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United States

Courses

Courses

Dive Sites

Dive Sites

Wildlife

Wildlife

Dive Trips

Dive Trips

Events

Events

© iStock/TomasSereda

Explore The United States

Diving in the United States offers a rich tapestry of underwater experiences that cater to divers of all skill levels. From the vibrant coral reefs of the Florida Keys to the awe-inspiring shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast, the U.S. is a treasure trove of diverse marine environments. In Hawaii, divers can marvel at lava tubes and unique marine life, including manta rays and Hawaiian green sea turtles, while the Pacific Northwest provides a stunning contrast with its kelp forests and encounters with giant Pacific octopuses.

The country's extensive coastline and island territories mean divers can explore a variety of sites, whether preferring the ease of shore diving in California or the adventure of boat and liveaboard options in the Gulf of Mexico. Seasonal changes bring unique opportunities, such as swimming with whale sharks off the Gulf coast in summer or exploring the kelp beds during the cooler months in California. Each region offers its own slice of underwater wonder, making the U.S. a special dive destination full of surprises and unforgettable experiences.

Power Plug Type
A, B
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DIS, DC, Cir, Plus, Chase, Barc
Tipping
15–20% / Service Staff / Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, taxis, and for delivery and personal services.
Currency
USD
Dial Code
+1
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Time
UTC−10 to UTC−5

Places to explore

iStock-Lunamarina
Florida

Florida

The Sunshine State Florida offers many great and divers dive sites from the tropical Florida Keys to deep shipwrecks and crystal clear freshwater springs.
Courses & Events
94
Divesites
158
Centers
49
iStock/ericfoltz
Texas

Texas

Texas isn’t the obvious choice that comes to mind when you think of diving in the USA, but Texas is actually rich in many different types of diving.
Courses & Events
100
Divesites
45
Centers
22
iStock/ventdusud
California

California

California, the third largest state in the United States of America, boasts some of the best cold-water diving in the country.
Courses & Events
18
Divesites
77
Centers
16
iStock-Art Wager
Hawaii

Hawaii

Every possible type of adventure can be found in ’tropical paradise’ Hawaii including dramatic jagged cliffs, active volcanoes and clear turquoise waters.
Courses & Events
35
Divesites
62
Centers
13
Shutterstock/ESB Professional
Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s shoreline consists of dozens of islets, cays, and white sand beaches perfect for snorkeling and diving
Courses & Events
17
Divesites
29
Centers
6
iStock/NeoPhoto
Massachusetts

Massachusetts

About 1/3 of the state of Massachusetts boarders the Atlantic Ocean, offering a plethora of diving opportunities.
Courses & Events
14
Divesites
16
Centers
4
iStock/FredericProchasson
The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes

The five lakes, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario make up the ’the great lakes’ that offer the best dive sites of the world.
Courses & Events
5
Divesites
15
Centers
7
iStock-Ultima_Gaina
New York

New York

Diving in New York, you will see an area with a rich maritime history and with hundreds of shipwrecks just waiting to be explored.
Courses & Events
1
Divesites
16
Centers
7

Courses and Events

Wreck Diving

Wreck Diving

Many of the ocean’s best dive sites are wrecks. These impressive structures attract unusually high densities of marine life and give you the chance to immerse in living history as you dive. There is nothing quite like wreck diving and the SSI Wreck Diving specialty will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to become a safe and confident wreck diver. With a combination of academic and confined water sessions, you will be taught how to safely conduct non-penetration dives around wrecks and artificial reefs, up to a depth of 30 meters. You will also get to practice your wreck diving skills during open water training dives. All of which will ensure you can enjoy wreck diving with confidence and get the most out of every dive. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Wreck Diving specialty certification. Continue your adventures and become a wreck diver. Get started online today!

May 4, 2026 +8 More
$275.00
Open Water Diver - Quarry Certification Dives

Open Water Diver - Quarry Certification Dives

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification. ***This is the Open Water Dives at the Quarry Weekend** Both Saturday & Sunday are REQUIRED!

May 1, 2026 +268 More
$185.00
Open Water Diver

Open Water Diver

Our Open Water Diver course prepares you to be a safe and effective, fully autonomous diver.Classes must have a minimum of 4 students to be conducted. Private classes available for an additional charge. Must contact us directly for private classes. 

June 10, 2026 +5 More
$879.00
Open Water Diver

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

May 16, 2026 +15 More
$700.00
Try Scuba

Try Scuba

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

May 16, 2026 +7 More
$75.00
Scuba Skills Update

Scuba Skills Update

It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life. If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

May 16, 2026 +7 More
$100.00
Snorkel Diver

Snorkel Diver

The SSI Snorkel Diver program is your first step towards discovering a passion for the underwater world. It is the best way to learn how to snorkel and develop your confidence in the water, so you can go snorkeling and explore the mesmerizing landscapes and wildlife of the aquatic world. You do not need to be a proficient swimmer to participate in the Snorkel Diver program, and there is no minimum age to join. You just need to be comfortable in the water, able to maintain your buoyancy, and ready to begin the adventure of a lifetime! In this program, you will be introduced to the equipment and skills you need to go snorkeling safely. Begin your snorkeling training and earn your SSI Snorkel Diver recognition card today!

