Meet The ScubAdventures Team

Kevin Sweeney - is the owner and founder of SCUBAdventures. Certified as a diving instructor in 1972, he began working at various Naples dive stores in 1974, then opened SCUBAdventures in the fall of 1993. Kevin is a Master Instructor and has taught 1000’s to dive in all levels. He specializes in digital underwater photography and
creating exciting dive trips.

 

 

Dan Stathas - is a Master Instructor and has been diving since 1990. He is from Atlanta and joined SCUBAdventures in 2004 and now teaches Open Water and Advanced Open classes. Dan enjoys Caribbean dive travel and digital underwater photography.

 

 

 

Jim Bates - is a Master Instructor and has been diving since 1985. He has taught hundreds of divers with us since 1998 and specializes in Open Water SCUBA, Advanced Open water and Nitrox classes. Jim is a certified decompression diver, trimix diver and rebreather diver. Jim enjoys traveling the Caribbean exploring reefs and wrecks.

 

 

Doug Gustason - is an Advanced Open Water Instructor and has been diving since 1992. Doug specializes in the retail operation of the store, is certified in advanced gas blending techniques, and enjoys underwater digital photography. Doug enjoys travel and has experience with both land based and live-aboard operations

 

Geoff Fahringer - was first certified to SCUBA dive in the 70’s. Since then he has logged thousands of dives from the Western Pacific to the Atlantic, Caribbean and fresh inland waters. Geoff currently teaches classes as a SSI Advanced Dive and Stress Rescue Instructor and as a Public Safety Dive Association and Water Rescue Inc. Master Instructor. Geoff is also a First Aid, CPR, AED and O2 provider instructor. Geoff is a member of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Dive team.

Carolina Valera - started diving in the warm waters of Venezuela in 1993. She has been part of the SCUBAdventures family since 2006, first as a student, and now as an instructor, sharing her passion for scuba with new students and those wanting to expand their knowledge of this unique and rewarding activity, by committing to excellence in instruction through leadership, knowledge, and personal approach. Carolina specializes in teaching small groups and can instruct in both English and Spanish.Carolina Valera - started diving in the warm waters of Venezuela in 1993. She has been part of the SCUBAdventures family since 2006, first as a student, and now as an instructor, sharing her passion for scuba with new students and those wanting to expand their knowledge of this unique and rewarding activity, by committing to excellence in instruction through leadership, knowledge, and personal approach. Carolina specializes in teaching small groups and can instruct in both English and Spanish.

 

Ricardo Valera - is an Open Water Instructor and a recreational dive enthusiast with an interest in sharing his enjoyment of diving and the excitement of discovery with others. Ricardo's passion for scuba diving started in 1983 when he obtained his open water certification in his native Venezuela while diving in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. Ricardo is committed to his students and enjoys teaching small groups and private classes in a personable and relaxed atmosphere. Ricardo is qualified to teach various specialty courses including underwater photography. Ricardo likes traveling near and abroad, appreciates cultural diversity and welcomes an opportunity to introduce new divers to the exhilarating and fascinating underwater world.

 

Chris Beckman - is Graduate of Halls International Diving Career Institute in Marathon Florida. Chris is an Advanced Open water Instructor from various agencies and is qualified to teach many specialties. Chris loves wreck diving!