Diving Certified???

[atlfishes]

I'm taking a trip to St. Thomas for a wedding in a couple of months. I haven't looked into how the diving is in that area but I'm hoping it is nice. If I wanted to go on a diving trip while there, where is a good place in Atlanta to get certified in advance. I'm just looking to do a basic dive as I've only snorkeled in the past.
Also, how much time does it take to become certified? Thanks Jeff

 

[russ]

i am doing it at Atlanta Scuba. It is kinda high, $800.00, but that does include your mask, fins, snorkle, boots, slate... As well, it is top of the line gear and not some cheap 50 grab bag. I estimate you are getting $300 - $400 worth of gear.

I have been pricing everything out and it will cost about 2k to get all my own gear and get certified.

 

[roundman]

Contact Jack at Divers Supply in Marietta. They can do all of your class work and pool work and then you can do your check out dives in St Thomas. I did this a couple of years ago in Mexico and it made the check out dives GREAT.

 

[krb]

There are two routes when getting certified.

1)Go with a local dive shop. Takes about 5-6 weeks plus your certification trip. You will do 1 class a week with a pool dive. You will need to buy your own basic gear. Cost varies

2)Go with

 

[wbholwell]

Have fun in St. Thomas! I recommend taking the ferry over to St. Johns and spending at least a day there- you won't regret it.

 

[atlfishes]

Thanks Guys

 

[roundman]

actually you can do the same thing at a local dive shop where you do all of your class work at home and complete the class in a weekend. That is what I did. Does not take the 5-6 weeks.