I didn't know what to expect from the folks at Open Water Adventures, to be honest. When you go…read moreinto a dive shop, you can get anywhere from seasoned expert to hobbyist trying to make a quick buck. Open Water Adventures in Charlotte is definitely the former. Joe, who I'm learning now is the owner, gave me his cell number so we could stay in contact about my upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands--a destination he's visited six times, if memory serves. He wants to put me in touch with his contacts there for tours, lodging, the works. That's the kind of out-of-the-ordinary service I wouldn't have expected but received anyway. Honestly, everyone in the place was outstanding. I made my appointment and paid with Marcela, did paperwork with Meghan, and trained with Anthony (Li'l Momoa) for my diving refresher course. Things were a little harried at first, but I didn't think I'd be able to finish this course in a couple of hours, so I cleared my schedule. As usual, it's a question of expectation vs. delivery. I think the quality of equipment, expertise, and instruction are well worth the time spent making sure ducks were in a row and all was prepared exactly right. Safety comes first--diving is a fun time, but it carries its share of dangers. Learning how to avoid them isn't something I'd prefer rushed. I want to know it all very well before I go giant striding into open water. Diving isn't a cheap pastime. But it's one that will be incredibly rewarding if preparation and equipment are in order. And I feel as though Open Water Adventures knows that and puts it into practice.

Did a refresher course with Dillon and this Dive Shop is FANTASTIC! They really do make the effort…read moreto go the extra mile - and Dillon gave a GREAT refresher for me (out of water 16 years) and was incredibly patient, never rushed and focused immensely on safety. I'd return here for any dive needs in a heartbeat. Clean shop, heated pool, all staff was professional & friendly!

I cannot say enough good things about Xplore Scuba! They did such a great job with the intro to…read morescuba class, including a lot of one-on-one time with my niece who had some trouble/anxiety. They took the time to get her through it at her pace & she did awesome! Highly recommend!!

I completed my Open Water scuba diving certification with Xplore Scuba. They were excellent and I…read morewould highly recommend them.

Literally in tears as I write this... Bill taught me 17…read moreyears ago.. 5 specialties, open water, advanced, and rescue...and this weekend he certified my 10 year old son without even the first hiccup. He's patient, kind.. and mostly he's protective. Mom's... HE'S WHO YOU WANT!! He is the ONLY person on this planet I would have trusted with my first born child's life under water. He provides such insight that even I didn't think of (such as do not get a colored lens mask bc when diving you can't "read" your child's eyes to see if they are in trouble.) I have no words.. Thank you so much for... For everything.

From the owner: I specialize in one on one instruction.read more

The best compliment I could give to Lake Hickory SCUBA is that I am and my father are residents of…read moreMichigan and are willing to drive over ten hours to take classes with Bryan. The teaching style keeps class size limited to maintain high level of safety for the students and ensure that everyone is proficient before moving on. I have been a part of classes at other dive trainings that had 20 students to just one teacher. Lake Hickory is the exact opposite. We will be traveling there for further training in the future. That is the best compliment this dive shop!

5 star PADI Dive Shop. Couldn't have asked for a better shop and instructors to get me through a…read morecertification I was nervous to acquired. Mike and Jonathan are so kind and patient. Patience of a saint! From the beginning to the end, 12ft pool to 60ft quarry for my open water diver certification, they gave me the time and space to really be comfortable and learn in the best environment. Thank you so much for helping me find my footing (or neutral buoyancy) to truly enjoy scuba diving and my journey to "think like a diver".

I got certified here for PADI Open Water. I am not the most comfortable in the water, but the…read moreinstructors here are amazing. Mike was so patient at times when I would get really nervous. He would take his time and not rush me, yet would make sure I could perform the skills needed. Sarah is very experienced and has a very calm way of teaching. She made my last dive extremely smooth. They also have the best pricing in the Charlotte area. I HIGHLY recommend!

I took diving certification with Blue Dolphin back in 1989. Janet was my instructor. She was the…read morebest instructor for anything I had ever experienced before. I haven't been diving in 30 years. I would love to come back for refresher. And my daughter only needs her open water test for a certification. When is something like this offered. Thanks, Susan Fritts

From the owner: Dive Instruction, Gear sales, SCUBA Traveling, Gear Servicingread more

We did 3 dives on June 24th. 2 day dives and a night dive…read more Very good staff. I dove Lake Jocassee before but they took us to different dive sites. The night dive was awesome. I will definitely be returning more often.

They are wonderful!!! Very friendly and got all my kids certified to scuba dive! They run trips…read moreand are fun and be with!!