What happened to Scuba Center Eagan? It's been quite a few years since I've visited them until I went back several times last summer. Scuba Center taught me to dive 25 years ago. I loved to hang out there when I was a teen. I went back a few times this past year to escape Covid boredom and look at gear. Very disappointing. The gear selection on the floor is decent, mostly mid- and upper lines. Prices are not too far out of line for brick and mortar. I think Scuba Center has a significant online presence and no longer puts emphasis on its storefront, like many other businesses. I don't think they run trips anymore, either due to Covid or internet travel now being the way to go. The pool looks to be the same as I remember it, which brought a smile to my face. From what I understand, Jerry is gone and retired. A guy named Avary now runs the place and seems to think he knows everything about everything. I know my dive gear and therefore know when someone is blowing smoke up my dress. If this guy was even half as good as he thinks he is, he'd be UDT or EOD. Another guy came out of the back who I think is an instructor despite his obesity. I didn't listen to a word he said due to lack of credibility. I did not see any other employees during my two visits. Or any other customers. I miss the days of Jerry, Reece, and particularly RJ, who was my inspiration to get into professional diving. Now, the place is run by fat and balding gooey dudes. I sure miss the old days. I'm sure business is down a lot, but it's not all due to Covid. Employees trying to act knowledgeable and impress customers will drive away business, too. But what would I know? I'm only a recently retired United States Navy diver of 23 years, so my experience obviously pales in comparison to Mr. Avary's. read more

We had an awful experience at this store from shopping for gear or taking classes. To say that this place lacks experience in customer service would be an understatement. They treat their customers with disrespect, the instructor we had was always rude and crabby. He treats people as if he is teaching them rocket science and they are just dumb idiots. Scuba diving is a recreational sport and yet this person makes people feel like they have to compete in the olympics. He is very standoffish and made us dread scuba diving. I have never written a bad interview about any place but this one really deserves it. Response: I was not offered free sessions. In fact, I paid for the extra sessions. I still have the receipts and the information are still on the bank statements. We also paid over $1000 for pool sessions and open water, and we were not able to do anything. My boyfriend refused to continue the sessions as well because he thought that the people are rude and doesn't want to deal with them. I posted my review 7 months later because I had called twice in the past weeks and both people who have answered the phone were rude. I generally don't post negative reviews about businesses and I'm sure there are so many people who have had great experiences at the center. However, we weren't one of those people and we felt that's necessary to share our personal opinion. read more

Kudos to my fabulous open water certification instructor, who had a tough nut to crack -me, for his dedication and perseverance in getting me ready for my open water test which took place in Florida. Highly recommend Scuba Center!! And hats off to Mike Kelly, instructor extraordinaire! read more

The staff and instructors at Scuba Center have been amazing. I did my confined water instruction there prior to a trip to Mexico and I felt very comfortable when I got there to dive. Since then I have done my Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Nitrox and I am about do my Deep Diver certification, then I will be Doing my Dive Master training this fall. I can't say enough about the staff and people I have met since I have started diving. read more

The folks at the Scuba Center and very helpful when it comes to getting scuba certified and buying equipment. The instructor that I had was kind and patient and made sure that everyone in class was able to learn the skills and pass the tests. They have their own warm, private pool at the Eagan store, which is great for taking classes with other divers. Be sure to check out their fall used equipment sale for some great deals. read more

Great place! This is the best dive shop in the south metro. I took my Advanced open water class here as well as a couple specialties. Great people and very knowledgeable! This Eagan site has a great dive pool and mountains of inventory. They can take care of all your usual equipment maintenance. Obviously they also do fills and tank inspections. From my experience they have the best prices on tank fills anywhere in the metro. You really can't ask for more. read more