Dayo Scuba

I cannot say enough good things about Dayo Scuba. Would totally disagree with the negative reviews. Dayo has been our dive shop for a few years now — and I should have written this review years ago. We have completed our Open Water, Nitrox and Advanced Open Water certifications with them. TJ and Tyler have always been straightforward, honest and generous with us. Their knowledge about not only diving, but also equipment is invaluable.
The standout at Dayo, however, is Denise. I wish that every new and/​or experienced diver could train with her. She has always been VERY honest with us, friendly and very patient, but that’s not what makes her, in our opinion, an incredible dive instructor. Her commitment to the safety of every student and every diver in her care, experienced or not, is second to none. My wife is extremely cautious and after a few «situations» diving in Mexico, it only makes us appreciate her more. This trait has been extremely evident on every dive we have been on with her.
We are not financially interested or have a family member working at Dayo, which some might think after reading a glowing review like this. In fact, we live in Tampa and have many other dive shop options open to us between Tampa and Orlando. The fact that a reviewer would refer to anyone in this dive shop as dishonest or rude is absolutely the exact opposite of what we have experienced. In fact, we paid for Advanced training in full and because of work and other circumstances were unable to start it until almost a year later. Never once did we have a fear they’d «rip us off» or lie to us — and they never have. And every email or text we’ve ever sent has been responded to within an acceptable amount of time — especially for a small dive shop.
If you are thinking about learning to scuba dive — or looking to increase your knowledge in the sport (especially if you have a significant other who is slightly claustrophobic or initially hesitant about diving), do yourself a favor and stop by Dayo and let them share their enthusiasm in the sport with you. You will not regret it.

I have 23 dives, but wanted a refresher, so I took my kids to Dayo Scuba. They are friendly and professional. Training is thorough and gear is not at all expensive. They certainly love what they do, which is concentrated on training.
I was a poor overweight swimmer but made the cut. I think they would have cut me if I didn’t complete the swim test satisfactorily. The pool training was fun.
Lake Denton has poor visibility and is not deep or exciting. It might turn some people off to continue diving. However, once you’ve done an ocean dive, you’ll be hooked forever.

The training is worthwhile depending on who you get, but the customer service is down right horrific. Don’t think you’ll ever be able to contact the owner/​operator and get a timely or honest response. They continually lie and made up excuses. Denise (owner/​operator) has no business running a business. I really don’t think she has any idea what she is doing, and then she lies to make up for her own mistakes. I actually laughed at one point when she tried to explain herself. It was that ridiculous. Bottom line, go somewhere else if you’re looking for an honest outfit to teach you scuba diving in Orlando or Winter Park.

I just completed my initial open water dive training and I must say the entire operation is nearly perfect. The staff from TJ, Carol, and Denise are professionals. Their dive shop isn’t a fancy retail store, their classroom isn’t high tech, but it gets the job done. It’s a reflection of their main task and that is to give people the proper training to become safe and proficient divers. They make you work hard and earn the certification — they are not going to just give it away and that is a great reflection on their business ethic.
Carol’s unlimited patience with our group of 10 was outstanding. I don’t know how she does it. Her firm hand and guidance along with her smile and encouragement made my training a pleasure. We were on the same wavelength on many aspects and I appreciated the mutual respect we had for one another.
Their core business is training — not equipment sales. They will NOT force you to buy hundreds of dollars of equipment prior to starting your training as with other shops. They loan the equipment you need and make you buy absolutely nothing.
You simply can not go wrong with Dayo Scuba. Price, quality and expertise is what sets them apart from the competition.

I rarely write reviews but I thought I would give a shout out to Dayo. This is a top notch training facility. TJ, Denise and the crew are excellent instructors of just about any Dive Training program out there. I have never been steered wrong by them. My friends, family and I have purchased a lot of gear from Dayo; their prices are unbeatable and they do not push. Also, their service department for Fills, Gear service and VIP is fast, efficient and pocket book friendly. I would highly recommend this shop.

Owner/​Operator was dishonest, rude, wasted our valuable vacation time cancelling dives on two of the five days we were on vacation by simply not showing up then lying about it to cover it up! This company does not treat out of state divers with any degree of respect and in fact has employees who will also flat out lie for them. This is an extremely unsafe business practice in a sport that requires utmost safety of its customers. They will not honor requests to fulfill referrals to complete to simple dives to earn a certification because they are either too lazy to do so or too rude to care. Take your money elsewhere but more importantly, keep yourself safe by using a shop with an instructor who practices basic morals and ethics.

Really good group of people. Completed my Advanced Nitrox and Decompression procedures course with them. Tj did the dry work and Carol the dives. The instruction was very professional and at no time did I sense any elitist attitudes. I was treated just like I was one of them.
My wife also completed her basic open water with Dayo. She was very satisfied with the training. I plan to complete the rest of my technical training with them. They really are a great group off guys and gals.

I’m a novice when it comes to SCUBA and they helped outfit me for my first trip.
I’m a big guy (6’7″) and needed a wetsuit among other accoutrements on short notice and they hooked it up
I suspect one of the owners (I think he’s an owner, he went by two initials but I forget his name) is a burn out. Seemed to not really have it all together but nonetheless was extremely helpful and I got what I needed in time for my trip.
I will definitely use them again to rent or buy equipment

My husband and I bought are scuba classes a few years ago and probably took the longest out of any students to return and actually do the classes-​due to various family issues.
When we decided to finally start our class we really did have a great time.
The staff was very funny and accommodating, especially Denise and Tom. We loved their professionalism and approach to teaching-​it wasn’t rushed at all. The hubby and I can’t wait to go back for more classes!
We took our class with a dad and his daughter, two friends, a couple, a few older individuals and younger individuals. You’ll find all types of people, so don’t be shy!
Bonus: Once you get your license and are listed as an alumni you get a nice little discount on air and any rental equipment you may need!

Denise and Tom are great people. They are always very helpful and quick to work with you on anything. I have taking my advanced, divermaster and instructor certifications with them and always pleased. Definitely a place to go for training. And get your air fills there too… clean and consistent.

This is the best dive shop in town. Friendly staff and great dive trips. They teach everything from open water to technical diving and public safety diver. Their prices on gear sometimes even beat what I can find on line

Great SCUBA training. Friendly people… not a group of snobish technical guys like you often find. These are truly nice people. They also have about every certification known to man and can teach you whatever you want to know. They are also SAFE divers. They will not push, encourage, or even allow you to go beyond your limits.
Good prices on gear… they like to teach, That is their business — they sell equipment as a side and are not trying to rip you off on equipment. They have a good selection — will order if needed, and seem willing to make you a deal on a large purchase.
My wife, son and I bought complete sets of gear, plus additional wet suits from Dayo — their prices are better than I have seen anywhere. They have serviced our gear since then — fast turnaround.
We have also been on several trips with their shop. Enjoyable.
If you have ever considered diving, you should visit…