Pompano Dive
Pompano Dive
5
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Your Local One Stop Dive ShopCentrally located in the Sands Harbor Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, Pompano Dive proudly offers an unparalleled inventory selection including the full SCUBAPRO line; daily two-tank dive charters only steps from our front door to our dock; internationally recognized PADI Five-Star instruction; Air and Nitrox fills; boundless travel opportunities and a top-of-the-line Repair/Service Tech Center. Our professionally trained staff is knowledgeable and available to help you plan all your equipment purchases and your next adventure. Stop in – Experience, Enjoy and Explore Pompano diving at its best!
Pompano Beach, United States
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
497 reviews
Excellent
455
Very good
24
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
8
ejsweeney2
Welch, MN2 contributions
Jan 2020
John and Chris went above and beyond the call of duty scheduling a last minute private session for my wife and son. They were both very professional and supportive of our schedules. I highly recommend diving with PDC and training with PDC.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivonne Yeste
Coconut Creek, FL17 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
I admit it. I am spoiled. I first came to Pompano Dive Center to learn to dive while taking advantage of a wonderful Groupon. Everyone there is a professional diver, and it is easy to develop a sense of trust the pricing on gear will be fair and the diving instruction will be the best. After certifying in Open Water, we went down to the Florida Keys for lobster mini-season, and that is where I learned the difference between a top notch dive center like Pompano Dive and a mediocre dive shop.
Pompano Dive Center checks their rental gear thoroughly before it goes one of their US Coast Guard approved vessel and guarantees a safe, wonderful diving experience for every diver from the nervous novice to the old salt.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the Keys dive shop. As the divers were gearing up, there were several equipment failures from broken BC straps and closures to leaking tanks and SPGs that simply didn't work. One of the diver's had to sit it out because the boat didn't have any back up gear.
Pompano Dive set the bar pretty high, and in my book (or dive log, as the case may be), these folks are the gold standard by which all other dive shops will be measured. We actually just finished our Nitrox certifications. I can't wait to use those tanks on my next dive!
Keep up the good work, team. I look forward to the Advanced Open Water class in February.
Pompano Dive Center checks their rental gear thoroughly before it goes one of their US Coast Guard approved vessel and guarantees a safe, wonderful diving experience for every diver from the nervous novice to the old salt.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the Keys dive shop. As the divers were gearing up, there were several equipment failures from broken BC straps and closures to leaking tanks and SPGs that simply didn't work. One of the diver's had to sit it out because the boat didn't have any back up gear.
Pompano Dive set the bar pretty high, and in my book (or dive log, as the case may be), these folks are the gold standard by which all other dive shops will be measured. We actually just finished our Nitrox certifications. I can't wait to use those tanks on my next dive!
Keep up the good work, team. I look forward to the Advanced Open Water class in February.
Written 12 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete C
Pompano Beach, FL23 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
I have been diving with Pompano dive center on and off for about two years nad have gone on at least 25 plus trips with them. They have always been very professional and helpful when needed.
They manage to retain their staff for a long time which is a rare thing in this business.
Having read some of the negative reviews, I must say that unfortunate situations can occasionally happen (a faulty valve or inexperienced diver aboard) but if they do, the staff when told has always managed the situation professionally and to my satisfaction.
Divers should however be aware that this operation does not "overly handle" divers - or babysit for lack of a better word. Most regular divers are experienced and will manage buddying-up and issues on their own. Again, when help is reauired, staff provides it and are very professional.
Thank you to Brian, Tony, Craig, Curtis and the rest of the crew (and Emily, the newbie, who is a great addition to the team).
In closing, I have been on numerous diveboats in many places and this is one where I feel at home.
They manage to retain their staff for a long time which is a rare thing in this business.
Having read some of the negative reviews, I must say that unfortunate situations can occasionally happen (a faulty valve or inexperienced diver aboard) but if they do, the staff when told has always managed the situation professionally and to my satisfaction.
Divers should however be aware that this operation does not "overly handle" divers - or babysit for lack of a better word. Most regular divers are experienced and will manage buddying-up and issues on their own. Again, when help is reauired, staff provides it and are very professional.
Thank you to Brian, Tony, Craig, Curtis and the rest of the crew (and Emily, the newbie, who is a great addition to the team).
In closing, I have been on numerous diveboats in many places and this is one where I feel at home.
