Dive California

I recently moved to San Diego and wanted to get back into diving after five years of not going on a single dive. I did two refresher courses with Chrissy, who really helped me gain the confidence I needed in order to get back into diving. Then I took a Diver Stress and Rescue Course with Danielle, and I must say she helped me tremendously gain comfort being in the Pacific Ocean for the first time while teaching me amazing skills in order to help other people while diving. I definitely want to take more specialty courses through Dive California thanks to Chrissy and Danielle helping me find my passion again!

Rental nightmare! The associate who rented me the gear started with the wetsuit, he brought out a destroyed XXL IST 7 mm. I went to try it on, 3 of the 4 zippers (legs, arms) were busted, goodbye seal. I tried it on anyway just to see the fit, it fit well. I then asked for a different suit, he brought me out another XXL IST, except little did I know it was an XXL short. I am 6’5″ 220lbs a short is not going to work. After arriving at the dive site I noticed it was an XXL short (horrible attention to detail). I managed to squeeze into the most uncomfortably crotch and shoulder tight wetsuit I’ve ever worn. Upon entering the water, instant freeze out. There was a tear in the suit flooding with water. Upon returning the gear I let them know that two of the 4 tanks rented between my buddy and I were still full because I had to abort mid dive 1 due to the unsettling temperature, and poor fitting torn rental suit.
Just an hour ago I returned the gear and let them know the above… Not even a single apology, nothing. I usually don’t post reviews, but this was just a downright unpleasant experience that could’ve been avoided had their staff member taken the time to pay attention to detail. Aside from that the entire transaction was quite poor, different staff at the time of rental and drop off, both were quite rude in my opinion. Not a very welcoming crew of people at all. I know rental gear is generally sub par, at least the exposure suits and BCDs but this was downright terrible.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYBODY TO THIS SHOP.
Sports Chalet is down the road a few football fields at most, go see them. I picked Dive CA to support small business and I was let down big time. My buddy’s gear was pretty much crap too, 2 of the 4 zippers did not seal, she was flooded out most the dive as well, terrible suits for both of us.
Update 9÷14÷15:
Dear Michael,
I did bring it up to the lady at the counter, she walked the wetsuit right into your office and showed you. You did nothing then, only when your business’ image is jeopardized do you respond. I would have gladly left this in the dark and moved forward had someone addressed my concerns then. What a shame it had to come to this. I’ll rent somewhere else, somewhere that cares about their customers concerns before it becomes a public matter. Go ahead and keep that free weekend, I’m doing my business elsewhere from here on out.
Thanks for a crap package,
Dan

I’m prepping for the Navy Diver program with two classmates and this is by far the best instructor we’ve hired to help us increase our breath hold and comfort in the water. Just tell them what your goals are and they will tailor lessons to your specific needs with knowledgable staff. Ask for Michael. We got more out of two 3 hr. sessions them you could ever ask for.

I talk with a handful of my Dive Buddy’s here in
San Diego, all answer’s we’re, if you want to do a Free Diving Course, Dive California with Michael is the only place.
It’s a 2.5 day course. At the beginning of the course
Michael went over all thoughts and concerns leading towards our Sunday ocean dive. During class time Michael was there making sure all 4 students understood, the fun & the responsibility of free diving. Prepping us for the written test.
In the Dive California pool He went over all activities carefully to gain confidence in the ocean.
Luckily the ocean was calm, Michael with his two buoys explained each procedure, then did an example as well. My daughter was one of the 4 students, we both learn a lot and never thought we could hold our breathe that long. All technique, thanks Michael & Dive California.
I recommend Dive California, quality training, quality equipment good people.

