Orlando Dive Instructors
Get Scuba Certified in Orlando, Florida
Let’s face it, in Orlando you have a multitude of choices for dive instructors. Unlike the theme parks where you have to wait in long lines, there’s a long line of instructors waiting for you. The question is, do you want the adventure of a lifetime or a lifetime of adventures? Divers Direct was founded in 1984 by a family who understands the difference and are focused on helping people develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of adventures. Still owned and operated by that same family, our founding principles are our compass. Our focus is safety first, and we might have a little fun along the way.
We know what’s down there and it’s hard to keep some of us out of the water. Did we mention that there are no long lines nor strollers at 60 feet underwater? With over 36 years in the industry, our trained professionals are ready to assist and train you. By the way, if you haven’t noticed, we don’t stop at instruction. In addition to the variety of courses we offer, our team of gear experts will help you choose what you need and...we might even know a few good dive spots and dive boats. No mousing around, diving is serious business and we like to share what we know.
So let’s take that giant stride together and start your lifetime of adventures.
Emmanuel Rodriguez
SSI Divemaster Instructor
Bilingual, Emmanuel got his SSI Open Water Diver certification in 2000, as he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology. Emmanuel developed his professional career in the fields of Oceanography and Geomatics and became an SSI Instructor in 2012 with the purpose of sharing his experiences and passion for the ocean.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, Emmanuel is an SSI Divemaster Instructor and can certify students in a number of programs. Contact the store to get a full list of the courses Emmanuel teaches from Open Water to Divemaster.
Tim Senkevich
SDI TDI Openwater Instructor
In 2011, shortly after completing his service in the Marine Corps, Tim relocated to South Carolina. With an innate sense of adventure and the coast at his doorstep, he earned his first diving certification. From that inaugural dive, he was captivated by the underwater world, birthing a newfound passion. Relocating to Florida in 2014, Tim's enthusiasm deepened as he discovered the natural springs, wrecks, and the challenges of technical diving. Over the years, he pursued rigorous training, earning his Full Cave, Advanced Trimix, and Closed Circuit Rebreather certifications. In 2020, the pandemic offered Tim the chance to transform his passion into a profession. Today, he's not just advancing his own instructor credentials but is dedicated to molding confident, safe divers ready for adventures anywhere their hearts desire.
Tarek El-Kolalli
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)
Tarek’s love of the ocean began at a young age with family trips to Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia Beach, and South Florida. It wasn’t until his family trips to the Red Sea that he realized that beneath the ocean is where he wanted to be. Tarek obtained his Open Water Certification in 2008 which was his first step in his lifelong dream of being under the sea. Once certified, he continued through all recreational certifications until obtaining his DiveMaster certification in 2010. Tarek knew he eventually wanted to become an Instructor to share his love with students. Tarek obtained his Instructor and Master Scuba Diver Trainer certifications in 2017 and began his dream of working with students. He is certified to teach all recreational courses and some unique specialties such as Project Aware Shark Conservation, and the Project Aware Turtle Awareness specialties. Other specialties include Enriched Air Nitrox, Night, Wreck, Deep, and Navigation. Tarek enjoys working with students of all ages and interest levels.