Idonya still continues to provide outstanding opportunities for anyone looking to get certified in…read morethe Bay Area. My daughter did her rescue diver certification with Idonya and now feels ready to help others should the need ever arrive (although hopefully it does not!)

I had a great time getting certified with Idonya. She is knowledgable, patient, and we always had a…read moregood time at my pool lessons and even more once we got out to the ocean. There was plenty of flexibility on times to work with my schedule. I felt totally ready to go on my first dive in Thailand. Thanks, Idonya!

I've been diving with The Deep Ocean Explore Store for the last two months, and I can honestly say…read morethis shop has completely changed my diving journey. From the very beginning, the team here helped me with everything -- gear rentals, certifications, dive planning, skill progression, and even opportunities to join dives purely to gain more knowledge and experience in Monterey's challenging conditions. They even organized an expedition to Catalina, which turned out to be one of the most beneficial and unforgettable diving experiences I've had so far. What really sets this place apart is the dive masters. No matter what question you have -- even if you accidentally ask the same one a few times -- they walk you through it with patience, clarity, and zero judgment. Their goal isn't just to get you certified; it's to help you become a confident, capable, and safe diver. The environment here is incredibly welcoming and community-driven. In just two months, I've seen everything from 10-year-olds getting their first certification to 30-year veteran divers calling this shop their home base. It's rare to find a place where beginners and seasoned divers feel equally supported, but this shop nails it. Whether you're looking to get certified, expand your knowledge, rent reliable gear, or join a safe and genuine dive community, this is the shop you want behind you. They care, they teach well, and they make every dive count. If you're on the fence, take this as your sign--go with The Deep Ocean Explore Store. Your future dives will thank you.

Completely inattentive sales(?)person. Would have purchased something but we were totally ignored…read more We were looking for two snorkeling sets and a wet suit and reef safe sunscreen. Could have been a decent transaction if anyone had even greeted us.

Ted did a thorough inspection and cleaning of my hull twice in preparation for relocation of my…read moreboat from Alameda to Long Beach. He left boat hull and props clean as a whistle and I'm sure gave me 10% better fuel economy for the long journey. Very prompt and courteous; despite my short notice. Highly recommended.

Ted worked on our boat this week, did an excellent job of cleaning the bottom, replacing zincs, and…read morehelping with a repair on a seacock. He was highly recommended by two other friends in our marina in Alameda, and we feel very fortunate to have started to work with him.

Training with Aaron is one of the absolutely best ways to learn to dive…read more If you're like me, you'll start by thinking you "need dive certification" and quickly realize what you actually want is to learn how to dive. I searched pretty widely to find the right person to train with and found Aaron. One of the things that inspired me to work with him is that he is a "career safety professional". He thinks about risk holistically. He manages to be highly empathetic and never push you beyond what you can handle, while simultaneously putting you through the exactly right amount of simulated disaster (that a normal school would never have the courage to do). He has the qualities of a great coach. He's able to keep a class on track, even for someone who asks a million questions like myself. He is patient, and he will not let you give less than what you are capable of. His prices are a steal (I hope he raises them). You get individualized instruction, and on top of that, you'll graduate into a group of alumni who continue to dive together. If you like to do things right, work with Aaron.

Aaron is a great diving instructor who takes the time and care to work with each of his students…read moreindividually to understand where they are at and what they need. As a first time diver, I was both excited and nervous, and struggled a bit with my buoyancy. Aaron was patient and funny and encouraging and by the end of day two at Monterey I felt much more confident and capable. One of the great benefits of Original Oaktown Divers is Aaron's commitment to community and a feeling of belonging. That is unique and something to be valued!

I wish I could give negative stars…read more I purchased two flyboarding sessions. After receiving confirmation on yelp, I received no additional details on the appointment. Prior to the appointment, I contacted the booking agency Peek Pro who was able to tell me where to meet on the day of the appointment (Jack London Aquatic Center). When I arrived at the aquatic center, no one from Xtreme Xcursions was there. I tried calling them at this time (and throughout the week) and never once did they answer or return my call. I feel completely robbed. I have never felt so disrespected :/ EDIT: I got a refund, still does not fully compensate me for how I was treated...

