Business Details
22 Years
experience
Scuba Diving Lessons and Adventures in Raleigh
Carolina Dive Center has been a trusted leader in scuba diving education and adventure since 2004. As a veteran-owned and operated PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center, we have certified over 7,000 divers, offering comprehensive training from beginner to professional levels. Our commitment to excellence extends to dive charters along the Carolina Coast, guided trips to global destinations, and top-tier gear rentals and sales.With decades of combined experience, our team prioritizes safety, education, and community, including supporting military veterans through the Skillbridge Program. Every dive we facilitate is designed to transform underwater exploration into an unforgettable adventure.
Services
Scuba Certification
Dive Charters
Gear Rentals
Technical Diving
Continuing Education
Dive Vacations
Professional Courses
Gear Repairs
Skillbridge Program
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Veteran-owned and operated since 2004
- Certified by PADI, the leading diving authority
- Over 7,000 divers trained in our 20-year history
- Offers Skillbridge Program for military veterans
- Experienced captains and instructors for safe dives
Associations and certifications
- PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
What people say
Exceptional service
Knowledgeable staff
Top-notch facilities
Highly recommended
Services
Scuba Certification
Our PADI-certified scuba courses teach essential skills for safe underwater exploration. Beginners master foundational techniques, while advanced divers refine specialties like underwater photography. With over 7,000 certifications issued since 2004, our structured curriculum ensures confidence and competence for divers of all levels.
Dive Charters
Explore coastal dive sites with experienced captains and crew. Trips cater to varying skill levels, from novice divers earning certifications to experts tackling deep wrecks. Equipment rentals and pre-dive briefings ensure preparedness, while safety protocols prioritize diver well-being during every excursion.
Gear Rentals
Rent high-quality scuba gear including regulators, BCDs, and dive computers. All equipment undergoes rigorous testing and maintenance for reliability. Our inventory suits divers of all sizes and experience levels, ensuring proper fit and functionality for both recreational and technical dives.
Technical Diving
Expand diving capabilities with tec diving training for deep and complex environments. Courses cover advanced gas management, decompression procedures, and specialized equipment use. Designed for experienced divers seeking to explore wrecks, caves, and remote locations beyond recreational limits.
Dive Vacations
Join guided dive expeditions to global destinations like Bonaire, Cozumel, and Raja Ampat. Packages include accommodations, boat access, and expert-led dives at iconic sites. Trips cater to both recreational divers and professionals seeking unique underwater experiences in diverse marine ecosystems.
Questions
What scuba certifications do you offer?
We provide PADI certifications from entry-level Open Water to professional instructor courses, including specialties like enriched air and technical diving.
Are dive charters available for beginners?
Yes! Our charters accommodate divers of all levels, with options to earn certifications like Advanced Open Water during trips.
Can I rent gear without prior experience?
Yes, we rent equipment to divers of all experience levels with proper guidance for safe use.
Do you offer dive trips internationally?
Yes, we organize group expeditions to premier destinations including Indonesia, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
What experience level is required for technical diving?
Technical courses require Advanced Open Water certification, Nitrox training, and at least 25 logged dives.
Reviews (6)
Nick Lebon
Jan 25, 2022
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I just finished a dry suit certification course through these guys. After the first set of checkout dives I developed a bit of sinus and ear issues was not comfortable diving the second day to finish the checkouts. I let the instructor know this and had no issues rescheduling the checkout dives. During the first set of dives my instructor, David, noticed that I was having some ever so slight issues keeping my feet below my head. He suggested using ankle weights which I used on the second day and what a difference. They were extremely professional and helpful throughout the process. They also processed
Amanda Musolino
Dec 28, 2021
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Wow. What a disappointment. Rude customer service. Incredibly disappointed with how I was treated. Ill spend my money elsewhere.
Edited to add: This literally had nothing to do with being asked to put on a mask. I happily put the mask on. This has EVERYTHING to do with the fact that you talked down to me and told me I was wrong. I wasn't even given a second to explain WHY I was looking for an analog dive watch with a depth gauge. My daughter is only 6 months in on her dive certification. I am a third generation commercial fisherman. We want her to KNOW her dive tables because technology fails
Edited to add: This literally had nothing to do with being asked to put on a mask. I happily put the mask on. This has EVERYTHING to do with the fact that you talked down to me and told me I was wrong. I wasn't even given a second to explain WHY I was looking for an analog dive watch with a depth gauge. My daughter is only 6 months in on her dive certification. I am a third generation commercial fisherman. We want her to KNOW her dive tables because technology fails
Ted Kostich Jr
Aug 23, 2021
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Awesome dive shop! They have a huge selection of equipment on hand, the staff is knowledgeable, and they're in a convenient location. Will definitely use them again!
Levi Lester
May 31, 2021
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Wife and I signed up for our open water PADI course here. The entire process has been amazing. Everyone at the store has been friendly and helpful. The store is clean, and they follow CDC guidance on operating a business in the pandemic. We have not done our open water dives yet, we just finished our confined water dives with an instructor named Rick. Rick is awesome. He clearly loves scuba diving and likes teaching it. He was a great guy who really wanted to make sure we all knew what we were doing. He also let us have some fun on our own in the pool while watching attentively. Some of the other
Mike Welch
May 30, 2021
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What a great team! I've been snorkeling for years, and would buy a set of fins or a new mask here, and recently, I took the plunge into SCUBA. I had a team of great instructors, between Art, Amy, and Brian, I learned so much. Add in Zach and Captain Jim at the store, and there is so much knowledge and insight, I now make a list of questions to take with me when I go. I love this place. Now, I just need to get back in the water for some more experience diving. Thanks folks!
Wendy Webb
Apr 15, 2021
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Carolina Dive Center never fails to live up to the expectations of a great dive trip. Always friendly, fun and professional from the dive shop and staff to the well organized trips near and far. This was our first trip to Clarks Cay, Honduras, the food was incredible and Clarks Cay personnel went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a spectacular time. I cannot say enough good things about this trip, but I will say this. Carolina Dive Center never fails to live up to our expectations. Thank you to Jim and Elise (CDC) and Lee (Clarks Cay)