Written 8 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al F
Queensbury, NY17 contributions
Jan 2020
I normally do not get too concerned on dive trips I've taken over the pat 1 years as a diver but the experience I had on this dive had me concerned. Yes the staff was friendly and knowledgeable but when it came time to get into the water there was no check to see if my gear was set up properly. I fortunately did catch it that by BC was not inflated and took the proper measures to inflate it.
Next it was time to jump into the water to enter the water and the dive master was already in the water and gone. Other dive trips I have completed over the many years in all parts of the world and country we waited to acknowledge we were ok and ready to go. This did not happen and I hit the water as did the other diver I was with quickly descended into the depths trying to locate the dive master. I had gotten down 95' and finally saw him but he continued to move along. The quick action I had become winded and could not catch my breathe and I signaled with my sound device I wanted to return to the boat. I did such with the other diver and the dive master, performed the safety stop and returned to the boat very frustrated.
Yes I may have done some things wrong by hastily trying to catch up but as with many dive trips we recognized everyone i not the same ability!
Next it was time to jump into the water to enter the water and the dive master was already in the water and gone. Other dive trips I have completed over the many years in all parts of the world and country we waited to acknowledge we were ok and ready to go. This did not happen and I hit the water as did the other diver I was with quickly descended into the depths trying to locate the dive master. I had gotten down 95' and finally saw him but he continued to move along. The quick action I had become winded and could not catch my breathe and I signaled with my sound device I wanted to return to the boat. I did such with the other diver and the dive master, performed the safety stop and returned to the boat very frustrated.
Yes I may have done some things wrong by hastily trying to catch up but as with many dive trips we recognized everyone i not the same ability!
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James H
Houston, TX12 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
There were mates like McKinsey, Lindsey and Jason who must complimented. While diving, I enjoyed their supervision and watchfulness while they were the dive masters on my 2 reef and 1 wreck dive. I felt safe and secure during each of 3 dives with them. However, previous to my last 2 dives with this shop, it was discovered on board that two people had no dive computer/consoles, me being one. I had my own, ( but no compass) so I was ok as far as that goes but still not acceptable. Another woman had an extra, so she loaned it to the other man without. Obviously, the boat was overbooked beyond the available equipment. After this, I was assigned a group and did my jump but I was not weighted heavily enough (no fault of the shop) so I had to return to the boat for more weight. I was then assigned another crew mate, Jimmie, as my buddy and he held the "diver below flag" that I was to follow. No sooner had 5 minutes elapsed that he swam off leaving me behind and without a buddy on a drift dive. While I searched for him, the poor visibility prevented my catch up. I ascended with 1100 psi only to find no flag nearby, no other divers in my vicinity and the boat about 1,000-1,200 feet from me. I dive in a neon yellow shirt and blew my whistle several times without any reciprocal acknowledgement from the boat. Here the shop needs to develop a signal, horns anyone? I kept blowing my whistle and waiving my arms fearful I would drift away before pickup. Finally, the boat approached but I had only 250 psi air remaining (contributing to my further fears) when I was picked up. This mate/assigned buddy discarded a cardinal rule of safety and violated the rules of the buddy system so he could snag lobster which he would not have been able to do watching me. On these excursions buddy care is work and that is what the boat gets its fees for. A mate/dive master simply cannot play when he/she works and a life is entrusted to him/her. It is too great a responsibility to be surrendered to lobster hunting. Because of this major safety breach and flagrant disregard of responsibility, I would not trust this shop again and it did not live up the confidences of "PADI" standards. While I was told I had to keep up ( I did on every dive I ever made) I was blamed for this fiasco. Again this is a serious misunderstanding of shop responsibility and ignorance of priorities. My experiences that dive were unacceptable and put me at risk.
Written 19 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary E
Chelmsford, UK315 contributions
Sept 2012 • Friends
I am an experienced diver both in the UK and on my travels. Whilst on our latest trip to visit friends in Florida we decided we would try dving somewhere new. Our usual dive shop recommended Pompano although I am unsure why, unless to make us see the difference in service.
We booked in advance and onto two wreck dives already listed. I phoned before we left the UK to confirm our booking. I then later called a day before our diving to double check that they would provide 8 steel tanks as there were 4 of us doing 2 dives, with nitrox suitable for the depth of the wrecks (28 and 32%). Whilst I understand that steel cylinders are not the norm in the US if there was a problem with this I feel it should have been voiced in one of my previous 3 conversations.
