Welcome to Riverside Scuba - Your Guide to Premier Scuba Diving in Riverside

Reserve a full equipment package and book a sunrise or sunset dives slot now to guarantee a smooth start and perfect fit for your session.

Our location sits east of downtown Riverside, in the Arrowhead district, with easy access to the socal coast. From this base we coordinate day trips to nearby coastal sites for dives, guided by experienced instructors who keep group sizes small and safety top priority.

Parking is free for the first two hours, and we offer a reservation option to secure your spot on busy weekends. Such planning helps you maximize time on the water and minimize delays at the dock.

For gear and transport, we provide and service vehicles to shuttle you to the harbor, and drones are allowed only in designated zones with flying guidelines. The team coordinates parking and loading to keep the flow smooth.

Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with occasional seabirds and, when conditions align, a seal surfacing near the vessel. Follow our brief etiquette and stay within the marked zones to protect wildlife and other participants.

Benefits you’ll notice include a full gear check, expert guidance, and access to a range of options tuned to most experience levels. We tailor experiences to beginners and seasoned SoCal enthusiasts alike, always prioritizing safety and comfort.

To maximize your time and minimize surprises, book your reservation via our online portal, which shows availability for weekends, holidays, and sunset windows. Our team will confirm the location, provide directions, and share a packing checklist for your gear and the benefits of booking ahead.

Ready to explore? Reach us by phone or email to lock in your slot and start planning a memorable Riverside Scuba experience around sunset and wildlife watching.

Riverside Scuba and Lake Perris Guide

Arrive before sunrise at Lake Perris for the clearest water and easy parking. This location offers straightforward access from Riverside, with signs guiding you to Marina Cove and Eastshore.

What follows is a concise plan for a safe, enjoyable session: bring your own gear or rent on-site, and work with a local instructor if you are new; both beginners and senior divers can join small groups, and all participants should carry their certification details and note the date of their last training.

Follows these practical tips: also, keep valuables locked in your vehicle, and stay in designated zones to protect wildlife. Mussels cling to rocky edges along parts of the shore, so step carefully. Anglers and hunters share the lakefront, so coordinate timing to avoid conflicts near boat channels and access points.

In december, expect water in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit; wear a 4/3 mm to 5/4 mm wetsuit, bring a light hood if you feel chilly, and plan your outing for the cooler morning hours when visibility is typically better. The sunset light can be striking from certain overlooks, so many explorers wrap up near the water’s edge as daylight fades.

Special notes: check local memorial areas for any posted guidelines and respect posted parking limits. Local residents and anglers appreciate quiet mornings, so keep noise low and move calmly along the shoreline.

Certification prerequisites and gear rental options

Welcome to Riverside Scuba. Start with a quick instructor-led screening to confirm you meet prerequisites before you reserve gear; this keeps your first sessions smooth and avoids delays.

Prerequisites to enroll in our certification tracks:

• Age: 10+ for junior entry with parental consent; adults may enroll freely with medical clearance.
• Swim ability: complete a 200-meter swim and tread water for 10 minutes, using any stroke.
• Medical clearance: submit a physician's clearance if you have asthma, heart conditions, pregnancy, or recent injuries.
• Knowledge and safety: finish online knowledge reviews and learn safety skills with an instructor.
• Documentation: sign waivers and provide any local passes or department forms required.
• Awarded credential: upon successful completion of all assessments, the certificate is awarded by the department.

Gear rental options

• Full equipment bundle (mask, snorkel, fins, BCD, regulator, depth gauge/console, and tank): $70-$95 per day.
• Mask, snorkel, fins set: $12-$18 per day.
• BCD and regulator set: $25-$40 per day.
• Tank: Aluminum 80 cu ft or 100 cu ft options: $10-$15 per day; steel 100 cu ft: $15-$20 per day.
• Wetsuit: $12-$20 per day; drysuit: $25-$50 per day for colder water at the reservoir.
• Weights and belt: $5-$8 per day.
• Navigator gear (depth gauge/console, compass): depth gauge/console $6-$10 per day; compass $4-$7 per day.
• Equipment protection: optional wear-and-tear waiver; deposits may be required at pickup.

