Scuba Toys

I booked an open water certification course and was told that the class required a medical release. I went to my doctor and got a full physical. Based on my medical history my doctor cleared me for diving. I spent nearly $400 in required equipment from Scuba Toys, then several hours at home on the course work and written exam. On the first day class, I was pulled outside the classroom and told that my doctor's approval was insufficient and I would not be allowed to participate in the class until I visited a pulmonologist who is affiliated with the Diver Alert Network. I was disappointed, angry, and embarrassed by this confrontation. The pulmonologist's office told me the first available appointment was in 4 weeks and that the tests they would run would not be covered by my medical insurance. Completely unacceptable. I went back to Scuba Toys the same day to get a refund for the class since their doctor requirement was unworkable. I asked to speak to the manager, Joe, whom I told about the situation, that I didn't understand why these extra-NAUI requirements were undocumented, and that if they would not accept my doctor's release I would need a refund. Joe told us that he would give me a refund (less the cost of the workbooks) if I was "going to be shitty about it" but that first he would call my doctor to verify that he is qualified to sign the medical waiver. My doctor refused to argue his credentials with Joe and HIPAA regulations prevented him from discussing my medical history. After several days of no un-returned phone calls, I went back to the shop to demand a full refund. Joe had spoken to his insurance and lawyers who told him he couldn't dictate which doctors gave valid medical opinions. I ended up making up the first two days of class on weekday evenings so I didn't miss the open water portion at the lake. I will not spend another dime at Scuba Toys. Due to their arbitrary rules and the manager's horrible customer service they have lost two dual income, no kids customers for life more

We had visited 6 different dive shops to decide where to take our scuba class, and shortly after walking into Scubatoys we knew we found the right place. They have tons of equipment in every possible size and color, and since they are also an internet seller, they have the cheapest prices around. We did a weekend class with them, and our instructor Mac was wonderful. I was a little apprehensive at first - but he was so patient, and since they have their own pool inside the building, I got some additional training time - no charge. I would highly recommend this shop - for retail or lessons. Now I just have to go on one of their trips! more

I went in to find a wetsuit that fit... and I'll bet they had at least 3000 wetsuits in stock. I worked with one of the guys, Ricky, and he was great. Took the time to explain the differences between the styles, and helped me get a great fit. I bought the suit, went home and checked some other pricing, and found out their price was well below others with the same suit. I was very, very happy with the selection, price, and the employee that really helped me and actually had me spend less money than I planned by talking me into a cheaper suit that fit my needs better. I cannot remember better customer service from any company. more

My experience with the level of customer service from Scubatoys has been disappointing enough to not recommend this retailer to anyone. I was in need for a snorkeling mask with prescription inserts for a trip to Hawaii. I went to the Scubatoys retail store on 4/17/10 placed an order for a Mares X-Vision mask with prescription inserts. I had to order the mask because Scubatoys didn't have inserts close to my prescription in stock. I was told that I would be called when the order came in. After 2 weeks my order had not arrived and I call the store to check on it. I was told the order had been placed but they didn't know when it would come in. I was told again that they would call me when it came in. A week later, still no calls from Scubatoys. I call the store again to check on the order. This time I spoke with the "ordering" manager and I was told that the order came in but Mares had sent a wrong prescription insert. I was told again that they would call me when the order arrived. I informed them that I would be leaving for my trip in a little over a week and I was concerned that the order wouldn't arrive in time. The manager told me that he couldn't track the order so he can't tell me when the order would arrive but "..it should be here in time for your trip." I pressed some more for an ETA stating that I needed time to to find an alternative. At this point, I was dismissively told "...it's been shipped, it'll be here in 4 days." and again that they would call me when the order arrives. Now it's 5/19/10, over a month since I first ordered the mask and a week (5 business days) since my last call to Scubatoys. I have still not received my order and the only thing I have is the "4 days" estimate. I'm leaving for my trip in two days. I ordered the mask a MONTH in advance. Scubatoys has only given me vague shipping status on my order. One would think with modern shipment tracking systems, that Scubatoys would be able to tell me when my order would arrive. more

The minute you walk into this store, you are blown away by all the stuff they have. Hundreds of goggles, masks, flippers, snorkels, tanks, how can you possibly make a descision if you are clueless? No problem! One of their friendly staff simply guides you to what you need for the activity you want to participate in. For me, it was snorkeling. The person helping me helped me select a pair of fins, mask, and snorkel - this was over 2 years ago, and i still use my equipment today! Are you an indecisive person? Not a problem either, they have a pool where you can try out stuff before you buy! They also offer scuba diving lessons if you are into that. The store is kid friendly as there are fish ponds to keep the kids amused. more