Business Details
We have been teaching local divers for over 28 years, building deep expertise in scuba education. As the Mid Atlantics largest PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center, we set the benchmark for professional dive training. For more than 24 years we have served Maryland, DC, and Virginia, earning trust across the region. Our partnership with the National Aquarium in Baltimore spans over a decade, granting divers exclusive access to the Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit. We offer a full spectrum of PADI courses, from introductory trydives to instructorlevel programs, tailored for adults and children. Classes are conducted at our Gaithersburg store and at various locations throughout the area for maximum convenience.
As a factory authorized dealer for Aqua Lung, Oceanic, Mares, Atomic and other leading brands, we guarantee authentic equipment. When an item is not in stock we can typically obtain it within one or two days, minimizing downtime for our customers. We also operate as a dive travel headquarters, organizing vacations to exotic destinations, North Carolina trips, local oyster dives and aquarium dives. Whatever your diving needs, we provide a onestop solution that combines training, gear, and travel expertise. Our commitment to client satisfaction drives every interaction, ensuring you receive knowledgeable support and a rewarding diving experience.
As a factory authorized dealer for Aqua Lung, Oceanic, Mares, Atomic and other leading brands, we guarantee authentic equipment. When an item is not in stock we can typically obtain it within one or two days, minimizing downtime for our customers. We also operate as a dive travel headquarters, organizing vacations to exotic destinations, North Carolina trips, local oyster dives and aquarium dives. Whatever your diving needs, we provide a onestop solution that combines training, gear, and travel expertise. Our commitment to client satisfaction drives every interaction, ensuring you receive knowledgeable support and a rewarding diving experience.
Highlights and features
- We have been teaching local divers for over 28 years.
- We are the Mid Atlantics largest PADI 5 Star IDC.
- We have served Maryland, DC, and Virginia for over 24 years.
- We are an authorized dealer for Aqua Lung and Oceanic.
- We provide a onestop solution for all your diving needs.
Services
Learn to Scuba
This introductory course lets beginners experience scuba diving in a safe pool environment over a single day. We teach essential skills, equipment use, and basic underwater communication to adults and children with no prior experience. Participants gain confidence, earn a recognition credit toward further PADI certification, and discover if diving suits their passion.
Advanced Open Water
The Advanced Open Water course builds on entrylevel skills through five adventure dives that deepen navigation, buoyancy, and underwater awareness. Certified divers seeking to expand their experience choose this program to explore specialties like wreck, night, or deep diving. Completing the course awards the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver rating, unlocking access to more challenging dive sites worldwide.
Rescue Diver
The Rescue Diver training develops essential selfrescue and emergency management skills for handling dive accidents and assisting distressed divers. Ideal for experienced divers who want to increase safety awareness and become reliable buddies on any dive. Successful completion yields the PADI Rescue Diver certification, a prerequisite for professional leadership courses and a testament to diver competence.
Divemaster
The Divemaster program prepares divers to lead certified divers, assist instructors, and manage dive logistics with professionalism. Candidates refine their dive theory, rescue techniques, and supervisory abilities through practical workshops and supervised internships. Earning the PADI Divemaster credential opens pathways to instructor training, diveshop employment, and advanced career opportunities in the recreational dive industry.
Aquarium Dive
Dive at the National Aquariums Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit under the guidance of Atlantic Edge Scubas certified professionals. This exclusive experience lets certified divers observe vibrant marine life up close in a controlled, safe environment. Participants enjoy a memorable underwater adventure while supporting conservation education and gaining unique dive logs unavailable elsewhere.
Reviews (4)
James Alpert
Oct 28, 2020
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I have taken two Scuba Refresher courses from Atlantic Edge at various times over the past few years. They offer the course at a local Arlington high school which is convenient for me as a NoVa person. The classes were very helpful in getting me ready to go back in the water after a bit of time away! Also did the Baltimore Aquarium dive with Atlantic Edge. fun times! Seems like a well run shop. I hope I can get to do more stuff with them.
Brian R.
Sep 20, 2020
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This scuba shop is absolutely fantastic! I got the best customer service that you could possibly get at any scuba shop in the area. Terry, the store manager was incredible! So personable, filled with suggestions and knowledge! He's been working there for a decade and a half or more and he really knows his stuff! The shop has everything you need and plenty of stock. I couldn't be more grateful for Terry's assistance and his friendliness! you literally feel like you're his best friend and yet best customer too! I hear he's an incredible instructor, as well. People remember
Ray Rubio
Sep 20, 2020
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A group of us attended a dive event at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD in February 2020. We all had an amazing experience. Terry Wells from Atlantic Edge Scuba provided us with a wealth of knowledge regarding the marine life at the aquarium. He is an energetic, fun spirited, and extremely knowledgeable dive master, which contributed to our positive experience at the aquarium. We would definitely do the dive again with Atlantic Edge Scuba. Thank you to Terry and the rest of the Atlantic Edge Scuba staff!
Mark Friedman
Jan 26, 2020
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Recently I decided to get my PADI certification. After looking at options in the metropolitan DC area, I decided to give Atlantic Edge in Gaithersburg, MD a try, and I'm so glad I did. My dive master, Terry Wells, was amazing. He gives the right amount of attention to detail, ensures your learning is registering so that you remember it long-term and tests you with the right blend of challenge and encouragement. When you're finished, you have the confidence you need in your abilities to enjoy safe diving experiences. As for Atlantic Edge, they provide good quality dive equipment for your learning
