Business Details
49 Years
experience
Your Trusted Scuba Diving Partner in Columbia, SC
Wateree Dive Center has been a trusted name in scuba diving since 1977, serving divers in Columbia, South Carolina, and beyond. As a family-owned business, we combine decades of hands-on experience with affiliations from leading industry organizations like SSI, PADI, and TDI to deliver comprehensive training, equipment, and travel services. Our team of certified professionals is dedicated to fostering safe, confident divers through personalized instruction tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to instructors. We maintain a full-service retail store stocked with top-tier gear, supported by expert fitting and repair services to ensure every diver finds the right equipment. Our commitment to continuing education extends to specialty courses and technical diving programs designed to refine skills and expand underwater expertise.With convenient access near major highways and Lake Murray, we provide a welcoming hub for divers to connect, learn, and explore. Our online training options and flexible scheduling accommodate busy lifestyles while maintaining the highest standards of diver education. Over 45 years, weve built a reputation as South Carolinas oldest inland dive shop by prioritizing customer relationships and community engagement. Whether youre seeking certification, equipment upgrades, or adventure travel, our mission remains to enhance your diving journey with reliable service and unmatched passion for the underwater world.
Services
Scuba Lessons
Equipment Sales
Dive Travel
Equipment Rentals
Technical Diving Courses
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of experience training divers from beginner to instructor levels.
- Certified instructors affiliated with SSI, PADI, and TDI for industry-recognized training.
- Family-owned business prioritizing personalized service and community engagement.
- Flexible online and in-person training options to accommodate all schedules.
- Full-service retail and repair center with top-tier scuba equipment brands.
Associations and certifications
- Scuba Schools International (SSI)
- SDI/TDI
- IANTD
- PADI
Services
Scuba Lessons
Wateree Dive Center offers scuba certification courses from beginner to instructor levels. Our SSI- and PADI-certified instructors provide hands-on training in pool and open water settings. Courses include academic study, skill development, and practical experience to ensure diver safety and confidence.
Equipment Sales
We sell top-quality scuba gear from trusted brands in our retail store. Our staff assists with equipment selection and fitting to meet individual needs. Products include regulators, wetsuits, dive computers, and accessories for recreational and technical divers.
Dive Travel
Wateree Dive Center organizes group and individual dive vacations to premier destinations. Our staff plans itineraries featuring guided dives, accommodations, and local experiences. Travel packages cater to all skill levels, ensuring memorable underwater adventures.
Equipment Rentals
We offer daily and weekly rentals of essential scuba equipment for certified divers. Available items include tanks, regulators, BCDs, and dive computers. Rental gear is maintained to industry standards for safety and performance.
Technical Diving
Our technical diving courses train divers for complex environments like deep dives and overhead spaces. Programs cover gas blending, decompression procedures, and specialized equipment use. Training follows SDI/TDI and IANTD standards for advanced underwater exploration.
People
Serena Ogburn
Co-Owner
Serena Ogburn has co-owned Wateree Dive Center since the 1980s, sharing her passion for diving with the community. With decades of experience, she oversees daily operations and customer service.
Andy Ogburn
Co-Owner
Andy Ogburn, Serenas son, co-manages Wateree Dive Center. He brings modern expertise to the family business, focusing on technical diving programs and online training initiatives.
Questions
What scuba certification levels do you offer?
We offer all levels from Open Water Diver to instructor training, including specialty courses through SSI, PADI, and TDI.
Can I rent scuba gear without certification?
Rental equipment is available only to certified divers for safety reasons.
Do you provide online scuba training?
Yes, we offer SSI online courses that complement in-person pool and open water sessions at no extra cost.
Are dive travel packages customizable?
Yes, we tailor group and individual trips to destinations worldwide based on diver preferences and skill levels.
What brands of dive gear do you sell?
Our retail store features top brands like Scubapro, Mares, and Aqualung for regulators, wetsuits, and dive computers.
Reviews (6)
Tyler Driggers
Dec 19, 2019
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Couldnt ask for a better selection or staff. These guys not only have a passion for diving but a passion for helping their customers achieve their goals as well. They took my wife, who was scared of water, and turned her into a safe and avid diver that I cant keep out of the water. Chris, Larry, and Andy have consistently been the good standard.
John Hopkins
Nov 17, 2019
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Started diving too long ago to recount. This place has been and will be the best dive shop in the world. To me, they are the "gold" standard. Stay wet, friends.
Roger Huse
Oct 21, 2018
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If you are looking for a dive instructor or a dive shop. Congratulations youve found the best. My family and I were looking to get our kids certified as divers and to refresh mine and my wifes dive skills from a certification we earned years ago. Dive Instructor Larry Fernandez worked with us to get all of our schedules together so we could be in a class together as a family and be ready for our big dive vacation later in the summer. Larry was patient with us and did an amazing job of teaching everyone the Right way to do things. Safety being paramount. Great job Larry and thanks for putting
Chuck Bari
Aug 28, 2018
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I have never once stepped foot in the shop, but I have spent more than most 3rd world countries are worth in gear purchases from Wateree. I have to say Wateree has had some of the best deals on gear around and the best service I have ever experienced. Diving with Wateree gang has added years to my life due to the stress relief they have provided. Thanks Wateree for always answering the phone and shipping out gear I need.
T. J. Dennis
Aug 22, 2018
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This place is incedible in terms of a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Im actually not a diver and just go there to get a tank filled on occasion for charging an air rifle, but each time am impressed by how they treat people. The last time I was in, I needed something small that I fully expected to pay a few bucks for and they said no charge...on the house. I insisted on paying and they said no worries. Such cool folks! Highly recommend.
Brian Turner
Dec 25, 2017
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I did my scuba class here and participated in some of the events. Excellent place to learn to dive. The staff, (Andy and Larry) are both experienced divers, very friendly, and can answer almost any question. Will not upsell you product or gear you don't need or have no use for. Offers a "Try scuba" class for noncertified people to give it a go before you spend a lot of dough. They also do monthly trips all over for divers as well as local events/dives. Highly recommend not just shopping here, but building a relationship with these guys.