May 17, 2026 +7 More
$100.00
Perfect Buoyancy

Perfect Buoyancy

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

May 17, 2026 +7 More
$150.00
Referral Diver (Academics & Pool only)

Referral Diver (Academics & Pool only)

Life gets busy. We understand that, so created the Referral Diver program to meet your needs. It is the best way to learn to dive if you want to complete some but not all of your training now. This flexible program allows you to do your academic and pool training now, then complete your open water training at a later date. You can take your time and work around your schedule, knowing your Referral Diver certification gives you 6 months to finish the open water training. You can complete all of your training at home or go on vacation and do your open water training in warm water with the sun shining overhead. There is no better way to become a certified diver.

May 16, 2026 +15 More
$400.00

Dive Centers

Dolphin Swim School, Inc.

Dolphin Swim School, Inc.

1530 El Camino Ave, 95815 Sacramento, CA - United States
Ocean First

Ocean First

3015 Bluff Street, 80301 Boulder, CO - United States
SSI North America

SSI North America

430 S. Congress Avenue, Suite 1A, 33445 Delray Beach, FL - United States
Denver Divers

Denver Divers

557 Milwaukee Street, 80206 Denver, CO - United States

Lynnhaven Dive Center

1413 N Great Neck Road, 23454 Virginia Beach, VA - United States

Macs Sports

2126 Drew St, 33765 Clearwater, FL - United States

Toms Dive & Swim

5909 Burnet Rd, 78757 Austin, TX - United States

A-1 Scuba and Travel Aquatics Center

1603 W. Belleview, 80120 Littleton, CO - United States

Diventures Alpharetta

2880 Holcomb Bridge Road, 30022 Alpharetta, GA - United States

Diventures Colorado Springs

4940 Rusina Rd, 80907 Colorado Springs, CO - United States

Diventures Raleigh

3651 Bastion Lane, 27604 Raleigh, NC - United States

Hawaiian Diving Adventures

1125 Ala Moana Blvd slip A-03, 96815 Honolulu, HI - United States

Phoenix Scuba

8502 North Black Canyon Hwy., 85051 Phoenix, AZ - United States

Dive Sites

SSI USA North Central Training Ctr - no certs, 33487 Boca Raton
Bonne Terre Mine <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Bonne Terre Mine (★4.4)

This unique adventure can be your “Dive to the Center of the Earth.“ Bonne Terre Mine, a national historic site, is the world’s largest fresh water dive resort. Water conditions remain constant with over 100 foot visibility.
Sarah S. (#4020708)
Molasses Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Molasses Reef (★4.3)

Molasses Reef is one of the most popular dive areas in the Florida Keys. There are 30-33 specific dive sites located on Molasses Reef alone. The reef is shallow and very clear with lots of life, making it a great area for divers of all levels and snorkelers as well.
SSI USA West Coast Training Center - no certs -, 33487 Boca Raton
Casino Point Dive Park <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Casino Point Dive Park (★4.5)

Casino Point Dive Park, also known as the Avalon Underwater Dive Park, is the most popular dive site on Catalina Island and one of the most popular dive sites in all of Southern California. Catalina Island is only accessible via private boat or ferry from the mainland so check ferry schedules.
Force-E, 33404 Riviera Beach
Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park (★4.3)

One of the most popular dive sites in South Florida, Blue Heron Bridge is an easily accessible shore dive sitting just under the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach. SPECIAL NOTE: check the tide schedule as this dive can only be made during slack tide otherwise currents will be too strong through the bay.
Aqualung
Mala Wharf <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

Mala Wharf (★4.7)

Mala Wharf is one of Maui’s best dives and easy to get to! It’s a shore dive just off of Lahaina. Watch out for boat traffic and rough sea conditions.

Top Wildlife Sightings in the United States

The United States offers a diverse array of marine life for divers to explore, especially around coastal regions like Florida, California, and Hawaii. In reef environments, divers can typically spot colorful reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These species are common in warmer waters and provide a vibrant underwater experience year-round. Seasonally, divers may encounter larger marine species, such as sharks and rays. For example, nurse sharks and lemon sharks are frequently seen in Florida, particularly during the summer months. Similarly, manta rays are a highlight in Hawaii, often sighted between April and October. Sea turtles, like the green and loggerhead species, are also regularly encountered in these regions, with peak sightings occurring during nesting seasons in the spring and summer. Divers are most likely to encounter these species by visiting well-known dive spots at optimal times of the year.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
18k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.4k
M
1.6k
A
1.4k
M
1.3k
J
1.7k
J
2k
A
1.4k
S
1.2k
O
1.2k
N
1.4k
D
1.5k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
16k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1.1k
M
1.4k
A
1.2k
M
1.4k
J
1.7k
J
2k
A
1.5k
S
1.2k
O
1.2k
N
1.3k
D
1.3k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
13k Sightings
J
954
F
705
M
1.1k
A
1k
M
1.2k
J
1.6k
J
1.9k
A
1.2k
S
947
O
829
N
753
D
891

