Aquarius Dive Shop
2040 Del Monte Ave., Monterey
(831) 375-1933
Much of the world’s oceans remain a mystery. How this place earns readers’ love as the area’s top scuba shop does not. And it’s more than the IkeLite underwater strobe lights, DUI dry suits, SCUPAPRO dive computers and extensive PADI class schedule. It’s what co-owner James Vincent tabs as the overriding priority—and it plays into the joy found communing with the harbor seals, baby gray whale, sea lions, guitar fish, nudibranchs and 12-foot great white Aquarius divers have recently sighted. That key, Vincent says: “Go out and have fun.”