Aqua Diving Academy

Located at 382 Commercial Street in the Old Port district of Portland, Maine, Aqua Diving Academy has been a cornerstone of the local diving community since 1988. This long-standing presence in the region ensures a deep understanding of the local waters and the specific needs of both recreational and technical divers.

The centre operates as a multi-faceted hub, providing not only PADI-certified instruction but also international dive travel opportunities. Whether you are looking to start your training in a local setting or plan a trip to a distant reef, the academy's established infrastructure supports every stage of a diver's progression.

The team is led by the owner, Julie, who has been heading the academy since its inception in 1988. The staff is composed of five experienced professionals, including instructors like Tavi and Larry, and specialists such as Angel, who focuses on PADI Mermaids and snorkelling.

Technical expertise is a core strength of the academy, with a dedicated service team including Virgil, the head of repairs, and Jim, a technician and former commercial diver. This ensures that the centre's technical capabilities extend beyond instruction into high-level equipment maintenance.

Scientific and specialised diving is also represented by Savanna, a scientific diver, and Molly, a marine scientist. This blend of instructional, technical, and scientific expertise provides a well-rounded environment for divers looking to deepen their understanding of the underwater world.

Aqua Diving Academy offers an extensive curriculum through PADI, ranging from initial entry-level courses like Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water Diver to professional-level training. For those looking to advance their skills, they provide Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Master Diver programmes.

The centre also caters to technical and specialty divers, offering courses such as Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diving, and Underwater/Surface Navigation. More advanced training includes Decompression Procedures/Extended Range and an Introduction to Tech Diving.

Professional development is a key component of their offering, with pathways available for Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and the Instructor Development Course (IDC). They also host specialised training such as Search and Recovery, Night and Limited Visibility Diving, and Underwater Photography.

The academy operates a full-service retail shop located in the Old Port, stocked with equipment from leading manufacturers. This facility serves as a one-stop shop for divers needing new kit, from fins and masks to specialised diving apparel.

For those requiring maintenance, the on-site service department is highly capable. Their technicians are qualified to service and repair a wide range of equipment, including regulators, BCDs, and both wet and drysuits.

Full equipment hire is available for those who do not wish to travel with their own rig. The centre provides all the necessary components for a dive, ensuring that even novice divers can get into the water without needing to own a complete set of kit.