Learn to Scuba Dive
Scuba Diving
Courses & Certifications
At Neptune Diving and Ski, scuba diving isn’t just a service – it’s a passion. Not only do we carry all the gear you will need to dive in any location, but we also teach scuba lessons to all ages and abilities. We’ve been certifying divers since 1973, making us the most established dive school in Tennessee. Whether you’re taking your first breaths underwater or looking to become a professional, we offer personalized training in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.
Our scuba programs are led by experienced instructors who teach at your pace, with a hands-on approach that prioritizes safety and confidence in the water. We certify divers of all ages through the Multinational Diving Educators Association (MDEA) – a globally recognized agency known for its high standards, innovative training, and worldwide dive travel benefits. You will learn to dive safely while having a fun time, if any student is unhappy with their course we will provide a full refund.
Course Overview
Open Water Diver
Level One - $499
Perfect for beginners and the longest-established dive program in Tennessee, this course covers everything you need to become a certified diver. The class includes:
- 3 academic sessions in our outdoor classroom and a copy of the official MDEA textbook
- Pool training in our 15-foot deep outdoor dive pool designed specifically for scuba diving
- 4 open water checkout dives at a local quarry or dive destination (some students choose to complete their checkout dives on one of our dive trips to the Caribbean.
- Use of full scuba gear (excluding mask, fins, and snorkel)
- 10% discount on all of our scuba equipment.
With an emphasis on hands-on, practical, and fun learning, you’ll learn the fundamentals of safe scuba diving: essential diving instruction on physics and physiology, different underwater environments, and safety techniques with flexible weekend classes designed for your success.
Cost Breakdown
- $300 - Class and Pool Use
- $150 - 4 x open water dives
- $49 - Student kit (textbook, dive log, dive tables, certification credentials)
Advanced Open Water
Level Two - $249
* dive site fees not included ($25/day)
Already certified? Expand your skills and knowledge with 6 specialty dives, including:
- Deep diving
- Navigation
- Night diving
- Wreck diving
- Search & recovery
- Current diving
This course runs over a weekend and is often held at Penny Royal Dive Resort in Kentucky, where students camp out and enjoy a relaxed, community-driven training experience. Equipment is provided (excluding mask, fins. snorkel and flashlight).
Please Note: Hotels are available within 1 mile of the quarry.
Specialty Courses
Expert - $199 each
Neptune offers a number of specialty courses aimed at building your expertise in specific dive environments or skills. Specialty options include:
- Nitrox
- Deep Diving
- Current Diving
- Underwater Navigation
- Dry Suit
- Spearfishing
- Rescue Diver
- Search and Recovery
- Night/Limited Visibility
- Wreck Diving
All specialty courses include classroom instruction (if applicable), gear, and open water dives with a specialty instructor.
Leadership Training
Dive Master & Instructor
Take your diving to the professional level with our leadership programs:
- Dive Master Certification - $399
- Instructor Program - $999
If diving is as much as a passion for you as it is for us, you may want to enroll in our Dive Master program. Once you are certified you can run diving tours and help instructors with students. Qualified students will be enrolled on a leadership course designed to teach how to lead and conduct groups of divers safely.
Requirements are:
- A minimum of 18 years of age (note: there is an assistant dive master with a minimum age of 14)
- Level 3 diver or another agency’s equivalent
- Rescue Diver certification
- Minimum 25 logged (non-training) dives.
The course has a mixture of watermanship training, academics, dive site training with students and the 4 required MDEA Dive master exams. The class cost $350 and has no scheduled dates. Most candidates complete their certification in a summer.
Considering making diving a career? Instructor training offered as well as multiple other professional training rolls. Dennis Salisbury does our instructor evaluations. An application can be filled out at our store and a meeting with Dennis will follow. Qualified candidates can enroll in the program for $999 and takes approximately 45 hours to complete.
Youth Programs
Scuba for the Whole Family
Sea Otter (Age 5+)
$245
Surface scuba with positively buoyant backpack (diver cannot descend underwater).
Youth Level One (Ages 8+)
$275
Confined water only, maximum depth 4ft. Must be under the direct supervision of a dive professional when on scuba equipment.
Youth Level One (Ages 10+)
$300
Confined water only with certified diving parent, guardian, or dive professional. Can dive in open water under optimal conditions to a maximum depth of 30ft. Can only dive open water with dive professional’s direct supervision.
Junior Level One Diver (12+)
$349
This is the same course as our adult Level One Diver. Maximum depth is 40ft. Must dive with a certified diving adult.
Junior Advanced Level Two Diver (12+)
$249
Similar to our adult Advanced Level Two course. Maximum depth is 40ft. No extreme or technical dives.
Assistant Dive Master (Age 14+)
$349
Entry-level leadership training. Can assist Dive Masters, Assistant Instructors, and Instructors with diving activities.
Why Choose Neptune?
- Established in 1973 - The longest-running dive school in Tennessee
- MDEA Certification - Recognized worldwide
- Instructors Who Care - Hands-on, patient and fun training tailored to every student
- No Hidden Costs - Transparent pricing with equipment, books, and certification included
- Flexible Training Options - Local checkout dives or trips to the Caribbean
- Youth, Beginner, Advanced & Expert-Level Courses - Something for every diver
- Gear Discounts & Rentals - 10% off student equipment, full rental inventory available