Divemanchester Arvostelua 

I had quite a mixed experience with Dive Manchester, and overall I don’t think I would recommend it. I found John quite arrogant at times with a sense of humour that didn’t always land particularly well. Anne was pleasant enough but I often came away feeling there was a lack of clarity or consistency in how things were communicated. I also felt there was quite a strong push towards certain products and brands. Personally, I would advise anyone buying equipment to do their own research, compare prices and options elsewhere and not feel pressured into purchasing what is recommended in store. The diving club itself felt quite cliquey to me. I didn’t find it particularly supportive in terms of helping newer or developing divers progress and the atmosphere sometimes felt more about fitting into the established group than encouraging people. My impression was that some people preferred not to challenge things in order to keep the peace. I would also be very cautious about ordering anything that isn’t physically in stock. In my experience the turnaround can be extremely slow.

There are undoubtedly people who enjoy the club and have had positive experiences but mine has been disappointing. My advice would be to look around, speak to other dive centres and instructors and compare both training environments and equipment options before committing.

I've just returned from a Dive Manchester trip to Pembrokeshire, and can't praise Dive Manchester enough! They arranged three nights accommodation, two days boat diving, and one day Blue Shark snorkeling, all at a very competitive price, thus making everything stress free for participants.
Safety is of paramount importance, and John allocated buddy pairs carefully, with the least experienced and newest members to the Club, diving 1:1 with either him, or another Instructor.
The Dive Manchester Instructors (John, Dave, Adam and Josh on this trip) always go above and beyond in assisting divers, for example, on this trip, making running repairs on three sets of regulators (not provided by the Dive Manchester Shop) and offering general assistance with kit, as appropriate. John even let one chillier member borrow his heated vest and dry robe.
The sites visited included Lundy and the Celtic Sea. The Lundy Seals, and Celtic Deep Blue Sharks did not disappoint.
We spent the evenings together as a group.
I have been on many DM trips, UK and Overseas, over the years, and have always felt welcome. DM has a friendly, professional, and safe approach. Anne and John are always willing to spend time to answer any queries, and explain things. I have completed courses with DM, as have members of my family. Tuition has been thorough, and certainly isn't rubber stamped: after completing a course, you feel that you have a sound foundation upon which to build.

I agree with much of the previous review. In my experience, there is a real difficulty in raising concerns within this club and shop as customers. When I have had an issue, including with equipment purchased through them or with diving arrangements, the response has often felt defensive, with responsibility being turned back onto the person raising the concern rather than the issue being addressed openly. I have also felt uncomfortable expressing preferences about buddy pairings, particularly when asked to dive with very inexperienced or newly qualified divers. Safety concerns and personal limits should be respected without members being made to feel difficult or disloyal. At times, trip organisation has seemed to prioritise what the organiser personally wants to do, rather than ensuring that all members are appropriately supported and paired. The club can feel very cliquey and there is a strong sense that some members are accepted while others are expected to remain quiet and avoid questioning decisions. This has created, for me, an atmosphere where people may be reluctant to speak honestly for fear of being blamed, criticised or excluded. The comments made by the previous reviewer reflect concerns that I have also experienced.

Honestly, my experience with Dive Manchester has been incredibly frustrating and disappointing. At first, the owners. comes across as really friendly and welcoming, but unfortunately, once they have your money, the level of service seems to change completely. Trying to get things sorted or get proper responses afterwards can be ridiculously difficult. They also take much longer than other shops. Everything just feels disorganised. Even when you walk into the shop, the shop floor itself is often a complete mess, which pretty much sums up my experience of how things are run generally. The organisation of trips can also be chaotic. Communication is poor, things don't seem to be managed properly, and what should be an enjoyable experience ends up causing unnecessary stress and frustration. Weaker divers often are not paired on trips with John Anne but with other members. This causes frustration and unfairness to paying members. What I find particularly concerning is how difficult it feels to raise any criticism or complaint. In my experience, John can become very defensive when concerns are raised and somehow you can end up feeling like you're the problem for complaining in the first place. I've also spoken to other people in the club who have felt uncomfortable about raising negative concerns because of the reaction they expect to get. That's not how customers or club members should be made to feel. I would also strongly suggest that anyone thinking of handing over a significant amount of money does their own research first. There is publicly available information about DiveLife Limited (Companies House no. 08900364), which entered creditors' voluntary liquidation in 2017 and was later dissolved, as well as historical online discussions concerning unpaid creditors and customers' equipment. People can look into the records and discussions themselves and make up their own minds. After my experience, I personally would be extremely cautious about paying large deposits upfront or leaving expensive equipment with them. Keep absolutely everything in writing and keep records of every payment and conversation. It's genuinely frustrating because this could be a great club. It gives a very friendly impression when you first arrive, but my experience once money had changed hands was very different. Poor communication, chaotic organisation, disappointing service and an atmosphere where you feel you can't even complain without it being turned back on you. I certainly won't be recommending Dive Manchester.

