Atlantic Edge is the Mid Atlantic's largest PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center. Serving Maryland, DC, and Virginia for over 24 years. Atlantic Edge is the official scuba store for the National Aquarium and partnering with the Aquarium to introduce divers to the Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit for over 10 year.
Atlantic Edge Scuba offers a variety of PADI diver training courses, from Try Diving through Instructor. We have classes for both adults and children, offered at our store and locations throughout the area. Atlantic Edge is a factory authorized dealer for Aqua Lung, Oceanic, Mares, Atomic, and several other major brands.
Atlantic Edge Scuba offers a variety of PADI diver training courses, from Try Diving through Instructor. We have classes for both adults and children, offered at our store and locations throughout the area. Atlantic Edge is a factory authorized dealer for Aqua Lung, Oceanic, Mares, Atomic, and several other major brands.
Services
Atlantic Edge Scuba is the DC metropolitan area's premiere scuba diving and snorkeling facility. It was established in 1993, by current owners John and Abbe Harman. With over 24 years' of experience in the area, we have certified thousands of divers and outfitted hundreds of thousands of snorkelers with premium watersports gear.
During the first phase of your PADI Open Water Diver scuba certification, you develop an understanding of the basic principles of scuba diving. You learn things like how pressure affects your body, how to choose the best scuba gear and what to consider when planning dives. You'll take your exams ahead of time online.
That's right, you heard us-dive in the National Aquarium in Baltimore! Atlantic Edge Scuba is proud to partner with the National Aquarium in Baltimore to offer the best diving in Maryland-dive in the beautiful Atlantic Coral Reef tank and experience all the abundant life from a perspective only a few ever get to experience.
The certification process consists of independent study, knowledge review, pool skill development, and four open-water training dives. You can complete the independent study requirements using the PADI eLearning program at your leisure. The estimated time to complete the independent study is 10-20 hours.
You learn the basics you need to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. One thing you'll learn is that you really can breathe underwater and whether you like doing that or not. Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it.
Reviews (20)
James Alpert
Oct 28, 2020
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I have taken two Scuba Refresher courses from Atlantic Edge at various times over the past few years. They offer the course at a local Arlington high school which is convenient for me as a NoVa person. The classes were very helpful in getting me ready to go back in the water after a bit of time away! Also did the Baltimore Aquarium dive with Atlantic Edge. fun times! Seems like a well run shop. I hope I can get to do more stuff with them.
Brian R.
Sep 20, 2020
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This scuba shop is absolutely fantastic! I got the best customer service that you could possibly get at any scuba shop in the area. Terry, the store manager was incredible! So personable, filled with suggestions and knowledge! He's been working there for a decade and a half or more and he really knows his stuff! The shop has everything you need and plenty of stock. I couldn't be more grateful for Terry's assistance and his friendliness! you literally feel like you're his best friend and yet best customer too! I hear he's an incredible instructor, as well. People remember
Ray Rubio
Sep 20, 2020
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A group of us attended a dive event at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD in February 2020. We all had an amazing experience. Terry Wells from Atlantic Edge Scuba provided us with a wealth of knowledge regarding the marine life at the aquarium. He is an energetic, fun spirited, and extremely knowledgeable dive master, which contributed to our positive experience at the aquarium. We would definitely do the dive again with Atlantic Edge Scuba. Thank you to Terry and the rest of the Atlantic Edge Scuba staff!
Mark Friedman
Jan 26, 2020
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Recently I decided to get my PADI certification. After looking at options in the metropolitan DC area, I decided to give Atlantic Edge in Gaithersburg, MD a try, and I'm so glad I did. My dive master, Terry Wells, was amazing. He gives the right amount of attention to detail, ensures your learning is registering so that you remember it long-term and tests you with the right blend of challenge and encouragement. When you're finished, you have the confidence you need in your abilities to enjoy safe diving experiences.
