The Dive Academy Las Terrenas
The Dive Academy Las Terrenas
The Dive Academy Las Terrenas
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
To New Adventures Say Yes!!!
We are the Experts in Splashology : Snorkeling Excursions, Power Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Scuba Courses, Try Scuba, Private Excursions, Snorkeling Rental
Award Winning Instructors
Licensed and insured
Book online now, or contact us for more information +18299069618
We speak English, French, Spanish, German and Danish
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
491 reviews
Excellent
453
Very good
28
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Heather S
47 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I had a great time with the Dive Academy! The staff were super friendly and very helpful. I dove in the local las Terrenas spot and dove through a bunch of beautiful caves. Audrey was great at making sure the caves were big enough and the current was not too strong before we all followed behind. I recommend if you are down in las Terrenas!
Written February 22, 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.
Hi,
Thanks a lot to take the time to write this review for us. We always make sure the dive will be safe for our clients and we are lucky to have beautiful diving spots around us.
We hope to see you soon and bring you to plenty of others beautiful dive spots,
All the Team from The Dive Academy
Written November 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne M
2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
Helpful staff, well managed and smooth. The dive site was interesting if not spectacular, but the experience was delightful. It was all exhilarating but clearly the watchful staff was not going to let anything go wrong. Divers ranged from kids to senior citizens— everyone had a good time
Written December 23, 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.
Robert Preston M
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Couples
Two dives at Las Ballenas Islands. Staff was super accommodating and helpful from the very beginning. The boat was well kept and in great shape. The best part was that the dive was led by three dive master instructors. There were a few beginners and they were extremely patient and when the beginners were having trouble they separated to ensure they had a great, and calm dive and so the others in the group could continue with the original dive. This place is about the dive experience. I have been to other places that either had an objective established, or did not care if someone was having trouble. I own my dive gear but the rest of the divers were renting. None had trouble with their rental gear. The academy also was very accommodating because I was the only one with psi and it was totally ok when doing air checks. I will definitely come back here the next time I visit.
Written March 17, 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.
a m
Paris, France3 contributions
Mar 2023
I rarely write reviews; this is an exception because I strongly recommend the Dive Academy in Las Terrenas. My wife and I decided to learn to dive together for our 60th birthday presents to each other. We looked at several schools in different countries. We are in excellent shape, but still safety and having fun within our limits was top of mind. We also wanted to avoid at all costs a "tick the boxes" approach.
We are so glad we chose Audrey and her team; they were thorough, specific and genuinely caring. We both got our Open Water Certification and feel we are properly trained to dive safely and have fun. For the specifics, well, I wrote a short poem (with a little help) to highlight the specifics and to thank Audrey and Charlotte. Merci beaucoup Audrey et Charlotte!
Beneath the waves of sapphire blue,
Audrey and Charlotte lead the crew,
Their conscientiousness, always on cue,
Teaching the rules and how to be safe, too.
With every lesson, they impart,
The knowledge to stay safe and smart,
From checking gear to diving deep,
Their skillful guidance, we forever keep.
In Las Terrenas, where the ocean sings,
Their expertise, a valuable thing,
Teaching each student with patience and care,
To ensure each dive is free from scare.
With hands-on training, they inspire,
The love for diving, to rise higher,
Audrey and Charlotte, the skilled pair,
Their passion for safety, beyond compare.
In every class, they lead the way,
To make sure each diver has their say,
Their conscientiousness, forever bright,
Guiding each student, with all their might.
We are so glad we chose Audrey and her team; they were thorough, specific and genuinely caring. We both got our Open Water Certification and feel we are properly trained to dive safely and have fun. For the specifics, well, I wrote a short poem (with a little help) to highlight the specifics and to thank Audrey and Charlotte. Merci beaucoup Audrey et Charlotte!
Beneath the waves of sapphire blue,
Audrey and Charlotte lead the crew,
Their conscientiousness, always on cue,
Teaching the rules and how to be safe, too.
With every lesson, they impart,
The knowledge to stay safe and smart,
From checking gear to diving deep,
Their skillful guidance, we forever keep.
In Las Terrenas, where the ocean sings,
Their expertise, a valuable thing,
Teaching each student with patience and care,
To ensure each dive is free from scare.
With hands-on training, they inspire,
The love for diving, to rise higher,
Audrey and Charlotte, the skilled pair,
Their passion for safety, beyond compare.
In every class, they lead the way,
To make sure each diver has their say,
Their conscientiousness, forever bright,
Guiding each student, with all their might.
Written March 13, 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.
Craigory B
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Family
The dive academy team was very accommodating from beginning to the end to make sure that we had the best experience. They taught my nephew how to scuba and my sister who needed one on one time do to fear etc... I would definitely recommend them for anyone who wants to dive while here and prices are very reasonable
Written April 14, 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.
