I dropped my regs off a month and a half before my main trip to ensure there was no possible way they wouldnt be done. I had some local dives planned before this trip and assumed the service would take no more than two weeks.I called two weeks after I dropped them off, they said they are not done but are in the queue. I waited another week, still not done. Two weeks before my trip, still not done. One week still not done but they said Im taking them down and putting them on his desk to be done next. Two days after that they tell me the same thing. The day before my trip they say the same thing again! I ended going to the shop right before it closes to pick up my regs which were still not done! So now Im stuck going on my trip with regs that were not serviced.

Poor customer service. Went in and looked around for 10 minutes trying to buy a mask. It is a very small store. Employee never even looked our way. Not even a hello or I will help you in a minute. There was only 1 other customer in the store. I will never go back!

Bought a large amount of equipment from them for a dive trip. Because of some miscommunication it did not arrive on time for my trip. They however fully worked with me and let me borrow all the equipment I needed. In a time of internet purchases, I think its beyond worth your time and money to continue working with and supporting small businesses like the dive shop and Mr. Jim McNeal.

Patient, Professional, Knowledgeable, and Friendly...iiI highly recommend!!!

I called the Dive and asked about the Hookah dive systems and they put the owner Jim on the phone. He did a great job of helping me and I ordered a system from them which he said he would have it drop shipped directly to me. Then because he was going out of town he gave me his cell number so I could call him if I had any questions. Being a retired business owner who operated just like that myself, I knew I was doing business with the right company. My system hasnt shown up and it is way past the delivery date, so I called Jim on his cell and he took the time from his vacation to find out what was happening and called me back to let me know. It may be arriving later than expected but I know that I can get hold of the person in charge if it doesnt. Things happen and I understand that, but the important thing is that someone will act on it.

Not long after getting certified (with rental equipment) while on vacation in the Caribbean, I visited The Dive Shop in Richmond several times just to look around. Somehow it was always Dave working there (I guess he works the weekends). I appreciated that he wasnt pushy but readily available to answer my questions. When I finally decided to take the plunge (ha!) and purchase my own gear, Dave, the owner Jim, and other staff at the shop were tremendously helpful and patient. (Admittedly, I am one of those slow, poky, always-second-guessing-my-purchase shoppers.) During the multiple visits it took for me to get everything I needed, they encouraged me to try various makes and models - never pressuring me to go with the latest, greatest and most expensive - until I found what worked for me and fit my budget. Later, they happily exchanged a pair of fins, even after I wore them on several dives, after I brought them back in because the straps kept slipping off my heels (first they had me try different boots in case that was the issue, but then we moved onto different fins). Ive never had to invoke it, but I understand they will price match sellers who are authorized dealers. Seriously, you will NEVER get this level of customer service, professionalism and assurance of safety and quality from Amazon or any other online store. One year later, I have logged more than 70 dives and have been places and seen things I never imagined. Conclusion: Shop local. Dive all over the world.

My partner and I got our Advanced Open Water certification with The Dive Shop in Richmond. We live in Durham, NC, and planned to meet them at Lake Phoenix in VA for the first time so honestly weren’t sure what to expect. From start to finish, the experience was incredible. We had the pleasure of diving with our dive instructor, David Buckley. Buckley was a great teacher, very smart, fun to be around for the weekend, and best of all, had thoughtful answers to any and all of our questions. The Dive Shop arranged for our rental gear to come down with Buckley, which was incredibly convenient since we weren’t able to come to the shop ahead of time. We would highly recommend The Dive Shop for anyone looking to get certified or take a class.

