## Where to Learn Scuba Diving Near Washington DC in 2019
Washington DC may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of scuba diving, but with the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean within easy reach, there are plenty of great places to learn this exciting sport. Here’s a look at some of the best places to learn scuba diving near Washington DC in 2019:
### Local Dive Shops
There are several dive shops located in the Washington DC area that offer scuba diving lessons and certification courses. These shops typically have experienced instructors who can teach you the basics of scuba diving, including how to use scuba gear, how to dive safely, and how to deal with emergencies. Some of the most popular dive shops in the area include:
– Aquatic Adventures (Bethesda, MD)
– Capital Scuba (Washington, DC)
– Dive & Sail (Annapolis, MD)
– PADI Scuba Diving Center (Arlington, VA)
– Scuba Emporium (Rockville, MD)
### Community Colleges
Several community colleges in the Washington DC area offer scuba diving courses. These courses are typically offered as part of the physical education or recreation department and are open to both students and non-students. Some of the colleges that offer scuba diving courses include:
– Northern Virginia Community College (Annandale, VA)
– Montgomery College (Rockville, MD)
– Prince George’s Community College (Largo, MD)
### YMCA
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington offers scuba diving lessons and certification courses at several of its locations in the area. These courses are open to members and non-members and are taught by experienced instructors. The YMCA also offers a variety of other aquatic activities, such as swimming, water aerobics, and kayaking.
### Cost of Scuba Diving Lessons
The cost of scuba diving lessons varies depending on the location, the type of course, and the level of certification you want to achieve. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for a basic scuba diving certification course. This includes the cost of instruction, equipment rental, and pool or open water dives.
### What to Look for in a Scuba Diving Course
When choosing a scuba diving course, it’s important to consider the following factors:
– Experience of the instructors
– Reputation of the dive shop or organization
– Cost of the course
– Type of certification you want to achieve
– Location of the course
It’s also important to make sure that you’re physically fit enough to scuba dive. You should be able to swim comfortably and be in good overall health. If you have any medical conditions, you should consult with a doctor before starting a scuba diving course.
## Tips for Learning Scuba Diving
Here are a few tips for learning scuba diving:
– Start with a basic certification course. This will teach you the basics of scuba diving, including how to use scuba gear, how to dive safely, and how to deal with emergencies.
– Practice in a pool before diving in open water. This will allow you to get comfortable with the equipment and the basics of scuba diving.
– Dive with a buddy. This is always the safest way to scuba dive.
– Be patient. Learning to scuba dive takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
– Have fun! Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world and make new friends.
## Conclusion
Learning to scuba dive is a great way to experience the underwater world and make new friends. If you’re interested in learning to scuba dive near Washington DC, there are several great options available. With a little research, you can find a course that fits your needs and budget.