The World's most popular recreational SCUBA diving certification. Complete your lifetime PADI Open Water Diver certification in two weekends or 4 evenings and a weekend. Learning to dive is one of the most rewarding experiences of your lifetime. If you have always wanted to dive but did not know where to begin then we are offering a FREE PADI Introductory Course.
We have a very limited number of these courses that we are giving away. Get started with an interactive online course (PADI eLearning) and learn SCUBA diving fundamentals from home at your own pace. Continue your SCUBA adventure by taking an Advanced Open Water Diver or Rescue Diver certification course.
We have a very limited number of these courses that we are giving away. Get started with an interactive online course (PADI eLearning) and learn SCUBA diving fundamentals from home at your own pace. Continue your SCUBA adventure by taking an Advanced Open Water Diver or Rescue Diver certification course.
Services
Scubaland Adventures offers a full range of scuba diving classes. We offer scheduled class times as well as private and semi-private lessons for groups and individuals. Scubaland has been training divers in Austin since 1988. The Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) has recognized Scubaland's investment in quality education by granting Scubaland 5-Star IDC status.
We recently completed a major renovation on our pool area in order to prepare for the upcoming dive season. We hope you enjoy our new facilities as much as we do! Scubaland Adventures and Swim School of Austin have invested over half a million dollars in one of Austin's finest aquatic training facilities.
I grew up watching "The Undersea World of Jacques-Yves Cousteau" on TV and reading anything associated with his name, from books to encyclopedias. Being a scuba fan in Buenos Aires in the late 70's and early 80's was not the best idea. The equipment was unaffordable for middle-class people and good places to dive were far away.
Scubaland uses a variety of different dive sites and dive destinations throughout Central Texas. We choose our dive sites based on diving conditions, unique attributes, and customer preferences. If you have a particular dive site in mind, please ask us. We routinely set up private training dives for students that have a preference for a particular dive site or destination.
We guarantee the fit of your SCUBA and snorkeling gear! We will exchange an item as many times as we need to in order to get it right. If you are having a problem with a piece of gear you purchased from Scubaland please let one of our Equipment Counselors know so that we can fix it. Course fees will only be refunded in cases where a student cannot receive medical clearance to dive.
Reviews (24)
Olivia K.
Sep 27, 2021
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Recently did my PADI Open Water Cert here and had a really great experience! My instructor, Bruce, was amazing and I’m so glad I chose his class. He was very knowledgeable, encouraging and made everyone feel comfortable. I will definitely be back to take the Advanced course. The only con is that the chlorine in the pool for skills training completely bleached my favorite swim top, so definitely don’t wear nice/expensive clothing into the pool. Our dive masters for the check-out dives, Anneka and Adam, were also friendly and helpful! Thanks so much to everyone for a great course :)
Christy K.
Aug 02, 2021
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My 11 year old son and I decided to get our open water certifications before a trip to Florida. It was such a great experience for us! The course will teach you everything you need to know to feel completely confident and comfortable in the water, beginning with simply putting your face into the water and breathing from the regulator. I needed a few different skills explained to me more than once, including how to assemble the scuba gear, and everybody was patient and willing to help.
The entire staff was amazing. Eric, who led our nightly classes and weekend dives, was incredibly knowledgeable
The entire staff was amazing. Eric, who led our nightly classes and weekend dives, was incredibly knowledgeable
Caleb Smith
Jul 22, 2021
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Brent Canady
Jul 16, 2021
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Good people, offering helpful advice when asked. The instructors take the time necessary to ensure you're knowledgeable and proficient in task as they take you throughout the course work. Grab a class with Eric and/or Dave. You'll be happy you did when you encounter how well these two work. Also shout out to Dive Master Darren. Thanks for being there when the assist was needed. You fellas rock!
Neer Patel
Jun 03, 2021
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Chase Von Ach
Feb 01, 2021
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I took an open water course here! My instructor Eric was a fantastic instructor! I couldn't have asked for a better match. I couldn't speak more highly about Eric.
