About Us

 

At the heart of every diver is a profound love and respect for the ocean. This innate curiosity about the underwater world and its astonishing diversity of life has inspired generations to explore beneath the waves. With that passion comes a shared responsibility: to protect the very environments that fuel our adventures. At Eco Dive Center, we recognize that scuba divers are uniquely positioned to be champions for the ocean, and we are dedicated to fulfilling that role through every aspect of our operations. From the services we provide to the values we uphold, we aim to promote sustainable practices and foster environmental stewardship. Our goal is to ensure that the ocean's beauty and biodiversity are preserved for generations of divers yet to come.

 

For many, the ocean appears as an impenetrable, endless expanse—distant and unknowable. But diving changes that perspective. By taking students and certified divers beneath the surface, we reveal the ocean's vibrant ecosystems and the delicate balance they depend on. These firsthand experiences are powerful educational tools, showing that the ocean is neither a mysterious void nor impervious to human influence. Our mission is to inspire and empower a new generation of divers to take an active role in protecting our oceans and marine wildlife.

 

Our Credo:

 

Explore. Educate. Observe. Conserve.


Our Credo: Explore, Educate, Observe & Conserve 

Explore: Many Southern Californians are unaware of the diversity of underwater environments and marine-life in our own waters. In fact, the giant kelp forests just off our local beaches and islands are some of the most productive ecological communities in the ocean and home to hundreds of unique plant and animal species. Our boat trips to our islands visit dive sites ranging from the rich kelp forests to impressive pinnacles and reefs teeming with life. Whether you're interested in weaving through the kelp, photographing colorful nudibranchs, finding rays and moray eels in the reefs, or playing with curious sea lions, Eco Dive Center has a trip that will suit you. We also offer tropical excursions to far off dive sites around the world. To help outfit you properly for your dive adventures, our shop is stocked with the industry's best selection of quality equipment used by the same dive professionals who teach our classes. Come visit us for all of your equipment needs including sales, rental, service, and air-fills.

Education: As student divers learn about and witness marine life, they realize its intrinsic value and importance as part of the global ecosystem. Courses offered by Eco Dive Center such as Research Diver, Underwater Naturalist, and the new Eco Diver specialty certification are designed to increase awareness of issues threatening aquatic life, devel

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op knowledge and appreciation of marine ecosystems, and stress proper interaction with the underwater environment. We offer courses for all levels of divers, from first-timers with no experience to professionals looking to continue their education.  Our fun and free monthly Eco Dive Club meetings are the perfect opportunity to expand your educational horizons with our distinguished guest speakers while having fun meeting other interesting people in the local dive community.Observe:  Scuba divers literally immerse themselves in nature's largest playground and witness first-hand the beauty and sensitive nature of the ocean. Given our position we feel it is our duty to promote environmental awareness and responsible behavior, embrace sustainable business practices, and actively pursue community and global stewardship efforts. We play an active role in community efforts to conserve and restore the environment. We're proud to be affiliated with fine organizations such as NRDC, Ocean Defenders and Baykeepers, both of whom act to protect our local waters and beaches through restoration and monitoring efforts, political advocacy, and education.

Conserve: Appreciation of the natural environment is the foundation of our business. Recreational scuba divers literally immerse themselves in nature’s largest playground and witness first-hand the beauty and sensitive nature of the ocean. Again, given our unique position, we feel it is our duty to promote environmental awareness and responsible behavior in our student divers, embrace sustainable business practices, and actively pursue community and global stewardship efforts.  As student divers learn about and witness marine life, they realize its intrinsic value and importance as part of the global ecosystem.   Educational programs offered by Eco Dive Center such as Research Diver, Fish Identification, Underwater Naturalist, and the new Eco Diver specialty certification are designed to increase awareness of issues threatening aquatic life, develop knowledge and appreciation of marine ecosystems, and stress proper interaction with the underwater environment. We also offer hunters an opportunity to trade in their spear guns for underwater cameras.
 
Our Eco-friendly business operations:
- Solar powered business
- Recycling waste & paper products program
- Eco-friendly lighting throughout business 
- Low flow sinks & toilets
- Beach clean-up events
- Car-pool program
- Air driven pow air-booster system
- Kelp restoration project and courses
- Equipment re-use program for physical therapy centers
- Monthly guest speakers with environmental emphasis 
- Research diver program
- Eco-friendly company trucks  
 Environmental AwardEnvironmental Achievement Award: Project AWARE Foundation recognizes tireless efforts of outstanding dive centers and resorts to conserve the underwater environment. These facilities lead by example, helping to both motivate and inspire divers, consumers and local communities. Award winners operate their business in an environmentally responsible manner and promote Project AWARE Foundation's philosophy to their customers and colleagues daily. Only seven EA awards were given to U.S. dive operations.  "The Environment Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations."-Dr. Drew Richardson, Chairman, Project AWARE Foundation. 
 
 Eco Dive AwardSustainable Business Certified - California's Green Business Network: Certified Green Innovators have met the highest verifiable standards of sustainability. They represent the spirit of our work better than any words could describe. And they are leading the movement of businesses in California making a positive impact on people and the planet. Being a Certified Green Business is the clearest way to show your community and customers that you care about sustainability. It shows them that you are committed to taking action to conserve resources and prevent pollution in both the facility and operations. It means that your business complies with environmental regulations in the areas of waste, energy, water, pollution prevention, and air quality.