No product arrived in 2 months, unprofessional emails inc 'LOL' as if somehow not having the product in stock and not delivering (but taking my money) was funny.
Stopped responding when I asked for a refund after 2 months. Claimed money back via PayPal. Avoid this joke of a company.

ZERO STARS! Do not use this company, bought a watch strap on 3 April and have received nothing, no answer to my emails asking for a refund. At this point i will need to look at other ways to recover my money, pathetic customer service.

Very rude, walked out after been treated like a fool in this store. Rather go to aqualogistics!

I Went to Dive Manchester today with my snorkel mask that I had bought from Amazon as I was having problems with it leaking. John advised me and showed me how to fit it correctly and let me try on some other masks that he had in stock. He said my mask was okay and had a good fit just as good as the ones he had in stock and didn't try to sell me anything else . He just offered me advice thank you for the great service if I need anything I will be back thanks again .

I bought an Atomic Venom mask online from Dive Manchester in September 2025. Within two days of delivery I exercised my right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations and emailed Dive Manchester to request a return. Despite sending several polite emails and even a formal notice citing the regulations, I received no reply at all.

I returned the mask tracked at my own expense and obtained proof of delivery. 11 days after the return was delivered — Dive Manchester finally issued a full refund via PayPal, without any explanation or acknowledgment of any of my emails.

While the refund itself was correct, the total lack of communication caused unnecessary stress. I hope they improve their customer service and returns handling. Customers deserve prompt and clear communication, especially when exercising statutory rights.

My son has been having diving lessons with the team at Dive Manchester since March. He completed the seal team qualification, then enjoyed lots of regular pool sessions building up his skills, confidence and theoretical knowledge too and he has now completed his junior open water qualification. I would recommend anyone considering trying diving to go through Dive Manchester. The team are absolutely brilliant, all so friendly and knowledgeable, there's no pressure to buy lots of kit but there is lots of encouragement and my son has absolutely thrived. He's definitely a diving enthusiast now and I know we will be doing a lot more with the group in the months and years to come.

Doesn't respond to e-mails. Sent two to date, yet no reply. Not purchased anything from them yet, but if this is a reflection of the customer service, don't think I'll bother

Excellent dive shop. I bought my heated vest from them and I am so glad I bought it from them. They have been extremely helpful with everything. Even now couple years later, they are still very helpful if I have an issue, I dont think I have ever met such great helpful guys like the one from dive Manchester. When I need to get any dive kit I will only get it from them!!
I would 1000% recommend them and if I would live closer to Manchester I would definitely join their club.
Felicity

First time at Dive Manchester. Popped in for a couple of air fills and to sort out mask with prescription lenses.

Friendly staff and great customer service. Had a coffee whilst waiting. Even helped carry tanks to car. What more could you ask for?

Price point on kit is reasonable will likely use in future for sure.

Purchased an oceanic mask online from Dive Manchester, it was delivered earlier than stated, was reasonably priced, excellent communications and exactly what was described.
Will definitely use service again thank you

Excellent products and very friendly customer service.
Highly recommend them!

Fantastic service ordered the new Aqualung Dynaflex 7mm Men's Wetsuits and dive boots arrived as promised. Thanks John for all you help.