Dive Shops in the DC area?

[ZQKES]

Hi all,

I just recently got certified during my vacation to the Caribbean and I'm still a bit on the fence about whether I should purchase my own gear. In case I did, I was just wondering if you guys had any recommendations for a good local dive shop - especially one that is beginner friendly and won't pull as fast one on me. I did find a previous thread on this site but it was made in 2007 and it's been 10 years since then so I was hoping for a more current view on the local dive shops.

On a side note, do you have a recommendation for a doctor knowledgeable in scuba diving who can give me a scuba medical exam?

 

[dlwheeler05]

Blue Planet is near Dupont Circle/Adams Morgan area. The staff is very knowledgeable and weren't pushy with me in buying equipment. They sell/service Atomic Aquatics regulators which is a big plus for me. Home - Blue Planet Scuba

 

[TTPaws]

I highly recommend National Diving Center they are a Scubapro dealer. They may even know of local doctors to help you out.

 

[freedc]

I second Blue Planet. I like the people who work there. It's not bargain shopping -- you get the best prices online -- but they are friendly and helpful and carry good quality stuff, will order stuff for you, help you with tips on local diving.

I think any primary care doctor should be able to get your form done. You don't need a specialist.

 

[myshadeofred]

I used blue planet, and note they have to send out ScubaPro to MD for service so it may take a little more time. The staff is super friendly and have the ability to rent.

 

[TravisD]

As to the part about purchasing your own gear -- what kind of diving do you want to do? If you're going to dive locally, or at least multiple times per year, then yes, owning your own gear would be good. Not having to rent gear means that you can dive more often without worrying about the expense of renting, or logistics to pick up said rental gear.

Downside of owning gear is that it needs regular maintenance. If you're only going to dive once a year, it might make more sense to rent.

 

[Schwob]

Last year I had a good experience with Nautilus Aquatics, when I had a reason to spend two weekends in DC while there for work. I did not really frequent the shop beyond that (live far, far away) or such, but the Fundamentals in Tech training I did those two weekends was imho quite good, excellent effort to unearth a BP&W to fit my bulk on short notice and to get me befriend the whole idea of double 120s and a stage... And the impression I got of the shop in the process was good as well. They do cater to and train beginners. Even have a kiddie course. But they also do Tek. So, maybe they advise from a broader point of view on diving.

 

[TTPaws]

I used blue planet, and note they have to send out ScubaPro to MD for service so it may take a little more time. The staff is super friendly and have the ability to rent.

For Scubapro servicing talk to National Diving Center
4932 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 202-363-6123

They are a Authorized Scubapro dealer and a PADI shop

 

[Katch]

Coral Edge Adventures is out around Manassas. They probably have the largest showroom of gear in the area. Their prices are comparable to many of the internet stores too.

 

[diver42]

The folks at Blue Planet are very nice and not pushy at all. They are also conscientious. You won't feel like they're looking to squeeze you for every last dime.

However, much of their maintenance is not done in-house.