West Side Scuba Centre
West Side Scuba Centre
5
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Full view
About
West Side Scuba Centre established in 1993 is situated by the Boatyard complex. Located close to some of the most beautiful reefs on the South and West Coast of Barbados, this makes for ideal diving and exciting adventures. With high safety standards, our attention to detail, and small dive groups, you are sure to enjoy our underwater world. All dives are led either by a P.A.D.I Instructor or a P.A.D.I. certified dive master. Our staff is trained in E.F.R and are there to assist should the need arise. Associations represented are PADI/NAUI/BSAC/SSI. We are open year round for diving with some of the best conditions from November through September with daily trips offered seven days a week. You are sure to enjoy or varying water temperatures from 78 degrees to 84 degrees Farenheight. There are in excess of 20 prime dive sights, which can be reached within a 10-20 minute boat ride from the dive centre with depths ranging from 20 feet to 100 feet. We offer trips morning and afternoon.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
590 reviews
Excellent
542
Very good
26
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
7
Harris
London, UK3 contributions
Sep 2020
My girlfriend and I both took part in the discover scuba beginner diving course, an entry level day out aimed at people who have never dived before. I have been diving on three previous occasions but my girlfriend hadn't ever been.
West side is based out of the Boat Yard Club, which is a great location from which to go diving as you can have lunch before and enjoy a drink after in a fun environment with good facilities.
The experience began with our instructor, Peter, showing us a PADI introductory video discussing the basic skills required to dive safely. Peter is really friendly and took good care of us.
After the video Peter ran through it with us and made sure we were up to speed.
We then boarded their diving boat and drove a short distance from the beach. This would be the practical lesson so that Peter was confident in our ability to be safe underwater. The boat crew were all very friendly and helped us correctly put our gear on. We dove into the water and swam closer to the beach, pretty much so we could stand with our heads out of the water.
We practiced removing and reinserting our regulators as well as clearing our masks and more generally were assessed on comfort in the water. Having completed this part we swam back over to the boat where we were given a short break, some water and a candy bar.
The boat was then driven a short distance to a series of underwater wrecks which would be the main dive.
It was an excellent beginners dive; lots to see in bright, clear water. We swam over various wrecks and Peter was great at pointing out local underwater wildlife. As someone who had dived before, as well as a complete beginner the experience was great for both.
I would recommend West Side and Peter highly for anyone wanting to experience Scuba diving during their time in Barbados.
West side is based out of the Boat Yard Club, which is a great location from which to go diving as you can have lunch before and enjoy a drink after in a fun environment with good facilities.
The experience began with our instructor, Peter, showing us a PADI introductory video discussing the basic skills required to dive safely. Peter is really friendly and took good care of us.
After the video Peter ran through it with us and made sure we were up to speed.
We then boarded their diving boat and drove a short distance from the beach. This would be the practical lesson so that Peter was confident in our ability to be safe underwater. The boat crew were all very friendly and helped us correctly put our gear on. We dove into the water and swam closer to the beach, pretty much so we could stand with our heads out of the water.
We practiced removing and reinserting our regulators as well as clearing our masks and more generally were assessed on comfort in the water. Having completed this part we swam back over to the boat where we were given a short break, some water and a candy bar.
The boat was then driven a short distance to a series of underwater wrecks which would be the main dive.
It was an excellent beginners dive; lots to see in bright, clear water. We swam over various wrecks and Peter was great at pointing out local underwater wildlife. As someone who had dived before, as well as a complete beginner the experience was great for both.
I would recommend West Side and Peter highly for anyone wanting to experience Scuba diving during their time in Barbados.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rrolpg
Warminster, UK1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Friends
I don’t normally take the time to write a review but it is very rare to find a place in the world which instantly makes you feel welcome and part of the dive family! I read many trip advisor reviews before choosing and I can assure you, if you’re like me - you need to look no further and book with them! This is a genuine review :)
I learnt how to dive with this company on holiday for a week in Barbados and I completed my open water certification with Peter Granham. He is a very knowledgeable and safe instructor who has the right attitude and know how to get you through the course. He never rushed me and was incredibly patient and gentle with the dives, slowly progressing at the pace I needed to build confidence and skills. I can’t thank him enough! By the end of the course I was loving diving with the whole team and my partner, who is a more experienced diver. There’s lots to see including sea turtles, rays, beautiful fish and many wrecks.
