ABOUT US

Portsmouth Scuba – Home of Diver’s Den (Est. 1968)

With more than five decades of diving heritage, Portsmouth Scuba is proud to be the Home of Diver’s Den, preserving the legacy of the oldest continuously operating PADI dive shop in the world.

We are a PADI 5-Star Dive Center serving New England divers with expert instruction, high-quality gear, local diving, and global adventures. From first-time divers to seasoned professionals, our mission is to provide safe, confident training while fostering a welcoming dive community built on tradition and trust.

Today, all Diver’s Den programs, instruction, and services proudly continue under the Portsmouth Scuba name at 915 Sagamore Ave, Portsmouth, NH.

Our Roots: The Diver’s Den Story (Est. 1968)

The Diver’s Den story began in the late 1960s, when Dick Kurisko, driven by curiosity and adventure, began exploring the underwater world long before formal scuba certification existed. Crafting his own wetsuits and learning through experience, Dick’s passion quickly grew into teaching others.

In 1967, he opened a small, part-time dive shop in the basement of his home—laying the foundation for what would become Diver’s Den Dive Shop. By 1976, the shop moved into a permanent location, growing into the largest dive shop in New Hampshire and earning its place as PADI Dive Shop #8.

For decades, Diver’s Den trained generations of divers, built lifelong friendships, and helped shape the diving community across New England.

In 2020, the shop changed hands to continue its legacy—ensuring the Diver’s Den story lived on through the next generation of divers.

Portsmouth Scuba: Carrying the Legacy Forward

Portsmouth Scuba was founded from a love of exploration, history, and the underwater world. Opening its doors in 1989, the shop quickly became a hub for divers passionate about adventure, artifacts, and New England diving.

After moving to its current Sagamore Ave location in 1999, Portsmouth Scuba continued to grow under the leadership of Dick Scott, sharing the same dedication to training, community, and exploration that defined Diver’s Den from the beginning.

Today, Portsmouth Scuba proudly carries forward the Diver’s Den legacy, uniting decades of history under one roof as the oldest continuously operating PADI dive shop in the world.

What We Offer Today

• PADI Scuba Certification (Beginner through Professional)

• Private & Group Instruction

• Year-Round Training

• Local New England Diving

• Scuba Gear Sales, Rentals & Service

• Group & International Dive Travel

• A welcoming, community-focused dive family

One Legacy. One Home. One Dive Community.

Portsmouth Scuba – Home of Diver’s Den (Est. 1968)
Where tradition, training, and adventure come together.

MISSION STATEMENT

To establish an integrated four-pillar dive program that encompasses:

1. Recreational Dive Training – Providing comprehensive education to build confidence and safety.
2. Local Diving Awareness – Promoting the unique underwater opportunities New England offers.
3. Organized Dive Trips – Creating exciting experiences both locally and globally.
4. Dive Gear Purchase and Maintenance – Ensuring access to high-quality equipment and reliable servicing.

Our Vision: 

To be recognized as New England’s premier dive shop, offering comprehensive dive services that seamlessly integrate training, equipment, and community support. We aim to inspire and nurture both new and experienced divers, empowering them to safely explore and enjoy the wonders of recreational diving in New England and dive destinations around the world.

At Portsmouth Scuba, we’re committed to making every dive a safe, memorable, and rewarding experience.

Our Values

At Portsmouth Scuba, our values guide everything we do and reflect our commitment to our divers, staff, and community:

• Emphasize Personal and Equipment Safety: Ensuring the well-being of our divers is our top priority.
• Cultivate Lasting Relationships: Building strong connections with our customers and diving community.
• Treat People with Respect and Dignity: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
• Provide Customers with a Positive Experience: Fostering a family spirit that makes everyone feel at home.
• Place Priority on Customer Satisfaction: Exceeding expectations at every step.
• Align Dive Services with Changing Needs: Staying adaptable to meet evolving customer goals and preferences.
• Maintain High Personal and Professional Standards: Upholding excellence in all aspects of our business.
• Maintain a Clean and Organized Dive Shop: Ensuring a comfortable and efficient space for our customers.
• Provide Responsive Service: Delivering timely and reliable assistance to our diving community.

These values drive our mission to help you safely explore and enjoy the incredible world of scuba diving.