My wife and I just completed our SSI Open Water Diver certification with Matt, and it has been a great experience! Matt is an excellent instructor who was very helpful and patient with everyone in the class. We have been wanting to start SCUBA diving for years, and we both had a great time learning and diving with Gulf Coast Divers. They go out of their way to help choose the right gear for every person looking to buy or rent, and there is absolutely no sales pressure. We are very excited to continue learning with their additional specialty classes, and have already booked more dives.

Gulf Coast Divers is amazing! I did my research before booking a training class and these guys went above and beyond. Connor was amazing from the first phone call and was able to answer all my questions. Mark was the best instructor, very detailed and took the extra time to answer any question we may have had. Then on the dive days Mark and Matt went above and beyond with all divers, spending extra time with those struggling to ensure they got the appropriate support. I’m looking forward to continuing my diving learning and will definitely be doing it with them. Thank you.

Matt runs a great organization. He is passionate about what he does and he does it well. My daughter and I recently took lessons from Gulf Coast divers to get certified and to dive in Hawaii. Because of their great instruction we felt comfortable and competent when we went diving for the first time in Hawaii after our certification classes. They have made life long passionate divers of both of us. Their equipment is top notch as well.

Some great people work here! Everyone is very courteous, knowledgeable, and I have not once had a bad experience in the shop or on the dives that they run. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get into diving. This is where I got certified and because they do it in groups, everybody becomes close-knit and by the end of it everybody wants to go on group dives together! So come and get your feet wet! Hopefully I'll see you on a dive!

I got my SSI Open Water SCUBA certification with Gulf Coast Divers. The course is very complete and very cost competitive compared to the other Tampa dive centers. Everyone there is friendly and has a great attitude. It's clear that everyone there loves what they do and bringing new people into diving. The instructors are very knowledgeable, thorough and make certain that every student is 100% proficient at each skill. They show you what you need to do and explain exactly why it's important. I am very happy with my choice to get certified with Gulf Coast Divers.

If you’re looking for the best shop in Tampa, this is it! Mark is a great instructor and will help you pick the right equipment for your needs. He adds a lot of fun while staying focused on your safety. Matt is super patient and makes everyone feel welcome. Connor is always super helpful with questions and gear. I trust this team. I’d give them 10 stars if I could. I’ve found my home shop!

Absolutely enjoyed the dive class. Instructors and staff were very knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely wanted everyone to succeed in their journey in becoming a new diver. Connor was extremely helpful when it came to picking my gear out and making sure I was happy with it. Highly recommend the store and the classes.

Diving made easy! Anyone with a slight interest in learning how to scuba dive should sign up for the open water course here. The owner, Matt, made it a very comfortable experience and was very accommodating to scheduling and any concerns we had during our classes. I had a phenomenal time getting to spend time with the people learning beside me. Now that I have the skills, I'm only looking forward to what's to come next in my diving career!

I got certified with Matt in September of 2022. It was a fantastic experience, and Matt's breadth of knowledge and experience came through even in a laid-back, joking demeanor. Since then, I have gone on numerous dives and trips with Gulf Coast. If you have even a passing interest in SCUBA, this is YOUR dive shop for a great time, great friends, and great experiences!

Since moving from Dallas, Texas to Tampa Bay, Matt Glime and Connor Meyers have treated me and all of my friends with the upmost professionalism, friendliness, and respect - which is why I personally endorse Gulf Coast Divers (GCD) to all of my buddies via word of mouth for all of their diving needs and desires. Today I am compelled to write this review, which is not only merited, but in my modest opinion, fully warranted. It is my absolute pleasure to note that Mark Guilbault of GCD reached a level of customer service, the likes I cannot recall ever previously experiencing, while my dive buddy and I prepared for our first ever lobster hunting/fishing trip. With the patience of an immortal entity, Mark ensured that he thoroughly explained each and every question we had about the trip and the gear we required. When testing our Nitrox tanks, Mark had to assist us multiple times with technical issues which were beyond both my dive buddy's skillset as well as my own. It was only after my dive buddy and I had walked out of the store into the raining parking lot that I realized I did not posses ALL appropriate equipment to transport our 6 tanks in the back of the truck. A newly made friend from GCD suggested that I run back into the store to buy the item I was missing (keep in mind that this was after the store SHOULD have officially closed for the night). Mark not only pointed me to the tank carrier; he walked out in the pouring rain and instructed me how to secure all 6 tanks with it and the bungy chords I already had! Needless to say I am quite obliged by all of his efforts, kindness, professionalism, and patience. Thank you Mark and thanks to everyone at GCD!