The whole team including Banks, Max, Robbie and of course Peter have been awesome and if we’re lucky enough to travel back to Barbados we will certainly book more diving with them! I would also like to thank and recommend their taxi driver Ralph who was super reliable, friendly and has a beautiful aircon BMW to take you to and from your dives which they arrange for you but also he will take you to and from dinners and the airport if you need. Absolute professional! We had a wonderful time with the whole team and hope that you do to! 🙏❤️
Thank you so much for making our holiday!
I learnt how to dive with this company on holiday for a week in Barbados and I completed my open water certification with Peter Granham. He is a very knowledgeable and safe instructor who has the right attitude and know how to get you through the course. He never rushed me and was incredibly patient and gentle with the dives, slowly progressing at the pace I needed to build confidence and skills. I can’t thank him enough! By the end of the course I was loving diving with the whole team and my partner, who is a more experienced diver. There’s lots to see including sea turtles, rays, beautiful fish and many wrecks.
The whole team including Banks, Max, Robbie and of course Peter have been awesome and if we’re lucky enough to travel back to Barbados we will certainly book more diving with them! I would also like to thank and recommend their taxi driver Ralph who was super reliable, friendly and has a beautiful aircon BMW to take you to and from your dives which they arrange for you but also he will take you to and from dinners and the airport if you need. Absolute professional! We had a wonderful time with the whole team and hope that you do to! 🙏❤️
Thank you so much for making our holiday!
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Healingsavage
London, UK324 contributions
Nov 2020
Great dive team with support to individual divers, super training and 100% Health & Safety practise.
Peter who runs the show is great fun, knowledgeable and his Health & Safety from temperature checks, hand sanitation and good record keeping.
Because of where West Side Scuba Centre is situated the dive sites are phenomenal.
I saw a turtle, sting rays and incredible fish on every dive.
Carlisle Bay has several ship wrecks and they are shallow so 30-50 feet of ships, fish, lots of great wildlife and the topography is magnificent compared with the North especially St Lucy where Barbados Scuba is pretty poor with their anti Covid-procedures, which can be life-threatening, especially if someone is positive and not checked.
If you have not dived before or you are experienced West Side is the company to choose. Because they have extra supervising divers, you dont have to surface when the first diver runs low on air, because someone will guide them back on board while you continue to dive, until you run low yourself.
Also, the entry into their boat is very safe and they assist divers on board.
this company actually provide a choice of drinks and snacks in the break and they dont rush dives like other scuba dive companies up north.
West Side Scuba also service their equipment such as BCD's Regulators and especially tanks.
The team are professional seasoned dive masters and support new divers in learning the Padi courses at al levels.
Be very careful who you choose to have your dives with especially in view of the Covid world at present, because numbers are increasing in Barbados and your fisrt dive could be your last!
Peter who runs the show is great fun, knowledgeable and his Health & Safety from temperature checks, hand sanitation and good record keeping.
Because of where West Side Scuba Centre is situated the dive sites are phenomenal.
I saw a turtle, sting rays and incredible fish on every dive.
Carlisle Bay has several ship wrecks and they are shallow so 30-50 feet of ships, fish, lots of great wildlife and the topography is magnificent compared with the North especially St Lucy where Barbados Scuba is pretty poor with their anti Covid-procedures, which can be life-threatening, especially if someone is positive and not checked.
If you have not dived before or you are experienced West Side is the company to choose. Because they have extra supervising divers, you dont have to surface when the first diver runs low on air, because someone will guide them back on board while you continue to dive, until you run low yourself.