I took the free diving course alone and came out with new friends. I never thought I could hold my breath for more than a minute and a half at best before turning red and hyperventilating afterwards, let alone go deeper than the standard 8ft depth of what I am used to in a nicely heated pool. Keep in mind after 6 ft or so the pressure in my ears begin to make me feel like my eyes are going to pop out of my head. If I knew the techniques I learned from our instructor Michael I would have came to him and overcome my discomfort years ago. Michael not only simplified the science and techniques involved to surpass these common limitations but he made it fun and engaging! I must admit I doubted my abilities, but with Michaels encouraging attitude and knowledge I graduated from the course with a comfortable breath hold of 3 minutes and reaching a depth in the cold pacific ocean\no visibility of 45 ft! I loved this experience, its amazing what the body is capable of when you are provided the essential tools and have your mind put at ease by an instructor like Michael. My motto is try everything once, you never know what your capable of until you try. This class is not strenuous, I feel anyone who can swim a lap in a pool can get the same rewarding feeling. Can’t wait for the next class. Thnx Dive California :)

I’m glad we chose Dive California and earned our certification through the SSI program (and not PADI). Dive California is one of the only shops that offers SSI.
My 12 year old son and I needed a quick scuba certification (1 week) since we were both heading off to Boy Scout Camp in Emerald Bay, Catalina. Danielle, our divemaster was awesome! She gave us the confidence and skills needed to earn our open water certification in a short time without cutting corners. Plus she was very patient, which relaxed my son greatly. Danielle is extremely knowledgable, has 20+ dive years experience, and was fun to work with. We now have the confidence to dive on our own.
Although pricey, it seems the world of Scuba is just expensive, especially initial costs. I checked prices for equipment online and it appears Dive California prices are fair. Therefore I have no concerns buying future equipment through this dive shop.
Finally, Tim the manager /​owner (?) was great! He helped us make sure we had the right fitting equipment.
Definitely would recommend SSI Certification, Danielle, and Dive California.

Everyone at Dive California was very helpful and friendly! I highly recommend them. I booked a vacation and realized just a few weeks before the trip that diving would be a must there, so I needed to get my diving certification done quickly. Dive California accommodated my schedule and set me up with Danielle for the training. She was with me from classroom to pool to ocean. She made me feel very comfortable and knew how to put me at ease through the whole process. Not only did she make the learning experience very fun, but she was an excellent teacher and I know that I will be able to dive enjoyably and safely now through my lifetime thanks to her. Thanks to everyone at Dive California and special thanks to my awesome instructor, Danielle!

I was in the shop a few weeks back and bought some dive equipment. First off the equipment was sub-​par. The light was awful, dive knife okay, and the gloves passed the test for the first two weeks of use (although there are a ton of strings hanging off of them). I went back in to return the light since I purchased a better one on Amazon. I understand they have a store policy of once it touches the water then no returns. Only problem is I went in the day I tried to return it and buy a new mask as well. I tried to work with the guy who runs the register to give me some sort of discount on the mask and take back his light. No go (terrible business strategy), and he was an a – hole about it. I can’t say anything about their lessons but DO NOT purchase dive equipment from here. Pissed me off enough to sign up for Unilocal and make this post.

Finished my Freediving with Michael Timm. He is a fantastic instructor. He takes time to ensure each student receives the personal information to ensure they are performing to the best of their ability and ensuring safety for the freedivers.
The sport is so incredible and he made it fun and continue to encourage all of us the entire time.
Any one ready for the most amazing experience needs to freedive and with Michael you are in great hands.
The shop is clean, organized, and family friendly. It nice to go in to a dive shop that is inviting and personable.
Everyone has their own idea of applying; Dive California is mine.
I have completed SSI Level 1 freediving. I will be practicing with others that meet; and when ready head back to Michael for the next Levels!

I went to dive California to get my regulator and dive computer serviced. The dude behind the counter was rude and was basically as wise guy. I asked if they rented tanks out he told me we are a dive shop. Anyway I asked for a full over haul of my gear I was told 11 – 14 days they would either give me a call. Tell me it’s been over a month and still no call. I tried to call but no one amswered. Long story short I paid $ 100 and that’s just the overhaul not even including parts. He tried to say my 1^st stage was seized and I opened it with ease. Stay away rude and horrible service.

