Discover Diving. Learn to Swim.
Never Stop Exploring the Water.
Austin’s only SSI Dive & Swim Center — 18,000+ certified divers since 1982, swim instruction since 1998, and group trips to reefs most people only see in photos.
I want to learn to dive.
Try it for $99 in our 90°F indoor pool. One session, about two hours, no experience and no commitment. If you love it, $50 applies toward Open Water certification.
My child needs to learn to swim.
A placement assessment is free: an instructor evaluates your child and recommends the right level. Children, teens, and adults are all welcome. Small classes, a warm indoor pool, and SSI swim instruction since 1998.
★★★★★
“I did Try Scuba and then Open Water here. Both amazing. Everyone at the shop is so helpful for beginners. Highly recommend.”
Shannon R., Try Scuba & Open Water · Read our Google reviews
30+ SSI dive instructors and a dedicated swim team. Meet the people who teach you.
What’s Happening at Tom’s
Try Scuba, or Go Straight to Open Water
No-commitment pool session or the full certification path: both happen in our 90°F indoor pool before you ever need open water.
Dominica: The Nature Isle
Rainforests, volcanic terrain, whale watching, and some of the most dramatic Caribbean diving available. Fort Young Hotel. Not a beach resort: a genuine nature destination.
Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
The Austin Aquanauts’ season finale and most-loved event of the year: bring your own pumpkin, carve it underwater, and compete for Best, Spookiest, and the fan-favorite “Oh, Good Try” award. October 30, 2026 at Mansfield Dam Park.
Event Details
Bubble Hour Wednesday Dives
The easiest way to dive regularly without planning a trip: show up to Mansfield Dam Park roughly every other Wednesday evening, get wet, and catch up with the club. Beginner-friendly and open to non-members.
Event DetailsAlready certified?
What’s next at Tom’s
Austin’s Full-Service Dive Shop
Tom’s is more than a training center: we are Austin’s full-service dive shop, with scuba equipment retail and rental, swim gear, air and Nitrox fills, VIP and hydro testing, and factory-trained regulator, BCD, and dive computer service, all under one roof.
Shop Gear · Explore Gear & ServiceFrequently Asked Questions
Tap any question to expand the answer.
I have never scuba dived before. Where do I start?
Start with Try Scuba, a pool-based introduction with no commitment required. If you already know you want to get certified, SSI Open Water Diver is the full certification course. Either way, everything happens in our 90°F heated indoor pool before you ever need open water.
How do I book swim lessons?
Swim lessons are booked through our dedicated swim scheduling platform. Visit the Swim Lessons page to see class types for infants, children, and adults, then book directly from there.
What ages and levels do you teach for swim lessons?
Tom’s has taught the SSI Swim curriculum since 1998, for swimmers of every age, from infants and toddlers through children and adults. Classes are grouped by age and skill level, enrollment is continuous with no semester start required, and group, semi-private, and private formats are all available depending on what fits your family.
What are your hours and where are you located?
Tom’s is located at 5909 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757. We are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. Call us at (512) 451-3425 with any questions.
Which SSI certification should I choose?
It depends on where you are and what you want to do next. New divers typically start with Open Water. Once certified, the right next step depends on what you want to improve: Control / Comfort, Explore & Enrich, Optimize, or Access. See our Continuing Education Pathways to find yours, or call us at (512) 451-3425 and we will help you figure out the right next step.
Does my scuba certification expire?
No. SSI recreational certifications do not expire: once you are certified, you are certified for life. If it has been a while since your last dive, we do recommend a Scuba Skills Update refresher before you get back in the water.
Ready to Get in the Water?
Whether it is your first time trying scuba, your child’s first swim lesson, or your next dive trip, Tom’s has a place for you to start, right here in Austin, TX.