As for Atlantic Edge, they provide good quality dive equipment for your learning
As for Atlantic Edge, they provide good quality dive equipment for your learning
Susan Gibson
Jan 20, 2020
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I'm 60 yrs old and never took a scuba lesson in my life, I didn't know what to expect. Everyone was extremely helpful and compassionate.I took the classes online at my own pace. The pool time had me a bit concerned because of all the info I needed to remember, the instructors were so nice and make me feel completely at ease. My instructor that certified me ,made me feel like it was a piece of cake to get through the skills I had to perform and kept reminding me how much fun I would have scuba diving when I didn't have to do the skills. I can't wait to scuba... I'm doing a quarry dive with friends
Suresh Kurella
Dec 31, 2019
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Great place to learn Scuba diving in DMV area. They were very patient and methodical in training Scuba diving. I had to go the 2nd time and they were very helpful. With 4 dives on open water, I become certified diver within 4 months. I would have given it 5 except my experience with one instructor on my 1st session. However, Atlantic Edge Scuba took care of it on next session and the instructors were great.. Awesome experience and completed diving course and became a diver. I highly recommend them.
Peter West
Dec 26, 2019
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I have taken two courses--peak-performance buoyancy and nitrox-from Atlantic Edge and done one National Aquarium dive (and am scheduled to do an aquarium photo dive in September). All have provided exactly what I wanted out of the courses and I recommend them highly.
I am getting back into diving after a break of a couple of decades, and have resolved to "shop" local dive stores to get a sense of what is available and experience a variety of instructors and instructional styles. I still will do that and have taken classes at other shops as well, BUT I rate Atlantic Edge a first-class operation
I am getting back into diving after a break of a couple of decades, and have resolved to "shop" local dive stores to get a sense of what is available and experience a variety of instructors and instructional styles. I still will do that and have taken classes at other shops as well, BUT I rate Atlantic Edge a first-class operation
Tyler Lilly-Salkowski
Nov 14, 2019
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Great experience getting open water certified with Atlantic Edge. The instructor to student ratio was great and made me feel extremely comfortable on the training dives. The out of water instruction was easy to follow and well laid out. Instructors were very willingly to cover any questions and very enthusiastic about helping people enjoy the sport.
Dylan ViaCava
Nov 10, 2019
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Tlbassplyr
Aug 26, 2019
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This is a great company. I have taken (and passed) three certifications from here. The instructors are top notch, the DM's very helpful and the atmosphere is perfect for learning and honing your skills. They have a full service dive shop filled with everything you may need at comparable prices to anyone else. You can stop in, chat, learn about the equipment, and plan trips that they take through the years. Knowledgeable staff and the owner, John, is always available to talk. Would recommend them for your beginning into diving or your continuation with your skills, I certainly will. They have my
John Peppel
Jan 24, 2019
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Not only did I get my PADI recreational diver certification through Atlantic Edge, but also attended one of their dive trips recently (Blue Heron Bridge). The shop staff, the instructors, and dive masters I've met, have all been very knowledgeable and really nice people. Not only do they make diving safe, but fun as well. I highly recommend Atlantic Edge to anyone in need of a shop, certification, or continuing education.
Gillian S.
May 01, 2018
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Atlantic Edge completed my pool training three years ago and then a refresher course a few weeks ago. During the sessions they were professional, timely and extremely kind. However, I recently learned there was an issue with my certification and my check out dives (not completed with Atlantic Edge) and I needed to quickly fix it before a work trip with diving coming up. I called Terry Wells who organized my refresher course and he was awesome. We spoke several times in one day as I tried to get all my documentation and scheduling in order. He was always patient and chipper. He then made time for
Brian R.
Jan 22, 2018
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I took the refresher course at Atlantic Edge yesterday. I am very glad I did. I was certified ten years ago and I do a shallow water dive every year, but I had lost some skills and picked up some bad habits. I didn't realize it until I went to the bottom of the pool and removed my mask. I had to bail out and go to the surface. My instructor Marcin was very patient and helped me figure out what was wrong and how to fix it. I'm glad I got the problem resolved in the pool rather than out in open water. Thanks Marcin. Terry was also very helpful in getting signed up and checking in with me
Christina A.
