Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Scuba Diving Partner in Littleton, CO
A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center has been a trusted leader in scuba diving education and aquatic adventures since 1959. Founded by Ernie and Violet Busnardo in Englewood, Colorado, we remain a family-owned and operated business dedicated to introducing divers of all skill levels to the wonders of underwater exploration. Our 11,000-square-foot facility in Littleton, Colorado, features a state-of-the-art training pool with an underwater sound system, endless pool technology, and on-site classrooms. We offer comprehensive scuba certification courses, equipment rentals, and guided dive vacations to destinations like Cozumel and the Solomon Islands. Our team of Master Diver Trainers and certified instructors provides personalized instruction, ensuring students master buoyancy control, safety protocols, and advanced diving techniques. Beyond training, we operate a full-service retail store carrying top-tier gear, including stand-up paddleboards, and maintain a fleet of meticulously serviced rental equipment.Our commitment to excellence extends to adaptive scuba programs for individuals with disabilities, fostering inclusivity in the diving community. With decades of combined experience, our staff prioritizes safety, education, and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by numerous testimonials praising our patient instruction and exceptional service. We also host specialized clinics, such as equipment maintenance workshops, and partner with organizations like the Denver Downtown Aquarium for unique experiences like shark cage diving. As industry innovators, we integrate cutting-edge technology like the MydiveSSI app into our curriculum while maintaining rigorous adherence to safety standards. Our reputation as Colorado's largest scuba facility is built on a legacy of trust, expertise, and a passion for underwater exploration.
Services
Scuba Certification
Equipment Rentals
Dive Travel Packages
Maintenance Clinics
Aquarium Programs
Adaptive Scuba Training
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We offer over 65 years of scuba training experience with certified Master Diver Trainers.
- Our 11,000 sq ft facility includes advanced training pools and endless current technology.
- We provide adaptive scuba programs for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Our equipment rental fleet undergoes maintenance after every single use.
- We host exclusive aquarium dive experiences at the Denver Downtown Aquarium.
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Top-notch facilities
Life-changing experiences
Patient guidance
Well-maintained gear
Services
Scuba Certification Courses
Our scuba certification programs cater to all experience levels from beginners to advanced divers. Using a two-step process combining online learning via the MydiveSSI app with hands-on pool training, students master essential skills like buoyancy control and buddy diving. The Denver Downtown Aquarium offers a unique location for open water certification dives. Courses include Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, and specialty certifications like Nitrox diving. With over 65 years of experience, our Master Diver Trainers ensure students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
Dive Travel Packages
We organize escorted dive vacations to premier destinations including Cozumel, St. Lucia, and the Solomon Islands. Each trip features expert-led dives, equipment support, and logistical coordination. Our travel specialists handle all arrangements from flights to on-site logistics. Group packages include accommodations, dive fees, and specialized experiences like night dives. With decades of experience organizing dive expeditions, we ensure seamless adventures for both novice and experienced divers seeking tropical underwater exploration.
Equipment Rentals
Our rental fleet includes regulators, BCDs, dive computers, and complete scuba systems maintained after every use. Professional staff assist with equipment setup and provide usage guidance. We offer package pricing for multiple item rentals and ensure all gear undergoes thorough post-use maintenance. Rental customers receive personalized fitting assistance and safety briefings. With daily maintenance logs and performance analysis, our rental equipment maintains optimal functionality for both recreational and technical diving applications.
Maintenance Clinics
Our equipment maintenance clinics teach essential care techniques including save-a-dive-kit usage and field repairs. Instructors demonstrate proper storage methods and emergency fixes for common gear issues. Scheduled sessions cover regulator maintenance, BCD servicing, and dive computer care. Participants receive hands-on practice with professional tools and maintenance kits. These clinics emphasize preventive care to extend equipment lifespan and ensure underwater safety during recreational and technical dives.
Adaptive Scuba Programs
Our adaptive scuba programs provide diving opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. Specialized instruction accommodates mobility challenges and sensory impairments. We collaborate with organizations like Riley Children's Foundation for certification programs. Adaptive equipment modifications and buddy system training ensure safe underwater experiences. Certified adaptive instructors focus on individual capabilities, making scuba diving accessible to those who previously thought it impossible through personalized training approaches.
