Just completed open water diving certification today! Super happy. I had a small window to get it done and also had a conflict with one class and Tonia/Greg made it happen, working around my conflict. I especially appreciated Greg's high expectations for safety and skills. He stayed after class and allowed me to practice a bit. I feel confident and prepared that I can go on an ocean dive trip and enjoy the dive. Lake certification went smooth and enjoyed all trainers' involvement: Greg, Cheryl, Rob. Super friendly and accommodating shop. Just do it already! read more

El Mar is awesome! Tonia and the rest of the staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and very helpful. They take to time to listen to all your concerns, regarding gear or fear/anxiety of diving itself. They know their gear inside and out and make the best recommendations. I have learned so much from each employee and instructor that I was priviledged to interact with. They are thoughtful, kind and really care about you and the experience they provide. read more

I picked up a new set of scuba fins and booties. I just happened to be passing by and decided to stop. One of the employees sat down with me and got me fitted. Even though I kind of knew what I wanted he took the time and sat down with me to explain the subtle difference between fins. They had a pretty good selection of used equipment; however, I chose to go with new. Even though the Fins were on sale they were the same price as ordering them off Amazon. com. This is one of those things for you have to try it on and person, and shop local. Yes you can send it back if it doesn't fit but a brick and mortar dive shop is important because they have the experience to answer technical questions and ask probing questions to get you the right fit. One thing I thought was pretty cool is they have a local Lake clean up. I definitely appreciate this culture of being stewards to the Earth. read more

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El Mar is exceptional. Tonya and the rest of the staff are always knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. The gear service is solid. When you need equipment, they take the time to listen to what you need, then make solid affordable recommendation at or below online prices. read more

El Mar was awesome! They are family owned and extremely helpful throughout the buying and learning process. All of the instructors are extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and want to see their students succeed. If you are looking for scuba lessons, this is the place to go in East Valley. read more

Where do I start...how about with this shop is AMAZING! Just got my open water SCUBA diving certification through them and what a huge accomplishment this was for me. The fears and nightmares I had to overcome were pretty exhausting, as I had every irrational fear you can think of about being in the ocean and underwater. The whole experience couldn't have been further from my nightmares and was pretty incredible! Everybody at the shop was super helpful and my instructor Greg Allen was fantastic. He had to continually calm me down and let me know everything is going to be just fine, which it absolutely was! If you are in the same boat I was, take a leap of faith...you won't regret it! read more

This place is awesome, we got the best instructor Jeremy, he was patient and took his time Never made us feel stupid (we were doing a refresher course) he put us thought The passes and made sure all of my family all on the same page. read more

I'm not talking bad about the pool, just stating what I experienced. With 2 grown men & myself in the pool (deep end) doing descents/ascents, buoyancy training & swimming around we constantly were bumping into each other or on top of each other. It's great you have a pool on site, but to me that was not a make or break, when it came to where I was going to get certified. The reviews of the instructors (at the dive training site) is what made my decision. read more

I bought a mask and a couple miscellaneous items here recently. Never tried to upsell me. Staff top of the charts for product knowledge and the ability to explain. Seems like they have really reasonable rates also. I will be back to buy my BCD and regulator fairly soon. They have tons of stock also which allows you to get the proper fit. read more

Extensive selection of diving, snorkeling, and water gear. Staff are very knowledgeable and will either leave you be as you browse two floors of goods or assist you with every last question you have - it's your call. I've followed most of their recommendations and been very pleased with my most recent dive gear purchase. I also love that they carry a small supply of Reef clothing. Even if you don't dive, you'd find a nice array of beach and summer items that range anywhere from inexpensively priced to more expensive, higher-quality supplies. They also offer year-round dive certification classes/trips. There's an annual May sale that is phenomenal. I appreciated staff giving me a heads up on the sale before I bought some new boots, telling me if I could wait I'd save a bit of cash come May. Turns out I needed them right away so I couldn't - but again, staff proved themselves to be very helpful. read more

Attempted to support my local dive store today. Walked in with my puppy on a leash, said "hi" to an employee and started to explain what I was looking for. Dog got spooked by someone walking down the stairs and barked about 5 times. Two big guys walk out of the back..."you gotta take that dog outta here, we're going to get sued!" dog is on a leash, licking one of their employees at the time, and not a customer in the store.....! I left, just ordered an Atomic B2 regulator and octopus, a Zeagle BCD and a Shearwater computer on Amazon instead. Saved enough money to pay for 3 days of diving (Nitrox!) in Cozumel......I guess I expect a bit more courage from my diving professionals..... read more

