Aquarium to Offer Summer Scientific Diving Course

Local scuba divers looking to get in touch with some of Southern California's marine life will have an opportunity to earn their underwater naturalist badge with the Aquarium of the Pacific this summer.

The course, offered to certified open water divers, will take participants underwater to learn what it is like to work as a scientific diver.

During the five-day course, divers will learn underwater data collection techniques as well as explore multiple local dive sites that feature kelp forests and rocky reefs, aquarium officials said.

In addition to diving in the Pacific Ocean, students will also get the rare chance to dive inside the aquarium's tropical reef habitat which houses sharks, sea turtles and sting rays.

The class, open to certified divers ages 15 and up, will be offered two times this summer from June 24-28 and July 22-26.

The $750 fee for the class includes transportation to the dive sites, underwater naturalist certification, and all dive gear except for mask, fins, hood, booties, and supplies for the underwater naturalist certification.

Those interested in signing up for the program can do so on the Aquarium of the Pacific's website or by calling 562-590-1630.