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!

Lake Norman Scuba is an amazing dive shop! From top-notch dive equipment, amazing instructors, and…read moregreat staff! When looking into getting certified, work on specialties, or advanced certifications they have you covered.

Nice people and great products. Great shop! Keep up the good work. I now have a go to scuba shop to…read moreenjoy. I will definitely return to show my thanks. Thank you.

I bought a groupon for a diving certification, so Nick was answering any question I had and invited…read moreme to visit him at the shop, I went and he recommends to buy everything from him, the book, googles, snorkel, boots, gloves, mask and fins, he suggested that those are the required articles to begin, and thats great. This happened on October 2013, so far I have been trying to reach him out but is impossible, his cell phone goes to voice mail, and is full, so there is no way to leave a message, text messages not answered, and if you try to visit the store in the working hours its usually closed. Really bad experience and not recommended

This is the best deal and the best training that you could ever receive for scuba diving. Nick the…read moreowner is a stand up guy and has the best prices on his equipment in town or on the internet. The instructors are top of the line and will spend as much time with their students as it takes to make them feel comfortable. You cannot beat the price or experience. Learn to dive with Sunset Dive Shop you will be happy that you did.

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

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!

Columbia Scuba instructors are the very best, hands down! They go above and beyond with everything…read morethey do! They make you feel so welcomed and make sure you are comfortable with all skills. Charlie, Donnie, Lawrence, and Kelly---thank you for all you do! I couldn't have gotten certified without you'

Can not say enough good things about Columbia Scuba! The staff is great. Recently, my dad and I…read morecompleted our PADI Dry Suit Certification with Columbia Scuba. Our instructor, Jeremy, was extremely knowledgeable and patient while guiding us through the completion of our course and skills! He went above and beyond and I feel very comfortable with my new skill set. I would highly recommend Columbia Scuba!

Awesome dive shop with no pressure sales…read more I was certified here as well as about 10 other people I know. Sadly the other review didn't see the price match sign here too as they also price match. I've personally seen the owner go above and beyond what was needed to make sure a person was certified.

Let me be the voice of experienced reason. First of all, no one here "forces" you to buy equipment…read moreas a condition of certification. Yes, the owner is a motivated salesperson because this is a business and the goal of a business is to be profitable. For every piece of equipment that I've purchased here (well over 3k worth), I matched everything with online sales prices through Diver's Supply, Leisurepro, etc. and everything was comparable if not ever-so-slightly more for the benefit of direct sales and setup (not purchasing discount or through a wholesaler). True, they are less likely to assist you with initial setup if you don't buy from them, but that's part of the incentive. The instructors are experienced, knowledgeable, and more than willing to take the time to help you through each step of your scuba education whether it's simply getting an Open Water or shooting for Instructor or technical certifications. I have been to all the surrounding shops around Charlotte (and Gastonia) and these people gave me the strongest impression that they care about the education and safety of their students.