Snorkeling and Scuba diving are among the most exciting hobbies out there. Here at Aquatic Center Of Rochester, our team of professional divers will help you grow to love the underwater world, whether you're a complete beginner or seasoned pro-we have the gear, service, and training you want. Founded in 1987, the Aquatic Center is a leading dive shop in the northeast.
Staffed predominantly by active scuba instructors, you can rely on our expert knowledge to develop your scuba skills. Our staff are knowledgeable and passionate about our sport, and we're eager to share it with you, whether it be in training or equipment purchases. From a simple mask, fins and snorkel set, to a complex scuba set or rebreather, we are here for you.
Staffed predominantly by active scuba instructors, you can rely on our expert knowledge to develop your scuba skills. Our staff are knowledgeable and passionate about our sport, and we're eager to share it with you, whether it be in training or equipment purchases. From a simple mask, fins and snorkel set, to a complex scuba set or rebreather, we are here for you.
Services
We are a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Training Facility. You can begin with a snorkeling lesson and we can take you right up to becoming a qualified PADI Open Water Scuba instructor. Whether you just want to have some fun in your backyard pool or see the underwater sights on the vacation of a lifetime, you will be amazed at how quick and easy it is to learn to snorkel with the help of our experienced staff.
We are a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Training Facility. You can begin with a snorkeling lesson and we can take you right up to becoming a qualified PADI Open Water Scuba instructor. The adventure begins with the Scuba Diving Certification for Open Water Diving. You will begin with a review in the classroom where we will help to make sure you understand the basics of Scuba Diving.
The Advanced Open Water course is designed to expand your diving skills. It will not only teach you new skills, but will expose you to several new specialty dive areas. You can start today, with a simple deposit, collect your text book and begin the reading. We will set up a brief class and pool session throughout the year.
This program is designed to review and update the knowledge and skills of certified divers. Inactivity longer than 7 years requires completion of Scuba Review e-Learning through Aquatic Center. Certified longer than 15 years ago with no logged dive activity should consider re-certification. Call us to set up a consultation.
At the Aquatic Center of Rochester there is a beautiful, expansive retail showroom. We stock everything you need from swim goggles, to snorkel gear, to Scuba Equipment, to full TEC and Rebreather sets. Purchase with confidence at the Aquatic Center of Rochester. As one of the top Scuba Centers in the country, and a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center, we are proud of our training and retail excellence.
Reviews (10)
Ron Dougherty
Dec 07, 2021
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At the Aquatic Center of Rochester, Customer Service is King! I just bought a full set of SCUBA equipment and Dianne (owner) took the time to make sure every item was fully explained - functions, customizations, safety features - and then fitted/adjusted to my preferences. Joe (other owner) had me 'test dive' everything in their heated (84 degrees!) 15' deep pool and made further adjustments to fine tune everything. A few items were back-ordered (pandemic delays) - Dianne kept me well informed on delivery status. If you want to experience what truly great customer service feels like, this is the
Mike Shepherd
Dec 04, 2021
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I recently was reactivated and updated my gear at ACR. The owners were excellent about knowing my current skill level and perfectly fitting me with a new BC, wetsuit, and second stage regulator. The instruction in my pool class was top notch and focused on the skills I needed to improve the most. ACR provides superb personal customer focused service tailored to your specific needs and skills.
John Joseph
Nov 15, 2021
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You’re probably thinking of ordering stuff from the internet. Don’t, come here. I ordered a BC and regulator/octo setup from these guys, price was great but the real value was the pool time. They offered me a pool session to try out my new gear, an experienced looking diver, I think his name was Joe (should have wrote this sooner) went over every detail of the BC. He explained how things worked, put, my initials on my weight pouches, and colored zip ties on other parts of the gear to mark it as mine. He watched me in the pool and gave me general advice on buoyancy, breathing, and diving. Then
Jeannie Layton-Giordano
Jun 30, 2021
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I am thankful to Laura for teaching me the ins and outs of how to scuba properly. The instruction was solid. The skills were practiced in and out of the pool. I was encouraged and felt quite successful after passing my open water cert. All the staff worked together as a team to make sure the students were informed. If you want to learn how to scuba this is the place!
Darrick Alaimo
May 02, 2021
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Johnny
Oct 18, 2020
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I’ve been a customer at the AC of R for almost 20 years. I’ve purchased regulators, dive computers, exposure protection, durable gear & accessories and clothing items.
I’ve attended them for top notch dive instruction. I’ve availed myself of side trips offered around our region that remind folks “yes, there’s cool places to dive close to home, too. it’s just not as warm.”
I’ve used their pool to help friends prepare for skills demonstration to complete their dive master. checked out new gear. my daughter spent an afternoon zooming around on a scooter with what I remember as
I’ve attended them for top notch dive instruction. I’ve availed myself of side trips offered around our region that remind folks “yes, there’s cool places to dive close to home, too. it’s just not as warm.”
I’ve used their pool to help friends prepare for skills demonstration to complete their dive master. checked out new gear. my daughter spent an afternoon zooming around on a scooter with what I remember as
Jacob Lang
Dec 25, 2019
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Although it’s almost been a year and a half since I was certified I still remember the learning experience, and how enjoyable it was. All the diving instructors took their time to teach me and answer any questions that I may have had. But instead of just having a dry and boring learning experience they made sure that it was fun and enjoyable I found my self looking forward to each class with anticipation for what I was going to learn next. In short I recommend this place for anybody that is looking to get there diving license or to rent or buy equipment and further more you can even book events
Judith Lewis
Nov 03, 2019
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After 24 years of renting equipment I decided it was time to buy -- especially since I hope to be doing more than one week of diving a year now. I looked at a store in NYC where I had just bought a new mask, so I had a rough idea of pricing. I did end up paying a little more all together because the young woman who was helping me was a very persuasive salesperson. She sold me the BC she uses, and a slightly better regulator setup than I might have chosen BUT: after diving with it for a week I am supremely happy! I felt so completely in control and at ease. The big deal was the three hour session
Bruce Collins
Oct 25, 2017
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Everything about the Open Water Scuba Certification training is great. I had snorkeled and did a resort scuba on a prior vacation, but this was my first experience with the Aquatic Center of Roch. From both a skill and safety perspective, now I know how much I didn’t know on those mini vacation adventures… Joe, Laura, Mike, Diane and all the other staff were terrific. The shop and training facilities are great too. Joe and Laura were my primary instructors and they are exceptional. If you are taking the certification classes here, I highly recommend you do the open water dives with them also
Brandon Comella
Jul 24, 2016
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Joe Plano is an absolute master instructor. I have been diving for a decade and this past weekend I had the opportunity to learn some nuances about diving and skill set he passed along was fantastic. The more you know the more comfortable and easy the diving gets in my opinion. I will do more one on one sessions to continue to grow and i would recommend Joe and this facility to anyone looking to enjoy the pleasure of open water diving. THANK YOU!