For me, one of the most daunting prospects when arriving in a new place, is finding a dive shop that’s a good match for me. This task is all the more intimidating in known dive hubs like Koh Tao, Thailand or the Gili’s in Indonesia, little islands that somehow house dozens of dive shops. How on earth are you suppose to choose?
Well, after much trial and error, I’ve finally come up with an approach that works for me. Hopefully it will help some of you too.
I always start the search with any recommendations I might have gathered from friends and family. If someone I trust had a good experience at a dive shop, that’s usually a safe place to start. However, just because that shop was a goof fit for them, doesn’t guarantee it will be for you, so shop around a bit before settling on one.
Shopping around in person is always the best way to go, since you can meet the dive masters and instructors you could be diving with. Feeling comfortable with who I will be underwater with is always my top priority, so this is my method of choice. However, sometimes shopping in person isn’t feasible, in which case phone calls or emailing is the way to go.
Below are some of the key questions I’ll ask when researching dive shops. It’s important to go into the search knowing what your priorities are when diving. Are you looking for the lowest price, most amenities provided, quality gear rental, safety (this should always be a top consideration), trips to specific dive sites, or are you just looking to get in the water? You’re priorities will determine the importance of the following questions:
Are they PADI or SSI certified?
If not I would scratch them right off the list. PADI and SSI are two of the most reputable dive agencies out there, and they require their shops to maintain a certain level of standard. They could very well be a good dive shop and not be a part of these organizations, but that’s unfamiliar territory for me, so I go with what I am familiar and comfortable with.
On that same note, always feel comfortable asking for proof of certification from the shop. They should be able to show that all of their employees are certified to the required level to teach and lead dives. If they can’t show this, that’s a red flag.
Once as I was gearing up, my divemaster casually mentioned that he’d just passed his Advance PADI certification. My heart stopped for a minute until I realized he was joking, but that was a reminder to me that I really had no idea what level of qualification he held because I hadn’t checked.
What is the Dive Master/Instructor to student ratio?
The standard at most shops is 1:4 dive master to student ratio. If it’s more than this, I would question the shop’s safety standards.
Depending on your level of certification, it may also be prudent to ask whether groups are split up by dive qualification. If you are Advanced certified, you probably don’t want to be diving with novice Open Water students. My air consumption is pretty good, so when I was put with Open Water students my dive time was literally cut in half. When you’re paying for each dive, you want as much time underwater as possible. If they don’t split groups up, at least request that there be an additional dive master present to buddy off with you if the others have to go up early.
What equipment is provided?
If dive equipment is not provided, what is the additional cost to rent? Or, vise versa, if you have your own dive equipment, can they provide a discount? Most shops will offer 5-10% discounts for having all of your own gear.
Side note: Most shops charge extra for dive computer rentals, so don’t assume it’s included in equipment rentals. The logic? If you’re accompanying a dive master, and stay at their level throughout the dive, you can go off of their computer readings. Now, the odds that your dive will exactly match their’s is slim, so I always bring my own, but it’s a personal choice.
What time do they get out on the water?
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, generally the earlier the better. If you like to party late, you might want to choose a shop that has a later start time. It’s all personal preference, just know what you’re signing up for.
What sites do you go to?
When I was in Nusa Lembongan, I only had two dive sites I wanted to visit: Manta Bay and Manta Point. It was important that I asked around at shops, because only a handful were going to those locations during the days I was on the island. However, it’s also important to ask WHY shops aren’t going to particular sites. If most shops are staying put due to weather, you’d probably be best staying put as well, rather than going out with whoever will take your money.
Is accommodation included?
Some shops will offer free accommodation on days you dive with them, or if you sign up for their courses. Typically I’ve found this to be the case in areas with higher competition between dive shops, but it’s a question worth asking that could save you some cash.
Other questions worth considering:
Do the instructors speak my language?
Are they an eco-conscious dive shop?
Do they offer package deals?
How big, and what quality, is the dive boat?
Are snacks, drinks, etc. provided during dives?
Hopefully this will help you get started on your own search. Happy travels and happy diving!
