ABOUT US

Welcome to Portsmouth Scuba – Your Premier New England Dive Shop!

For over 35 years, we’ve proudly served Portsmouth, NH, and the surrounding areas, offering top-notch services to both novice and seasoned divers. What truly sets us apart is the knowledge, experience, and passion shared by our staff and our incredible community of divers. Together, we’ve created a warm and welcoming network where everyone feels like family.

If you’re looking for an adventure, something fun, exciting, and transformative, SCUBA diving is your gateway to a breathtaking world beneath the waves. Covering approximately three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, the underwater world remains one of the last frontiers, teeming with mystery, history, natural beauty, and aquatic life.

Diving opens your eyes, heart, and mind to a realm waiting to be discovered. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and our mission is to make your SCUBA diving dreams a reality.

From the moment you step into our shop, you’ll feel at home. Whether you’re gearing up for your first dive or expanding your diving horizons, Portsmouth Scuba is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Join us, and let’s explore the underwater world together!

HISTORY

Portsmouth Scuba was founded from a teen’s passion of finding “things”, and his love for scuba diving. In 1986, Jay purchased a property on Marcy St with the intention of converting a Boat house into a one bedroom apartment. When met with zoning restrictions, Jay converted the boat house into a dive shop in 1989. This was the start to a lifetime career as a diver and dive shop owner. Little did Jay know where this decision would take him, and the fond experiences and memories this decision would bring.

Portsmouth NH is the perfect playground offering Jay endless opportunities to fuel his passion. Rolling up his sleeves and taking control of his destination, Jay used his construction / carpentry skills to restore life in this boat house. After many long days and nights, Jay hammered his last nail, stroked his last brush of paint, and hung his last decoration. He opened his doors, and saw his dream become a reality. For approximately ten years, Jay fostered his passion for diving, history, and artifacts in his customers. His passion was so contagious that it reflects in the curiosity and excitement of his customer. Business flourished and out of necessity, Jay found himself searching for a new location to pursue his passion and livelihood. In 1999 Jay opened his doors on Sagamore Ave where it continues to operate today by current owner Dick Scott who holds the same passion for Scuba Diving.

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.