Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Scuba & Snorkeling Gear in Buffalo
Founded in 1976 by Frank and Donna Nawrocki, Dip & Dive has established itself as a trusted leader in scuba diving and snorkeling equipment sales, training, and services. Our team of certified instructors, including NAUI Course Directors and technical diving specialists, brings decades of combined experience from global diving expeditions to local training programs. We offer a comprehensive range of products from top brands like Aqua Lung, ScubaPro, and Cressi, alongside equipment rentals, repairs, and personalized dive trips. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our state-of-the-art gear inventory and rigorous equipment servicing by factory-trained technicians.As the oldest continuously operating dive center in Western New York, we combine technical expertise with personalized service to cater to both recreational and professional divers. Our educational programs, from beginner certifications to advanced technical courses, are designed to foster safe and responsible diving practices. With two retail locations and a robust online presence, we serve divers at every experience level, supporting the underwater community through expert guidance and premium equipment solutions.
Services
Scuba Gear Sales
Diving Certification Courses
Equipment Rentals
Gear Repair Services
Snorkeling Equipment
Dive Trips
Underwater Photography Gear
Wetsuit Sales
Dive Computer Sales
Technical Diving Courses
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined diving instruction experience from NAUI-certified professionals
- Our factory-trained technicians service all major brand diving equipment
- We organize global dive expeditions to premier underwater destinations
- We provide comprehensive gear rentals including technical diving equipment
- Our store carries the largest selection of scuba gear in Western New York
What people say
Expert instructors
Wide gear selection
Well-organized trips
Quality equipment
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Scuba Gear Sales
We offer the largest selection of scuba diving equipment in Western New York from trusted brands like Aqua Lung, ScubaPro, and Cressi. Our inventory includes regulators, BCDs, dive computers, and complete gear packages for all skill levels. Factory-trained staff provides expert recommendations to ensure proper fit and functionality for your specific diving needs.
Diving Certification
Our NAUI-certified instructors provide comprehensive scuba training from beginner Open Water courses to advanced technical diving certifications. Classes combine classroom instruction, pool training, and open water dives with personalized attention. We also offer specialty courses like wreck diving, underwater photography, and public safety diver training programs.
Equipment Rentals
We maintain a large inventory of well-maintained rental equipment including complete scuba systems, wetsuits, and specialty gear for technical diving. Our rental fleet features top-tier brands like Mares and Atomic Aquatics, with regular servicing by factory-certified technicians to ensure safety and reliability for both local dives and travel destinations.
Gear Repair Services
Our factory-trained technicians service all major brand diving equipment including regulator overhauls, BCD repairs, and dive computer maintenance. We offer both walk-in service and mail-in options with quick turnaround times. We also provide equipment inspections and safety checks to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.
Dive Expeditions
We organize domestic and international dive trips to premier locations including the Great Lakes, Caribbean, and tropical destinations. Our expeditions cater to all experience levels with options for wreck diving, coral reef exploration, and underwater photography. Packages include equipment transport, accommodation coordination, and guided dives with experienced dive masters.
People
Frank Nawrocki
Founder
NAUI #4017 and US Navy Diving Officer with over 50 years experience. Teaches college scuba programs and leads international dive groups. Lifetime NAUI member and certified through multiple international agencies.
Donna Nawrocki
Founder
NAUI #5923 with Masters in Physical Education. International diving travel expert and organizer of global dive adventures. Teaches basic classes and maintains NAUI Instructor Trainer status.
Joseph Travale
President/Owner
NAUI #17814 Course Director and certified equipment repair specialist. Coordinates diving trips, classes, and inventory management. Holds multiple instructor certifications including PADI, TDI, and DAN.
Patrick Wolfe
Instructor
NAUI #18109 and TDI #1138 with technical diving expertise. Specializes in shipwreck diving instruction and public safety diver training. Conducts research dives and equipment studies at University of Buffalo.
Mike Wittenrich
Instructor
NAUI #35258 and award-winning marine artist. Teaches underwater photography courses and has dived extensively across multiple ocean regions. Combines artistic perspective with technical diving instruction.
Questions
What scuba certification options do you offer?
We provide NAUI, PADI, TDI, and SDI certifications from beginner Open Water to professional-level courses including technical diving specialties.
Do you service all diving equipment brands?
Yes, our factory-trained technicians service major brands like Aqua Lung, ScubaPro, Cressi, and Mares with manufacturer-approved parts and procedures.
Can I rent gear without certification?
We offer snorkeling gear rentals to non-certified customers and provide scuba rental equipment only to certified divers.
What dive destinations do you organize trips to?
We arrange expeditions to Great Lakes shipwrecks, Caribbean reefs, tropical locations, and special-interest dive sites worldwide.
Do you offer equipment purchase guarantees?
We provide price matching on identical gear from authorized dealers and 30-day return options for unused equipment.
Are group discounts available for classes?
Yes, we offer discounted rates for group certifications with minimum participant requirements for private course scheduling.
