Ocean Adventures Dive Co

I just walked into this place to ask a question about my regulator I already purchased. I read reviews about this place before I went in and most seemed good with a few in there that weren’t good experiences. I don’t really write reviews but after what happened, I couldn’t resist.
When I entered, the lady who greeted me was very nice. There was even a dog there to say hello. The very nice employee (instructor) assumed that I was showing up for my open water certification but I’m already certified. I told her that I wasn’t here for a course but to see if they could do a pressure test/​equipment function (specifically called a Binge regulator test) on my scuba pro MK25/​A700 series regulator. This is a very expensive regulator that goes for about 820 dollars MSRP. I got mine for a good deal on eBay at 675 and wanted to make sure it was functioning at 100%. Note: this is a brand new regulator with the vin number verified with scuba pro. A shop out in Florida sold it to me through there online eBay store. The Florida online dive shop reviews were 100 percent from eBay so I knew this was a good seller plus you have eBay money back guarantee. The only issue I have is that when the regulator showed up at my house the box looked a little banged up. I think UPS was a little rough when it shipped considering they have twice the work load around Christmas time so I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t damaged. The regulator looks totally fine and intact but since this is life support equipment, I wanted to be sure. If it was damaged during shipping, no problem. I would just sent it back and get my money back from the seller for damaged while shipped. I’m going on a trip to Bonaire in a few months and would hate to get there knowing my reg wasn’t at 100% capacity.
The instructor there was very happy to help me with a test and to submerge the reg to do a full function test (binge). Then it all started. «STEVE» walks in and asked what’s happening. The instructor explained to him what I was asking for. He was probably one of the most rude out of line people I’ve ever come across and I’m a very laid back easy going individual. I knew right away he was the shop owner because no employee of any company would approach people like that. From reading what other people said in reviews about this shop, I was a certain he was the owner. He made that poor girl (employee) feel like a piece of crap. I was actually embarrassed for her. He started asking me where I got the regulator blah blah blah. I explained to him where I purchased it and he right away was so defensive saying that I don’t know what I really bought online and that if it’s authentic. I kindly and professionally explained to him that I verified the vin with scuba pro directly and that I’ve done my do diligence in making sure it is a legit scuba pro product. I’ve been a shopper online for over a decade and have purchase thousands of products and have only had a few issues. Seemed like he didn’t care about my explanation and said we don’t test anything here from eBay. If you want us to look at it, we would need to open the whole thing up. I was laughing in my mind. He’s probably upset that I didn’t buy it from his shop and from reading reviews about this place, the gear there is way overpriced. A lot of shop owners (small business) are upset with the evolution of online retail because online sales are their biggest enemy but hey, that is capitalism.
I walked out and said sorry to the nice employee and asked her, «Was that the shop owner?» She nodded yes. I asked, what is his name? She said Steve. I figured. I told her thank you and that I will write a review on Unilocal,something I’ve never done before. This is my first Unilocal review.
That was the first and will absolutely be the last time I ever walk into that shop. To bad also because I was interested in my advanced open water certification and to see what prices they offered. I could have been a potential regular costumer there to have all my dive gear serviced and maybe even go on some local daily dive trips with them but after that experience with Steve, that opportunity for my business has been annihilated. I can’t say anything for the courses they offer. From what people say, I’m sure their courses are great with a good group of well trained instructors. But, after that experience, it’s safe to say I will never be doing business with this place again. There are plenty of shops out there with nice staff. I just wanted to try this one since it is down the street from where I live. No thank you. I called LA scuba diving shop and explained to them what I wanted to do with my reg. The gentlemen on the phone said, «sure come on down and we will do the binge test. It’s about 25 bucks.» I said thank you on my way. I’m about to drive there now :-)

By far the most helpful and professional dive shop in the area. If you are someone who appreciates quality customer service this is the only dive shop for you. The employees and instructors are very knowledgeable and happy to spend time to find the equipment that will work perfect for each and every customer. They carry equipment for every level of skill and interest.
The scuba classes here are wonderful. I would highly recommend their instructors. After doing the initial open water course I ended up deciding to continue my classes and got the advanced open water within the next few months. I feel confident in my abilities due to the hands on and well guided training. I have no doubt that I can safely plan, prepare, and enjoy my diving trips with family and friends all thanks to Ocean Adventures!

