Choosing a scuba certification agency is a big decision, and after completing my training, I can confidently say I made the absolute best choice. This agency truly excels in every aspect, from their outstanding customer service to the unparalleled quality of instruction and incredible affordability. From my very first inquiry, the customer service was exceptional. The staff was always friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive, patiently answering all my questions and guiding me through the registration process. They were readily available by phone and email, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. It truly felt like they genuinely cared about my journey to becoming a certified diver. The quality of the training itself was top-notch. The materials were comprehensive and easy to understand, and the facilities were meticulously maintained. The equipment provided was in excellent condition, ensuring a safe and comfortable learning environment. What truly set this agency apart, however, was the dedication and expertise of their instructors. And speaking of instructors, I have to give a special shout-out to Carlos. He is, without a doubt, an absolute gem. Carlos possesses a rare combination of deep knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and an incredible knack for teaching. His methods are simply amazing. He breaks down complex skills into manageable steps, providing clear demonstrations and patient, constructive feedback. He has an uncanny ability to identify individual learning styles and adapt his approach accordingly, ensuring every student feels supported and confident. Carlos created a learning atmosphere that was both challenging and incredibly fun, alleviating any anxieties and fostering a true love for diving. His passion for the underwater world is contagious, and he goes above and beyond to ensure his students not only master the skills but also develop a strong understanding of safety and marine conservation. To top it all off, the affordability of their certification programs is truly remarkable, especially considering the high caliber of service and instruction. I researched several agencies, and this one consistently offered the best value without compromising on quality. It's an investment that truly pays off, opening up a world of underwater adventure that is now accessible and enjoyable. If you're considering getting your scuba certification, look no further. This agency provides an all-around stellar experience, and with instructors like Carlos and Jesus leading the way, you'll be well-equipped for a lifetime of incredible dives. Highly, highly recommended!
Thanks to everyone at Ace Diving Miami, my daughters and I are...
   Read moreThis was the most unsafe diving trip I have ever experienced, and there were two main reasons for this. Firstly, the instructor left my buddy and me alone without any guidance. There was a complete lack of instruction during the dive; she focused solely on her own buddy and neglected the rest of the group. An instructor should provide oversight and support to the entire party, regardless of the number of divers. Having completed around 50 dives in Japan, the Red Sea, the Maldives, Hawaii, and various locations around Asia, this was the first time I felt compelled to finish a dive without an instructor. When we surfaced, we found ourselves far from the boat. Realizing this, we had to swim back. The captain simply shouted for us to use the rope, but the waves were very high, and I felt extremely unsafe at that momentâyet nobody seemed to care about our situation. My buddy was also struggling with the strong waves, and his oxygen tank was nearly empty. I was too exhausted to assist him. When I finally climbed back onto the boat, I felt drained and completely fatigued. The captain then informed us that we had to remain in that location due to weather conditions, adding that the weather would improve soon and we could start a second dive. However, the weather continued to deteriorate. The boat swayed violently like a pirate ship, and some passengers fell to the floor. It was an incredibly frightening experience, and I genuinely feared for our safety. I believe this situation was predictable; there had even been a couple of lightning strikes when we left the pier, indicating that the dive should not have proceeded. Given the captain's comments, it appeared he had not checked the weather forecast. I remembered that my initial planned diving trip had been canceled the day before due to weather concerns. On the way back, the crew discovered that one of my weights had gone missing and subsequently charged me for it. Even though I insisted, along with a crew member who confirmed that it was securely attached to my BCD, the captain claimed I must have lost it while swimming against the current. This was despite the lack of proper instruction and guidance being a significant factor in this situation. They didnât pay back for the second diving or second air tank. This was my first diving experience on the U.S. mainland, and I have never felt more unsafe. While the Neptune Memorial Reef was easy to navigate, it ultimately felt quite boring. Given all of these experiences, I would not recommend this...
   Read moreI booked the DPV specialty course with Ace Diving Miami on a week's notice, as I was able to squeeze in one full day in Miami during my travel plans and wanted to make the most of it. Looking at the 10-day forecast, the winds were gusting up to 25 knots, and I wasnât confident the dive would go as planned, especially since Iâm prone to seasickness.
I spoke with Carlos over the phone, and he explained that water conditions depend on more than just wind speed and direction. He also gave me great advice on how to manage seasickness, including taking Dramamine the day before and again two hours before the dive.
When I arrived at the boat, I was a bit nervous...the wind was definitely strong, coming from the south. As we crossed the inlet, the water wasn't as rough as I expected, and I didnât feel sick at all.
Our first dive was at Neptune Memorial Reef. I had a blast playing with the DPV, trying out different speed settings, and maneuvering around the beautiful underwater structures. At the end of the dive, the boat crew helped me remove the DPV while I was being pushed around by waves...but once I got back on the boat, I realized I was missing my belt with the D-ring.
The crew quickly improvised a replacement using an old belt and three zip ties so I could clip the DPV for the next dive, and it worked like a charm!
Our second dive was at the Belcher Barge wreck. It was incredible, we spotted several stingrays and some massive fish (easily over 10 feet long). We even chased a giant turtle using the DPVs, and surprisingly, the turtle was faster!
After the dive, my instructor offered to return to the first site to look for the lost belt. I stayed on the boat while the crew dove, and within 5 minutes, they found it. I was stunned. They somehow knew exactly where it had dropped out in the open ocean!
The instructors and crew demonstrated outstanding skill and professionalism. Theyâre clearly passionate about what they do and are amazing at it. Iâll definitely be coming back to do more wreck...
   Read more