Xtreme Xcursions is run by Alex who has fantastic customer service! If you are looking to kayak,…read moresail, paddle board, kite surf, mountain bike, or fly board in San Francisco they offer all of these services. My personal favorite activity on the bay is paddle boarding or kayaking (highly highly recommend Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP if you have never tried it!) Sailing on the bay is also one of the absolute best ways to wind down and enjoy the sunshine! I have been wanting to try kite boarding (and when I do Xtreme Xcursions will be the place I go)! Now to just find time to get in those lessons :) Be sure to check out their website for a 10% off coupon when you sign up for their newsletter. xoxo

This negative review is the result of the poor customer service provided by Hollis. In the last…read moretwo years, I have spent several thousand dollars on Hollis equipment because my local dive shop carries their line very heavily. I think the manufacturing and design of Hollis equipment is outstanding. But beware if you need Hollis to provide any service. You will disappear into the back hole of "we have your money, now go away and shut up." Shame on you, Hollis! In the last two years, I have purchased a BTR500 drysuit, a 500SE DC7 regulator setup, a 150LX DC7 regulator setup, F1 fins, an M4 mask, and an HTS 2 Buoyancy Compensator. I am a walking/swimming advertisement for Hollis equipment. But when my dive shop ordered a $65 yoke-to-DIN conversion kit (THREE MONTHS AGO), my money disappeared into that black hole of poor customer service. The dive shop tells me, "That's Hollis, it takes them forever." When I ask them to follow up, they tell me, "We have, they don't answer." So I contacted them myself. No response. Not even a "we have forwarded your e-mail to the proper department" e-mail. JUST SILENCE. Hollis is building a reputation for poor customer service. I can only hope that this review will accomplish two things: People will stay away from Hollis until they improve, and Hollis will get the message. Hollis, get your act together and start placing an emphasis on customer service.

From the owner: Dependable and innovative technical diving equipment for your personal exploration needs.read more

No place like Sea Trek!…read more For 43 years and multiple generations these guys Just want you to have fun, connect to the bay and its wildlife, and learn new things - to feel good about being outdoors while caring about it! I love them forever and glad I have paddled and been part of it over the years. Sea Trek has the mission (and is driven) like a non-profit while at the same time they are trying to continue to take care of their families and all their employees and run a great business for everyone to enjoy and benefit from. When you paddle with them you help protect the bay. A Great success story!

A gem of a business in Sausalito!…read more Free parking by the Bay Model museum. Rates are fair and I love that they have a frequent paddler's pass that gives you discounted hourly rates. I rented the single kayak and it includes a life jacket, and the use of a dry bag. The kayak and gear were all in good condition. All the employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. You can't beat the views from the water! If you haven't already, you gotta check out Sea Trek!

I've been out twice with the Sundance to catch salmon outside the bay. The boat leaves at 5:30…read moresharp and stays out until the limit of 2*6 was caught each time. The first time we were out 10 hours, the second about 5. The boat takes six fishermen and a crew of two. Captain CJ knows his stuff. Took us through 10ft swells outside the gate (the potato patch they call it) with the boat pitching nearly 90 degrees. Quite the ride on a rough day. All gear and bait are included and two 2lb sinkers. The sinkers drop when you hook the fish, and cost $7 each when you need more So I used 8 and paid $42 extra for six. No problem, but something to be prepared for. The mate and captain keep the rods baited and the boat trolling. Everyone gets great action. One guy pulled in a 24 lb salmon. Last trip I caught three keepers and two small ones we tossed back. Guys also caught five good sized mackerels also, which weren't counted as part of the 12 limit, so we wound up with three each. Everyone gets to pick their best two if they're over the limit and unlucky guys split the rest. The mate will fillet anything and you can keep any of it you want. Get a one-day fishing license for $17 at a bait shop before you go. $250 for the day. Parking passes inside at the business at the end of the road, the Sundance is on the second dock from the end. A great way to spend a day. Call months in advance - they book up fast. There's catch counts on the web page so you can see all the boats and how they're doing.

I had an amazing trip on the C-Gull. Capt Don is legit. He had us on halibut all day. He also…read moremade sure gear was operational and our technique was on point. Deck Hand Tristan worked hard the entire day netting fish and keeping the bait buckets full. I recommend a Half Day on the C-gull. 6 hours of non-stop action.

If you're looking for one of the best fishing charters in Northern California, look no further than…read moreSea Wolf Sportfishing. Captain Joe is nothing short of stellar--professional, knowledgeable, and laser-focused on putting his anglers on the fish. The deckhands were equally impressive, constantly circling the boat, checking lines, untangling rigs, and making sure everyone was dialed in from start to finish. Their attentiveness and energy created a truly stress-free and fun environment. Every single angler on board got their limit of two huge king salmon and the energy on deck was incredible. Captain Joe clearly knows where the fish are, and the whole crew made the trip smooth, fun, and memorable. I've been on other charters, but this one is by far the best. Can't wait to book again--highly recommend Sea Wolf Sportfishing so save me a seat and tell the Captain hello!

Great experience! The deckhands were very helpful and highly skilled at untangling lines. They are…read morevery efficient and managed to support everyone with minimal downtime.