Divers Direct Review

Sunday, May 18th

2025 Scuba Store Reviews

Divers Direct

• Wetsuits from $89.99 to $509.95
• In-person store options in FL
• 110% price-match guarantee
• 30-day return policy
• Offers certification classes in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale
• Family-owned business
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Founded in 1984, Divers Direct has evolved from a humble two-boat operation in Key Largo to become one of the world's largest dive shops. You'll find this family-owned business particularly appealing if you're new to scuba diving - their well-versed staff and educational approach make diving accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned pros. (And they'll even hook you up with fuschia gear if that's your style.) We also appreciate their commitment to both education and ocean conservation. They've made thoughtful changes to their business practices, like switching to reef-safe sunscreens and eliminating plastic bags, while keeping their focus on responsible dive training and gear selection.

PADI and SSI certification courses available at Florida locations

If you're in need of scuba certification before you get your gear, you'll find both PADI and SSI certification courses available at Divers Direct's Fort Lauderdale and Orlando locations. You'll start with Open Water certification, then can progress to Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, and Stress and Rescue certifications. Their expert instructors will teach you everything from basic gear setup and maintenance to underwater navigation and safety procedures.

Find community and improve your scuba knowledge

Want to expand your diving horizons? Looking to make friends with other scuba divers? We were pleased to discover that Divers Direct frequently runs events and experiences to help you level up your scuba skills and find community. For example, they put on a beach cleanup event every Earth Day. They also run guided tours for all skill levels, host equipment workshops, and even offer specialized training like spearfishing courses. And if you haven't been diving in over 6 months, don't worry - their Refresher Course has got your back. With highly experienced instructors like Emmanuel, who's both a marine biologist and technical diving instructor, you're in capable hands for whatever underwater adventure you choose to pursue.

Product explanations and expert guidance in simple English

Divers Direct makes your scuba gear shopping experience simple. If you're new to scuba and overwhelmed by jargon, this is a good place to get your feet wet. For example, if you're browsing their scuba gear categories and need a refresher on what an "octo" is, they break it down into simple terms and explain your options right under the header on the "Scuba Octos” category page. Each product listing comes with detailed specs, customer reviews, and a Q&A section. Fresh out of certification or upgrading your well-worn gear? You can bundle your equipment into money-saving scuba gear packages that their team assembles with care. Their experts are just a phone call away if you need help choosing the right package for your needs and budget.

Wide selection of scuba products

Here's everything you can shop for on their website:

• Scuba Gear Packages
• Essential Equipment (BCDs, Regulators, Octos)
• Monitoring Devices (Computers, Gauges, Watches)
• Basic Gear (Masks, Fins, Snorkels, Tanks)
• Safety & Accessories (Lights, Knives, Weights)
• Specialty Items (Tech Gear, Underwater Scooters)

Rewards programs, price matching, and giveaways

Want to win some free scuba gear? Divers Direct frequently runs giveaways. At the time of our visit, the prize was a Mares Journey 15X Scuba Regulator - a high-performance piece of diving equipment valued at $350 that's known for reliability in extreme conditions. All you need to do is provide your phone number to enter the giveaway via text. And if contests aren't your thing, you might be interested to know Divers Direct offers a rewards program where you earn points for every dollar spent, which you can redeem for free gear. Plus, they have the best price match guarantee we've seen in the industry - they'll match their competitors, then give you an additional 10% off that price.

Competitive pricing, but inventory might not be as extensive

While Divers Direct's base prices are competitive with other retailers - the Shearwater Teric dive computer ($1,195), Atomic SubFrame mask ($150), and BARE Revel wetsuit ($330) are all within $25 of competitor prices - you'll still get the best price possible thanks to the 110% price match. Their selection appears to be somewhat limited though, as we couldn't find certain comparison products like our target BCD, regulator, or the Reactive wetsuit model.

Free shipping on orders over $49

When you're ordering scuba gear online, shipping costs can really add up - but Divers Direct offers free shipping on most items over $49 within the continental US. Your scuba gear will typically arrive in 2-10 business days with the free shipping option. Keep in mind that some bulky items like tanks, lead weights, and large gear bags may have additional shipping charges.

Returns and exchanges for 30 days

Shopping for scuba gear online can be tricky, which is why Divers Direct gives you 30 days to return most items. You'll need to keep everything in new condition with all the original packaging. There are some common-sense exceptions: hygiene items like mouthpieces (because nobody wants to buy a pre-chewed regulator) and worn bathing suits can't be returned, and certain items like motorized equipment and used dive computers will incur a 20% restocking fee. For exchanges, you'll need to cover the return shipping, but they'll handle the shipping cost for your replacement item within the continental US.

Quality customer service from a family-run scuba shop

Most of Divers Direct's customer reviews can be found on their Yelp listings, which means most are about in-store experiences. People praise the dedication of their team, like when they assembled a customer's gear the day before a dive, saving them a lot of time and effort. Another review praises the staff's extensive knowledge when selecting equipment. In one case, Divers Direct even replaced defective equipment 11 months after purchase when it failed during a dive. However, when it comes to the online ordering and return experience, we have a bit less to go on - Divers Direct doesn't have a Trustpilot page, and while they have an "A+” on their BBB listing, the "Reviews” tab is empty. That said, if you need to get in touch, they maintain an active presence on Facebook and their customer service team is available seven days a week. Everything we've seen suggests that you can probably expect the same level of care and attention to your request for support as you would when visiting one of their physical locations.

A reliable partner for your underwater adventures

If you're looking to invest in quality scuba gear without feeling like a fish out of water, Divers Direct's website offers a compelling blend of competitive prices, educational resources, and personalized support. While their inventory isn't the most extensive we've seen, their 110% price match guarantee ensures you won't overpay for scuba gear, and their commitment to both diver education and ocean conservation shows they're in it for more than just sales. With 40 years of experience, free shipping on most orders over $49, and a knowledgeable support team available seven days a week, we think Divers Direct should be close to the top of your list for scuba gear - especially if you're a newer diver who values clear explanations and trustworthy guidance.