The 10 Best Scuba Stores
Where is the Best Place to Buy Scuba Gear?
If you're looking to upgrade your scuba diving gear, or you're just getting started with underwater adventures, you'll find that shopping for scuba equipment online offers both savings and selection - sometimes better than your local dive shop. While most online scuba stores maintain similar pricing (thanks to manufacturer agreements), they differ significantly in customer service.
Traditional brick-and-mortar dive shops that have expanded online typically provide personalized expertise and maintain long-term relationships with their customers. Meanwhile, large e-commerce retailers might offer less individual attention but compensate with extensive inventory options. If you do happen to find a lower price offered by an unauthorized scuba gear retailer, most authorized retailers offer price match guarantees between 100-110%.
Tuesday, May 20th
2025 Scuba Store Reviews
Dive Right In Scuba
When you need scuba gear and expert guidance, Dive Right In Scuba offers an exceptional online shopping experience that feels like visiting your favorite local dive shop. With their extensive product selection, price match guarantee, and industry-leading 60/120-day return policy, you'll shop with complete confidence. What truly sets Dive Right In Scuba apart is their passionate team of diving experts who go above and beyond - from detailed phone consultations to post-purchase support and video tutorials. This Illinois-based retailer is perfect for both newcomers who need patient guidance and experienced divers seeking technical expertise, earning our highest 5-star rating for their unmatched combination of competitive prices, customer service, and diving knowledge.
Divers Direct
You'll find a knowledgeable and approachable team at Divers Direct, a family-owned business that's grown from a small Florida dive shop to one of the largest scuba retailers in the world. Their commitment to diver education shines through in their detailed product explanations and extensive training programs, while their price match guarantee ensures you won't overpay for quality scuba gear. Whether you're browsing their well-organized website or visiting one of their four Florida locations, you'll appreciate how they break down complex diving concepts into easy-to-understand information. This retailer is especially well-suited for new and intermediate divers who value clear guidance and support in their scuba journey, though their selection of technical diving gear means you won't outgrow them as your skills advance.
House of Scuba
If you're looking for a well-established scuba gear retailer with competitive prices and comprehensive services, House of Scuba might be worth checking out. You'll find an extensive inventory of diving equipment, PADI certification courses from beginner to pro level, and notably transparent pricing for equipment maintenance services that they'll handle whether you're local to San Diego or shipping from abroad. While they excel at in-person service (with a 4.4-star local rating), their online customer service could use improvement, as evidenced by mixed reviews on platforms like Trustpilot. This retailer is ideal for both novice divers who need guidance and technical divers seeking specialized equipment, but might not be the best choice if you prioritize rapid online customer support. Based on our review criteria, we give House of Scuba a high rating - they offer great value and services but need to strengthen their online customer service for a shot at our first place ranking.
Online Scuba
At Online Scuba, you'll find a wealth of diving equipment backed by expert assembly from certified instructors, though you'll have to look past their decidedly retro website design. They stand out for their specialized military discounts and their staff's technical expertise in equipment configuration, but they need to pay more attention to customer complaints left on review platforms. Online Scuba has some areas to work on, but they're passionate and knowledgeable about what they do.
GetWetStore
If you need prescription diving gear that won't break the bank, GetWetStore is your go-to destination. This California-based retailer specializes in prescription diving masks for all vision needs - whether you're nearsighted, farsighted, or need bifocals. With 18 years of experience and impressive customer service, they've earned a stellar 4.7-star rating average from over 6,000 satisfied divers who can finally see clearly underwater. These prescription masks start at $100, with regular sales offering 25-27% off. They also carry a small selection of Promate brand scuba equipment. Get Wet Store is an excellent choice for prescription diving masks, though you'll need to shop elsewhere for advanced equipment.
Scuba
You'll want to steer clear of Scuba's online store for now. While they used to be a reliable retailer with competitive prices and a solid selection of both new and used diving equipment, their acquisition by Leisure Pro has led to a dramatic decline in customer service quality and fulfillment reliability. Between their expensive return shipping, lengthy refund delays, and questionable product handling, you're better off shopping elsewhere - especially given their current BBB status. We've dropped their rating and cannot recommend them at this time.
Divers Supply
Short Divers Supply has a massive selection and competitive prices, with multiple physical locations alongside their online store. While their product range and pricing might catch your eye, their questionable customer service track record and confusing website experience should give you pause. This retailer might work if you're planning to shop in-person at one of their physical stores, but for online purchases, you'd be better off with a more reliable competitor. Given their concerning customer reviews and less forgiving return policy, we can't recommend Divers Supply as a good choice for your diving equipment needs.
Dive Inn
If you're a diver in Europe looking for extensive selection and potential deals on scuba gear, Dive Inn might be worth checking out - they carry over 2 million products across 7,000 brands in their massive warehouse. While their prices often look attractive, be aware that international shipping costs and potential customs fees can quickly erode any savings if you're outside Europe. The unpredictable delivery times (ranging from 10 days to 5 months) and occasionally frustrating customer service experiences make this retailer better suited for patient shoppers who aren't in a rush for critical gear. We recommend Dive Inn primarily for European divers seeking basic equipment, while North American customers should consider US-based online scuba stores that offer price matching.
Swim Outlet
If you're into competitive swimming or beach activities, SwimOutlet could be a stop on your list. However, they only carry some basic scuba gear like wetsuits, masks, and fins from reputable brands. This retailer excels at serving recreational swimmers and beachgoers, but dedicated scuba divers should look elsewhere for their equipment needs. SwimOutlet is fine for basic accessories if you spot a good deal, but it shouldn't be your primary destination for dive equipment.
Scubapro
While Scubapro has been a respected name in diving equipment since 1963, their recent track record raises serious concerns about quality control and customer service. You'll find a comprehensive range of diving gear on their website, from basic snorkeling equipment to technical diving apparatus, but their premium pricing doesn't seem justified given widespread reports of manufacturing issues and unresponsive support. Based on declining product quality, poor customer support, and questionable warranty practices, we have to give Scubapro a lower score.
Continued from above...
Want more than just equipment? Many online scuba retailers create a complete diving ecosystem for their customers. You'll find equipment maintenance, tank services, gear rental programs, and certification courses. Some even partner with local instructors and organize diving excursions.
If you're worried about finding the right fit, you may want to patronize an online store with physical locations near you, but if that's not possible, you should go for an online scuba store with a generous return policy that includes gently-used items. (Because sometimes you don't realize how much extra room there is in your wetsuit until you take it for a spin.)
When choosing an online scuba gear store, also consider these important factors:
- Product selection and availability. If you're a tech diver, do they have specialized equipment like side-mount BCDs, back-plate/wing systems, or double tanks? Look for stores that carry major brands and offer various price points to match your budget.
- Customer service and expertise. Are the retailers' staff members experienced divers? Can they give personalized recommendations about equipment selection? What communication channels are available to reach their support team? Choose a scuba store that cares about your safety and is more passionate about scuba diving than they are about their bottom line.
- Return policy and warranty support. How long do you have to return items? Will they accept gear you've tried on? What happens if something breaks under warranty? When choosing scuba gear, you need to be able to return it if it doesn't work out.
- Shipping and handling. How quickly do they ship orders? Do they offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount? Choose a scuba gear store with consistent shipping and delivery timelines, or risk not having your gear in time for your vacation.
Whether you're shopping for your first mask and fins or upgrading your entire kit, finding the right online scuba gear store is crucial for your diving success and safety. Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best scuba gear stores available online. We hope this review helps you find the perfect equipment for your underwater adventures.
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