Leisure Pro is a dive shop and online retailer, not a certification agency
Leisure Pro sells scuba gear, training materials, and dive packages, but it does not issue scuba certifications itself. If you are looking to get certified to dive, you will need to work with a certification organization like PADI, SSI, or NAUI — Leisure Pro may sell their courses or materials, but the actual card comes from the certifying body. Think of it the way a bookstore sells driver's education manuals, but the DMV issues the license.
Leisure Pro operates both a physical retail location and an online store. You can buy equipment there, rent gear for trips, take courses through partner instructors, or book guided dives. The company has been in business since 1983 and is based in New Jersey, though it ships nationwide and operates retail locations in multiple states.
Key Takeaways
- Leisure Pro is a retailer and dive operator, not the organization that certifies you — your certification comes from PADI, SSI, NAUI, or another agency.
- You can purchase training materials, rent or buy equipment, and book instruction through Leisure Pro, but the certification card itself is issued by the training organization.
- If you take a course through Leisure Pro, an instructor affiliated with that shop will teach you, but your card will be registered with whichever agency the course is through.
- Leisure Pro also offers guided dives and dive travel packages, which are separate from certification training.
How Leisure Pro fits into your certification path
If you decide to get certified through Leisure Pro, here is what actually happens: you sign up for a course (such as PADI Open Water or SSI Scuba Basics), pay Leisure Pro, and an instructor who works with that shop teaches you. You complete the classroom and pool or confined-water training, then do open-water dives. Once you pass, the certification organization — not Leisure Pro — issues your card.
Leisure Pro is the middleman between you and the certifying agency. You pay them, they provide the instructor and materials, and they submit your paperwork to the certification body. Your card comes from PADI, SSI, or whoever the course is registered under. This matters because your certification is portable — you can dive anywhere in the world with that card, and it is recognized because it comes from the agency, not from Leisure Pro.
What you can buy or rent at Leisure Pro
Leisure Pro stocks scuba equipment including regulators, tanks, wetsuits, masks, fins, buoyancy compensators, and dive computers. You can purchase gear outright or rent it for a single dive or trip. Rental rates vary by item and location, so you will need to contact the shop directly or check their website for current pricing.
The shop also sells training materials such as certification course books, videos, and study guides. If you are taking a course elsewhere and want to buy the materials in advance, or if you want to study on your own before signing up, Leisure Pro carries these resources. They also sell dive logs, underwater cameras, and accessories.
Guided dives and dive travel packages
Beyond certification, Leisure Pro offers guided dives for certified divers and dive travel packages to destinations like the Caribbean, Hawaii, and other popular dive sites. These are organized trips where you dive with a guide, usually in a group. You must show your certification card to participate in guided dives.
Dive travel packages typically include accommodations, meals, boat dives, and a guide, though the exact contents depend on the package. Prices and destinations change seasonally. You can contact Leisure Pro directly or visit their website to see current offerings and book a trip.
How to find Leisure Pro locations and contact information
Leisure Pro operates retail stores in New Jersey, New York, and other locations. You can visit in person to rent gear, buy equipment, or ask questions about courses. The company also has an online store where you can order gear for delivery or pickup.
To find a location near you, store hours, or to contact them about courses or rentals, search for "Leisure Pro" plus your city or state, or visit their website directly. Phone numbers and hours vary by location, so calling ahead is a good idea if you are planning to visit in person or need to rent equipment for a specific date.
Leisure Pro courses versus independent instructors
Taking a course through Leisure Pro means you get instruction from someone affiliated with that shop. The advantage is that Leisure Pro handles the paperwork, provides the materials, and coordinates the schedule. The disadvantage is that you are paying a retail markup — you might find lower prices from an independent instructor in your area.
The certification itself is identical regardless of where you take the course. A PADI Open Water card from Leisure Pro is the same as one from any other PADI shop. What differs is the price, the instructor's teaching style, the class size, and the convenience of location. Shop around if cost is a factor, but if Leisure Pro is convenient and the price is fair, the course quality depends more on the individual instructor than on the shop.
What to bring if you take a course at Leisure Pro
Before you sign up, check with Leisure Pro about what you need to bring or provide. Most shops require a signed medical form (which you fill out at the shop), proof of swimming ability or water comfort, and payment. Some courses require you to bring your own mask and fins if you already own them, though you can rent or buy these at the shop.
You will also need to decide whether to rent or buy a wetsuit and other gear. Renting is cheaper upfront and makes sense if you are trying diving for the first time. Buying makes sense if you plan to dive regularly, because rental costs add up quickly. Leisure Pro staff can help you decide based on your plans and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Leisure Pro issue my certification card?
No. Leisure Pro is a retailer and dive operator. Your certification card is issued by the training organization — PADI, SSI, NAUI, or another agency — whose course you take. Leisure Pro arranges the instruction and submits your paperwork, but the card comes from the certifying body.
Can I rent gear from Leisure Pro if I am not taking a course there?
Yes. You can rent equipment from Leisure Pro whether or not you take a course there. You will need to show your certification card and may need to provide a credit card for a deposit. Contact the location you plan to visit for rental rates and availability.
How much does a certification course cost at Leisure Pro?
Prices vary by course level and location. A basic Open Water course typically ranges from several hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on what is included (materials, confined-water training, open-water dives, gear rental). Contact Leisure Pro directly for current pricing at the location nearest you.
What if I already have a certification from another shop?
You can take advanced courses or specialty training at Leisure Pro, or you can straightforward rent gear and book guided dives there. Your existing certification card is recognized everywhere, so you do not need to retrain or recertify.
Does Leisure Pro offer online or at-home certification courses?
Many certification agencies now offer online classroom portions of courses, which you can complete at home before doing in-person pool and open-water training. Check with Leisure Pro about whether they offer blended or online courses, as options vary by location and course type.