Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Scuba Diving Partner in Littleton, CO
A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center has been a trusted name in scuba diving since 1959, founded by Ernie and Violet Busnardo in Englewood, Colorado. As a family-owned and operated business, we have dedicated over six decades to introducing thousands to the wonders of underwater exploration. Our 11,000-square-foot facility in Littleton, Colorado, features a state-of-the-art pool with an underwater sound system, endless pool technology, and on-site classrooms. We offer comprehensive scuba certification courses for beginners and advanced divers, supported by a team of certified instructors with decades of combined experience. Our retail store provides top-tier diving equipment, while our repair department utilizes cutting-edge tools to maintain gear to the highest standards.We specialize in escorted dive vacations to exotic locations, ensuring seamless travel experiences for our clients. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous equipment maintenance protocols, including Flowbench testing and heated ultrasonic cleaning. We prioritize customer safety and satisfaction through personalized service, transparent operations, and a dedication to continuous improvement. With a legacy of innovation and trust, A-1 Scuba remains a leader in the diving community.
Services
Scuba Certification
Equipment Rental
Gear Repair
Dive Vacations
Maintenance Clinics
Pool Rentals
Travel Services
Retail Sales
Private Instruction
Underwater Excursions
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We offer scuba instruction since 1959 with a proven two-step certification process.
- Our rental equipment undergoes maintenance after every use for optimal performance.
- We provide Flowbench-tested regulators and heated ultrasonic cleaning for gear longevity.
- Our escorted dive vacations are led by Master Diver Trainers with emergency expertise.
- We guarantee free pool practice after equipment servicing for diver confidence.
Associations and certifications
- Atomic
- Aqualung
- Apex
- Cressi
- Genesis
- Hollis
- Mares
- Oceanic
- Scuba Pro
- Sea Quest
- Shearwater
- Sherwood
- Suunto
- Dive TUSA
- U.S. Divers
- Uwatec
- Zeagle
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Top-notch equipment maintenance
Life-changing diving experiences
Knowledgeable and patient staff
Seamless travel coordination
Services
Scuba Certification Courses
Our scuba certification programs cater to all skill levels, using a two-step process combining online learning with hands-on pool and open-water training. Courses include SSI Open Water Diver, Advanced Diver, and specialty certifications like Enriched Air Nitrox. Students receive digital manuals, guided pool sessions, and access to the Denver Downtown Aquarium for open-water dives. With flexible scheduling options, including weekend and weekday classes, we ensure personalized instruction from PADI-certified professionals. Our curriculum emphasizes safety, buoyancy control, and emergency response techniques.
Equipment Rental
We offer premium scuba gear rentals, including BCDs, regulators, dive computers, and wetsuits, with options for both recreational and technical diving. All equipment undergoes post-use maintenance, including Flowbench testing and heated ultrasonic cleaning. Packages start at $65/day for basic kits and include tanks, weights, and accessories. Long-term rentals feature discounted rates, while travel packages provide free equipment bags. Our staff assists with setup and provides usage guidance to ensure diver safety and comfort during local or international expeditions.
Gear Repair Services
Our award-winning repair department services all major scuba brands using oxygen-compatible lubricants and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Services include regulator flow testing, BCD valve replacement, and computer battery changes. We offer a Safety Inspection Program (SIP) for post-trip gear maintenance, including free pool testing after servicing. Certified technicians handle complex repairs for Atomic, Aqualung, Mares, and other leading brands. Customers receive detailed maintenance logs and equipment performance reports.
Escorted Dive Vacations
We organize guided dive trips to premier destinations like Cozumel, the Solomon Islands, and St. Lucia, led by Master Diver Trainers. Packages include accommodations, boat dives, and equipment transport logistics. Travelers benefit from group discounts and expert-led excursions tailored to varying skill levels. Our partnerships with international dive centers ensure seamless certification credit transfers. Each trip includes safety briefings, local marine life education, and opportunities for advanced certifications in exotic locations.
Maintenance Clinics
Our equipment maintenance clinics teach divers to perform basic field repairs and preventive care. Topics cover regulator troubleshooting, BCD valve maintenance, and wetsuit repair. Participants learn to use 'save-a-dive' kits for emergency fixes. Clinics run monthly at $25 per session, with free enrollment for equipment purchasers. Instruction emphasizes prolonging gear lifespan and ensuring safety compliance. Attendees receive printed guides and access to video tutorials for ongoing reference.
People
Mitzi Holdren
Instructor Trainer
Mitzi Holdren brings over 20 years of diving experience to A-1 Scuba, specializing in advanced diver education and instructor development. She contributes to curriculum design and ensures training standards align with industry best practices.
Scott Taylor
Master Diver Trainer
Scott Taylor, a certified CPR and DAN Emergency Management Provider, leads international dive expeditions and oversees equipment safety protocols. With 30+ years in the field, he mentors new instructors and manages complex gear repairs.
Tracy Ackerman
Certified Instructor
Tracy Ackerman specializes in beginner diver courses, known for patient instruction and creating engaging classroom environments. He has trained over 500 new divers since joining A-1 in 2018.
Zan
Dive Master
Zan specializes in youth diving programs, holding certifications in adaptive diving instruction. He focuses on creating safe, confidence-building experiences for junior divers aged 10-14.
Eric
Retail Manager
Eric manages the retail division, offering expert equipment advice and fitting services. With a decade at A-1, he ensures customers select optimal gear for their diving needs.
Questions
What scuba certification options do you offer for beginners?
We provide SSI Open Water Diver courses using a two-step process: online theory followed by pool sessions and open-water dives at locations like the Denver Downtown Aquarium.
Can I rent scuba gear without certification?
Yes, we rent equipment to non-certified divers for pool use and guided experiences. Staff assistance ensures proper setup and safe operation during rental periods.
Do you service non-SSI brand diving equipment?
Our repair department services most major brands, including Atomic, Aqualung, and Mares, using manufacturer-approved tools and oxygen-safe lubricants.
Are private scuba lessons available?
Private instruction is offered for all certification levels. Contact us at 303-789-2450 to schedule personalized training sessions tailored to your schedule and skill level.
What dive travel packages include equipment transport?
Our escorted trips include equipment transport logistics. Renters receive free gear bags for international travel, with pre-trip maintenance checks included in package pricing.
How often should I service my scuba regulator?
We recommend annual servicing or after 100 dives, whichever comes first. Our Flowbench-tested maintenance ensures optimal breathing performance and safety compliance.
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