Chesapeake Bay Dive & Aquatic Center

Located in the Hilltop Plaza in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay Diving & Aquatic Center has been a fixture of the local diving community for nearly four decades. Since opening in 1986, the centre has evolved from a local training hub into a comprehensive facility offering everything from beginner certifications to specialised technical training and international liveaboard expeditions.

The centre operates as a full-service aquatic hub, meaning you can find everything from scuba gear retail and equipment repair to swimming instruction for all ages. Whether you are looking to complete your first Open Water Diver course in a controlled environment or are planning a deep wreck dive in the Red Sea, the facility is designed to support every stage of your diving career.

As an SSI affiliated centre, the team focuses heavily on safety, skill development, and practical experience. They have been teaching divers for 38 years, providing a level of stability and institutional knowledge that is rare in the industry.

Beyond standard scuba instruction, the centre is deeply integrated into the local community through its aquatic programmes. They offer a wide range of swimming lessons, including specialised instruction for children, adults, and those with specific learning needs, ensuring a holistic approach to water safety and proficiency.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering the full spectrum of SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Snorkeling or the Junior Open Water Diver programme, progressing through to the standard Open Water Diver course.

For those looking to expand their technical repertoire, the centre offers specialised training in Deep Diving, Wreck Diving, and Computer Diving. They also provide instruction in Freediving, ensuring that whether you are interested in breath-hold techniques or technical scuba, you have a structured pathway to follow.

The centre is well-equipped for both students and experienced divers needing rentals or fills. For those travelling light, a full range of equipment is available for hire, including BCDs, regulators with gauges, dive computers, and wetsuits. They also provide weight belts and weights on a per-pound basis.

Nitrox is available on-site with various cylinder sizes to suit your needs, including 80 cuft, 108 cuft, and 120 cuft options. For air fills, they provide standard scuba/SCBA services, including an option for high-pressure fills. The shop also offers professional equipment maintenance and repair services to keep your personal kit in top condition.