Marin Diving Center

I'm pretty new to diving and I was certified here. I have rented and bought gear from other dive shops in southern CA when needed, mostly weights and tanks because it's easier to get them close to the dive site. But I like this place more. It's a family business and the prices and service are excellent. They also have good deals on second-hand gear, which is a must for newbies. The last dive trip I went on, I rented some gear here. A day or two before I left for the trip I had to change plans and pick the gear up a day early. Then when returning I missed a ferry and had to return the gear a day late. It was lobster season so I gather that they were very busy and maybe rental inventory might get tight, so I offered to pay for the extra two days but John said no, don't worry about it. See ya next time. He knows I'll keep coming back. Love that.

Also the rental prices are exactly the same as they were last year when I did the same trip. While everything else we pay for is going up in prices, Marin Diving Center is trying their best to keep prices the same. I love that too. Name one good or service you paid for last year that isn't more expensive now. I can't, except this place.

Very importantly, they organize regular "fun dives". Weekends when people subscribed to their newsletter meet up for dives around Northern CA. For someone who is new to diving and may not know a lot of other divers to dive with and get experience, this is huge. It's hard to get experience if you know few other divers to go with, so this really helps with gaining experience and meeting other divers.

Did my Nitrox certification here and everyone was so nice, helpful and organized. Great selection of gear too - probably the best I've seen in the Bay Area. Can't wait to dive with them soon on one of their fun dives!

I don't often post reviews, but this place is really exceptional -- john the owner was uniquely kind, helpful, professional, and experienced. Our certification process here was very smooth and would highly recommend.