Luckily we had arrived with loads of spare time as not one cylinder was ready, consequently we had bad fills and the wrong gas and having to adjust to diving at 1.5 rather than 1.4 to stop our computers bending, doable not not ideal.
As per another review the "dive guides" do not go in with you and guide you to the wreck, whilst this is not a problem as we are used to that in the UK the dive briefing was poor and very little information was given. The first large wreck was ok as it was a shot line and you returned to the shot line and there was no current to drift off the wreck.
The second wreck was changed last minute due to a few other boats in the area so we were dropped in on another part of the "wreck trek", again no issue with this. We were told by all accounts we must return to the shot line once again and given very little information as to where the other wrecks were. We ended up staying on a very small wreck as the visability meant we were unsure where the other wrecks were after the briefing and a bad fill meaning we were unsure if we could get back to shot. We always carry SMB's but after a previous review I am glad that we did not come up on one as who knows if we would have been picked up, they certainly did not inspire confidence.
We will be visiting our friends again but not this dive centre.
We booked in advance and onto two wreck dives already listed. I phoned before we left the UK to confirm our booking. I then later called a day before our diving to double check that they would provide 8 steel tanks as there were 4 of us doing 2 dives, with nitrox suitable for the depth of the wrecks (28 and 32%). Whilst I understand that steel cylinders are not the norm in the US if there was a problem with this I feel it should have been voiced in one of my previous 3 conversations.
Luckily we had arrived with loads of spare time as not one cylinder was ready, consequently we had bad fills and the wrong gas and having to adjust to diving at 1.5 rather than 1.4 to stop our computers bending, doable not not ideal.
As per another review the "dive guides" do not go in with you and guide you to the wreck, whilst this is not a problem as we are used to that in the UK the dive briefing was poor and very little information was given. The first large wreck was ok as it was a shot line and you returned to the shot line and there was no current to drift off the wreck.
The second wreck was changed last minute due to a few other boats in the area so we were dropped in on another part of the "wreck trek", again no issue with this. We were told by all accounts we must return to the shot line once again and given very little information as to where the other wrecks were. We ended up staying on a very small wreck as the visability meant we were unsure where the other wrecks were after the briefing and a bad fill meaning we were unsure if we could get back to shot. We always carry SMB's but after a previous review I am glad that we did not come up on one as who knows if we would have been picked up, they certainly did not inspire confidence.
We will be visiting our friends again but not this dive centre.
Written 2 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JP131167
Bagdad, AZ2 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
This place is really terrible, look at google reviews for a more realistic view of the establishment.
Being harassed to buy equipment and do classes is the norm here, they do not know the limits.
The crew has no knowledge at all and is pretty unsafe, the captain inspires more confidence than a shy boy on his first date, and they might as well replace the divemaster for a robot, but you know, they are very good in reminding us about tipping them for "keeping us safe" and "showing us a good time", lol, what a joke this place is.
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.
Being harassed to buy equipment and do classes is the norm here, they do not know the limits.
The crew has no knowledge at all and is pretty unsafe, the captain inspires more confidence than a shy boy on his first date, and they might as well replace the divemaster for a robot, but you know, they are very good in reminding us about tipping them for "keeping us safe" and "showing us a good time", lol, what a joke this place is.
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.
Written 7 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pizzed
Cooper City, FL1 contribution
Sept 2011 • Couples
The worst place you could go. I bought scuba lessons for my girl friend and I. We took the pool classes, then something happened to our instuctor (quit or fired), after an inordinate delay my gf started calling and then showed up at the place and thoughly embarrassed the staff enough about why it was taking nearly a YEAR to get certified and she was told that she was too uncomfortable to be certified.
I ,however. have not heard a word from the dive center to this day, and it has been nearly a year, I suppose that I too am too uncomfortable.
According to the previous review I am lucky they didnt let me drift away. Do yourself a favor STAY AWAY FROM POMPANO DIVE CENTER or you to may become a statistic.
I ,however. have not heard a word from the dive center to this day, and it has been nearly a year, I suppose that I too am too uncomfortable.
According to the previous review I am lucky they didnt let me drift away. Do yourself a favor STAY AWAY FROM POMPANO DIVE CENTER or you to may become a statistic.
