Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned diver looking for new gear and advanced certifications, the Upstate of South Carolina has a surprising number of quality scuba shops. From Clemson to Greenville to the shores of Lake Jocassee, these
Why Upstate South Carolina Is a Surprising Scuba Destination
You might not think of landlocked South Carolina as a scuba hotspot, but the Upstate region is home to some of the Southeast's best freshwater diving. Lakes like Jocassee, Keowee, and Hartwell offer clear water, submerged forests, and even sunken structures like the Junk in Jocassee. Add in a handful of dedicated dive shops and instructors, and you've got a thriving local scena that's perfect for both beginners and advanced divers. Whether you're looking to get certified, buy gear, or join a charter, these five shops have you covered.
How I Ranked These Scuba Shops
I evaluated each business on four key factors: course variety (from Discover Scuba to technical certifications), gear selection and pricing, local expertise and charter availability, and overall value for money. Shops that offered multiple certification agencies, owned their own boats, or had a strong community presence scored higher. I also considered online accessibility and customer reviews where available.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five scuba shops in the Upstate, so you can see at a glance which one fits your needs.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| UpstateScuba | Best for budget-conscious divers and Clemson-area students |
| The Scuba Shop | Best for divers seeking PADI certifications and international dive travel |
| Lake Jocassee Dive Shop | Best for technical diving and personalized instruction on Lake Jocassee |
| Home | Bermuda Triangle | Greenville, South Carolina | Best for Greenville locals seeking gear and training in one place |
| Foothills Area YMCA Scuba | Best for budget-friendly beginner certification in a community setting |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Scuba Shops
#1 UpstateScuba
A screenshot of the UpstateScuba website.
UpstateScuba positions itself as the 'Diving Hub' of the Clemson region, and it's easy to see why. They offer a massive selection of scuba gear brands including Sherwood, Shearwater, and Akona, and they own two boats for regular charters around Clemson University and Lake Jocassee. Their certification lineup is broad, using SSI for most courses and NAUI for career-focused paths, and they even offer specialty certifications like Full Face Mask. If you want the lowest prices in town and a vibrant student diver community, this is your spot.
#2 The Scuba Shop
A screenshot of The Scuba Shop website.
With over 30 years of experience, The Scuba Shop is a trusted name for PADI certifications and international dive travel. They offer popular courses like Discover Scuba, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Master Scuba Diver, and they organize trips to destinations like the Bahamas, Bonaire, and the Florida Springs. Their local charters on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee make it easy to get wet close to home. If you value a shop with a proven track record and global trip options, this is a strong choice.
#3 Lake Jocassee Dive Shop
A screenshot of the Lake Jocassee Dive Shop website.
Run by veteran instructor Bill Routh, Lake Jocassee Dive Shop is the go-to for technical diving and local lake expertise. Bill has been diving since 1981 and has even shot footage for the Discovery Channel, and he offers everything from Discover Scuba to Trimix instruction. The shop uses SDI/TDI's eLearning program so you can complete academics online at your own pace, and their custom pontoon dive boat makes charters comfortable. If you want a patient, flexible instructor who knows every underwater secret of Lake Jocassee, this is the place.
#4 Home | Bermuda Triangle | Greenville, South Carolina
A screenshot of the Bermuda Triangle website.
Bermuda Triangle is a Greenville-based dive shop that combines retail gear sales with a full range of scuba courses from beginner to professional levels. Their website highlights both products and training programs, making them a convenient one-stop shop for local divers. While their online presence is more limited than some competitors, they offer a solid foundation for anyone looking to start or advance their diving journey in the Greenville area. If you want a local shop with both gear and courses under one roof, Bermuda Triangle is worth a visit.
#5 Foothills Area YMCA Scuba
A screenshot of the Foothills Area YMCA Scuba website.
The Foothills Area YMCA offers a no-frills, affordable path to SSI Open Water certification through a partnership with Upstate Scuba. Their program includes classroom, pool sessions at the Walhalla City Pool, and open water dives, all for a very reasonable price. They also offer a Discover Scuba program and a Refresher Course for certified divers who need a tune-up. If you're on a tight budget or prefer a community-focused learning environment, this YMCA program is a great entry point.
How to Choose the Right Scuba Shop for You
Start by deciding what you want: a quick certification, advanced training, or just gear and charters. If you're a student or on a budget, UpstateScuba or the YMCA program are your best bets. For technical diving and personalized instruction, Lake Jocassee Dive Shop is unmatched. If you value international travel and PADI credentials, go with The Scuba Shop. And if you're in Greenville and want a local shop with both gear and courses, Bermuda Triangle is a solid choice.
Streamline Your Scuba Journey with These Shops
Most of these shops offer online eLearning options so you can complete the academic portion of your certification from home. For example, Lake Jocassee Dive Shop uses SDI/TDI's eLearning, and UpstateScuba partners with SSI for digital materials. Once you finish the online work, you just show up for pool and open water sessions. This hybrid approach saves you time and lets you learn at your own pace.
Your Next Dive Starts Here
No matter which shop you choose, you're in good hands. The Upstate's scuba community is tight-knit, knowledgeable, and eager to help you explore the underwater world. Whether you're taking your first breath underwater or planning a technical deep dive, these five businesses offer the training, gear, and local expertise you need. Pick the one that matches your goals, and get ready to see the world from a whole new view.