F P
Private228 contributions
Mar 2021
In short this was my worst dive ever, but it was bearable due to the crew of Dive Academy Las Terrenas. I had the same above and beyond experience as shared by all. My first trip to the DR and there was bad weather that did not clear up until the day before my last day. Paul and Audrey expected a large group to dive, but ended up being just two. They still took us out on a full two tank boat dive.
Unfortunately, I became sick shortly after boarding. A seasoned diver and boat rider, I figured it would pass as soon as I "fed the fish". Nope. It became the dive from hell feeling sick on the boat, down below and bobbing in the waves. I started forgetting basic diving techniques and finally asked to return to the boat halfway through the second dive. I was deeply embarrassed.
The boat crew were phenomenal. Their entire focus was trying to ease my seasickness and not on the mess I was becoming. I think they broke a record getting me into my gear between waves of sickness for the second dive. And both dives were worth it.
Paul knows the reef and ensures you see the best of what is available. Those two dives were not the most plentiful in flora and fish, but they were excellent swim throughs. I haven't done swim throughs in years and thoroughly enjoyed my dive and a half. Most of all I appreciated the challenge of my diving ability. I am typically badass at bouncy control, but needed to up my skill when there is a decent current. I loved experiencing a dive befitting of a seasoned diver instead of cattle herded on a resort dive with newbies.
I would return to the DR just to dive with DALT again.
Unfortunately, I became sick shortly after boarding. A seasoned diver and boat rider, I figured it would pass as soon as I "fed the fish". Nope. It became the dive from hell feeling sick on the boat, down below and bobbing in the waves. I started forgetting basic diving techniques and finally asked to return to the boat halfway through the second dive. I was deeply embarrassed.
The boat crew were phenomenal. Their entire focus was trying to ease my seasickness and not on the mess I was becoming. I think they broke a record getting me into my gear between waves of sickness for the second dive. And both dives were worth it.
Paul knows the reef and ensures you see the best of what is available. Those two dives were not the most plentiful in flora and fish, but they were excellent swim throughs. I haven't done swim throughs in years and thoroughly enjoyed my dive and a half. Most of all I appreciated the challenge of my diving ability. I am typically badass at bouncy control, but needed to up my skill when there is a decent current. I loved experiencing a dive befitting of a seasoned diver instead of cattle herded on a resort dive with newbies.
I would return to the DR just to dive with DALT again.
Written March 21, 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.
Robin C
Blairgowrie, UK7 contributions
Mar 2023
My son and I went on a scuba dive with TDA. Everything went very well. Our first contact was by email. Audrey had to change our scheduled date because of bad weather. She kept me up to date until the dive day arrived. Their office is in Las Terrenas close to the water. Easy to get to and parking available. Audrey had everything ready when we arrived. Had to sign some forms and then we walked over to the dive boat. Boat crew were very helpful and made sure we were comfortable and all our stuff stowed away. Took about an hour to get to the dive site. Audrey did the breifing and then we were in the water. Conditions were not that great. A storm had kicked up a lot of sediment so visibility was limited but we still had fun. After the first dive we went to a beach for some snacks. It was lovely, isolated, inaccessible, and very relaxing. We headed out for the second dive. It was much like the first dive. Bruce and Audrey were very apologetic about the conditions. In fact, they gave us a refund and just charged us as if we were snorkeling. The refund was very generous and unexpected. I have been with some operations where the dives were way worse and there was no compensation offered.
So, we had fun, the crew were fun, Audrey and Bruce (the owners) were super nice the boat was great, and the beach was spectacular. I would go diving with TDA again.
So, we had fun, the crew were fun, Audrey and Bruce (the owners) were super nice the boat was great, and the beach was spectacular. I would go diving with TDA again.
Written March 17, 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.
aubricot
2 contributions
Jun 2021
We were traveling as a group of friends with mixed diving experience levels and had an absolute blast with the folks at The Dive Academy Las Terrenas. Audrey's knowledge, organization and enthusiasm combined with Paul's underwater expertise and British humor made for 10 fun, safe, and diverse dives all around the Samana Peninsula. Under the water, we saw rays, eels, barracuda, a squid squad, a turtle, chitons, a sea slug, some massive corals, and many of the common Caribbean reef fishes while learning about local ecosystems and conservation efforts. We can't wait for our next visit and highly recommend the shop to anyone visiting Dominican Republic for diving!
Written June 18, 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.
