Moving to DC in May, need a good shop

[NAVY21]

Hey,
I am coming to work in DC this summer from Cape Ann, MA and I was looking to get some suggestions on a good shop. I don't know if there are any shops so close to the city that I might refer to it as a lds, but a good shop in the area that pref. runs weekend charters would be perfect. Anyone know of any shops like that? I appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[DivePartner1]

Hey,
I am coming to work in DC this summer from Cape Ann, MA and I was looking to get some suggestions on a good shop. I don't know if there are any shops so close to the city that I might refer to it as a lds, but a good shop in the area that pref. runs weekend charters would be perfect. Anyone know of any shops like that? I appreciate it! Thanks!

It depends on where you plan to live. I like The Dive Shop in Fairfax, Va. and Aquatic Adventures in Alexandria. In Maryland, I was happy with Annapolis Scuba when I lived way out by the Bay. There are more that others can recommend but I know these and would recommend them.

I've also heard good things about Atlantic Edge in Gaithersburg if you'll be in Montgomery county.

 

[NAVY21]

I will be right in the city about 7 blocks from the white house if that helps! I'll check those shops you recommended. Thank you

 

[DivePartner1]

When I worked downtown, I liked Marty's place in Alexandria because it was close, although it is further out now: http://www.my-town.com/learn2dive/equip.asp

The Dive Shop is easy to get to off I 66 but I 66 has HOV: restrictions and can be a partking lot around rush hours. http://www.thediveshop-va.com/

And Milbrook Quarry is off I 66 past Manassass near Haymarket. Ask either shop for details

 

[Mrs.Prages]

You will have to come out and do some diving with us when we get the Rawlings and Bluestone trips started up for this season. NCDIVERS.com has quite a few of us that go diving pretty regularly, and I end up having to go to DC a lot for my job. If you are ever looking for buddies let us know, either on here or at NC Divers. It's a pretty good group.

 

[ScubaCrow]

Welcome on board Navy. There are a lot of current and former/retired military diving in the area. I live out in western Fairfax county and use Adventure Scuba Company in Chantilly. It is run by a retired Marine and always a good place to talk Scuba etc...

 

[cornfed]

Here is a list of (not necessarily local) shops http://www.atlanticunderwater.com/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=77&Itemid=77

Since the Surface Interval closed the only person I know of doing regular trips is OC Diver (http://www.ocdiver.com). It makes for a long day, but you can do in a day. Anything else (VA Beach, Nags Head, Hatteras) isn't doable in a day.

 

[LeFlaneur]

Hey, Welcome to DC

I usually go to The Dive Shop in Faifax (someone above provided a link). I have done their Fun Dives at Millbrook from time to time.

And I also like Splash Dive Center in Alexandria: www.splashdivecenter.com
They also do Fundives at Millbrook

Both do trips anywhere from Rawlings to North Carolina Wreck as well as far flung places around the globe.

 

[NAVY21]

Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate all the help and look forward to diving with you next month!

 

[Marlinspike]

Good luck. I have been in DC for a year and I have visited almost every shop in the area. Be prepared to deal with very bad attitudes, unfriendly staff, lots of scubadork self-rightousness, and incompetence.

~Marlinspike