You don't often eat Chicken Parmesan and then meet a turtle. This happened to me recently, but it was a painted sea turtle on a wall who told me his name was Bob. Well .. I pretended he told me his name was Bob, and I pretended that Bob told me to enter the store. Pretend or not, that turtle drove me to the store. Fortunately, I listened to Bob. This is despite not being a diver. But I am a snorkeler! In fact, the next time someone asks me my hobby, I'm going to say, "I'm a snorkeler." I have never heard that before. I bought some snorkel equipment and headed to Florida Springs. You know what kind of fish I saw there? Me neither. I just know they were little colorful ones. I also saw many of Bob's friends, many of which said hello. As far as the shopping experience goes, A+. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended--even if you only snorkel. read more

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I highly recommend Atlantic Pro Divers to anyone that's looking for a professional well trained staff for a great scuba diving experience, you will be in good hands. While in training, the Atlantic Pro Divers staff members were very professional and very patient while teaching everyone. If you don't have your own equipment the staff members at Atlantic Pro Divers are very good and knowledgeable in trying to fit you with the right equipment you will need. I will be returning to Atlantic Pro Divers to further my scuba diving experience. read more

Atlantic Pro Divers - Rainbow River experience. - Scuba Diving Near Me - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

I just love this place. Almost finished up with my advanced open water cert. Josh Beard is an excellent instructor, very patient and thorough. I will keep coming here for all my diving needs. read more

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We shopped around and settled on APD. Great selection, top-notch rental equipment, easygoing and expert staff are interested in making sure everything is a perfect fit. No pressure or upsell. Regarding instruction, Matt is an exceptional instructor. You will be impressed. read more

Had an awesome time learning to dive with Bailey! Every interaction with the shop and staff was great. We did private lessons with just my wife and me and that was the way to go for us. Pool on Monday, Devils Den on Tuesday and finished with amazing drift dive down Rainbow River from K.P. Hole. The whole experience was challenging for two 60 year-olds but it was also very fun. Any part that we struggled with, Bailey was super patient and tried different techniques to help us. We ended up getting everything and achieved PADI Open Water Certification in the 3 days as well as Nitrox Certification. What a sense of accomplishment! We now can't wait to go on some dives with the folks from this shop as well as dive during an upcoming vacation in St John USVI in May. Many thanks to Atlantic Pro and especially Bailey! read more

Atlantic Pro Divers - Diving Devils Den - Scuba Diving Near Me - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

I attended instruction in March and couldn't have been more pleased with my choice of shops and the training which I received. The owner and his staff are pleasant, friendly and inviting. The instructors have an impressive accumulation of personal scuba experience and knowledge as well as possess the ability to easily convey that knowledge and their expectations to the students. As well as individualized the level and depth of instruction which each participant required, while also keeping the entire group at a common pace, which was easy to adhere to. While on the Devil's Den and Rainbow River excursions, you could overhear other class instructors interacting with their groups and it felt great knowing that my instructors were providing a much more professional experience which further revealed their comfort, confidence and skill level. I look forward to further instruction from them! read more

I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with this shop. Bailey is always helpful when I come in or call. I did my open water, nitrox and advanced open water here. Jen is a wonderful instructor. She was very patient with me going through all the courses. Her and Bailey both really know their stuff! I also had the opportunity to go on one of the trips they schedule throughout the year. My boyfriend and I recently went to Utilia Honduras!!! It was an AWESOME trip! We did 16 dives and both did our advanced course. Jenn was in charge and everything ran so smooth and if it didn't we had no idea. The resort was really nice and staff were excellent. We really had a great time! I am a much more confident diver now because of this trip. Cant wait for another one! read more

Atlantic Pro Divers - Scuba Diving Near Me - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Want to learn how to breathe underwater, and see a whole new world you've only seen in the movies? This is the place to go. They claim to be one the oldest scuba shops in Jacksonville, with instructors that have years and years of diving experience. Founded in 1974 by Steve Park and currently run by Bob Bunkley. I had a great time getting OW certified here. My instructor was Sheree and she was pretty good, i just wish Bob was a little more personable with his clients. We were certified at the man made lake they use in Pooler, GA due to the springs being flooded. Their lesson prices are reasonable compared to other shops around Jax. If you've ever entertained the thought of getting scuba certified then stop wasting your time and go do it. You'll gain love for a new hobby, have fun, and meet new friends. You can check out my certification dive from their man made lake here - http://youtu.be/BGoUCJbo55I read more

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My wife and I took our PADI certification with Aaron and Ethan. We could not have been more pleased. We had to split the session due to a work conflict and the team was very accommodating. We can't wait to take a dive trip now that we have both the confidence and credentials to do so. read more

