Ocean Dive Center
Ocean Dive Center
4.5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursBoat RentalsPrivate Tours
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Ocean Dive Center, located at the Emirates Palace Marina in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., is a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) offering a full range of PADI courses. From beginner certifications to professional-level training, including the Instructor Development Course (IDC), we provide multiple PADI-certified specialties such as Wreck Diving, Enriched Air (Nitrox), Deep Diving, and more. Our experienced, multilingual instructors ensure every dive is safe, educational, and unforgettable for both new and experienced divers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Andy R
Bristol, UK98 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
I do recommend this dive cente in Abu Dhabi. It has moved recently onto the grounds of the Emirates Palace, near the marina, which sounds fantastic but in reality the centre's facilities are pretty basic at the moment, made of 3 portacabins. Their dive-boats are small and, therefore, rather cramped. Having said that, Ahmed the divemaster is excellent: very organised, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Also, the centre's admin staff are on the ball, again very well-organised. They responded quickly to my initial enquiry by Messenger, they communicated well by email in setting up my dives and they kept me informed by WhatsApp. These factors mean this dive centre beats others in the Abu Dhabi area that I have tried. But don't just take my word for it: their customers keep coming back. Top tip: to get there, enter through Security Gate 2 of Emirates Palace (they will have your name on a list) which isn't the nearest gate (which is closed), then turn immediately left and follow the cobbled road along the inside of the fence for about 400 metres, towards the marina; the dive centre is in the car park there. If going by taxi, they will let the car in at the gate to drop you at the centre, provided your name is on the list (ie: you can't just turn up).
Written December 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.
Thank you for your kind note, Mr. Andy, the Team is delighted to know that you have enjoyed and had a great time experience Diving with us. See you again next time.
Written January 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne M
2 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Diving on Sir Bani Yas Island with ODC was amazing. The communication from start to finish was amazing and we had a fantastic time. The dive company handled everything and ensured our equipment was always ready to go and in the right place. The additional activities on the Island made it a fantastic trip which we would recommend to anyone.
Due to strong currents, we unfortunately were only able to complete 3 of the 4 dives, but we all know that you cannot control the weather so we know that this sometimes happens and it’s all part of diving.
ODC went above and beyond and offered us two free dives back in Abu Dhabi which we very happily agreed to. What a wonderful gesture when it was something out of their control. Today we completed the two free dives at their wonderful location in the Emirates Palace Grounds, the diving again was very well organised and we enjoyed spotting sharks, dolphins and rays. The instructors are incredibly friendly and professional. We most certainly will be back.
Due to strong currents, we unfortunately were only able to complete 3 of the 4 dives, but we all know that you cannot control the weather so we know that this sometimes happens and it’s all part of diving.
ODC went above and beyond and offered us two free dives back in Abu Dhabi which we very happily agreed to. What a wonderful gesture when it was something out of their control. Today we completed the two free dives at their wonderful location in the Emirates Palace Grounds, the diving again was very well organised and we enjoyed spotting sharks, dolphins and rays. The instructors are incredibly friendly and professional. We most certainly will be back.
Written May 1, 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.
dlundberg5200
Chandler, AZ46 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
I just certified as an Open Water Diver, at the Ocean Dive Center. I had an amazing Instruction and diving experience at an Ocean Dive Center in Abu Dhabi. The professionalism of the instructors was exceptional, providing clear and concise instructions throughout the entire certification and dives. Safety was their utmost priority, and I felt completely at ease under their guidance. The quality of the equipment they provided was top-notch, ensuring a comfortable and secure dive. The center's dedication to creating safe divers was evident in their thorough training and attention to detail. From start to finish, the dive center exceeded my expectations and left me with unforgettable underwater memories. I highly recommend this center for anyone seeking a safe and professional diving adventure in Abu Dhabi.
Written June 7, 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.
Thank you so much for your kind review and wonderful feedback. It's our pleasure to be part of your diving career 😊 Rest assured that we will continue providing a quality, fun and safe training with all our customers 😊👌
Written June 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rashid O
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
I thoroughly enjoyed my time training & diving with ODC, and came to know instructors as a truly valuable asset to me. They are honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, they are an impressive instructors who is able to improve my Diving confident and skils
Written July 12, 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.
