Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Scuba Diving Partner in Chicago
Established in 1989, Berry Dive Center has been a trusted leader in scuba diving education and retail for over 35 years. As a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center, we combine rigorous training standards with expert guidance to empower divers of all skill levels. Our team of certified professionals delivers comprehensive courses, from beginner certifications to advanced specialties, ensuring every diver gains the knowledge and confidence needed for underwater exploration.We maintain a full-service retail shop featuring top-tier brands like Aqua Lung, Cressi, and TUSA, offering the latest in scuba gear for sale and rental. Our commitment to quality extends to equipment servicing, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Located in Chicago, we provide personalized support through in-person visits, online resources, and 24/7 customer communication, making us the premier destination for divers in the Midwest.
Services
Scuba Certification
Gear Rentals
Dive Trips
Equipment Sales
Gear Servicing
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of scuba diving expertise and PADI-certified instruction.
- Our staff includes authorized dealers for top brands like Aqua Lung and TUSA.
- We provide comprehensive gear servicing and maintenance for all diving equipment.
- Our courses combine online flexibility with hands-on professional guidance.
- We organize guided dive trips to premier underwater locations for all skill levels.
Associations and certifications
- PADI
Services
Scuba Certification
Our PADI-certified courses provide comprehensive scuba training for beginners and advanced divers. Students learn essential safety protocols, equipment use, and underwater navigation. The program includes classroom sessions, pool practice, and open-water dives to ensure full competency.
Gear Rentals
We offer high-quality scuba gear rentals including regulators, BCDs, and dive computers. All equipment undergoes regular maintenance to ensure reliability. Rentals are available for short-term trips or long-term training programs, catering to both recreational and professional divers.
Dive Trips
Guided dive trips to premier locations are organized for certified divers. Trips include transportation, equipment support, and expert supervision. Destinations range from local freshwater sites to international coral reefs, accommodating varying skill levels and interests.
Equipment Sales
Our retail shop stocks the latest scuba gear from leading brands like Aqua Lung and TUSA. Products include masks, fins, wetsuits, and advanced dive computers. Customers receive expert advice to select gear suited to their diving needs and experience level.
Gear Servicing
Professional servicing for all scuba equipment ensures optimal performance and safety. Our technicians perform regulator overhauls, BCD inspections, and computer diagnostics. Regular maintenance packages are available to extend gear lifespan and comply with industry standards.
Questions
What scuba certification levels do you offer?
We provide PADI certifications from beginner Open Water to professional Divemaster levels, including specialty courses like deep diving and underwater photography.
Can I rent gear without certification?
Basic gear rentals require no certification, but technical equipment like regulators or dive computers necessitate proof of advanced training for safety compliance.
Are dive trips included in certification courses?
Yes, our Open Water certification includes four supervised open-water dives at approved locations to complete the training requirements.
Do you service non-PADI certified divers?
Our services are available to all divers regardless of certification agency, though some courses may require prior PADI equivalency verification.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and cash payments for in-store purchases. Payment options for courses are detailed during registration.
How do I start an online course?
Visit our website to enroll in PADI eLearning modules. After registration, access course materials 24/7 and contact our instructors for support via email or phone.
Reviews (4)
Omar A.
Jan 27, 2022
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Nick (owner) is a great guy that understands a "good customer is a repeat customer." He always goes out of his way to ask questions and understand what you need (as an individual diver). He has never tried to "sell" me anything. Instead he explains the pros and cons of the equipment based on my level and types of diving. Diving is expensive, so when I make an investment in equipment it is important to know that I am dealing with a guy that is looking out for ME and my wallet (not a quick sale). Go visit his dive shop. You will like the extensive inventory, and get
Jonathan Samek
Jan 08, 2022
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This place was great. The owner was extremely helpful. We are complete newbies and not only did he spend time with us and for us, he was also extremely cost conscious on our behalf. I would recommend this place to anyone. He was also willing to chat about all of the stores services without trying to hard sell them-
Totally without pressure.
Totally without pressure.
Emily Keaton
Nov 26, 2021
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Great dive shop with great people! They saved my life servicing my reg with no notice in a few days came back good as new! Support your local dive shops and go there with all your underwater needs!!
Ray O.
Jul 15, 2021
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My family and I recently completed the Open Water Dive Referral Course at Berry Dive Center. Nick was easy to work with in setting up a private class for the four of us. Pam, the classroom instructor, and MooJay, the pool instructor were great. They were very patient, answered all our repeated questions and took time to make us feel welcome and special. It was a wonderful experience and we look forward to diving with the shop after completing our Open Water dives in Hawaii.