These guys are absolutely amazing. I have been a diver for 30+ years and have never encountered phenomenal customer service like theirs. I bought and continue to buy ALL my equipment from them, because they offer great prices, quality equipment and service like you wouldn't believe. Trust me, you will not find better. read more

Initially went in to inquire about getting my open water scuba certification reactivated. Was impressed with the owners and ended up doing that as well as getting my advanced and nitrox certs. Was very impressed with their professional instructors. They also worked with me on scheduling the dives. Unlike a lot of dive shops I've been to they don't put any pressure on you purchasing gear there either. Very approachable and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend!!! read more

Awesome shop, awesome workerss aNd greaT prices. This place is the spot for all of your dive gear and information. All the employees are supeer knowledgeable and the service is awesome! read more

Very pleasant knowledgeable staff. It is always a pleasure to go to places where people love there job. Also a great selection of high quality diving equipment. It is great that the rental cost for equipment needed for scuba certification is included in the price. (The most expensive equipment anyway). Just bring mask, snorkel, and fins then the rest is covered with class cost:) Also, take advantage of there student discount on any equipment you may need:) Overall great experience. read more

Just complete the PADI open water course with Mike and Liz. They were absolutrly amazing!!!! I purchased the course for my husband and surprised him with a course for me. It was a surprise to him because I was so scared of scuba. We meet Mike and Liz at the pool and everything was going well untill the snorkel/regulator exchange. I freaked out. Mike and Liz were unbelievable. Liz took time to calm me down and eventually get me back on track. They are amazing teachers, extremely professional as well as super friendly. They made everything easy to understand and to complete. Now I'm EXCITED to go diving!! Also can't say enough about the staff at APD! So helpful with finding the right equipment and the right fit! If looking for a dive shop in Jacksonville, Atlantic Pro Drivers should be your choice. read more

Bob, Paul, Kayley, and the rest of the staff at Atlantic Pro Divers are the best! They were able to accommodate a private Open Water certification in a short time before my trip to Costa Rica. They made sure I felt completely comfortable and confident before my trip. They also helped me choose the right gear for me. I highly recommend choosing Atlantic Pro Divers as your Go To Dive shop! read more

What a thrilling weekend I just had, learning to dive with Will Hinton and Atlantic Pro Divers! You made all of the students feel like we were the only ones in the water and put together a wonderful, safe trip. I look forward to continuing my Scuba Diving adventures with APD. Thanks team! read more

We had an open water certification course with Mike and Liz this weekend and it was awesome! We (myself, my fiancé and our friend) left the weekend filled with excitement and confidence to plan a dive trip, including one during our honeymoon. We loved that Mike and Liz felt like friends after 5 minutes around them. They were knowledgeable and you could tell they loved what they do. The office girls who set us up with our gear were great too!! Hailey and Kailey?? Kailey and Bailey?? Anyways, very professional, knowledgeable and friendly as well! 10/10 we will be sending friends here who have any interest in the sport! read more

I was looking for a place where I could get my daughter certified. We live in Charleston and we made the trip to Jacksonville based on the reputation of this dive shop. We were not disappointed. Jen did a wonderful job with my daughter. Coaching her through her issues and making her feel comfortable underwater. We were very happy with the class offered, the diving spots they went to and most importantly, the skill with which they taught the program. read more

This place Offers more then amazing service Hailey was an amazing in shop guide and gives great insight on how to get the most out of everything your looking for in equipment or questions/info. I signed up for the rescue diver class and had the pleasure of Jen being my instructor. She was thoroughly amazing at teaching the skills of diving related rescues and greatly increased my awareness of diving. All in all such amazing people and service! 10/10! read more

Elitist, pushy, and rude. I've given this place three chances. The first was before I was open water certified - didn't like the way they badmouthed other dive shops in the area. The second time I rented a tank from them - rude and snobby then too. The third time was very recent - the girl at the shop scans me head to toe and says "you look like you've NEVER been in here before." Not a fan. Shame that this is my local dive shop. I'll go out of my way to go to Diver Supply. read more

My fiance, friend and I were referred to Atlantic Pro Divers by a friend in the Jacksonville area to complete our Padi Open Water Dive Certification. The staff was extremely helpful, especially our dive instructor Alaina. Alaina ensured we were properly prepared to take on this new adventure. Alaina taught us valuable skills while adding a personal touch like no other. I highly recommend going to see Alaina if you are looking to become a certified Padi diver at any level. read more

Can't say enough good things about this shop. I walked in 20 mins before closing time and was helped by Kayley. For the next 90 mins she helped me choose the right products and was extremely knowledgable. It was the best retail experience I have ever had. Strongly recommended. Thanks guys!!! read more

I dropped off gear (regs, BCs, tank) today for service and the owner, Bob, was extremely helpful. He inspected the gear and reviewed common maitenance problems of each. My initial impression is excellent. read more