Family owned and local dive shop that has always treated me with respect. Great advice and customer service. I’ve gone on several trips and taken several classes and I’ve always had a great experience.

BEST TIME DIVING WITH THESE GUYS. The whole team is so pro and so friendly, the boat trip to Catalina was spectacular and always felt safe and totally taken care of. I will come back for more dives.

I can’t say enough about this place. My first visit there was after a not so great experience of trying to fit in a wetsuit elsewhere, so I was referred to this place. I was so hesitant about wetsuit fitting, that I honestly thought that I just wouldn’t learn to dive to save myself the hassel of finding something that fits. As soon as I walked in and I was greeted by Erika, I knew I was in good hands! Erika was super knowledgable about wetsuits and particularly how they fit a curvy gal like me. While they didn’t have the size I needed in stock, she didn’t hesitate to order it and follow through with updates about shipping, arrival times, etc. I came in when it arrived and it fit like second skin. I’ve never been happier! And it kept me super warm for the cold waters of Catalina!
I was so happy, in fact, that I went back to rent a computer for my dive lessons, purchase a hood, mask and snorkel. Steve helped me with the mask fitting and gave me the best advice EVER as far as my biggest fear– clearing the mask. He told me to take my time, focus on my breathing and that I didn’t have to clear the mask all at once, or even right away. I kept repeating that to myself when I was doing my open water dives for my certification and I passed with flying colors!
When I went back to return the computer rental, I bought even more! I got ANOTHER wetsuit (for Mexico/​warmer waters) and booties!
I am so thankful for their help, knowledge and just overall niceness that I’ll definitely be a regular at this gem of a diveshop. Fun fact– they also have awesome diver-​inspired jewelry at the shop!

I’ve been here a few times for the few odds and ends, and I even referred a friend here, since the staff seemed so friendly. I’d been looking for a dive shop I could go to for all my diving needs, but clearly this one just failed miserably.
However, when I went the other day. One of the staff, I did not catch his name, was extremely rude to me. I had called ahead of time, to ask if I could check to make sure my computer and transmitter could pair correctly with a used tank, and spoken to a women who was very friendly and said it was no problem. When I arrived and told the same thing to the person there, he was extremely rude and asked if I had bought the equipment here. I repeated myself several times and said they were gifts from family, and snapped at me that I should go to where it was bought to do this, which I said was not in California.
I get I did not buy the equipment to them, but I called ahead of time to make sure it was OK for me to do this and when I arrived this person was extremely rude. I don’t ever plan on going back here again or referring to people. They need to learn some customer service. They just guaranteed me to not return, even for small things.

My experience as a beginning diver was not good. Actually, scary and traumatizing. While doing our pool training the instructor grabbed me and tried to hold me under water. It has stunned me, shocked me, traumatized me.

I finished my open water certification here. Karen was great! Really experienced and wonderful. We went on the spectre boat and it was a great day overall. A+

Best place to go to get certified! Caring, helpful, and make you feel very comfortable

I went on a trip to Fiji and took a buoyancy course w/​Ocean Adventures prior as I haven’t been in the water for many years. Both experiences were tremendous. The trip was incredibly priced, and Erika made it idiot proof not to lose or miss anything on the trip which is what I need. It was an excellent course and great and fun experience.

Just got back from a great dive trip to Beqa Lagoon Resort in Fiji. When I saw Erica’s email advertising the trip, I expected great diving, but I did not expect the amazing group of people who came, the friendly staff, the lovely accommodations, and the great food, activities, and overall wonderful experience that the trip proved to be. Erica led a great trip and I can’t recommend this trip enough. Go when you can!

Great dive shop. Great knowledgeable staff. Super accommodating and helpful.
Steve the owner is a big photographer as well, so if you’re looking to learn in that area, he’s a great resource for everything underwater photography.
I haven’t booked a trip or taken a class yet with them, but have bought and rent tons of gear from them.

Great shop and very friendly and helpful service! Came in right before they closed the woman helping me was great and didn’t rush us, filled my tank and was super nice.

