Here are the 3 places to learn scuba diving to see Calgary’s underwater beauty.
Growing up, I was completely captivated by Moana’s magic. The film ignited my passion for exploring the ocean’s depths, and I found pure joy in swimming with sea creatures. I imagined myself as a daring Wayfinder navigating the waves.
That feeling of weightlessness and wonder beneath the surface sparked my journey into scuba diving. Now, if you’re curious about where to start your underwater adventure in Calgary, you’re in luck!
I’ve discovered amazing places perfect for learning to dive, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Let’s explore the details so you can start your adventure!
1. Calgary Scuba
– Media credit: calgaryscuba
Website: https://calgaryscuba.com/
Address: 35042 Twp Rd 241, Calgary, AB T3Z2Y8, 246 Stewart Green SW Suite 1954, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8, Canada
Contact details: +14032285756
Operating hours: 10:30 AM–7 PM
Calgary Scuba isn’t just any dive shop; it’s the only TDI/SDI 5-Star Instructor Training Center in the area. It has been around for a while and has teamed up with the world’s largest technical diving agency, which sets the bar high for dive education.
If you’re curious about getting certified, they offer some awesome courses, like the SDI Open Water Diver Course. It costs $676 plus tax and covers everything, including pool training and real-life diving experiences at local lakes.
If you’re a beginner, they focus a lot on safety and skill development, which is comforting. And if you’re already experienced, they’ve got advanced training and technical diving courses to push your limits.
| Pro tip: You can start training at their warm training pool, which is perfect for practicing skills before you plunge into open water! |
2. Aqua Dive and Watersports
– Media credit: aquadiveandwatersports
Website: https://aquadiveandwatersports.com/
Address: 9950 Macleod Trail Unit #16, Calgary, AB T2J 3K9, Canada
Contact details: +15873533483
Operating hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Aqua Dive does open-water certifications, arranges dive trips, and offers gear rentals designed to help you make the most of your underwater adventures. What makes Aqua Dive special is its founders, Darrin, and Keri Barker.
These two have more than 30 years of experience in the diving industry. They’ve created a warm, welcoming space that has become a go-to spot for newbies like me.
One of the coolest things about Aqua Dive is that they’re an official PADI dive center. That means you can earn your PADI certification right there. The facility has a 14-foot in-store pool and two classrooms perfect for hands-on learning.
| Pro tip: If you want to hone your skills before a tropical vacation, consider joining one of Aqua Dive’s weekly refresher courses. It’s a fantastic way to get back in the water with expert guidance! |
3. The Dive Shop
– Media credit: diveshopcalgary
Website: http://www.diveshopscuba.com/
Address: 4652 Macleod Trail S, Calgary, AB T2G 5E8, Canada
Contact details: +14032434616
Operating hours: 10 AM–6 PM
The Dive Shop has been around since 1967. As a PADI Five Star IDC Training facility, it knows about quality training and safety. What’s cool is that they have their training pool right on-site.
I love that The Dive Shop is women-owned. They welcome everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, which makes the whole experience much better. They even have a Course Director dedicated to giving the best training possible.
If you’re a newbie, you can jump into their Discover Scuba Diving courses or work towards an Open Water certification. And if you’re more experienced, there are advanced courses and technical diving training.
| Pro tip: Consider joining one of their organized trips to nearby dive spots like Lake Minnewanka or Kananaskis, where you can experience breathtaking underwater scenery while honing your skills with fellow divers. |