How do you tell a reputable diveshop online?

[Esox69LB]

I just returned from a dive trip and felt the need to follow rule number one in diving: If it does not feel right, don't do it. I got lucky and walked in off the street to a shop that saved my trip, and the owner of the "other" shop refunded my deposit so I am not going to name names, but..... in general, how is one to sort thru the great websites and testimonials and filter out a shop that may not be as it is presented online?

 

[Doc]

What were you asking about?

Sounds like travel services from what I am reading. Was this a trip to Playa del Carmen?

If it's decoding travel packages from a dive shop, it's probably best to stick with one that sponsors or hosts a local dive club. Go to a few meetings, listen to what they are saying, then decide if you want to throw down and spend a week with these people.

Buying a trip from a dive shop, just one that they are selling and not sending a group out on to? Probably a bad idea. A store supplied trip leader can't be relied upon to do everything for you or address every complaint, but they can go a long way in telling you "where to stand for the bus", etc. they may well be sending a group for a warm water open water dive segment of their certification. Tag along?

Until you are ready for planning and booking your own adventures, might want to go with a group. I have hooked up with dive clubs 900 miles away (Houston's Oceanic Ventures, Inc.), here's a small sample nationally:

Dive Guide Scuba Diving Clubs Diveguide.com