Also, the entry into their boat is very safe and they assist divers on board.
this company actually provide a choice of drinks and snacks in the break and they dont rush dives like other scuba dive companies up north.
West Side Scuba also service their equipment such as BCD's Regulators and especially tanks.
The team are professional seasoned dive masters and support new divers in learning the Padi courses at al levels.
Be very careful who you choose to have your dives with especially in view of the Covid world at present, because numbers are increasing in Barbados and your fisrt dive could be your last!
Written January 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tjharding
3 contributions
Aug 2022
I went on two trips with West Side Scuba during a recent trip and I have to say I was really impressed. I'd not dived for about 10 years prior to this trip and so was somewhat rusty(!), but they instantly made me feel at ease and arranged a refresher for me at the start of a scheduled trip - so I was able to do both the planned dives and didn't miss out on anything.
The guys were all great: Max, who led the dives, was super helpful and gave really good explanations of the dive sites and the routes we would be taking; Pierre, the boat captain, did an awesome job of finding a site where the line had become disconnected from the wreck; and Peter, who was running the shop, was also really helpful. They were all great company and my two days with them were a lot of fun. The dive boat was well equipped and the tanks all nice and full(!); and the dive sites themselves were really good with lots of interesting marine life. The SS Stavronikita (wreck) in particular was superb, really atmospheric and loads to see - definitely one to check out.
I'd 100% recommend West Side Scuba to anyone interested in diving in Barbados and I'll definitely be going back next time I'm there.
The guys were all great: Max, who led the dives, was super helpful and gave really good explanations of the dive sites and the routes we would be taking; Pierre, the boat captain, did an awesome job of finding a site where the line had become disconnected from the wreck; and Peter, who was running the shop, was also really helpful. They were all great company and my two days with them were a lot of fun. The dive boat was well equipped and the tanks all nice and full(!); and the dive sites themselves were really good with lots of interesting marine life. The SS Stavronikita (wreck) in particular was superb, really atmospheric and loads to see - definitely one to check out.
I'd 100% recommend West Side Scuba to anyone interested in diving in Barbados and I'll definitely be going back next time I'm there.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jesse Sands
New York City, NY4 contributions
Dec 2019
I first dived with West Side Scuba this past July, when I did approximately 10 dives with Peter (the owner) and Roy (divemaster), both of whom are terrific to dive with. I just dived with them again 8 times over the Christmas holiday and had another terrific time.
I've been diving for over 20 years now, so I know a well-run dive operation, and Peter definitely runs his extremely well. The boat and dive gear are maintained as they should be, and the staff is very highly trained, professional, and follow all proper safety procedures. Roy, in particular, is one of the best dive guides I've ever had the pleasure to dive with. He is extremely talented at spotting interesting critters for divers to see.
They also make an effort not to visit the same reefs over and over, which is great both for multi-day divers like me, as well as for the health of the reefs. And when my wife couldn't dive this summer for health reasons, they were kind enough to take us for a great trip to snorkel with turtles, an experience she still reminisces about.
When I go to Barbados again, I'll be using them again as my dive shop, which is the best recommendation I can give.
I've been diving for over 20 years now, so I know a well-run dive operation, and Peter definitely runs his extremely well. The boat and dive gear are maintained as they should be, and the staff is very highly trained, professional, and follow all proper safety procedures. Roy, in particular, is one of the best dive guides I've ever had the pleasure to dive with. He is extremely talented at spotting interesting critters for divers to see.
They also make an effort not to visit the same reefs over and over, which is great both for multi-day divers like me, as well as for the health of the reefs. And when my wife couldn't dive this summer for health reasons, they were kind enough to take us for a great trip to snorkel with turtles, an experience she still reminisces about.
When I go to Barbados again, I'll be using them again as my dive shop, which is the best recommendation I can give.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy Mitchell
Ottawa, Canada22 contributions
Jan 2022
Peter and his team will definitely take you on a diving adventure to write home about! After 25 dives together, I can honestly say I will never dive with anyone else on the island.