We trained for our Open Water with El Mar a few years ago and then went one one of their Mexico bus trips more recently. The classroom and pool training was simply outstanding. The course staff was very knowledgeable and professional and the facilities are just right. Similarly, I was able to get my Advanced Open Water on the Mexico trip. Although I had not planned on doing so, the staff talked me into it, for which I am actually quite grateful. Their store is very well stocked and prices are good, with knowledgeable retail staff as well. We did our actual Open Water dives in Hawaii, but the folks at El Mar were very helpful and gave us everything we needed. When we got to Maui and did our dives, the Course Director with whom we dove remarked that our training had been superior, compared to most of the tourists with whom he completed Open Water dives. read more

Possibly the worst dive center I've ever been in, the people are very condescending, ALL there gear is WAY overpriced compared to the other shops I go to, as a leak finding company, we rely on dive shops for our dry suites, and all other dive gear. New policy says they can't fill our tanks now. Not sure why, no one there has any kind of clue, but the can sell you gear that's half the quality and twice the price. If there were negative stars that's what they would get. Avoid this shop atALL cost.... In response, I had a great attitude until your staff started to be condescending, and yes, overpriced. I used to fill my tanks at your shop every time I needed when in your area, it has been a bit since I've needed to do that. I've also purchased dry suits there as well as goggles weight belts and various other gear. And your condescending response only verifies the problems I had there... The review stands.... read more

The dive shop that's been here for years.... So glad this AZ native finally decided to learn how to dive and check this place out. The shop is full of helpful, passionate professionals who gladly take time to give good personalized unbiased advice. They are often busy which is a GOOD thing! Go when you have time to talk and ask questions as it's worth your time! They have a great selection of gear, classes and travel options! They are reputable and have the best prices I've found. Thank you Brandon and Toni for all your help! Looking forward to working with you in the future ... dive after dive!!!! read more

This is the shop that certified me. Wow, what an amazing decision it was to become a diver! The best part is being taught by the most knowledgeable dive masters that are not only helpful and patient, but also so passionate! Everyone who works here makes you feel welcomed, comfortable and that really helps in learning this extreme sport. I highly recommend this dive shop! They are so fun but also professional. Thank you for teaching me! I love diving SO MUCH! read more

I am very cautious about my gear, and I only buy the best, which I define as the safest and highest performing. I have been diving for more than 20 years. I only purchase gear that is offered for sale at El Mar and have had nothing but the highest level of service from every employee there. If I see something on-line and there is an off chance they do not stock it, they will order it. Compare this to the service and expertise and run-around you will receive from any Scuba-Pro Dealer involving their equipment in town and you will instantly understand what I am writing. El Mar has always offered competitive pricing and you do not have to ask them for this. As to the guy who bought on-line after bringing a German Shepherd into the store, you are an idiot. Who brings a German Shepherd into a dive store? When your equipment malfunctions because you got some cut-rate internet deal, I hope you have a dive buddy skilled enough to help you out. I also recommend not diving with people who buy things like regulators and BCD's online and can not show you that they have been properly serviced by a reputable company. Diving safely means not diving with morons. read more

This store has it all and gives lessons as well. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about trips, equipment, and how to get started. Prices are very reasonable as well! read more

I wanted to get my open water scuba certification and a friend recommended this shop. I was happy with the entire process. They explained everything I would need and all the costs. The classes were a good combination of pool, classroom, and then lake dives. Everyone was very helpful, patient, and the classes were even fun! They offer a variety of classes for all levels and also sell lots of different gear. I will continue to use them for additional training, equipment and for a trip at some point! read more

There aren't many places in the Phoenix-metro area that can boast being in business for 45+ years. I've been to many a scuba shop and its always nice to see a family owned and operated business thrive amongst the big box sports stores. If you are thinking about getting certified think about this: Do you want to be in a corporate setting with an instructor who has never been in the ocean OR do you want to be around incredibly knowledgeable/experienced staff in a really cool yet safe and professional setting? Oh....and they beat anyone's price on certifications and equipment; apple for apple. read more

I've been going to El Mar for years. They have a great selection and a helpful staff. I recommend them to anyone looking for classes, gear, repair .. Thanks guys. read more

