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Our Legacy: 50 years
of Dive Masters in San Antonio
Serving San Antonio since 1976
For 50 years, Dive Masters has been proud to serve the San Antonio diving community. What started as a small, passionate local dive shop has grown into a trusted hub for training, equipment, travel and lifelong underwater adventures. Through decades of change, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to safety, education & the love of diving.
Ownership & Leadership
Honoring our Founder: Tom Bartley (1976-2022)
Dive Masters was proudly owned and led by Tom Bartley from its founding in 1976 until his passing in 2022. Tom built Dive Masters on a foundation of integrity, safety, and a genuine love for the underwater world. His dedication shaped generations of divers in San Antonio and helped establish Dive Masters as a trusted cornerstone of the local dive community.
Tom passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. His legacy lives on through the divers he trained, the instructors he mentored and the community he helped build.
Continuing the Legacy...
New Ownership (2023-Present)
In February 2023, ownership of Dive Masters transitioned to Dr. Dan and Travis, who are committed to honoring Tom’s legacy while guiding the shop into the future. Together, they continue to uphold the values that have defined Dive Masters for five decades—exceptional training, outstanding service, and a strong, welcoming dive community.
A Lifetime at Dive Masters
Back in the 80's, Tom trained Dan to be an Open Water Diver at Dive Masters. Dan went on to serve 23 years in the USAF and then returned to Dive Masters to continue Tom's legacy.
Travis has been part of the Dive Masters family since he was just 15 years old. Over the years, he grew up in the shop—learning the business from the ground up, serving generations of divers, and carrying forward the culture Tom Bartley built. Now with a family of his own, Travis represents both the history and the future of Dive Masters.
A Timeline of our Journey
The Early Years
(1976–1985)
Dive Masters opened its doors with a simple mission: introduce San Antonio to the underwater world. In the early days, our shop focused on basic certification courses, local dive trips, and building a close-knit dive community.
Growing the Community
(1986–2000)
As recreational diving gained popularity, Dive Masters expanded its training programs, added advanced certifications, and partnered with leading dive agencies and equipment manufacturers.
Milestones:
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Expanded classroom and training facilities
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Introduced advanced and specialty dive courses
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Hosted regular local lake dives and regional trips
A Modern Dive Shop
(2001–2015)
Entering the new millennium, Dive Masters embraced modern dive technology while staying true to personal service. Digital dive computers, new gear innovations, and international dive travel became a major part of our offerings.
Highlights:
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International dive travel programs launched
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Updated retail showroom
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Increased focus on continuing education and specialty diving
50 Years Strong
(2016–Today)
Today, Dive Masters stands as one of San Antonio’s most experienced dive centers. We proudly train new divers every year while supporting seasoned professionals and instructors.
What Sets Us Apart:
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Experienced, certified instructors
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Full-service dive shop and gear servicing
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Strong local and travel dive community
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Commitment to safety, education, and conservation
By the Numbers
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🎓 Thousands of certified divers trained
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🌊 Decades of combined instructor experience
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✈️ Hundreds of local and international dive trips hosted
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🤿 Trusted dive shop for generations of San Antonio families
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 50 years, we look forward to the future—continuing to train safe divers, explore new destinations, and inspire a love for the underwater world in San Antonio and beyond.
Thank you for being part of our story.
