Scuba Diving School California – About Scuba Schools of America

For more than 65 years, Scuba Schools of America & Swim has set the standard for scuba training, diver safety, and high-quality gear education. Since the early days of recreational diving, we’ve helped thousands of students turn their first underwater breaths into lifelong confidence, all while keeping safety, precision, and modern training methods at the heart of every lesson.

SSA has grown from a small group of passionate ocean explorers into a landmark SSI facility recognized for elite-level instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, and a welcoming community that divers return to for decades.

Our Story: A Legacy Built Since 1959

Founded in 1959, SSA is one of the longest-running diver-education programs in the United States. Our longevity comes from doing one thing exceptionally well: training divers the right way.

Over the decades, we’ve evolved into a full-service SSI dive center offering:

Progressive teaching methods backed by science and real-world experience
California’s most active dive community, with 2,700+ Club Aquarius members
Four to six local boat trips every month
Nine international adventures each year

Generations of divers have trained with us, and many now bring their own children and grandchildren. That kind of trust isn’t accidental. It’s earned.

State-of-the-Art Scuba Dive Facilities in Montclair

Designed for serious training and long-term skill development.

20,000 sq ft heated training pool—open for free practice sessions after class.

4,600 sq ft showroom stocked exclusively for scuba and freediving gear.

Only Oxygen-Enriched Air (SafeAir®) and Certified Pure Air stations in the Pomona/San Gabriel Valleys / Inland Empire.

Inland Empire’s sole Rebreather Instructor Program—dive silently, breathe smarter.

Two-way underwater communication system for safer training.

Custom integrated-weight systems and dry-suit diving for maximum comfort year-round.

Comprehensive SSI Dive-Center Programs

Designed for serious training and long-term skill development.

Level 1 Open Water (6 logged dives)

covers physiology, dive planning, and buoyancy using SafeAir®.

Level 2 Specialty Diver (12 logged dives)

choose from 30+ specialties such as Nitrox, Night, Deep, and Wreck.

Level 3 Advanced Open Water (24 logged dives)

application-based program that polishes navigation, deep, and wreck skills.

Technical XR & Rebreather

Poseidon and KISS units, deco theory, and trimix options.

Professional Track

SSI Divemaster through Instructor Trainer, plus "Business of Diving" and manufacturer repair clinics.

Scuba Rangers (ages 8-12)

and WINOS (Women In Need Of Scuba) clubs for specialized communities.

Swim Lessons & Aquatic Education

Our on-site heated pool hosts Baby & Me, youth, adult, and Olympian-track swim lessons year-round. Small ratios, expert coaching, and a supportive environment help new swimmers build confidence fast.

Why Choose Our Dive Club California

Money-back guarantee on the Total Diving System* (see store for details).
More activities than any dive shop in the Southwest: beach dives, boat charters, pool tune-ups, and community events.
Hands-on gear demos and specialty clinics led by instructors who train on and dive the equipment they recommend.
A complete path under one roof from first bubble to seasoned professional.
A legacy of trust built over 65 years of proven training and equipment expertise.

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to explore reefs, wrecks, and the world below the surface? Visit our Montclair campus or call (909) 621-4171 to schedule a tour, meet our instructors, or enroll in your next course.

Dive the SSA way: safe, skill-driven, gear-smart, and backed by California’s most experienced dive school since 1959.

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