Super awesome scuba shop! Super friendly (like, 'remember your name when you walk in' type friendly) and knowledgable. My closest PADI dive shop is a bit of a wreck so it was really refreshing walking into a shop that was actually put together and had someone immediately there that could help. On a whim, I paid for a FFM and the FFM course, which was discounted, and Jenn was super awesome about getting dates together since I was only in FL for a few weeks. Unfortunately, hurricane Dorian came through and messed those plans up :( Bailey was super awesome about giving me a discount though when I bought some fins and boots since they weren't able to fully discount the FFM course. They did my Nitrox course for me as well and all the staff was great about doing the hands-on training. Again, super knowledgeable. Wish I could have stayed longer to do some more training through them (Also had an awesome charter dive trip off the coast!) read more

Where to begin too... I was in the market to take a Nitrox class and get in at least one two tank dive before a total knee surgery this July. Like most of folks do when they don't have a favorite, I called around to dive shops that offered the class and at a minimum a 2 tank boat dive within driving distance from Atlanta. So, when I called Atlantic Pro a nice young lady answered the phone and went over class information with me and said I should call to make sure Steve the boat captain would be ok with my personal level of fitness. I called Steve directly and explained that I had earned my PADI Divemaster this Spring at Rainbow Reef in the Florida Keys but I might want to ditch my gear before getting on the boat if I thought it too much. Was it ok with him? He said it would not be a problem and I called to book and make payment. However after finishing the class and spending 5 nice days in the area I discover that apparently the weekend dives advertised on their web page are not part of Atlantic Pro Divers business, like at all. The boat captain who was aware I was in the area all week to do the weekend dive claimed on Friday "with 4ft seas tomorrow and a bum knee I would suggest another time" after the nice lady at the shop suggested I call him one more time..... I went home and contacted the shop and asked to talk to the owner or manager before I posted my review. This is where everything took a turn in a direction I would have never imagined too. "Hello Im out of town this morning but will be back around 3pm and will give you a call. I own the shop and send people to the charter however I have nothing to do with the charter otherwise . Did you talk to Mr Steve Park who OWNS the charter?? He is where you should talk and/or discuss the review. My wife and I ONLY own the shop and try to work and feed our family. If this threat is aimed at me for sending somebody else business I'm confused. If you have an issue with Native Diver Charters the best bet would be to contact him but I'll be glad to listen although Im not sure what I can do? Kayley & Bailey : You both need to make this PERFECTLY clear to people when the inquire about charters. Did she pay us or Steve?? If she paid us make sure that doesn't happen again Respectfully. Captain Bob Bunkley read more

AVOID. Took a friend's tanks in for a VIP and fill and was told the store would be open on Fourth of July. Went to pick them up and was angrily yelled at by the owner, who was hosing down outdoor furniture in the parking lot. Closing the store on a holiday doesn't really bother me, even if I was misinformed. Having the owner yell at me for asking about it? Not cool. I've had tech issues with these people in the past and was hoping to find a reason to start using them again. Instead I found a good reason to continue avoiding them. Worst dive shop service ever--and I've been diving since 1998. It wasn't like this when Steve Park owned it. Pity. read more

Where to begin... I was in the market for a new A.B. Biller speargun, and like most of folks do I called around to price check local vendors. So when I called Atlantic Pro a nice young lady answered the phone and went over prices with me. She assured me that they had the best prices in town, would price match any retailer either local or on the web and in addition to the match they had a low price guarantee. I drove the 25 miles to the shop, made my selection and bought a gun. The very next day I stopped in another local shop to grab some supplies for my upcoming trip. They just happened to have the gun APD was selling for $40+ less. Naturally I called APD to inform them of the price discrepancy with the assumption they would make good on the guarantee. I was told that the price match had to come prior to purchase by the young lady who answered the phone. I asked about the price match guarantee and was placed on the phone with the store owner. This is where everything took a turn in a direction I would have never imagined. I was told by this local small businessmen that I was a "cheap ass SOB" and that I wasn't allowed to set foot in his "F**king store". To say the least I was shocked. Where did this come from? I asked him if he usually talks to customers this way, he responded with I don't want you as a customer, nor do I want your money, come get it. I immediately drove out there to return the gun. He did return my money as he said he would to my surprise. While I was there he called the other shop where I found the better price, told them my name and to sell me the gun for 2x the price (I confirmed this with other shop when I went to pick up the gun; they did not up charge me & have earned a customer for life). All in all the experience was borderline psychotic over something that should have been very simple. Don't offer a price guarantee of your not going to stand by it, simple as that. I would never recommend anyone looking for an ongoing relationship with a local business go here, but if do, GOOD LUCK! read more