I have been diving since 2009 and I have gone and shopped at pretty much every dive shop and chain. However, Dive California stands out above the rest!
I was on the market to buy new gear (BCD, wet suit) and I had given myself a budget to work with. Michael Timm who is the owner worked with me and even let me use his pool to try out the new gear. On top of that he was able to work within my budget and already had product ideas for me and was ready. The entire staff provided excellent customer service, kindness, and patience (putting on that wet suit is hard work).
Everyone here is enthusiastic and loves to help you out! The prices are reasonable and not like the other scuba shops around here. They are helpful and always smiling :)
I highly recommend Dive California to anyone. Check out their swim school too if you have little ones!
Thanks again Michael!

I did a lot of research and decided on Dive California because of their small classes and thorough instruction. My 13 was getting certified and it was important to me that he was taught how to dive safely. The entire staff was helpful from start to finish. They went out of their way to accommodate our schedule. I would highly recommend Dive California.

Recently took the open water diving course, what a blast! It was such a great experience and the employees are extremely friendly and patient.
My instructor was daniell dunn, she had to be the raddest lady I could have learned from. She has a great sense of humor and puts you at ease of you are nervous. I look forward to diving more with her.
Thank you!!!

I have to Admit, I was a littler nervous prior to taking this class. I never thought I would be able to hold my breath for a minute, but after one day in the pool, I was holding my breath for 3 minutes!
They also have a heated indoor pool which is AWESOME! It was so convenient to go straight from the classroom to the pool.
I can honestly say that I will definitely be referring all of my friends!

The staff here is dedicated to providing a wonderful customer experience. The shop has a wide variety of fairly priced equipment to choose from. I highly recommend this business. Thanks Nick!

I went to Dive California after a really bad experience with another local dive shop (House of Scuba) and can I just say, WHAT A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE! I am new to diving but everyone who I spoke to was so friendly and helpful. As soon as I walked into their doors I was greeted with a warm welcome. I had about a zillion questions about gear and which would be best for me. The woman who helped me was knowledgeable and wasn’t pushy.
The manager of the shop Mike even came over at one point when he overheard I was new to diving and I asked him about some of the best local dive spots. I can tell that they are genuinely passionate about their jobs and weren’t hesitant to share their experiences with me. It really makes me excited about going diving!!! YAY!
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this dive shop and will be back for more classes and gear.
Bonus: They have a pool onsite. :)

I have tried for 2 decades to get my wife to share my love of the ocean. Dive California offered an Amazon Local 2 for 1 deal on a guided snorkeling tour. It was a great value, and my wife entered the ocean for the first time in her life. Our tour guide was outstanding, and very understanding of my wife’s ocean phobia. After a shaky start, we were both enjoying the beauty that lies beneath the water at La Jolla Cove.
The owner of the shop even showed up to make sure we were all having fun. I highly recommend this business, and will return if I can ever convince my wife to become dive certified.

By far the best dive shop in San Diego! Knowledgable staff and great gear selection!

Looking for a dive computer. Came in here for the first time. Very friendly service, but not huge selection. Prices were a little high, but had some reasonably priced items, too.

So I simply HATE having to rate this place one star, but in the 15 years I have been diving and dealing with dive shops, this is the worse experience I have had!
I had gone in and met Michael Timm, the manager, and a very nice fellow actually. I told him that I had a piece of gear for sale, I told him my selling price was firm, and he agreed to meet with me on a certain day at a certain time and buy it. I drove a long ways to come back, and he wasn’t there. The girl running the shop told me he went off jogging, but that she was instructed to give me $ 30 less than the price we agreed on. Wow…
I told her no way, expressed my disgust, and my time and money spent in gas to come to the shop (I had to go pick the item up in Temecula). Then she took my number and said she would call me later, and she never did.
Diving is a safe sport, if followed by the book in detail. If this is how these people deal with their customers outside the training class and pool, I hate to see how they run their open water classes. I mean, the guy went jogging instead of meeting me at our agreed time! I guess when students do their pool skills he is off doing the back-​stroke or yoga!
They are nice people, don’t get me wrong, but they are slackers. San Diego has better dive shops run by real professionals than this palce and its staff, so don’t risk it with people who don’t care enough about their customers to even show up for a simple appointment DURING BUSINESS HOURS. I wonder if the shop’s owner knows that his store manager pursues personal leisure activities when he should be available to keep appointments with clients in the middle of the day!
BOO!