Cobra306SC
Woodstock, CT26 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were in Samana for only a few days and wanted to do a single day of diving so we used the rental gear. We were picked up and dropped off at the hotel which was prompt and appreciated. We arrived and did paperwork and got our gear and inspected it. It was a little rough. Leaking gauge hoses (note psi only no depth gauge which was very disconcerting), 1st stages, and BC. They said normal, yet never had the issue with rental gear elsewhere.
You have to carry your own gear off the beach through the waves onto the boat which is fine but don't expect to keep everything dry unless you have a dry bag. There is no dock.
The ride out is fine, just missing some simple things like a fresh water rinse bucket for defog and such.
The diving itself is pretty stark. The main features are the rock formations, pass throughs, arches, and caves. There is not much life to see if that's what your into.
The time between the dives was really the chaotic part. There is plenty of tank holders on the boat for 2x dives worth but it took 45 minutes to lug tanks out one at a time thru the waves to the boat again. Not sure if they don't have enough tanks and had to refill or what. Not much to do during this time.
The divemasters are good! Paul, the owner I believe, was a lot of fun and great sense of humor. Audrey was efficient and very nice as well. We talked to Erik quite a lot who was very nice, safe, and also was able to give lots of good local tips.
Between everyone i think they spoke English, Dutch, Spanish, French, and German so most people won't have an issue there!
You have to carry your own gear off the beach through the waves onto the boat which is fine but don't expect to keep everything dry unless you have a dry bag. There is no dock.
The ride out is fine, just missing some simple things like a fresh water rinse bucket for defog and such.
The diving itself is pretty stark. The main features are the rock formations, pass throughs, arches, and caves. There is not much life to see if that's what your into.
The time between the dives was really the chaotic part. There is plenty of tank holders on the boat for 2x dives worth but it took 45 minutes to lug tanks out one at a time thru the waves to the boat again. Not sure if they don't have enough tanks and had to refill or what. Not much to do during this time.
The divemasters are good! Paul, the owner I believe, was a lot of fun and great sense of humor. Audrey was efficient and very nice as well. We talked to Erik quite a lot who was very nice, safe, and also was able to give lots of good local tips.
Between everyone i think they spoke English, Dutch, Spanish, French, and German so most people won't have an issue there!
Written January 30, 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.
Andi P
Sosua, Dominican Republic5 contributions
Dec 2020
Beautiful dive sites with a top team.
Consideration is given to each individual, you feel very quickly familiar. Can't wait to do the next dive with you guys. Very special was also the "sign lesson" with Paul :-D
Consideration is given to each individual, you feel very quickly familiar. Can't wait to do the next dive with you guys. Very special was also the "sign lesson" with Paul :-D
Written December 20, 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.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your dives and Paul's signs. All the team is looking forward to seeing you again.
See you soon.
The TDA Team
Written December 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David S
Bellingham, Washington
What dive spots do you go to regularly? (I realize weather may play a factor) I've heard diving near Las Terrenas isn't good. Better to the west or east?
Written December 11, 2019
TheDiveAcademy-LasTerrenas
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Hello. We have some good diving spots here in Las Terrenas, especially around Ballenas islands with tunnels, swim-throughts and canyons. We also dive in Samana bay close to Cayo Levantado on a nice shipwreck. And the premier dives on the island are by Cabo Cabron where we go at least twice a week with a diving catamaran.
Written December 12, 2019
TheDiveAcademy-LasTerrenas
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Todo los precios estan en la pagina web y depende de la actividad o pueden contactar con mio via email.
Written June 3, 2018
Norma G
Villa Maria, Argentina
Hola voy a estar en Samana en mayo y quisiera hacer buceo,pero nunca lo hice ANTES,tengo 54 años,quisiera saber si se puede,costos y duración,voy a estar en hotel Bahía Príncipe san juan,si pasan a buscar
Written March 2, 2018
TheDiveAcademy-LasTerrenas
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Hi Norma. Yes you can certainly dive we us even if you have no previous dive experience. Our tandem diving experience is very safe and unique, and can be completed on different sites, including the shipwreck of the ferry in Samana bay. We do offer pick up from hotels in Las Terrenas, Samana and Las Galeras, but not in San Jua which is a long way from Samana. Regards
Written March 5, 2018
My husband, grandson and I will be arriving in Samana in December via a cruise ship. Are you close enough to accommodate us for diving? Will you pick us up and drop us off from the cruise ship? If you are not close enough to accommodate us, who would you recommend we use?
Written November 4, 2015
TheDiveAcademy-LasTerrenas
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Hi Kathy
Yes we can certainly dive you and your family in December. We will pick you up at the dock, your Cruise Ship "ferries" it's passengers to the harbour, then we will do the rest.
If you visit our website, our contact details are listed on there. Please email us so we can send you full details of the exciting diving we can offer you
Regards
The Dive Academy
Written November 4, 2015
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