MONTEREY SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Monterey to 100 Feet: Advanced Open Water Certification with Central Coast Scuba
A focused Advanced Open Water course in Monterey that pushes certified divers to 100 feet while teaching deep, night, navigation and buoyancy skills.
Monterey to 100 Feet: Advanced Open Water Certification with Central Coast Scuba.
Adventure brief
Monterey to 100 Feet: Advanced Open Water Certification with Central Coast Scuba
Off the kelp-swept coast of Monterey, the Advanced Open Water course from Central Coast Scuba sharpens the skills that matter when you push past recreational limits: deeper planning, precise navigation and refined buoyancy. The program lets certified divers explore to 100 feet while sampling specialty dives such as deep, night, navigation and peak performance buoyancy, and offers both NAUI and PADI certification tracks and a private, customizable schedule.
Take your diving skills to the next level with Central Coast Scuba's Advanced Open Water Dive Course in Monterey, California. This private course is tailored for divers eager to explore the underwater world more confidently and safely, reaching depths of up to 100 feet. Expect to enjoy exhilarating dives including night and deep dives, while perfecting essential techniques such as navigation and buoyancy control. With certification options from NAUI or PADI, learners can choose the path that best fits their needs. The course offers flexible scheduling designed to accommodate your personal goals and timetable. Monterey’s rich marine environment provides a stunning backdrop filled with diverse sea life and underwater landscapes, making each dive a unique adventure. Whether you're refining your skills for leisure or aspiring to dive in more challenging environments, this experience delivers expert training combined with the serene beauty of California’s central coast.
Route Schematic
Course itinerary schematic
The itinerary combines pre-course e-learning with two days of classroom and ocean dives; private scheduling allows for minor adjustments.
E‑Learning (Pre-course)
Complete the NAUI or PADI e-learning modules at your own pace before the first in-water day.
Meet at San Carlos Beach
Students assemble at the designated meeting point on San Carlos Beach in Monterey before shore operations and classroom sessions.
Day 1 — Classroom and Shore Dives
Day one includes classroom instruction plus peak performance buoyancy, underwater navigation and a night dive (three dives total).
Day 2 — Deep and Specialty Dives
Day two focuses on the deep dive and a fish-identification dive; boat dives are available for an additional fee and the second day typically comprises two to three dives.
You must already hold an Open Water certification to enroll in the Advanced Open Water course; operators may alter the schedule depending on conditions and student needs.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Certified to 100 Feet
The course authorizes divers to plan and execute dives down to 100 feet, including dedicated deep-dive training as one of the core specialties.
Navigation, Buoyancy and Specialty Dives
You’ll practice underwater navigation and peak performance buoyancy and can sample other specialty dives—fish ID, underwater naturalist, search and recovery and more—depending on the options you choose.
PADI or NAUI, Private and Customizable
Central Coast Scuba offers both NAUI and PADI advanced tracks, delivers private instruction (with group discounts for 2–8 students), and tailors the schedule to the dives you want to pursue.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
The course blends at-your-own-pace e-learning with two intensive days of in-person instruction: classroom work and multiple ocean dives focused on buoyancy, navigation and a night dive on day one, followed by deep and specialty dives on day two. Instruction is private and customizable, letting divers focus on the specific skills and dive types they want to master.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should wait.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program spans two days of in-person instruction (e-learning is completed beforehand).
Bring water, reef‑safe sunscreen and towels; rental equipment is available for roughly $80–$100 per day depending on package.
Sample private-instruction pricing for an individual: course fee $700 plus NAUI e‑learning $100 and rentals as needed, for a total of roughly $960–$1000; private group discounts apply.
The official meeting point is San Carlos Beach, Monterey, CA 93940; contact Central Coast Scuba by email at [email protected] to book or discuss the dives you want to pursue.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Advanced Open Water course take?
The in-person portion of the course takes two days; e-learning must be completed prior to your first dive day.
Do I need prior certification to enroll?
Yes — you must already hold an Open Water certification to pursue Advanced Open Water.
Which certification agencies are offered?
You may pursue either NAUI or PADI advanced certification; your advanced certification does not have to be issued by the same agency as your original Open Water certification.
How many ocean dives are included?
PADI students complete five ocean dives; NAUI students complete six; specific dives across the two days include buoyancy, navigation and deep dives, plus a night dive on NAUI programs.
What does the pricing include and what are typical extra costs?
A sample private course for an individual lists a $700 course fee and $100 NAUI e‑learning; rental equipment runs about $80–$100 per day and boat dives are available for an additional fee.
How do I book or arrange specific specialty dives?
Contact Central Coast Scuba at [email protected] to discuss which specialty dives you want to pursue and to schedule private instruction.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-15T01:16:48.255Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.