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
4.8k Sightings
J
412
F
268
M
413
A
368
M
373
J
430
J
524
A
471
S
420
O
384
N
404
D
329

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
4.3k Sightings
J
287
F
221
M
339
A
269
M
385
J
536
J
729
A
420
S
314
O
274
N
253
D
223

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
3.9k Sightings
J
321
F
296
M
289
A
253
M
299
J
371
J
515
A
395
S
310
O
305
N
235
D
309

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 19

iStock-ANDY_BOWLIN
Bass

Bass
77k Sightings
J
1.8k
F
2.2k
M
3.3k
A
3.9k
M
7k
J
11k
J
13k
A
13k
S
10k
O
6.9k
N
2.7k
D
1.4k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Shutterstock-zsolt_uveges
Catfish

Catfish
34k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.3k
M
1.7k
A
1.8k
M
2.8k
J
4.2k
J
5.4k
A
5.3k
S
4.6k
O
3.2k
N
1.6k
D
1.1k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

iStock-jpa1999
Perch

Perch
32k Sightings
J
658
F
737
M
1.2k
A
1.3k
M
3.1k
J
5k
J
5.7k
A
5.7k
S
4.2k
O
2.7k
N
1.1k
D
592

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 360

iStock-ChristinaPrinn
Turtle

Turtle
30k Sightings
J
2k
F
2.6k
M
2.8k
A
2.3k
M
2.5k
J
3.3k
J
3.3k
A
3.3k
S
2.4k
O
2.5k
N
1.8k
D
1.5k
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
18k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1k
M
1.4k
A
1.3k
M
1.6k
J
2.2k
J
2.6k
A
1.8k
S
1.4k
O
1.1k
N
1.1k
D
1.1k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
15k Sightings
J
960
F
760
M
1.2k
A
1.1k
M
1.3k
J
1.8k
J
2.3k
A
1.4k
S
1.1k
O
873
N
855
D
958

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
12k Sightings
J
801
F
752
M
939
A
881
M
1.1k
J
1.5k
J
1.8k
A
1.1k
S
957
O
811
N
781
D
836

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
11k Sightings
J
869
F
733
M
896
A
878
M
920
J
1.3k
J
1.6k
A
1.1k
S
771
O
695
N
725
D
911

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Shutterstock-dushkovladimir
Crayfish

Crayfish
10k Sightings
J
250
F
233
M
271
A
390
M
730
J
1.5k
J
1.8k
A
2k
S
1.6k
O
867
N
329
D
215

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-Rostislav Stefanek
Carp

Carp
9.6k Sightings
J
300
F
334
M
473
A
437
M
712
J
1.4k
J
1.6k
A
1.6k
S
1.2k
O
895
N
378
D
238

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
9.3k Sightings
J
561
F
474
M
634
A
770
M
843
J
1.2k
J
1.4k
A
1.1k
S
734
O
526
N
501
D
527

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
8.3k Sightings
J
396
F
431
M
532
A
674
M
815
J
964
J
1.2k
A
907
S
664
O
667
N
551
D
415

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
7.7k Sightings
J
660
F
474
M
693
A
551
M
662
J
889
J
1k
A
680
S
541
O
466
N
478
D
583

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak
Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark
7.4k Sightings
J
417
F
393
M
599
A
532
M
681
J
879
J
1.3k
A
750
S
530
O
427
N
482
D
470
Shutterstock-Tony Tilford
Common Bream

Common Bream
7.2k Sightings
J
222
F
396
M
436
A
373
M
473
J
797
J
1.2k
A
1.2k
S
831
O
626
N
378
D
216

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
6.4k Sightings
J
461
F
350
M
518
A
524
M
518
J
826
J
937
A
685
S
459
O
379
N
392
D
341

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
6.2k Sightings
J
477
F
326
M
488
A
427
M
474
J
796
J
935
A
567
S
424
O
403
N
465
D
454

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
5.8k Sightings
J
400
F
369
M
428
A
361
M
510
J
759
J
773
A
486
S
474
O
383
N
479
D
362

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
5.4k Sightings
J
333
F
302
M
438
A
397
M
486
J
762
J
809
A
563
S
374
O
316
N
305
D
296

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
5.4k Sightings
J
344
F
244
M
468
A
327
M
421
J
674
J
751
A
621
S
422
O
468
N
353
D
284

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
5.1k Sightings
J
384
F
265
M
402
A
393
M
397
J
763
J
738
A
500
S
398
O
259
N
280
D
304

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
4.9k Sightings
J
329
F
234
M
374
A
328
M
433
J
741
J
770
A
450
S
342
O
294
N
279
D
283

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
4.6k Sightings
J
413
F
246
M
300
A
407
M
390
J
446
J
675
A
414
S
276
O
313
N
388
D
377

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7

Shutterstock-Khairul Ishra
Gar

Gar
4.1k Sightings
J
318
F
495
M
583
A
348
M
282
J
362
J
410
A
280
S
211
O
312
N
291
D
210

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 35

Shutterstock-divedog
Trout

Trout
3.9k Sightings
J
52
F
66
M
61
A
59
M
252
J
542
J
805
A
876
S
647
O
397
N
103
D
65