Always great, knowledgeable service when they work on our regulators. Great people working there who never try to oversell you on equipment and their salt water, heated pool is awesome for refresher courses! read more

This is the best dive shop in town, the state, the us and the world. I have been diving for eight years now. I started with El Mar Diving Center not knowing what I needed to become a diver or what the dive industry standards were. I soon became very aware of what the differences are between shops. El Mar Diving Center goes beyond the minimum of teaching. They bring a confidence to the student and really mentor them to be safe responsible divers and enjoy the sport. The store has the best quality gear around for the best price. They also promote dive travel to really encourage the adventure in diving. The owners have been in this business for 53 years-they definitely know what they are doing! Great staff, instructors, and dive masters. read more

Everybody is so friendly at Elmar, they are willing to go above and beyond to accommodate your needs and make sure you are taken care of. I just started and finished my classes, I am going to go to the lake this weekend to get certified (hopefully) it is a great atmosphere, I felt I got all the attention and training I needed from Paul, Tony, Mark and .... They are amazing people, I look forward to do more business with them... America :) read more

I'm revising my previous review of El Mar, now having been certified for over 4 years now and dealing with numerous other dive shops in different parts of the US, Mexico, Fiji. El Mar does a pretty good job and has got newer employees that are pleasant to work with. read more

I did the ssi training with Vic. The class was small and I learned a lot! Vic and Lorne were really nice and helpful. The store always has sales going on, so it's not as expensive to find the equipment you need. Everyone who works there is very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Just moved here from Orange County California. I am a Dive Con and this dive center is top notch and a great find. Friendly, knowledgeable and good pricing. They have everything in store. Joined a dive trip to Mexico and had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend. read more

I needed some slings for my JBL speargun. The shop had a decent supply of speargun slings, but not the particular size or brand I needed. The sales guy said he could order them and it would take about a week. So I gave him my contact information and he said he would call me when the slings arrived. Two weeks go by and no call from El Mar Dive Shop. I decided to head over to the shop and check on my order. The same guy who said he would order the slings tells me he forgot to place the order. He asked if I still wanted him to place the order, reluctantly I said ok. Again, he takes down my contact information and tells me he will give me a call when the slings arrive in about a week. Three weeks go by and again no call from El Mar. So again I decide to head over to the shop to check on my order. This time the same guy, I didn't get his name, says the slings arrived. I asked him why I didn't get a phone call, he acted surprised and said somebody should have called. He then lays the slings on the counter, but they are not the size that I ordered. He then tells me that the company they order from, Trident, only makes them in certain sizes and they didn't have my size. So this guy went ahead and ordered the wrong size for me anyway and then tried to sell them to me. I said no thanks and walked out. I always try to do business with local merchants. These days, with the economy the way it is, one would think that a business, especially a dive shop in the desert, would provide better customer service to earn peoples' repeat business. Forgetting to place my order, failure to call me twice after saying they would, ordering the wrong size merchandise...three (actually four) strikes...YOU'RE OUT, El Mar! read more

I received a gift card for Scuba lessons at Christmas 2017. Because of 2 unexpected surgeries, I had to postpone lessons until this spring (2019). El Mar was very accommodating in letting me transfer my lessons from one year to the next. From the selection of my dive equipment, to the many questions I had about the process, the lessons themselves, and my certification dives...EVERY employee has been friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. As a 72 year old woman in a class of 20-30 somethings, I have to admit that I struggled to keep up. My instructor was very understanding, and non-condescending, mand made a few special concessions to accommodate me to make sure that I was successful. Most of my dealings have been with Paul, Tonia, Jayme and Jose in San Carlos, although I have had interactions with many others. After reading a few of the negative reviews, I can't imagine ANY of the employees at El Marl being anything but professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous. So far, I have found that everyone I've met in the diving community...instructors/dive masters, shop employees, boat captains, and other divers....have been collectively, one of the nicest groups I have ever met. read more

My wife and I got all of our certifications here and have been coming here for years for equipment and advice. The people here are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Even if they don't carry what you need, they will give you advice on the best equipment for your needs, whether it's dive equipment or underwater photography equipment. They are the best! read more

El Mar is the BEST dive shop in the valley! Highly recommended! The staff is great and their Tech guy (David) is the best in town. Great selection of gear and very fair pricing. read more