Bamboo Reef, one of Northern California’s oldest dive training and retail businesses, is closing its doors after more than 60 years in business.
Bamboo Reef was founded in 1961 by Al Giddings, a figure who would later become more widely known for his underwater cinematography in films such as The Abyss (1989) and Titanic (1997). Starting in San Francisco, the shop staked its reputation on providing both gear and instruction as an entry point to the Pacific’s colder, more challenging waters.
By 1970 Bamboo Reef extended its reach to Monterey Bay, establishing a presence that would leverage one of the richest marine ecosystems along the U.S. west coast. The choice of Monterey was strategic: its kelp forests, marine sanctuary status and iconic status in dive culture provided a terrain for serious certification dives, guided tours, and exposure to a variety of marine life. Under the ownership of Sal Zammitti (1972–2016), Bamboo Reef grew to five stores across the Bay Area, though the core operations always remained in San Francisco and Monterey.
Over the decades, the shop evolved from basic open-water certifications toward an expanded portfolio that included technical diving, freediving, rebreather training, sidemount diving, spearfishing and more. It became a SSI Platinum Training Facility.
On their website, Bamboo reef commented “It has been our profound honor and joy to be a part of your adventures and guiding you through the water. Since 1961, we’ve equipped divers, certified countless students, and shared in the wonder of the underwater world. The memories we’ve helped create are the legacy are what we are most proud of. To everyone who has shared in our journey we extend our deepest gratitude for being a part of our story.”
For more information on Bamboo Reef, visit their website at bambooreef.com.