People
Scott Taylor
Owner
Scott Taylor, owner of A-1 Scuba, brings decades of diving expertise to Colorado's largest scuba facility. He leads instructor development courses and oversees adaptive diving programs for individuals with disabilities. His commitment to excellence earned recognition from industry professionals and customers alike.
Lynn
Travel Coordinator
Lynn specializes in organizing international dive expeditions and managing the company's travel division. She coordinates complex logistics for group trips to exotic destinations while maintaining personalized customer service standards for divers seeking underwater adventures.
Tracy Ackerman
Master Diver Trainer
Tracy Ackerman, a Master Diver Trainer, has trained hundreds of divers with his patient teaching style and technical expertise. He received multiple testimonials praising his ability to make complex diving concepts accessible to students of all skill levels.
Shane
Equipment Specialist
Shane provides expert equipment maintenance and repair services, offering personalized guidance on gear selection and care. His technical knowledge and customer-focused approach earned recognition for resolving complex equipment issues beyond regular business hours.
Zan
Dive Instructor
Zan specializes in youth diving programs and aquarium experiences, creating safe and engaging environments for young divers. His patient instruction helped children as young as 10 achieve certification while maintaining strict safety protocols during underwater training sessions.
Questions
What scuba certification options do you offer?
We provide SSI and PADI certifications from beginner Open Water Diver to advanced specialties like Nitrox diving and technical courses. Our two-step training combines online learning with pool and open water sessions.
Can I rent scuba gear without certification?
Yes, we rent equipment to both certified divers and those participating in guided experiences. All rental gear receives maintenance after each use to ensure optimal performance and safety standards.
Do you offer diving experiences for children?
We certify divers as young as 10 years old and provide specialized instruction for youth programs. The Denver Downtown Aquarium offers a controlled environment for young divers to complete certification requirements safely.
What travel destinations do you specialize in?
Our escorted trips include Cozumel, St. Lucia, Solomon Islands, and liveaboard adventures to shark diving locations. We coordinate all logistics including flights, accommodations, and specialized diving experiences.
How do you support divers with disabilities?
Our adaptive scuba program provides specialized training and equipment modifications for individuals with physical challenges. Certified adaptive instructors focus on individual capabilities to make diving accessible and safe.
What maintenance services do you provide?
We offer equipment maintenance clinics teaching field repairs and preventive care techniques. Our rental gear undergoes daily performance analysis and servicing to maintain professional diving standards.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Chris Gavora
Jan 30, 2022
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I cant thank Jeff and Rita enough for their utmost professionalism all the while keeping the class engaging and fun! I promise you, if youre getting your scuba certification, these two amazing people are the ones you will want to be leading the class! My girlfriend and I truly had the best weekend and these words cant do it justice with how much we love Jeff and Rita and the whole A-1 Scuba team!
Douglas F.
Jan 15, 2022
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Great service department. Time for the annual inspections and A-1 does a great job. Quality service to keep me safe for the 2022 diving
Stephanie Marcinko
Dec 07, 2021
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Just got done with the weekend plus scuba course today! I just wanted to take the time to give my instructor, Thomas Whiteley a huge shoutout. I dont know where to even begin, I was extremely nervous, scared and anxious but he never lost his cool even though Im sure I was driving him up the wall. More importantly, he never gave up on me. To say he went above and beyond is an understatement. I overcame my fear and I got through it but I could not have done it without Thomas. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I highly recommend A-1!
Andrew Brunetti
Sep 07, 2021
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Knowledgeable and friendly staff, good prices, great service. They stand behind the items they sell. Great training and pool for practice or training as well. Highly recommend.
Trey Fernandez
Aug 20, 2021
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New to the diving world and A-1 gave me a warm introduction into scuba diving. From Brett in retail spending over an hour with me to fit gear, providing recommendations, and answering my many questions and Bobs constant attentiveness in the shop to ensure youre being helped; Dan and Ryans expert instruction in the classroom and pool, to the openness I feel when interacting with any A-1 scuba employee. Julie and Carol are both awesome too!
