Christopher Goodwill and Michael Makoid met while diving in the Sea of Cortez. The duo’s shared passion for scuba led them to found Planet Scuba; nowadays, they lead fellow divers on trips to the sea where they first met, as well as to Key Largo, St. Croix, and other exotic locales.

The shop arms patrons for independent dive trips as well with open-water certification courses. During 22 hours of coursework that combine classroom instruction and pool lessons, students learn basic diving techniques, such as removing the helium balloons tied to their wrists. Classes close with an optional overnight dive trip, on which students earn their certification. The gear store—which stocks equipment for snorkeling and swimming as well as diving—can equip aquatic explorers for any kind of expedition.