The briefings are thorough and they do a great job explaining where we are going and what we will see. The crew is knowledgeable about the dive locations and share their enthusiasm for the island. Equipment is clean and well maintained and COVID-19 protocols are followed. They do not pack the boat like sardines so you have a chance to meet people and enjoy some nice relaxing dives.
Dive Instructor Max is patient and encouraging and takes the time to truly teach the skills. He is passionate about his job and it shows. Pierre the Boat Captain is attentive helpful and engaging...as he says, this isn't "his first rodeo" and "when we are on vacation he is in the 'office' looking after us" Peter is a professional through and through and holds his team accountable for the safety and enjoyment of his customers. It was great to see him guiding his son Brandon on the business side of the Dive Centre while also ensuring he continues his certifications.
Thank you for a memorable visit to your paradise.....see you soon to blow more bubbles!
The briefings are thorough and they do a great job explaining where we are going and what we will see. The crew is knowledgeable about the dive locations and share their enthusiasm for the island. Equipment is clean and well maintained and COVID-19 protocols are followed. They do not pack the boat like sardines so you have a chance to meet people and enjoy some nice relaxing dives.
Dive Instructor Max is patient and encouraging and takes the time to truly teach the skills. He is passionate about his job and it shows. Pierre the Boat Captain is attentive helpful and engaging...as he says, this isn't "his first rodeo" and "when we are on vacation he is in the 'office' looking after us" Peter is a professional through and through and holds his team accountable for the safety and enjoyment of his customers. It was great to see him guiding his son Brandon on the business side of the Dive Centre while also ensuring he continues his certifications.
Thank you for a memorable visit to your paradise.....see you soon to blow more bubbles!
Written January 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel R
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Couples
My partner and I had a great time, Peter Brandon and Captain Pierre are very professional whilst making it fun. They were very patient with my partner who was quite nervous. I’d 100% recommend them to anyone thinking of diving while they’re on the beautiful island of Barbados.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt
Bobbington, UK212 contributions
Aug 2021
My wife and I had a great experience with West Side Scuba in August this year. Peter picked us up from our hotel by car on the first day and by boat the second day that we dived with them. We did 4 dives in total and saw lots of wrecks, reefs and The Stav. Peter, Robert, Banks and Max were all great and looked after us really well. The dives were priced really well and we saw turtles, a sting ray, moray eels, lots of soft coral and plenty more! Robert is really knowledgable and told us lots of interesting facts about the dive sites and wrecks. Snacks and water was provided during the surface interval and all four of the dives were only a short boat ride away from the dive shop. In between dives, they washed and looked after our kit and then put it all on the boat for our next dives.
Overall we were really impressed! Would 100% recommend to anyone looking to dive in Barbados.
Overall we were really impressed! Would 100% recommend to anyone looking to dive in Barbados.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraveltheWorld
Houston, TX46 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Strongly recommend this place for all levels of diving!
Last September, had my first dive in my life with the owner Peter. Had a wonderful experience. Decided to take course through West Side Scuba to obtain the Open Water Diver license.
This year, I went back WSSC to finish my dives. Had Max Weedon as my instructor. He was very patient and very kind. I am not a water person. He encouraged me and helped me to overcome my fear. Had one on one on the first 2 dives, one to two on next 2 dives. This really helped me a lot. At the end of the diving session, he asked me to do air another diving session since few points I didn’t do well. He said he has to be responsible for me and also want to make sure I can be safe in the water(I was not aware my surrounding which scared him a lot). He is nice but also strict which I need it for my underwater safety. He is a excellent responsible instructor. Next day, I was on the boat with my instructor Max, captain and a crew. Had a private diving trip with them. Can’t say enough Thank You to this company.
I had wonderful experience with West Side Scuba Center! The staffs are friendly and fun. They provide snack bars, cakes and bottle water all for free. What I like the most is they are friendly but also responsible. It is a safe company to go diving with. Strongly strongly recommend this place!