Thank you Rashid very much for your great review. It's our pleasure to provide you the training that will help you to be safe and a better Diver. We are happy that you enjoyed your training with us. Thank you for continuing your education and trusting ODC and the Team. Dive Safe always!
Written July 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara S
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Solo
I have done the open water diving course with Ahmed (Cobra).
The knowledge and confidence what he gave me,I can’t thank him enough..
He is extremly knowledgeable and passionate about diving what I felt throughout the training. He was always there when I had any questions and clarifications.
Thank you so much again for this amazing experience.
The knowledge and confidence what he gave me,I can’t thank him enough..
He is extremly knowledgeable and passionate about diving what I felt throughout the training. He was always there when I had any questions and clarifications.
Thank you so much again for this amazing experience.
Written February 5, 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.
Running Rick
Destin, FL202 contributions
Sep 2020
Ocean Dive Center is by far the best logistically and admin wise. The staff grabbed my dive bag, took it to the boat, set up my gear, then gave us a ride to the boat. Just knocked out the Deep Dive Specialty course with Instructor Flex and it was very well done. We did the dives, had fun, got great training, and returned to the marina in a reasonable amount of time. The marina is in a nice area of Abu Dhabi, right next to the Emirates Palace. The Captain is really good, on the ball and helped with all the diver's equipment. Great time, love to dive again with them!
Written September 27, 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 Mr. Rick, on behalf of the ODC Team, thank you very much for your kind note. We are delighted that you enjoyed your training sessions with us and with your Instructor "Flex".
Hope to see you diving with us soon.
Written September 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ln M
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I did my open water and advance open water diver course in Ocean dive center-Abu Dhabi with the best instructors, Teresa, Ahmed and Efren. I’ve learned so much from them. I highly recommend ODC team for their QUALITY teaching and training, professionalism, great staff and service. Thanks a lot Ocean Dive Center team!!
Written June 15, 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.
Thank you so much for your kind review and 5 star rating 😊 its our pleasure to be part of your diving career and we are delighted that you enjoyed your training sessions with us.
Dive safely always! 👌 See you on your next Adventure with us 😊
Written June 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
建英 孙
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Thank you very much to all of your team members for your conscientious and responsible teaching me various underwater skills. Every time I dive for training, I will feel the concern of everyone in your team. You are a kind, sincere and responsible team. It's my honor to choose you
Written October 9, 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.
Thank you so much for the amazing feedback.😊 Its our pleasure to be part of your diving career and we are delighted that you enjoyed your training sessions with us. As well gain more knowledge and confidence underwater.
Dive safely always! 👌 See you on your next Adventure with us 😊
Written October 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ETNA
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Professional and helpful staff and management made our first diving experience unique. I can definitely recommend this center. From the beginning Lauren was an awesome instructor; being friendly, demonstrating clearly and giving concise instructions. She always kept a watchful eye on us and was ready to assist us when needed. Her positive feedback and encouragement helped us to succeed!
Written June 28, 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.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with ODC! We're thrilled to hear that your first diving experience with our center was unique and memorable. We take great pride in providing a professional and helpful staff and management, so it's rewarding to know that our efforts made a positive impact on your time with us. Hope to see you soon and safe diving!
Written July 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ETNA
6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
My son completed his Open Water as well as all his practical Advanced Course dives at this center. The service is amazing. Helpful, friendly crew and instructors have been supporting him on this exciting journey. I can definitely recommend this center!
Written October 16, 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.
We are absolutely thrilled to read your fantastic review of Ocean Diving Center! It's wonderful to hear that your son successfully completed his Advanced Course with us, and we are grateful for your kind words.
Our dedicated crew and instructors, especially Lauren, take great pride in providing professional service, support, and guidance to our students. Your recognition of their hard work and commitment means a lot to us.
Creating amazing diving experiences is at the core of what we do, and we're delighted that we were able to contribute to your son's diving journey. Safety and skill development are our top priorities, and we're pleased to know that your son had a memorable and educational experience with us.
We genuinely appreciate your trust in Ocean Diving Center, and we can't wait to welcome your family back for more underwater adventures in the future. If you ever have more feedback to share or if there's anything else we can assist you with, please feel free to reach out.
Wishing you and your son many more incredible dives ahead!
Warm regards,
The Ocean Diving Center Team
Written October 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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