The dive shop staff are great. They will take the time to talk to you about new gear and what you may need. The problem is in the rental gear side of the business. We recently rented gear to go diving at Lake Phoenix with a class from the dive shop. Went in to pick up the gear they have you hook up BCD to tank to check for leaks( the only problem is the BCD is just sitting there with NO movement). Once we got to the dive site and I put the gear on and started to move around my BCD inflator hose leaked severely. I had the dive shop instructor look at it, he changed the seal in the inflator hose with little change in the leak status. He then replaced the inflator again no change in regards to the leak, so I only got a 10 minute dive that weekend. Took the rental gear back to dive shop told them what had happen and I was told that it was not their problem, it was my problem. The gear worked when I picked it up!!! My advice is NEVER rent gear from The Dive Shop in Richmond VA. They will rip you off if the gear doesnt work

Dave Buckley is the best. Extremely smart, has all certifications and very nice. I would give him 10 stars, not 5! Stuff is nice . Owner is great and friendly. Michael G

I usually do not write reviews, but I had to write this one.My son, who is 14, wanted to get his scuba certification. I looked around at many shops and found the dive shop to be the most convenient.I am so glad that I chose the dove shop. Their staff is extremely friendly andour instructors Dean and Dale were great. I was especially impressed by Deans patience with my son, but most of all with me.I will be recommending the dive shop to everyone that asks.Anthony F. & Andrew F.

Great dive shop. The instructors are knowledgeable and take the time to make sure that the students know the skills. The people in the shop are very friendly and helpful with setting you up with the gear you need. They even hooked us up with a really good dive shop in Key Largo (Horizon Divers) when we went to Florida for Spring Break. Will definitely dive with them again!

A great place to get dive, or airgun supplies.

Great shop the owner really cares about you and the service they provide. Enjoyed several classes now -- very easy to schedule, and offered enough to fit my busy life. They stand behind the equipment they sell if it does not fit right they will find a better fit even if you used it. Great team keep up the great work guys.P.S. William at the store will always make sure you are educated about your purchase.

I do not dive but called this shop to find out info/help with selling some gear for a family member. The woman on the phone was very knowledgeable and helpful going into detail about what I had and the best way to sell/donate it....even though my request meant I would not actually spend money at this business. That kind of friendly service is hard to come by and speaks volumes to the culture this establishment has.

This one of the best scuba shops Ive visited, when you walk through the door its more like walking into your family home and the welcome had always been pleasant! The staff are very knowledgeable especially the super friendly lady Judy! Although Im still waiting for those turtle bumper stickers to come in!

The staff and the owner Jim are all very kind and knowledgeable. They worked really hard with me and were very patient with me and all my issues. After several attempts to learn to scuba dive I am now comfortable to be in the water. Thank You to the entire staff for all their years of advice, help and understanding. You wont find a better dive shop.

Filled my sons high pressure air tank for his paintball gun for $10. Knowledgeable staff.

Great shop with excellent customer service. Ive purchased gear here and taken classes though them and both the salespeople and instructors are very knowledgable, professional, and friendly. I highly recommend Jim and his staff.

I have been doing buisness with the people here for about a year now, and i have no complaints to give. I learned how to scuba dive through this shop, and purchased the basic fins, snorkel, mask, and boots here. The workers in the shop are great and patient and give the place a great atmosphere. Good place with good people.

Friendly staff. Good selection. Knowledgeable of local sites.

I needed replacement parts for a pair of my flippers and these guys were the only ones able to help out.

Best dive shop ever. Great service. Great instructors.

They try to sell you alot but good instructors

The service is excellent and the staff are passionate and know what they are talking about.

Great knowledgeable staff. Offers a variety of courses.

Friendly. Sometimes confusing and dont provide all the needed info right away but come through in the end. When in doubt ask Judy, she clears everything up.

Truly enjoy taking the intro class

FULL SERVICE DIVE SHOP, FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFFONLY NEGATIVE IS THAT THE SPACE IS REAL TIGHT, CLASSROOM ALMOST CLAUSTROPHOBIA INDUCING

I enquires about training here and was told because I work weekends my training would be extra some $400 extra as quoteI didnt have a proper job they gave me some info and somewhere in the info they gave me is a statement saying remember to tip your instructor ass gas isnt cheap to lake Phoenix-that just rubbed me the wrong way as my course would be $800-900 and they expect tips- I dont mind tipping but after paying that much money I dont think they should be expecting tipping

Welcoming and informative staff

Helpful