Breathing underwater, like eating fireworks, constructing a monument, and getting married, should only be attempted if you're confident you can do it. Get all the skills you need to mingle among the mermaids with this Groupon: for $399, you get a weekend PADI Open Water Diver scuba-certification course and a weekend getaway to Catalina Island from PCH Scuba in Burbank (up to a $925 value). A scuba cylinder rental with refills and weights ($65) and a mask with a snorkel ($50–$70) are not included in the price of this Groupon. Included hotel rooms are based on double occupancy and can be shared with another Groupon holder or upgraded to single occupancy for an additional $140.
PCH Scuba's sole focus is educating divers and perpetuating passion for the sport. With this deal, prospective aqua tourists will participate in the PADI Open Water Diver course, which starts with a full weekend of scuba education and training overseen by instructors who have attained master scuba diver trainer status, a rank that compels sea lions to stand at attention whenever the trainers enter a room. The initial watery weekend consists of a review of academic materials, two four-hour pool sessions, and additional training as needed.
During the second weekend, students meet at the ferry to embark on a trip to Avalon, Catalina Island, for two days of scuba experiences, with a two-night hotel stay included in the package to give students a place to dry out, rest up, and practice their porpoise impressions. The ferry trip to the island is also included in the price of this deal.
Although PCH Scuba does not sell equipment, it will assist students find the best prices for their purchases. PCH Scuba also keeps students informed of special events after certification, providing new adventures with new friends telling old stories about ancient sea kingdoms.
PCH Scuba
Trips and training form the centerpiece of PCH Scuba's services for area hydronauts. Programs range from beginner-level certification to search-and-recovery training, and adventures journey both close to home and as far ranging as Fiji. The Open Water Diver course makes for a fun and accessible first foray beneath the waves, incorporating a deep-delving adventure to Catalina Island, which is named after the third queen of Spain: Queen Island. The staff leads explorations of San Diego's collection of wrecks and adventures on chartered dive boats. Whatever sort of wave-blanketed voyage the aquatic adventurer desires, PCH's community of Master Scuba Diver–certified teachers and dive leaders are eager to chaperone.