However, as someone who was BRAND NEW to diving, the other staff (including the owner) at the shop were WAY TOO PUSHY. Every time I went in there I was pressured and badgered to buy more gear from them, and to sign up and pay for more courses.
This kinda spooked me. And I was already overwhelmed by the material I was learning. To then be bombarded by pushy/aggressive sales stressed me way out. Not chill yo.
Then I found a really good
However, as someone who was BRAND NEW to diving, the other staff (including the owner) at the shop were WAY TOO PUSHY. Every time I went in there I was pressured and badgered to buy more gear from them, and to sign up and pay for more courses.
This kinda spooked me. And I was already overwhelmed by the material I was learning. To then be bombarded by pushy/aggressive sales stressed me way out. Not chill yo.
Then I found a really good
Lauren Devall
Jan 26, 2021
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Just finished the open water course with Scott. I had a harder time with some of the skills and Scott and the divemaster spent extra time with me in the pool to make sure I felt comfortable with everything before we got to the lake. The shop also loaned me a neoprene shirt when I told them I got cold in the pool. The owner literally gave me two to try on and ripped the sales tag off of the one that fit and said to bring it back when I was done with it. The experience we had made me feel super comfortable going at a pace that felt right for me, even if that was a bit slower than the rest of the
Elizabeth Good
Dec 31, 2020
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If you are looking for ANYTHING related to SCUBA diving, Scubaland is where you need to go. I have been a loyal customer for over five years, and can't imagine going anywhere else. I just completed my rescue diving course with Bruce McNeill as our instructor and was somehow even more impressed as I had an amazing time with an incredible instructor. He was...wow, just wow. What a guy!!! My class was really fun (I had a great time!!!) but more importantly it was taught extremely well. I learned so much, and became a much better diver. Thanks to Bruce, I'm now more confident in my abilities which
Sarah A.
Jun 19, 2019
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I took the Open Water diving course in June and had an amazing time. I was terrified to do the class at the beginning, but Jez did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable diving.
All of the skills build on each other, so you don't jump right into it and you get comfortable as you go along and learn more skills.
Jez was encouraging and went the extra mile to help those of us who felt nervous about doing certain skills. He is also really funny, which helps time go by really fast!
I am considering signing up for an Advanced class with Jez, since I liked the Open Water course so much.
All of the skills build on each other, so you don't jump right into it and you get comfortable as you go along and learn more skills.
Jez was encouraging and went the extra mile to help those of us who felt nervous about doing certain skills. He is also really funny, which helps time go by really fast!
I am considering signing up for an Advanced class with Jez, since I liked the Open Water course so much.
Arnie W.
Feb 20, 2019
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After way too many years, I decided to get my scuba recertification. The Scubaland team were incredible and professional in helping me select the best mask, snorkel and fins for my needs. I enrolled in and completed their PADI Open Water, Enhanced Air, and Advanced Open Water courses over the past six months. Their instructors provided a highly-interesting, well-paced program to satisfy the requirements of these courses. Both the classroom and water sessions provided me the training necessary to get back up to speed to safely participate in this activity. While I researched equipment on-line
Christen A.
Dec 12, 2018
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Best experience ever! While looking to get certified for scuba diving I realized there were a few options in Austin, Texas. After careful consideration and doing my research I decided to go with Scubaland. From the minute I called to schedule classes I was impressed by the excellent customer service and the patience they had with me being nervous about my new endeavor and answering the 10 million questions that I had! I signed up for weekend classes and purchased my gear (snorkel, fins and goggles). As i showed up for my first day of class, nervous and excited, my fears were quickly calmed when
Amanda M.
Jun 17, 2018
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TLDR: USE THIS SHOP. Excellent customer service and they genuinely care about people having a good time on the water.
Today a group of friends and I came into town to dive Lake Travis as a refresher before an upcoming Flower Gardens trip. We had originally planned to get our gear from Austin Dive World, and despite calling ahead multiple times and being told we would not need a reservation for gear, we showed up and they were out.