The staff were incredibly helpful. Went in with questions a bit hesitant and they weren’t trying to just «make the sell» like other companies i checked out. I went into the lessons with confidence and would recommend the experience to anyone. It was so much fun and my instructors were the best!

AWESOME experience and excellent service! My friend and I booked a 1 day local dive trip to Anacapa Island on PEACE Boat. All the correspondences were over email as I was from Singapore and Silvia replied very promptly!
Erika our divemaster picked us from Home (40USD for the transport) on Friday evening and drove us and the equipment to Ventura harbor to stay overnight on the boat. We woke up from the unique bunk beds to bagels, sausage, eggs and pancakes (: oh we never went hungry.
It was our first COLD water dive and first time diving in the kelp forest. But Erika the dive master was so encouraging and made us feel VERY SAFE. We saw SEA LIONS! But the kelp forests… Whao. The experience was surreal. I tried all means to capture the scenery on my underwater camera, but the pictures did not do it justice. You’ve got to experience it yourself! :)
There’s a jacuzzi on the PEACE boat which really made the cold dives so much more bearable. And the food of course!
Overall, it has been a really pleasant experience. If I come back to California in the future, I’ll choose ocean adventures.

Yikes with the high pressure sales guy (the owner I thinks). Nope I don’t want a $ 700 technical BDC. Purchased it else where for half the price. Keep in mind when shopping here, hold on to your wallet.

I recently completed my Divemaster and IDC Instructor training with Ocean Adventures, with Karen as my DM instructor and Szilvia as my IDC instructor. I chose this pair because of my personal experience with Karen as a DM on a local Dive boat and her professionalism. In addition, I did research to see who would not only get me through the course, but actually be able to teach me the depth of knowledge I needed to be an exceptional instructor. Szilvia is remarkable in her knowledge base and was able to drive me to learn and be more than prepared for my exams.
If you are planning to be a professional in the industry, they are my number one choice for your instruction.
In addition, I was able to assist in many Open Water classes with their staff. They are friendly, professional, and most of all attentive of the safety of the students. I would trust my friends and family in their capable hands. I am continuing my courses with them, even though it is a long drive from South Orange County to do so.

My wife and I recently experienced 3 days of training with Szilvi Gogh, an instructor with Ocean Adventures. On day 1 spent half a day reviewing our PADI lessons and testing and then we spent the balance of the day in a local pool.
Day 2 consisted of 2 boat dives at Catalina Island and Day 3 consisted of 2 dives at the Avalon Dive park on Catalina Island.
We worked closely with Szilvi throughout this entire process and she is outstanding to work with. Szilvi worked closely with us to select the proper equipment for the type of diving we will be doing in Southern California and we also discussed diving elsewhere.
The classroom review and testing time with Szilvi were very informative and helpful for both of us. The pool training time with Szilvi was also very productive and we really enjoyed Szilvi teaching methods.
Days 2 & 3 of ocean diving were great. Szilvi made us feel very comfortable scuba diving in the ocean for the first time. Szilvi worked through all of our drills until she was comfortable that we were performing each drill properly. Szilvi pays attention to details and safety is her number one priority.
We have found the staff at Ocean Adventures very friendly and helpful to work with. We now consider Ocean Adventures to be our local dive shop even though we live an hour away.
I would highly recommend instruction from Szilvi Gogh and we look forward to taking additional classes with Szilvi and Ocean Adventures.

My friends invited me to dive over near Catalina island last minute, and I didn’t have my PADI card with me. Tim who I met that runs the place was generous enough to log in to PADI’s website to get my certification number for me.
What a nice guy. He rented me a complete set of dive equipment, and took the time to make sure everything (BCD, suit, tanks, regulator, fins, etc.) was in perfect shape.
The equipment was top notch. Tim’s suggestions for where to dive and what to keep in mind while in Catalina was perfect. I actually stayed an extra day, and got in another two dives because of how great his advice was.
I don’t expect amazing service from anyone anymore without having to pay tremendously for it. This dive shop has it together, and it’s prices are fair. Renting dive equipment here was the best possible experience I could have hoped for.
Thanks Tim! You guys made my trip epic!

Live it. I got my DM at Ocean Adventures and referred my girlfriend for her Open Water. It’s great to be at a shop that takes a personal interest in each diver.