Junior Dive Academy – San Diego Youth Aquatic Adventure Camp

Ocean Enterprises’ Junior Dive Academy (JDA) is a hands-on aquatic program for kids ages 8 and up. Through snorkeling and marine science, campers build water skills, ocean awareness, and lifelong confidence in the water.

From exploring La Jolla's iconic coastal habitats to learning how to safely enjoy marine life, JDA encourages a love for the ocean and supports future divers in a fun, safe, and conservation-focused environment.

Campers must be able to swim, have previous ocean snorkeling experience, and be willing to participate in water activities. Gear rental is included but we need to know your sizes ahead of time.

Camp Overview

• For ages 8–12 (beginner/novice camp)
• For ages 12-16 (intermediate camp - approval required prior to booking)
• Single day camps run 9:00am-1:00pm
• 2 guided snorkel tours with a lunch/game break in between (campers need to bring their own lunch)
• 1:6 instructor-to-camper ratio
• 10% off in-store snorkel gear purchases

Logistics & Safety

• Safety is our top priority, and we assess conditions leading up to camp. We may change location if we think the snorkeling will be safer or better at an alternative location. Typical locations include Mission Bay, La Jolla Shores, and La Jolla Cove. 
• Drop-off/pick-up is at the snorkeling site, please please reach out to the instructor for specific site instructions.
• A minimum of 3 campers is required.
• Full refund is available 7 days before the start date.

What to Bring

Campers should bring their own reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit, rashguard, sunglasses, towel, warm clothes for changing, and lunch/snacks. Bringing your own wetsuit and snorkel gear is encouraged but not required.

Locations

La Jolla Cove - 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

La Jolla Cove is filled with tons of life including sea lions, horn sharks, garibaldi, and many different types of algae! If conditions allow, campers may get to swim in a cave when horn sharks often wedge their eggs between rocks. Campers also get to see many seabirds on the nearby cliffs including pelicans and cormorants!

Marine Room - 1950 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

The Marine room is the far south side of La Jolla Shores and also known as Leopard shark city! In the warmer months, Leopards sharks (mainly pregnant females) aggregate in the shallow, sandy waters. A short swim out leads you to a rocky reef where you might see stingrays, guitarfish, various kinds of algae, and if you are really lucky, maybe even a sea turtle!

Mission Point - 2600 Bayside Ln, San Diego, CA 92109

Mission Point in Mission Bay is our go-to spot when other locations aren’t suitable. The bay’s consistently calm, shallow waters make it ideal for practicing snorkel skills. While the fish and invertebrates tend to be smaller, there’s still plenty to discover as campers explore the sandy bottom, nearby rocks and build confidence in these mellow bay conditions.

Questions? Email jessica@oceanenterprises.com or call (858) 565-6054.