We frantically looked for another shop and found Scubaland. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, giving us tons of insight into the Flower Gardens and helpful
Today a group of friends and I came into town to dive Lake Travis as a refresher before an upcoming Flower Gardens trip. We had originally planned to get our gear from Austin Dive World, and despite calling ahead multiple times and being told we would not need a reservation for gear, we showed up and they were out.
We frantically looked for another shop and found Scubaland. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, giving us tons of insight into the Flower Gardens and helpful
Kishore K.
Mar 23, 2018
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I had a great time getting my Open water certification with Jez Sherlock. He was knowledgeable, very patient and encouraging during the pool sessions and he kept the otherwise boring classroom sessions interesting with his anecdotes! The best part was that he loved helping us and tried to make the best use of our time!
Aalia U.
Dec 21, 2017
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This is what a good dive shop should feel like -- don't bother going anywhere else in Austin.
I have only been in a couple times but they always remember my name, ask about my trips, and are just so dang passionate about diving.
I mean these folks grin and smile as they get into drysuits for a murky lake. Part of making diving awesome is the family that comes along with it and whether it comes to courses or purchasing gear, scubaland is where you should do it!
So glad to finally find a decent shop in Austin.
I have only been in a couple times but they always remember my name, ask about my trips, and are just so dang passionate about diving.
I mean these folks grin and smile as they get into drysuits for a murky lake. Part of making diving awesome is the family that comes along with it and whether it comes to courses or purchasing gear, scubaland is where you should do it!
So glad to finally find a decent shop in Austin.
Brittany Hamilton
Jun 24, 2017
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I completed the open water course on 10/8/17 and I can’t imagine having gone anywhere else. Michael Lutz was my instructor. Not only was he very experienced and knowledgeable (18 years diving in multiple underwater landscapes), but he was also patient and happy to provide further clarification. After the course was over he sought to help me find the best gear that works for me and has continued to provide support in ensuring I am comfortable with my diving abilities. His expertise and teaching style made the course enjoyable, friendly, and efficient. Likely due to the fact that it was a fall
Coleman J.
Jun 24, 2016
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Ross did a fantastic job helping me get certified in Open Water diving. I've never had any experience with scuba and I was apprehensive about many things like equalizing my ears and going down deep underwater. Ross' calm professional approach to teaching helped me face my concerns and get to the fun of scuba. He made sure everyone in the class could perform each skill and patiently retaught those who needed it. When I had trouble with a skill he would say "no worries man, we've all been there. You will get it. I believe in you" Ross and Scubaland Aventures are a fantastic
John Pesek
Jan 25, 2016
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I had a great experience getting my Scuba certification at Scubaland. My instructor Robert made it a fun and enjoyable experience, and did an excellent job of teaching the valuable course techniques. The rest of the staff was very helpful as well in getting me the gear I needed and assisting me during my checkout dives.
Dustin S.
Nov 12, 2015
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Just finished my open water certification at Scubaland and because of my odd schedule was able to have two instructors. Steven Neusaenger did my pool sessions and was both patient and knowledgeable. He was able to give those little insights that help a lot. Dominique Lutz did my open water check outs and was just amazing. She was so patient with me when I choked on a skill. Never seemed bothered and oh so happy to help. The sales staff was also great when I came in with questions. Never seemed put out even when I thought I was starting to get annoying. Would recommend this place to anyone and have
Al K.
Jul 21, 2015
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I have been associated with Scubaland for about 20+ years now, and consider the owners, Rob and Jennifer to be my friends. It is the only LDS I frequent in Austin.
Always professional, knowledgable, and courteous, manager and assistant manager Alex and Roy, along with Mark, their superb equipment technician, have always been my go-to folks in the store.
Master Scuba Instructor Steve and Scuba Instructor Scott are among the best instructors I have ever met.