Last September, had my first dive in my life with the owner Peter. Had a wonderful experience. Decided to take course through West Side Scuba to obtain the Open Water Diver license.
This year, I went back WSSC to finish my dives. Had Max Weedon as my instructor. He was very patient and very kind. I am not a water person. He encouraged me and helped me to overcome my fear. Had one on one on the first 2 dives, one to two on next 2 dives. This really helped me a lot. At the end of the diving session, he asked me to do air another diving session since few points I didn’t do well. He said he has to be responsible for me and also want to make sure I can be safe in the water(I was not aware my surrounding which scared him a lot). He is nice but also strict which I need it for my underwater safety. He is a excellent responsible instructor. Next day, I was on the boat with my instructor Max, captain and a crew. Had a private diving trip with them. Can’t say enough Thank You to this company.
I had wonderful experience with West Side Scuba Center! The staffs are friendly and fun. They provide snack bars, cakes and bottle water all for free. What I like the most is they are friendly but also responsible. It is a safe company to go diving with. Strongly strongly recommend this place!
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryn T
4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
5 stars is not sufficient for Westside scuba. Having met Peter at a dive show in the UK, he promised a lot and delivered in spades. Professional in all aspects, I was asked for my cert cards before I went anywhere near the boat. I booked a 12 tank dive package which ended up being a 14 tank I enjoyed the experience so much. The dive crew of RJ, Brandon, Thea with Pierre as captain was a perfect combination. Even after completing multiple dives with them, I was still talked through boat safety and dive briefs daily. The dive sites were a fantastic mix of reefs and wrecks with RJ, Brandon and Thea making sure we saw the best of the fantastic Barbados marine life. I cannot recommend Westside scuba highly enough. If you book with them, you will be met with both professional attitude and a fun enjoyable atmosphere throughout. Thank you #westsidescuba for making my holiday perfect. 🤙🏻🤿🐟🐠🪸
Written April 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niworkman
3 contributions
How strong a swimmer do you have to be to scuba dive
Bernie G
Brighton, UK38 contributions
Hi Niworkman
As the previous response indicated you do not have to be a very strong swimmer to scuba dive. As scuba diving is a form of exercise you do need to be reasonably fit. The beauty is that once properly trained you are weightless or naturally buoyant in the water and once you have some experience you can relax and enjoy the underwater world which is brilliant. Depending on tour country of origin or your holiday destination simply register with a PADI dive training school. Online first stage. Poole work for basics and 4 qualifying dives in the open water and you are there. Westside Scuba are excellent and will turn you into a diver reassuringly and professionally
dean3376
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK14 contributions
Hi It is going to be my first scuba-dive and I am just wondering do I need a lot of training as I have not done this before and I would love to experience this thanks 🤗
WestCentre
Bridgetown, Barbados1 contribution
Hi, What you do is watch a short DVD that shows you what you are going to learn in the sea/pool and then we go to the confined area and do a lesson of 20 to 30 minutes and once you complete the skills we go to a marine park and dive on the reef and ship wrecks. You can e mail me.
sandysh1
Dover, MA10 contributions
Is it possible for family members to be on boat or snorkel during ow certification dives?
Hello, This is not a problem. Could you send me you questions.
Could you go to my website and send me and e mail.
Thanks,
Linda S
11 contributions
Hi we are arriving June 24, and have group of 6 divers interested in several days of diving- we are staying at The Crane, do y'all have pick up available to & from?
Hello Linda,
Thanks for the e mail. We can look after your group of divers.
Can you e mail me so i can send you some attachments and all info do do this booking.
Thanks,
Carol W
Plainfield, VT38 contributions
How close are you to Sugar Bay and do you pick up there?
Hello,
We are located about 10 minute walk from your hotel, we opposite the Savannah Hotel, when you walk on the main road keep the sea on your left and you will see a sign opposite the hotel just walk in.
Thanks,
West Side Scuba Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
West Side Scuba Centre Information
Excellent Reviews | 542 |
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Very Good Reviews | 26 |
West Side Scuba Centre Photos | 462 |