Dive Academy Inc - Oakville, Ontario

Stephanie B.

This is far too overdue. Last year my son and I wanted to dive in Curacao and be trained with safety in mind in Canada (vs weekend warrior training that can occur down south). We met Dean at the Outdoor Show, he did a check with our ear tubes and asked us a series of questions. We felt so excited by his enthusiasm. We signed up for the theory and pool training with the Dive Academy. Due to the time constraints, he opened the shop early and did theory training with just us on day two. My first day in the pool it wasn’t clicking and he was honest that I might have to sit this trip out until I had better control. The next day he and another dive master worked with me in the pool and I gained so much confidence and skill and he felt comfortable for me to do my ocean portion in Curacao. He talked to the shop there and got them up to speed and took such great care of us. We had a positive experience in Curacao, had eight successful dives and gave us the bug! My son was a fit 22 year old and myself an unfit 53 year old and Dean made us both feel so confident. We bought gear from him, that worked perfectly and hope to join the Dive Academy on a scuba trip! We are both so grateful to Dean for his passion, education, the confidence he gave us and the memories my son and I created are worth more than I can ever express!! Thank you!!!

James S.

I can't say enough good things about Dean, Paula, and the entire Dive Academy! I chose and trusted The Dive Academy for my open water course. At TDA, they take their time to welcome everyone into their world and share the love of blowing bubbles. With their flexibility, wealth of experienced divers around, and a true passion to share the world of Scuba Diving, they create a fun & safe environment to learn and gain comfort in the water. Dean made sure I was able to have proper fitted gear, and ensured that I found a mask that fit me, and a quality, user friendly dive computer to keep me safe. After a few weekends of multiple pool sessions and class room time, I was confident and relaxed underwater, and passed my Open Water course with flying colours while on vacation with my family of experienced divers this winter. Excited for my next adventure underwater!

Tracy B.

From the moment I called the shop to get information I was all in. Dean and Paula run this shop and they care. Truly.
My daughter 11 and I decided to learn how to dive and called a bunch of dive shops to get info.
Dean took the time to explain everything in detail, he has 0 issue with my daughter’s age and made everything so easy, calm and most of all fun.
From the moment we walked into the shop for our first visit it instantly felt like family. We’ve done 4 days in class and in the pool and every step was taken at our speed and helped us build confidence in what we were learning to be able to understand it and apply it in the real world.
We can’t wait to do our check out dives and enjoy many adventures with Dean and Paula.

I don’t believe there could be any two other people more dedicated to making divers out of their students. They care. They want you to be comfortable and confident. They take the time. There is 0 pressure. They are absolutely incredible with kids. I honestly can’t say enough about these two. We love them and they are now our scuba family.
If you’re thinking about diving, this is the place, hands down, no contest.

Alle H.

I can't thank the Dean & Paula enough for accommodating me on short notice for a refresher course, which allowed me to take advantage of an incredible opportunity to dive in Palau. They were incredibly kind, patient, and supportive in helping me get back in the water with confidence. The instruction was top-notch, and the overall experience exceeded my expectations.

Thanks again for everything—I highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for professional, friendly, and knowledgeable dive instruction.

Anatoliy R. 7.

I have finished a beginner scuba course with The Dive Academy without any issues. Owners Dean and Paula have lots of knowledge and experience and they gladly share it with you. You can see that they are passionate about scuba.
The problem occurred when Dean sold me a DiveVolk photo/video device one year ago (Novemebr 2023) before my trip to Bonaire island organized by The Dive Academy. Unfortunately that device leaked during the scuba dive and damaged my IPhone. I had to buy a new phone upon my return to Canada and gave that damaged DiveVolk device to Dean in order to get my money back. Since then (one year now) I wasn't succesfull to receive a refund neither for the Dive Volk device nor for my destroyed IPhone. During this passing year (2024) I tried numerous times to talk to Dean and he would always says that he was working on it (meaning to get my money back ). However I still didn't receive any money and Dean and Paula simply stopped responding to my emails and telephone calls lately. My conclusion to this story is that this shop could be used for the diving classes however think twice before buying any product(s) from them. Simply arrogant and ignorance approach to the customer when something goes wrong.

Jason M.

This shop is great! So friendly & welcoming, like we had been friends for years when I just walked through the door! Dean worked with me to pick a good fitting mask, and actually let me take it to try it before I bought it. The shop was going to close before we made it back, so I just did my transaction with Paula over the phone, she was equally awesome to deal with. Not many places will do this -- so needless to say, I have my new source for all things diving! See you soon for my dive computer!

Mark H.

Just got into scuba, diving and completed the open water certification with The Dive academy. Dean and the group are amazing and I would highly recommend not only for scuba training, but any of your scuba equipment needs Amazing customer service

Chris K.

I had been around to several different dive shops in the area, and despite being PADI certified, ultimately ended up regularly coming back to this shop. Dean has got a million things to do but always seems to drop everything to have a conversation with you the minute you walk through the door. He welcomed me by my name the second time I came into the shop and ever since, and this is a great example of a small business that puts service first.

I've recommended this shop to every diver I know so far, and even went as far to bring my kids there for their first try scuba. Once again Dean spent upwards of 45 mins with them before the session just to make sure they were properly equipped, comfortable and would have a great experience.