Booking and pickup tips

• Reserve gear at least 24 hours in advance; large bundles may require 48 hours notice.
• Arrive 15 minutes early at the dock for check-in; bring a government ID and any required passes.
• We provide a sanitized setup and ensure the size fits; sizes range from XS to XXL.
• After your session, return gear promptly for the next user; these steps keep gear cycles smooth.

Safety notes and local rules

1. Navigate around anglers and boaters; use proper navigation and keep to designated lanes near the dock.
2. Respect speed limits near the water and around the shoreline; plan training around sunset if possible.
3. Follow platesplacards and signage; memorial markers indicate restricted zones near the memorial and dock.
4. Keep toys and other personal water gear away from training lanes; use designated storage areas only.
5. Equipment and drones: drones are not allowed over the reservoir during training; do not fly near people or gear.
6. Passes and local regulations: check with the socal department for required passes; we provide the necessary documents to obtain them.
7. These rules apply to both first-time trainees and returning participants; safety remains the priority.

Dive Site Spotlight: Lake Perris spots, depths, and access

Begin with the Arrowhead zone: depths commonly reach 25–45 ft, with offshore shelves dipping to about 60 ft in the main basin. Plan a 40–60 minute underwater excursion, stay with your group, and deploy a surface marker buoy to keep track of your position when you move beyond shore visibility. Such planning helps keep boats and other vessels safely out of the entry path and maintains boundaries for all lake users.

Key spots include the Arrowhead area where rock formations create crevices and fish habitat; the south shoreline offers a sandy bottom with weed margins, ideal for first-time explorers; the center-north shelf hosts rock ribs and submerged structures that reward careful navigation with a compass and line. If conditions permit, you’ll find clearer water in the mornings, which helps make the exhibits and underwater features easier to spot from a safe distance.

Access and permissions come from the Parks department. Have a valid license or day-use passes; boats and other vessels require registration and compliance with the invasive species program rules. The center's staff can help you confirm date-specific updates; check the program and exhibits at the visitor center before you travel. The department staff work to keep people informed about safe entry, boundaries, and allowed access.

Safety and etiquette: keep a responsible distance from anglers along the south shore; travel in a small group and stay within approved boundaries; bear warnings can appear near shorelines, so store food securely and stay alert. Always follow speed limits, respect mooring areas, and launch from permitted ramps only; this reduces risk for everyone on the water.

Planning tips: spring and fall typically offer better visibility and calmer conditions; verify any changes to access or passes on the Parks website date before you go; bring a valid license and have passes ready if needed. The program at the Parks department provides learning for visitors, and the exhibits at the visitor center give background on the local ecosystem–a helpful resource for people traveling with kids or groups.

SRA access rules: hours, fees, permits, and parking

First, learn the current SRA hours for the perris location and plan your week accordingly. Gate hours typically run 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, with seasonal adjustments posted at the gate and online. Arrive early on busy days to secure a parking spot and avoid crowds.

Fees and permits: A base SRA entry fee applies per vehicle, with separate charges for inland access or facility use. Available options include daily entry, vehicle pass, and annual passes. A discount may apply for seniors, youths, or multi-day visits. Check the description on the official site and at the gate for current details.

Permits: For inland areas and wildlife viewing, you may need a specific permit. Permits are issued at the gate or online; bring the description of the permit with you or verify online. Ages rules vary by activity, so confirm whether a child or student group has different requirements. comming season changes may affect permit availability, plan ahead and stay compliant for safety.

Parking and location: The perris SRA site sits near open sand and wetlands, with several lots and marked spaces. Free parking is available in the main lots, and bike racks help visitors reach inland trails. Lights at entrances improve visibility for early morning or late-day access. Wildlife, mussels, and anglers are common along the shoreline, so respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance. This setup supports families with small kids and sports gear; the benefits include easy access, safety, and a welcoming environment. Toys can stay in the car to keep the area tidy, and bring water, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Thanks for reviewing these rules and planning a responsible visit to enjoy the location well.

2024-2025 Waterfowl Hunting Program: seasons and licenses

Apply online now through the department's official portal to lock in licenses; youre planning a southern winter outing, so verify residency status, HIP registration, and the federal duck stamp ahead of time. Bring your confirmation to the field and keep a digital copy handy on your device. The department clarifies requirements for day-use and premium sites, and you will find guidance for traveling with family or friends without unnecessary friction.

