Check out our calendar for all of our upcoming courses and events.

Scuba Shack opened its doors in 1977, and is one of the oldest, continually operated dive shops in New England (PADI Store #38). The industry recognizes Scuba Shack as a highly reputable and respected dive center, awarding it the distinction of a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center (ICD) - one of the world’s most recognized and desired dive center ratings.

Under the ownership and direction of PADI Course Director Monty Fitzpatrick, Divemaster Donna Cinciripino, IDC Staff Instructor Jeff Cinciripino, and Open Water Instructor Matt Cinciripino, Scuba Shack is uniquely ready to deliver exceptional training, exciting travel and expert service.

Scuba Shack’s History

Scuba Shack was founded in 1977 by Bill Roe to serve Connecticut residents interested in becoming certified scuba divers. Its original location was 1839 Silas Deane Hwy in Rocky Hill. Bill trained and later partnered with Tom Misenti, and they ran Scuba Shack together for about 21 years.

In 1982 Scuba Shack relocated from 1845 Silas Deane Hwy to 1765 Silas Deane Hwy, where it was in operation for 36 years.

Tom Misenti bought out Bill’s half of the business and became the sole owner of Scuba Shack in 2000.

In 2006 Ed Hayes purchased Scuba Shack from Tom Misenti and by 2012 had expanded training to include police and fire department dive teams, becoming the only full time facility in New England qualified to certify public safety instructors.

In 2017 we (Monty, Jeff, Donna and Matt) formed a partnership and purchased Scuba Shack from Ed Hayes. Scuba Shack also celebrated 40 years of providing quality dive services to the residents of Connecticut and beyond.

In April 2018 Scuba Shack moved to a more modern, streamlined facility, which has allowed us to expand our repair, service and fulfillment capabilities.


Since its inception as a PADI affiliate, Scuba Shack instructors, assistant instructors, and divemasters have certified more than 10,432 divers!

Our Mission

Scuba Shack’s mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, ability and experience to venture underwater in pursuit of their aspirations and to advocate for ocean health and sustainability

Scuba Shack, Forty-Five Years and Counting…

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