May 10, 2017
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I had a really great time with Atlantic Edge! I took my open water skills class with them as well as did my open water quarry dives with them, and overall it was great. The staff are super informative and helpful, as well as really patient (which is necessary because I definitely panicked at some points during the open water dives). Terry, my open water dive instructor, is not only really funny but a really great teacher. He describes every skill very thoroughly and makes sure you understand exactly what you're doing. I highly recommend getting any scuba cert through Atlantic Edge.
Erris J.
Aug 29, 2016
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I saw a couple of reviews where people gave a 1 star rating and were upset that they did not get a full refund when cancelling late. I used them for my open water course in Aug of 2015 and felt they were great. Their model focuses on training and not scalping you at the register for product as many others do. I plan to use them for many other courses as well.
Jess K.
Sep 10, 2015
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I obtained my Open Water certification through Atlantic Edge in 2014 and as a satisfied customer (I can't stress how awesome Terry and Pat are as instructors), returned to them in 2015 to take the Advanced Open Water course in Dutch Springs. Approximately a month before the dive date, I perforated my ear drum and was prohibited to dive by my ENT specialist. I called the shop, explained my situation and was told there would be a processing fee to reschedule my course to a later date, but that the 25% cancellation fee would not apply. A few days later when I attempted to reschedule the course
Michael C.
Jan 06, 2014
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I attended the open water class. Tom Olivio the instructor was patient as he worked well with students. You're expected come prepared with your knowledge review!!! They will NOT spoon feed you. Make sure you understand dive tables BEFORE class. The video online is excellent!! You will take your test immediately after few questions and answers. Tom answered all of my questions well and accurately. One thing I suggest is making sure other students do not cheat their examination after I have seen this student did not do too well with knowledge reviews and practice quiz. I was offended
Yishin S.
Aug 21, 2013
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I thoroughly enjoy my one-day confined water training class with Atlantic Edge (AE). My buddy and I signed up the class a bit late, and the receptionist on the phone was very helpful and sent us the PADI book by 1-day priority mail so that we can read it on time. The communication was great! We received clear instruction by email that tells us what to bring and what needs to be prepared ahead of time, the time and direction to get to the pool, and so on. Very organized dive center.
We had two instructors in our class (4 students in total): Erik and Ryan. They are both very experienced, matured
We had two instructors in our class (4 students in total): Erik and Ryan. They are both very experienced, matured
LeeAnn O.
Jul 12, 2010
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This review is for Atlantic Edge's dive program at the National Aquarium in Baltimore only.
I have been dive certified for over 4 years and have never been diving in the U.S. (unless you count the U.S. Virgin Islands). What better way to inaugurate myself into diving on the mainland by diving at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. In all my years of diving, I have never been so close to such a variety of sea life. The fish, rays, sharks, moray eels, and sea turtle are all comfortable with divers and so they basically treat you like a big fish. Trying to explain how it feels to have
I have been dive certified for over 4 years and have never been diving in the U.S. (unless you count the U.S. Virgin Islands). What better way to inaugurate myself into diving on the mainland by diving at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. In all my years of diving, I have never been so close to such a variety of sea life. The fish, rays, sharks, moray eels, and sea turtle are all comfortable with divers and so they basically treat you like a big fish. Trying to explain how it feels to have
Fenny L.
Aug 12, 2009
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Manymanymany years ago, I got scuba certified at Atlantic Edge and had the best time *EVER*. Made some cool friends, learned how not to die underwater, and got some super cute pink scuba gear. YAY!
So, when my beloved husband found out how fun "getting wet" could be during our honeymoon trip to Thailand, I promptly got him scuba lessons for his birthday.
The website is easy to use, and the Atlantic Edge folks called to confirm the class date and answered any questions I had. The wonderful service that I remember from so many years ago hadn't changed. If anything, I think the
So, when my beloved husband found out how fun "getting wet" could be during our honeymoon trip to Thailand, I promptly got him scuba lessons for his birthday.
The website is easy to use, and the Atlantic Edge folks called to confirm the class date and answered any questions I had. The wonderful service that I remember from so many years ago hadn't changed. If anything, I think the