Seasons are defined by zone and current water conditions; in 2024-2025 the calendar lists two main zones–southern and northern–with opening dates and daily bag limits published in the Waterfowl Regulations booklet and on the department site. Weather, water levels, and migrant arrivals influence the exact dates, so check the latest page before heading out and plan a flexible schedule for winter work and travel.

Licenses and permits cover several types: Resident Annual License, Nonresident Annual License, HIP registration, and the federal duck stamp; many areas require a day-use reservation for blinds. Some sites use a drawing process for premium blinds, and you can coordinate licenses for traveling groups through the portal. For access on lakes and rivers, review whether inflatable watercraft are allowed and note any restrictions on motor uses as well as local rules near Arrowhead and other hot spots.

Practical tips: Learn navigation with the local maps published by the department and carry waterproof devices for field use; what to bring includes a windproof jacket, gloves, and a whistle. Pack a well-balanced kit for winter conditions and a spare battery for your device; winter travel can shift suddenly, so keep a flexible plan and secure your reservation confirmations in advance. Drones are restricted around hunting zones, so keep them at home unless explicitly permitted; plan a safe day-use schedule, especially if you’re traveling with inflatable decoys or other gear near watercraft access points and the Arrowhead area.

Marina store and watercraft rentals: gear, rates, and booking

Reserve online to guarantee your timeslot and gear for a smooth day on the water. Our marina store stocks kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and other vessels, with transparent rates and a simple booking flow that keeps recreation time predictable.

Gear available includes single kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. Rates are: single kayak $28/hour; tandem kayak $34/hour; paddleboard $22/hour; canoe $25/hour. For longer outings, we offer 2-hour packages (kayak $50; paddleboard $40) and 4-hour bundles (kayak $90; paddleboard $72). Additional items include dry bag $4 and waterproof phone case $3; life jackets are included with every rental. Only online bookings guarantee the listed rates; walk-ins are welcome if gear is available.

Booking and times: open daily 8:00–18:00 this summer; running times start on the hour: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00. Reservations secure a vessel and can include up to two items per booking with additional gear add-ons on the same reservation. This system helps you plan a tight schedule around riverside activities without surprises.

License and age policy: no license is required for non-motorized gear; motorized vessels require a valid license. Anyone 18+ can rent, and veterans receive a 10% discount at checkout. This approach keeps the process professional and accessible for first-time paddlers as well as seasoned explorers.

Safety and policy: our professional staff provide a brief safety overview and fitting of life jackets. Adhere to the open-water zone rules and current conditions; invasive species policy requires gear rinse after use to prevent transfer between water bodies. Also, you can leave a reservation under your name and return with a different vessel later in the same day if available, except during peak times when capacity is limited. Open and accessible, this service is designed for anyone seeking a quick, well-organized rental experience, with additional gear options to support your adventure this summer.

Lake Perris questions: FAQs on permits, launches, and safety

Get your Lake Perris permit online at least a week before your stay; print the pass and keep it on board or show it at the launch desk.

Permits and licenses: The laws require a launch pass for motorized launches; anglers should carry a fishing license; have a full description of your vessel ready for verification; check for additional permits on busy weekends.

Launch access and times: Ramps open at daylight and follow posted times; check the marina board or the park app through the park site for the latest times; small crafts like inflatable boats and pontoon boats can use the ramps with proper tie-downs and life jackets.

Safety and wildlife: Always wear USCG-approved life jackets; maintain distance from wildlife; do not feed wildlife; bring a whistle and a basic first-aid kit; when youre traveling, keep a description of safety gear ready and accessible; respect nature and keep noise levels low to protect it.

Drones, toys, and gear: Drones are allowed in designated zones; fly through open spaces and respect anglers and other park-goers; follow FAA rules; bring toys such as water toys and ensure inflatable gear is secured and available for use.

Professional groups and planning: If youre a professional guide or traveling group, provide a full description of each craft; ensure every passenger has a pass and license; coordinate launch times to avoid crowding; check additional restrictions and laws before you arrive.

Final notes: If a question remains, contact park staff; times and laws may change, except holidays; stay updated by checking the official site; youre able to stay informed and plan ahead.