From Coast to Quarry: Finding an Unexpected Adventure at Ohana Dive Co. in Nashville

Anna Taraboletti   Jun 02, 2025

From Coast to Quarry        

        I grew up in Florida, where the ocean was just around the corner. It was part of the backdrop, something you always knew was nearby, even if you weren’t hitting the beach every day. Boats, saltwater, and sand-in-your-shoes were just normal parts of life.

So when I moved to Nashville, I wasn’t just adjusting to the lack of palm trees, I was adjusting to the fact that I was now completely landlocked. Something I didn’t realize would have such a large impact on my life. That’s when I found Ohana Dive Co., and honestly, it was one of the most unexpected surprises of moving here.

 

Wait... Scuba Diving in Nashville?

        I had no idea scuba diving was even a thing in Tennessee. I assumed it was one of those hobbies you left behind when you moved away from the coast. But after a deep dive online, I came across Ohana Dive Co.

Next thing I knew, I was walking into Ohana Dive Co., half-expecting to feel out of place. Instead, I was greeted with warm smiles, zero pressure, and people who genuinely just wanted to help others explore the underwater world, even from a landlocked city.

 

Starting Something New (Without Needing an Ocean)

        I wasn’t a die-hard diver before. I’d done a couple of try dives in Florida and always thought it was cool, but never took it further. Ohana made it easy to get started. The instructors were approachable, the vibe was relaxed, and I didn’t feel like I needed to know a ton to jump in.

        Training happened in nearby places like Pennyroyal Quarry and Loch Low-Minn, which I’d never even heard of—but turned out to be pretty awesome. The water’s clear, peaceful, and full of little surprises. It’s a far cry from the ocean, but in the best way: calm, controlled, and perfect for learning.

 

A Shop That Feels Like a Community

        One of the best parts of diving at Ohana isn’t just the diving, it’s the people. I didn’t expect to meet so many friendly, down-to-earth folks just by walking in the door. Whether it's instructors cracking jokes, people swapping dive trip stories, or just hanging out in the shop after work and training, it feels more like a community than a business. Even though I came from the coast, this was my first real dive community, and it’s one I’m glad I found.

 

Ohana Means Family—Even Here in Tennessee

        They say “Ohana” means family, and this place really lives up to the name. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never put on a wetsuit or if you’re just looking to try something new. There’s no ego here, just good people who love what they do and want to share it.

Now, when I miss the ocean, I know I don’t have to wait for a trip home. I can get in the water, challenge myself, learn something new, and connect with a crew of people doing the same—all right here in Nashville.

 

 

Anna Taraboletti