 2020
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Really enjoyed the people at this dive shop when getting my scuba certification and would recommend their teachers to anyone. To give a balanced review, there were a few things worth calling out, the pool could have used a little care during our indoor pool dive, as there were some small things floating in it both days we were there. Also all equipment was useable, but some wetsuits were really worn down. I do think they need to invest in a little better upkeep, but overall, they are a great group.
Both of my instructors were helpful, knowledgeable and personal and invited us to join their dive
Both of my instructors were helpful, knowledgeable and personal and invited us to join their dive
Mary McCulley
Oct 29, 2020
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Very rude person who answered the phone when I had a question about some tanks, who made a snarky remark about getting information off the internet from people who drink too much (what?) without asking more about the situation and where I obtained information (DEMA, btw). I've never really used them and sure would never go. Pretty sure I got that response because I am female too. ETA: Jeff, I appreciate your response but would have appreciated it more if you contacted me personally. I am a PADI MDST instructor, trained cave and technical diver, with over 20 years experience in diving. Jason never
Irene W.
Mar 10, 2020
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We were hoping for an owner (Jeff) who would be more understanding in light of the daily-developing situation with the coronavirus outbreak. We were looking forward to getting certified with Pacific Wilderness, with our Groupon purchase of 4-day Semi-Private PADI Open Water Certification course for 2 people. We had also spent just under $750 in his shop on the 5pc snorkel gear for 2 people, and picked up our class material. At this point, we had spent over $1100.
While we appreciate that they are abiding by WHO and CDC guidelines, and practicing strict hygiene practices, the truth of the matter
While we appreciate that they are abiding by WHO and CDC guidelines, and practicing strict hygiene practices, the truth of the matter
Oliver W.
Jan 22, 2020
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Came to this dive shop to do my open water course after being recommended by my dive group. Staffs were very friendly and knowledgeable and always eager to help whether its dive gears or question about a dive spot.
Want to give a speical shout out for their guidance:
Instructor: Khrystyna
DiveMasters: Jason S, Steve, and Tim
From pool dive to our shore dive these divers were awesome and really helped us get through the open water course. I learned a lot from them and definitely helped me pass my course with flying colors.
If anyone is interested in getting their PADI open water course definitely
Want to give a speical shout out for their guidance:
Instructor: Khrystyna
DiveMasters: Jason S, Steve, and Tim
From pool dive to our shore dive these divers were awesome and really helped us get through the open water course. I learned a lot from them and definitely helped me pass my course with flying colors.
If anyone is interested in getting their PADI open water course definitely
Igor Guryev
Jan 13, 2020
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Had a fantastic experience with the padi open water course. Khrystyna was our instructor with the assistance of Steve and Danya and they were all awesome! They worked really hard to make sure we had a smooth learning experience in the pool and the ocean and provided great feedback. Everyone in the shop was really friendly and knowledgeable as well. Will definitely be coming back for equipment and future classes.
Geoff Walsh
Dec 05, 2019
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Very well stocked dive shop. Competitively priced. Knowledgeable staff. Very conveniently located for diving around LA harbor, San Pedro and the Palos Verdes peninsula. Much better product selection than most of the other dive shops in the LA area, with a decent inventory of products for technical divers
Alyx M.
Jun 24, 2019
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Had the best time and such a great experience with my Instructor Khrystyna and Dive Master Tim.
Had the opportunity to dive three out of four dives in Catalina which was BEYOND beautiful!
I was very skeptical in the beginning of our first pool day and wasn't sure how I felt about scuba diving. My instructor helped coach us through the day and showed us how great of a time it could be. So happy I stuck it out and now I can't wait to go on my next dive!
Everyone at the dive shop was extremely nice and helpful! Thank you Pacific Wilderness for such a great experience! Khrystyna and
Had the opportunity to dive three out of four dives in Catalina which was BEYOND beautiful!
I was very skeptical in the beginning of our first pool day and wasn't sure how I felt about scuba diving. My instructor helped coach us through the day and showed us how great of a time it could be. So happy I stuck it out and now I can't wait to go on my next dive!
Everyone at the dive shop was extremely nice and helpful! Thank you Pacific Wilderness for such a great experience! Khrystyna and
James K.
Mar 23, 2019
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I've been certified to dive for over 40 years but my goddaughters aren't. We are all headed on a trip soon and I wanted to get a dive in and they asked about doing it also. I never thought about it, but I would like them to enjoy the experience of being underwater too.
I went on Groupon and came across Pacific Wilderness. The Groupon sounded great so I went ahead and got it for all three of them. From the get go, Pacific Wilderness was very accommodating. My goddaughters are full time college students and working so it was going to be difficult to fit the courses into their schedules
I went on Groupon and came across Pacific Wilderness. The Groupon sounded great so I went ahead and got it for all three of them. From the get go, Pacific Wilderness was very accommodating. My goddaughters are full time college students and working so it was going to be difficult to fit the courses into their schedules
Eva H.
Jan 29, 2019
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If you need any scuba diving lessons from beginner to advanced, Pacific Wilderness is an outstanding choice. Below is more details about our fantastic experience.
Instruction:
My husband and I just completed our Advanced Open Water certification with Pacific Wilderness.
Our instructor was Khrystyna, and she was awesome! She wears awesome high-visibility neon pink diving equipment, so she is easy to spot underwater. Her scuba tank also has energizer bunny stickers on it, so there really is no loosing her. Even though she is super goofy, she's also a no-nonsense but patient instructor and
Instruction:
My husband and I just completed our Advanced Open Water certification with Pacific Wilderness.
Our instructor was Khrystyna, and she was awesome! She wears awesome high-visibility neon pink diving equipment, so she is easy to spot underwater. Her scuba tank also has energizer bunny stickers on it, so there really is no loosing her. Even though she is super goofy, she's also a no-nonsense but patient instructor and
Jackie W.
May 22, 2017
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We are a family of water adventurers and being so, our 16 year old could not wait to get her scuba certification! In the past we utilized a different shop for our certifications but there was no available times that worked with our hectic schedules.
Jeremy was most accommodating and we were able to get our daughter into a two weekends Scuba course. The classes were extremely thorough, and safe. There is classroom work, indoor pool sessions, shore dives and a boat dive off of Catalina. I felt that safety was most important to their training and that puts any mother's mind at ease.
I would
Jeremy was most accommodating and we were able to get our daughter into a two weekends Scuba course. The classes were extremely thorough, and safe. There is classroom work, indoor pool sessions, shore dives and a boat dive off of Catalina. I felt that safety was most important to their training and that puts any mother's mind at ease.
I would
