Business Details
48 Years
experience
Scuba Diving & Swim Lessons in Virginia Beach
Lynnhaven Dive Center, family-owned and operated since 1978, has served Virginia Beach for over 48 years as a premier provider of scuba diving instruction and swim education. Founded by Big Mike Hillier and now led by his daughter Lindsey Hillier and husband Scott Hotchkiss, we combine generational expertise with a commitment to safety, education, and adventure. Our services span introductory scuba courses to professional diver training, all under the guidance of SSI-certified instructors. Our heated indoor pool operates year-round, offering swim lessons for ages 6 months to adults, emphasizing small class sizes and personalized attention. As an SSI Instructor Training Center Diamond, we provide advanced training pathways, including technical diving and instructor certification.Our in-house equipment service center ensures gear reliability, while our family-friendly atmosphere fosters lifelong aquatic skills. With a 90-degree climate-controlled pool and a reputation as one of the area's most highly rated swim schools, we prioritize customer satisfaction through structured learning and a focus on fun. Our dive trips to global destinations like Cozumel and the Red Sea reflect our dedication to creating unforgettable underwater experiences. This legacy of excellence, combined with personalized service, has made us a trusted local favorite for generations.
Services
Scuba Diving
Swim Lessons
Equipment Service
Dive Trips
Professional Training
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- 48 years of family-owned expertise in aquatic education
- 90-degree climate-controlled indoor pool for year-round lessons
- Small class sizes with SSI-certified instructors
- In-house equipment service center for gear maintenance
- Award-winning swim school with structured learning programs
Associations and certifications
- SSI (Scuba Schools International)
Services
Scuba Diving
We offer SSI-certified scuba diving courses from beginner to professional levels. Our programs include Try Scuba sessions, open water certification, and advanced technical training. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, we ensure safe, engaging education tailored to all skill levels.
Swim Lessons
Our year-round swim program teaches ages 6 months to adults in a heated indoor pool. Certified instructors use 4:1 student ratios for personalized instruction, covering water safety, stroke techniques, and confidence-building exercises in a structured, fun environment.
Equipment Service
Our in-house service center provides regulator, BCD, and cylinder maintenance by certified technicians. We ensure equipment reliability through annual inspections and repairs, supporting both recreational divers and commercial clients with quality care.
Dive Trips
We organize local and international dive excursions to destinations like Cozumel and the Red Sea. Led by experienced guides, trips include drift diving with eagle rays and shark encounters, offering unforgettable underwater exploration opportunities.
Professional Training
We provide SSI pathway programs for dive career advancement, including Dive Guide, Master Diver, and Instructor certifications. With on-staff Instructor Trainers, we offer hands-on training to develop professional skills and industry expertise.
People
Big Mike Hillier
Founder
Founder of Lynnhaven Dive Center in 1978, Big Mike Hillier established the business as Virginia Beach's premier aquatic education provider. His legacy continues through family leadership and a commitment to water safety and adventure.
Lindsey Hillier
Co-Owner
Daughter of founder Big Mike Hillier, Lindsey Hillier co-owns Lynnhaven Dive Center with her husband Scott Hotchkiss. She continues the family tradition of providing quality aquatic education and community service since 1978.
Scott Hotchkiss
Co-Owner
Co-owner Scott Hotchkiss leads Lynnhaven Dive Center's operations alongside Lindsey Hillier. With decades of experience in aquatic education, he ensures the center maintains its reputation as Virginia's most outstanding dive facility.
Questions
What age can children start swim lessons?
Our Parent & Child swim lessons begin at 6 months old, with structured programs available through adulthood.
How do I get scuba certified?
Start with our Try Scuba session, then complete open water diver certification through our SSI-certified instructors in small, personalized classes.
Do you service scuba equipment?
Yes, our in-house service center provides regulator, BCD, and cylinder maintenance by certified technicians.
What dive trip destinations do you offer?
We organize trips to Cozumel for eagle ray encounters and the Red Sea for thresher shark dives, among other global locations.
Are private swim lessons available?
Yes, we offer private swim instruction at $180/month with customized training for all skill levels.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Lindsay
Oct 24, 2021
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Great dive center! The staff is very helpful and friendly. I did private scuba lessons with Eli and he was able to accommodate my busy work schedule.
Love Eternal Sunshine
Sep 02, 2021
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The people here are exceptional. They are kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. We have done rescue swim, swim lessons, and dive lessons for our family members and every time it was a positive experience. The employees and owners are seriously some of the kindest fun humans and so positive.
Michael Frantz
Aug 28, 2021
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Was in the store last Sunday to buy two kits worth of scuba gear for myself and my son. Mason and I believe Bridgette, were working the store, (forgive me if I got the names wrong)...fantastic, positive experience. Both were helpful and exciting to work with, the store was amazing and in good order. We got to watch a current class through the window into the pool area. Both were knowledgeable and helpful. Mason looking forward to spearfishing with you asap! I've found a new community to hang with. Thank you!
M. Coleman
Aug 25, 2021
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Captain and crew were very accommodating and professional.
Blake was extremely exceptional helping me out by bringing my rental tanks to the marina and saving me a 60 mile round trip from Portsmouth VA to pick them up. Hats off to you Blake your effort is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Eli for accompanying me on my second dive as my assigned dive buddy decided not to enter the water for a second dive. Slight wind on the surface an ever so slight current on the Santore. Visibility was a mere 3 to 5 feet due to the incoming tide. Even with limited visibility I was pleased to get in the water for
Blake was extremely exceptional helping me out by bringing my rental tanks to the marina and saving me a 60 mile round trip from Portsmouth VA to pick them up. Hats off to you Blake your effort is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Eli for accompanying me on my second dive as my assigned dive buddy decided not to enter the water for a second dive. Slight wind on the surface an ever so slight current on the Santore. Visibility was a mere 3 to 5 feet due to the incoming tide. Even with limited visibility I was pleased to get in the water for
Paul M.
Jul 15, 2021
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I have visited this dive shop twice and both times the staff went out of their way to help me with my needs and answer all my questions. I had a problem with my local dive shop. Blake went out of his way to help me. My local dive shop is only 7 miles away, Lynnhaven is 37 miles away from me. I will not visit my local dive shop again. I will only deal with lynhaven even though it is 30 more miles away.I came in on Sunday to drop off a couple of tanks for hydros and have a tank filled Liam and I'm sorry I didn't get the young lady's name ,went out of their way to accommodate me. I will recommend
Tiffany
Jun 29, 2021
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Dropped off my dive gear to be serviced before I had to use it all summer for work. I made sure to tell the worker I needed it by a certain date because I was moving for work. Was told I wouldnt have to pay for expedited shipping or anything because I had dropped it off with plenty of time. Fast forward to the day I was told to call for pick up: not ready. Now fast forward to the day Im leaving: gear still isnt ready. Fast forward another week and Ive already out of the state, I call to ask if theres any update and was told that they would have to ask someone and give me a call back