Written 16 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peludo63
Saint Louis2 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
During our dive on April 20,2012 I somehow floated away from the dive boat. I made every attempt to get their attention but none noticed me. I floated away for 45 minutes. Luckily a fisherman and his son saw me all alone and came to my rescue. Once on board the dive boat I was informed by my dive buddy that the captain and first mate made no attempt to look for me. They didn't use binoculars or even the radio to see if I was picked up. They blew it! Poor service and unacceptable rescue attempt. One more note: The dive master does not dive with the customers. You have to find the wreck or reef on your own.
Written 7 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William E
2 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
We just finished three days of technical diving with Pompano Dive Center. The staff and boat crew were outstanding. The Captain, Chris, and Divemasters Taylor and Adam went above and beyond to make sure the dives went off as planned. I can't say enough good things about that crew. Divemasters work mostly for tips, and those two earned every penny they received. The shop staff were extremely helpful as well. All of my gas blends for deco mixes were spot on, and there were definiy no "short" fills. This is my second experience with Pompano Dive Center. It was worth the 930 mile drive. I'll do it again.
Written 22 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola!!
Alguien sabe el costo de las excursiones aproximadamente y de que consta? Las de buceo!MUCHAS GRACIAS!!!
Written 6 March 2018
I dove last year in key largo and it was great. that shop offered free pictures, 115 in total. it made our dive a great experience to have pictures of us and wild life while not having to worry about taking pictures ourselves. is this something they offer here?
Written 18 November 2017
You have to hire a divemaster to go with you and take the pictures. They'll help you do most anything. Call them and they'll set you up.
Written 20 November 2017
Hi, I just love to FLORIDA, can you give me some idea of your rates?
Written 24 August 2017
Check out their website. It has rates and schedule.
Written 24 August 2017
We have never been diving in this area before but are interested in the wrecks and reefs. Do you put dive masters in the water for your dives, or is that by request only?
Also we would be thinking of visiting in January, what are the water temps and visibility like this time of year?
Written 29 November 2016
For Pompano Beach Dive Center they do put a dive master in the water at no additional charge. All the other dive centers in the Pompano Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami area you have to request and pay extra for a dive master. With the proper clothing attire you will be fine in Florida water in January. Hope this helps!
Written 30 November 2016
We DO offer snorkeling, and we do it very well ! Our snorkeling trips are about 4 hours long, and you get a very scenic tour through the Intracoastal, and lighthouse on our way to the site! After we arrive at the SS Copenhagen, an archeological site, we allow snorkelers ( and divers ) approx 45-60 minutes at this location. You can come on board or enter the water at any time, and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or just floating on a "noodle"! We will then go to a second location, for about the same amount of time (45-60 minutes) and you can see a different section of the reef, and plenty of fish! Afterwards, you can expect the same slow paced ride back through the inlet to enjoy looking at the ocean, homes, and boats that adorn South Florida. We serve complimentary gatorade, soda, water, cookies, and chips - and have a cooler large enough for you to bring some items of your own if you would like. We routinely host this snorkel adventure every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoon - but we do have additional trips, and it is best to call (954) 788-0208 for our current calendar. Please let us know if you need any additional information, and we hope to snorkel with you soon !
Written 15 May 2016
I am taking a scuba class here in CT and will complete everything here except for the 4 open water dives. With confirmation from instructor here, can I complete my certification by doing my 4 dives in FL with your dive center? And would 8 get my certification card that day? Thank you, Rick
Written 2 March 2016
Rick, I do not represent Pompano Dive Center which is why I would highly suggest giving them a call directly with this question. Your instructor is correct, however you'll need to confirm that PDC has an instructor that is with the same dive training agency, PADI, SSI, SDI and ex. The instructors at PDC are very knowledgeable and professional, I am most certain they will do whatever is necessary to get your C-Card. And they run two trips a day with two morning and two afternoon dives, so to get your four dives in one day also seems very possible, the limiting factor maybe you if fatigue sets in between the two trips. But again, give them a call, they'll be more than happy to talk. And good luck with your up coming open water dives!
Written 4 March 2016
All of our recreational scuba trips are $65. That only includes the boat ride. If you need any equipment it will be additional.
Written 30 April 2015
Do you have Snuba? Also do you have Snorkeling?
Written 13 February 2015
We do offer Snuba with the Brownie's Third Lung system. We also offer snorkel trips since we have a three tiered reef system. Our first reef is 15 to 25 feet deep, the second reef is around 45 ft and the third reef line is around 60 to 70 ft deep.
Written 30 April 2015
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