Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Scuba Diving Center in Depew, NY
Discover Diving has been a trusted name in professional scuba diving instruction since 1974. Founded by Dallas Edmiston, our Buffalo-based dive center has trained thousands of divers through SSI and NAUI-certified programs. Operated today by Darryl Edmiston and supported by a team of experienced instructors, we offer comprehensive training from beginner to technical levels, retail equipment sales, and international dive travel. Our family-owned business combines decades of expertise with personalized service to ensure safe, enjoyable diving experiences.We emphasize modern equipment training and flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse needs. With a reputation built on quality instruction and customer satisfaction, we provide continuing education, leadership development, and guided excursions to premier global dive destinations. Our commitment to professionalism is recognized through the SSI Diamond Award, reflecting our dedication to industry standards and customer service excellence.
Services
Scuba Training
Equipment Sales
Dive Travel
Technical Diving Courses
Leadership Programs
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined family expertise in scuba instruction
- Our SSI Diamond Award recognizes exceptional training standards
- We provide personalized training schedules to fit your lifestyle
- We organize guided dive trips to premier global destinations
- Our staff includes NAUI-certified instructors with decades of experience
Associations and certifications
- SSI (Scuba Schools International)
- NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors)
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Well-structured courses
Amazing travel destinations
Family-friendly atmosphere
Professional certifications
Services
Scuba Training
We offer SSI and NAUI-certified scuba training programs for all skill levels. Our courses include Open Water Diver certification, continuing education, and technical diving instruction. With flexible scheduling and modern equipment training, our experienced instructors prepare divers for safe underwater exploration in various environments.
Dive Travel
Our international dive travel program covers premier destinations like Truk Lagoon, Palau, and the Philippines. We organize guided excursions to renowned dive sites with expert support for both recreational and technical divers. Our packages include logistics coordination and local dive operation partnerships for comprehensive underwater adventure experiences.
Equipment Sales
We provide retail sales of recreational diving equipment from leading manufacturers. Our store features complete scuba systems, accessories, and safety gear with expert fitting assistance. We maintain a well-stocked inventory to support both new divers and experienced professionals seeking quality equipment for local or international diving adventures.
Technical Diving Courses
Our technical diving curriculum prepares experienced divers for depths beyond 130 feet and mixed gas diving. The program covers decompression techniques, advanced equipment configuration, and deep diving safety protocols. Instructors with decades of technical diving experience deliver comprehensive training for challenging underwater environments and specialized exploration scenarios.
Leadership Programs
We offer leadership development programs for Divemaster and Instructor certifications. The curriculum combines practical dive leadership skills with teaching methodologies and safety management. Graduates receive SSI/NAUI credentials recognized globally, with career development support for professional diving instructors and dive operation management roles.
People
Dallas Edmiston
Founder
Dallas Edmiston established Discover Diving in 1974, bringing decades of scuba instruction experience to Western New York. His expertise in recreational diving education laid the foundation for the business's reputation as a premier dive center with SSI and NAUI certifications.
Darryl Edmiston
Operator
Darryl Edmiston has managed Discover Diving's retail operations since 1992, maintaining the family tradition of excellence. With extensive knowledge of diving equipment and customer service, he ensures the store provides quality gear and support for divers at all experience levels.
Linda Edmiston
Instructor
Linda Edmiston contributes her expertise as a certified diving instructor, delivering high-quality training programs. Her instructional approach emphasizes safety and skill development, helping divers build confidence through personalized guidance and structured curriculum delivery.
Marian Edmiston
Operations Manager
Marian Edmiston oversees business operations at Discover Diving, ensuring efficient service delivery across training programs and retail operations. Her administrative leadership supports the center's commitment to maintaining professional standards and customer satisfaction.
Questions
What scuba certification programs do you offer?
We offer SSI and NAUI certification programs from beginner Open Water Diver to advanced technical diving and instructor training.
Do you sell diving equipment?
Yes, we retail complete scuba systems, accessories, and safety gear from leading manufacturers with expert fitting assistance.
What dive travel destinations are available?
We organize trips to premier locations including Truk Lagoon, Palau, Philippines, Florida Keys, and Caribbean destinations.
Are private training sessions available?
Yes, we offer private training sessions tailored to individual schedules and skill development requirements.
How long has Discover Diving been in business?
We've provided scuba instruction since 1974, with our retail store opening in 1992.
What makes your dive center unique?
We combine family-owned service with SSI Diamond Award recognition and decades of instructional expertise for personalized diving experiences.
Reviews (5)
Impailer Vlad
Jan 29, 2022
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Discover Diving has the most local dives, pool availability, regional trips, and international trips... even other events on the shore and in the shop. They were very flexible on scheduling my certification classes and dives. The owner and staff are very helpful and they stand behind the equipment that they sell. There's always something to do and they make sure there are good times to be had. Of all the dive shops that I've been to over the years and around the world, this one is the best.
Update: Just got back from the 2022 St. Maarten and Saba trip. Lot's of things, small and large, to point
Update: Just got back from the 2022 St. Maarten and Saba trip. Lot's of things, small and large, to point
Gabriel B.
Nov 30, 2021
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There are many dive shops out there to chose from. However, if you want a personal, attentive, responsive shop with knowledgeable, and supportive staff, Discover Dive is your place! In 2021 I decided to make use of a certification I received in basic dive from another dive shop years ago. I hadn't been in the water for years, so needless to say, I was a bit anxious. In talking to Darryl (owner), he set my anxieties to rest. He got me in the pool within a matter of days with one of the running classes for a refresher to get used to equipment and basics again. Then we proceeded to put together a
Brittany Chonka
Oct 30, 2021
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Discover Diving and their entire staff are awesome! They are a wonderful and motivating group regardless of your skill level! They make you feel comfortable and provide you with the knowledge and practice of your skill set to feel comfortable enough to move throughout your dive schooling. My husband and I recently picked up two classes to further our open water cert after 4 years and learned so much that were now moving onto our advanced cert. They are patient, humble, and willing to help however they can. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and encouraging. We are very lucky to have expanded
Justin Mrozek
Sep 06, 2021
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Discover Diving has been my dive shop for over 15 years. Theyre a great Local dive shop with superior service. The staff is helpful and are very knowledgeable. They will help you achieve your diving goals. In comparing local dive shops Discover Diving was very transparent in pricing and what is included in their training programs. Theres no hidden cost!!!!! Beware of hidden cost with other dive shops! Equipment rentals, required equipment purchases, unnecessary required trainingetc. The staff at Discover Diving will prioritize your comfort and safety. They will make you a confident and
Emely Lopez
Aug 05, 2021
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FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND AMAZING TEAM
The team makes you feel at ease and they all are extremely friendly. I dived for the first time yesterday with my friends. At first, I was scared and almost didn't go in. But Darryl and his crew made sure I felt safe. Once we got in the water, this became one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I even went ahead and got escorted to the deepest part of the pool, which was awesome!! can't wait to do it again :)
Thanks Discovery Dive, Darryl, and crew for the experience.
The team makes you feel at ease and they all are extremely friendly. I dived for the first time yesterday with my friends. At first, I was scared and almost didn't go in. But Darryl and his crew made sure I felt safe. Once we got in the water, this became one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I even went ahead and got escorted to the deepest part of the pool, which was awesome!! can't wait to do it again :)
Thanks Discovery Dive, Darryl, and crew for the experience.