If you're looking for scuba (or swimming) classes, do stop by. If you're looking for gear or advice, Scubaland is the place
Always professional, knowledgable, and courteous, manager and assistant manager Alex and Roy, along with Mark, their superb equipment technician, have always been my go-to folks in the store.
Master Scuba Instructor Steve and Scuba Instructor Scott are among the best instructors I have ever met.
If you're looking for scuba (or swimming) classes, do stop by. If you're looking for gear or advice, Scubaland is the place
Kevin K.
Sep 27, 2014
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I have been dealing with ScubaLand North for more than 15 years. They have good products and over the years I have bought multiple full sets of gear and spent many thousands of dollars with them. However, three recent service experiences have have led me decide to not using ScubaLand any longer.
First, I took in a Nitrox tank for servicing - I asked for a hydro and an O2 clean. When I picked it up the tank had only been hydro'd and the Nitrox stickers had been removed from the tank. Apparently the associate had written the ticket wrong and only ordered a hydro and not an O2 clean. I offered
First, I took in a Nitrox tank for servicing - I asked for a hydro and an O2 clean. When I picked it up the tank had only been hydro'd and the Nitrox stickers had been removed from the tank. Apparently the associate had written the ticket wrong and only ordered a hydro and not an O2 clean. I offered
Shaina S.
Jun 03, 2014
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I haven't been much impressed with this store and had heard that the South store is actually much better in terms of customer service and efficiency.
Went to the South store this past weekend and it's all true. Jennifer is a great manager and their customer service is just brilliant.
Did an advanced class with Tim S. and he is a great teacher. Learned a lot from him. I will drive an extra 30 minutes just so I can go to the south store.
Went to the South store this past weekend and it's all true. Jennifer is a great manager and their customer service is just brilliant.
Did an advanced class with Tim S. and he is a great teacher. Learned a lot from him. I will drive an extra 30 minutes just so I can go to the south store.
Leila R.
Dec 13, 2013
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This place is an awesome facility to do your Open Water Certification or a refresher course!
The facility has a deep pool to do all your exercises and checkout skills with full equipment rental.
I did my scuba refresher course here with a Groupon for $35 (I believe the reg price is $70) and it was fantastic! The facility is clean and our instructor was very patient and knowledgeable. You get your money's worth in the 4-hr refresher course as well as full on workout!
They also have a scuba club where you can go on different dive trips with your fellow Austin divers.
If you are an active
The facility has a deep pool to do all your exercises and checkout skills with full equipment rental.
I did my scuba refresher course here with a Groupon for $35 (I believe the reg price is $70) and it was fantastic! The facility is clean and our instructor was very patient and knowledgeable. You get your money's worth in the 4-hr refresher course as well as full on workout!
They also have a scuba club where you can go on different dive trips with your fellow Austin divers.
If you are an active
Leah R.
Apr 10, 2013
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They taught me how to scuba dive, so there's very little I can hate on! Our instructor for the Open Water course, Jack Ryan, was fantastic, and we lucked out and got a class almost to ourselves (one other person). If you want to go get certified, go in WINTER. I know it sounds really really horrid, but you get a super small class and lots of personal attention, and those thick wetsuits keep you warm in the 50-60 degree water, pinky swear. This is from someone who will get in the heated pool at the gym and complain it's cold, so you know it's legit!
We went back for the advanced
We went back for the advanced
Dana D.
Feb 02, 2013
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This review is for the Discover Scuba Diving course offered at Scubaland. Kelly taught our lesson and she was FANTASTIC. She truly helped to put my mind at ease - I was a smidge nervous due to a bad experience with snorkeling in Maui. Diving is way easier than snorkeling. Let me tell ya, having a steady flow of oxygen really makes a difference. By the time our lesson was through, we were ready to sign up for the Open Water Course to get our certifications and plan on doing so very soon.
Have to note that we had a couple of LivingSocial deals. I reserved our class before the coupon expired, but
Have to note that we had a couple of LivingSocial deals. I reserved our class before the coupon expired, but
