Below H2O

Below H2O bills itself as the most popular dive store in the Midwest, and its reputation rests on quality diver education, equipment servicing and genuinely welcoming customer service. As a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center with 4 PADI Instructors, it trains divers at every level — right up to instructor — and holds a licence from the State of Illinois as a vocational school.

Courses and local diving

New divers can take their first breaths underwater with PADI Discover Scuba Diving, a roughly one-hour experience from USD 79. Training is supported by an onsite pool and classroom, with air fills, nitrox, equipment sales and scuba rental all available in house.

Local outings head to Haigh Quarry, where divers may encounter freshwater fish among other marine life. With free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a retail shop and parking, Below H2O suits beginners and returning divers alike who want a friendly, well-equipped base near Chicago.