I've been diving for about 6 years, and Scuba Shack has become my go-to dive shop in Connecticut. What keeps me coming back is that they genuinely care about divers, not just selling gear or classes. I've taken three classes with them so far, and every one has been excellent. Mike, Monty, and Bill are outstanding instructors who make learning enjoyable while still keeping things safe and professional. One thing that really stood out was their First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Provider course. Having a physician involved in the instruction brought a level of real-world knowledge that you don't often see in dive training. I've also purchased gear through the shop, including a new BCD for an upcoming trip. They took the time to make sure it fit correctly and that I was comfortable using it before I left. There was never any pressure--just good advice and honest recommendations. The service department has been great as well. Tank fills are quick, and whenever I've had questions about equipment, someone has always been willing to help. I drive about 25 minutes to get there, even though there are other options closer to me. For me, it's worth the drive. Whether you're looking for your first certification, advanced training, specialty classes like night diving or DPV courses, or just a shop with knowledgeable people who love diving, I'd highly recommend Scuba Shack. In a sport where trust matters, these are people I trust. read more

Great place to do your instructor development coarse- everybody is super knowledgeable and welcoming. A great shop all around for quality training, equipment, and a focus on safety. read more

Scuba shack serviced my old but barely used regulator on a rush service so I could use it on my big bday trip! It breathes better than it did brand new. Even shadow regulator did well when i had to use it for my daughters skills session. Thank you so much!! read more

just finished my PADI open water class here - really really great experience. I got the class as a groupon deal so was a bargain, and was worth every penny. instructor Nick was really great, could not have been better, and the class assistants were great as well - really top notch, happy i did it with this shop, would def recommend. confined water dives were done in a great facility, super clean pool. just an amazing experience overall - go here! read more

When Scuba Shack was on the Silas Deane they had a huge selection of BC's, regulators, masks,fins, and dive computers. Now that they have moved the showroom is very small and they have no products displayed. Only one type of BC, 4 masks, two sets of fins and only 3 wrist mount dive computers. They only have Halcyon products which are more for technical diving. Great people to work with but they have really done themselves a disservice by pigeon holing themselves into such a tiny product line. read more

I went in to ask about crossing over as a high instructor. The people in the shop were rude and very arrogant. Before I had a chance to tell them that I was already an instructor from another agency they told me that I did not know how to dive because I was not taught by them. I decided to forego trying to crossover and affiliate with their SCUBA Center. Instead began to look at the minimal amount of equipment available for sale; all which was extremely overpriced. When I asked the sales associate about a certain BCD, he told me that is not what I wanted and pointed me to a lower priced dirty/ used(?) BCD. I stated the reason why I was looking at that particular one (high lift capacity) and the weight/ equipment that I would be using. Again he tried to point me to a smaller piece of equipment. After explaining to him again what I was looking for; I even provided him the model, he stated they didn't sell that brand. But yet they had a display of them. I decided to leave at that point. I would never go back to buy anything, or even allow people that challenged to fill my tanks or service any of my equipment. I hope you wouldn't either. read more

After reading couple previous reviews I got sick to my stomach. Nothing else is further than truth. Can't imagine how people with that type of mentality are doing scuba. I was introduced to Scuba Shock back in 2007 by one of my dive buddies. We were certified at different diving "school" (unfortunately). Since I came to Scuba shock and started taking classes, I became more confident diver. This place offers all possible classes for beginners and "experienced" divers as well. I had students in my classes with 10-15 years of experience who were literally just starting learning what real diving is all about. This is place to learn how to dive, not just a shopping place. I wish I knew Ed before my open water certification. I'm glad I joined this community, community of people who care about others and teaching them right thing, right way , at any time. Gear, bouncy, gases, physics over physiology,...just name it. All from above you can learn and become a safer, knowledgeable and confident diver very quickly at Scuba Shock. Guy, I'm so glad you do exist. read more

Long time diver here. I went to scuba shack with the idea I may pick up a nugget or two with some new training. After two years I am a diver reborn. Everything has changed for the better- starting with me. Ed and team will get you diving the right way - safely, aware, prepared, and under full control of yourself and circumstances. Want to save a few bucks on an Internet deal? Good for you! Make sure you know what you are getting. read more

These are dedicated dive professionals who provide thorough, safe dive instruction. They do not cut corners. They have rekindled my passion for diving read more

I recently took lessons and the open water test with Scuba Shack to get my Open Water Scuba certification. They were able to get 2 of us in even though it was the very end of the season. They thoroughly explained everything and made sure we were confident every step of the way. They are extremely knowledgeable on the PADI programs (not just open water), many dive shops around the world, all the equipment you can imagine, and many diving locations. We are both ecstatic as this has been a bucket list item that we can finally check off. We cannot wait for our first trip as certified divers and hope to dive with them on one of the incredible trips they always have planned. The equipment they sell from fins to masks are of the highest quality and they explain the differences to ensure you find the right fit. Everyone we met that works there is above and beyond friendly and proficient in diving. This was truly a wonderful experience and we would recommend Scuba Shack to anyone interested. Thank you, Scuba Shack for everything- including suffering the cold November water with us (thank goodness for 7mm wetsuits) and we can't wait to do business with you in the future! read more

Great 40th Anniversary at Scuba Shack yesterday! Nice crowd and a great chance to catch up on news with the other pros. Our hero and leader for 11 years Ed Hayes is unfortunately moved on to other challenges, but now a new regime--led by senior Course Director Monty Fitzpatrick and Jeff, Donna and Matt Cinciripino will ensure that the great tradition of teaching students to be "real divers" will carry on at Scuba Shack. Bravo! read more

Service department is really bad. When dropping off my equipment I was told there was a 2-week turnaround time. It's been over two months now and I still don't have my equipment. Every time I check in, I'm given a different excuse, and I'm not even sure they still have it. For all I know, they lost it or broke it. Not a shop you can trust. There are much better shops in CT you should use. read more

Generally decent staff when the staff are there but last time I drove 40 minutes to fill a tank the lady working wouldn't fill it because she was fing scared so I drove a whole 40 mins for nothing and she continued to explain why she was scared read more

I'll second Mark T's comments on this place. Took my computer (originally purchased there) in to have the battery replaced (a "by dealer only" type) Cost was reasonable and expected. First time back in the water was a week later, NOT so reasonable and expected. Watched helpless as, passing 20', the LED display faded to black. Dive aborted immediately. Yup, you guessed it... flooded... right through the battery compartment access and fried the works. Took it back to the shop. They took no responsibility for their work, gave me every excuse in the book why it wasn't their responsibility and I was left hanging for the cost of a new computer. What was worse was their copping an attitude and implying I MUST be inexperienced and MUST have dropped my gear on top of it. (I was certified in 1977 and have logged over 1200 dives around the world without incident) There was no cracking and no scratching or visible damage to support their allegations! These butt clowns should consider a vocation that doesn't involve customer contact or ethical standards. I'll NEVER go back but will continue to share the experience. I did, by the way, purchase a new Suunto Zoop with owner replaceable batteries elsewhere. Very happy with it. read more