Business Details
Your Trusted Scuba Diving School in Lakeland
Deep Six Divers has been a trusted name in scuba diving education and services for nearly four and a half decades. As one of only two IANTD Diamond Facilities in the United States, we combine decades of expertise with a passion for underwater exploration. Our instructors, many of whom have decades of experience and thousands of logged dives, are dedicated to creating confident, self-sufficient divers through comprehensive training programs. We maintain a friendly, welcoming environment that fosters lifelong connections among divers while upholding the highest standards of safety and technical proficiency.Our facility features an onsite training classroom and heated pool, complemented by full-service equipment repair and rental options. With a proven track record of certifying over 20,000 students and training 500+ instructors, we remain committed to advancing scuba education through innovative teaching methods and direct marine life interactions. Our team's extensive background in scientific diving, underwater archaeology, and conservation efforts ensures every student receives unparalleled expertise tailored to their learning needs.
Services
Scuba Certification Courses
Dive Equipment Rental
Equipment Repair Services
Specialty Diving Programs
Dive Trips
Highlights and features
- 45 years of proven excellence in scuba diver education
- IANTD Diamond Facility with expert instructor development
- Onsite classroom and heated training pool available
- Specialized marine life interaction training with wild species
- Comprehensive equipment repair and rental services
Associations and certifications
- IANTD
What people say
Excellent instructors
Welcoming environment
Comprehensive training
Expert guidance
Practical skills
Services
Scuba Certification Courses
Our comprehensive scuba certification programs range from basic open water to advanced specialty courses. With both group and private instruction options, our IANTD-certified instructors provide hands-on training in controlled environments and real-world dive settings. Students gain essential skills for safe, confident diving through structured classroom sessions, pool training, and open water dives.
Dive Equipment Rental
We offer complete scuba gear rental packages including regulators, BCDs, tanks, and wetsuits for divers of all experience levels. Our rental fleet features modern, well-maintained equipment suitable for recreational dives and specialty applications. Customers receive proper fitting assistance and equipment orientation to ensure safe and comfortable underwater experiences.
Equipment Repair Services
Our full-service repair center handles all major scuba equipment maintenance needs including regulator servicing, BCD repairs, and cylinder inspections. Certified technicians use professional tools and genuine replacement parts to ensure optimal equipment performance. We provide visual inspections, hydrostatic testing, and oxygen cleaning services for both recreational and technical diving gear.
Specialty Diving Programs
We offer specialized diving courses covering nitrox diving, deep diving, drysuit operations, and underwater photography. These programs enhance divers' capabilities through focused skill development and practical application. Each specialty course combines academic instruction with targeted water sessions to build expertise in specific diving disciplines.
Dive Trips
We organize local and international dive excursions to premier destinations including Florida Keys, Bonaire, and Roatan. Our guided trips accommodate various skill levels with options ranging from shore dives to wreck explorations. Participants receive logistical support, equipment transportation, and expert dive supervision for safe and enjoyable underwater adventures.
People
John Boomer Appelboom
Lead Instructor
With 55+ years diving experience and 19,000+ dives, John specializes in marine life interactions and underwater education. Former Florida Regional Director of YMCA Scuba Program, he teaches divers to engage safely with marine wildlife through direct observation techniques developed during his Cayman Islands diving career.
Don Bailey
Instructor Trainer
Scientific diver with 25+ years experience, Don combines underwater archaeology expertise with conservation work. He has participated in shipwreck recoveries from the War of 1812 and contributes to marine life research projects while training divers in self-reliant diving techniques.
Danny Kale
Cave Diving Instructor
Retired elementary school science teacher with 20+ years scuba instruction experience. Combines educational expertise with 1,500+ logged dives to teach cave diving techniques. Former Air Force member brings structured teaching methods to underwater safety and exploration training.
Matt Vinzant
Cavern Diving Specialist
Certified at age 12, Matt became youngest US cavern diver at 13. With 20+ years diving experience and 2,000+ dives, he specializes in cave exploration and environmental research. Currently serves on Karst Underwater Research board while teaching cavern diving techniques.
Danielle Bailey
Marine Conservation Instructor
Former scientific diver with aquarium research background, Danielle focuses on coral conservation and marine life documentation. Her expertise in underwater photography and marine biology enhances diver education programs with practical ecological insights from 20+ years in the field.
Questions
What scuba certification levels do you offer?
We provide IANTD-certified training from basic open water to advanced specialty courses including nitrox, deep diving, and technical diving programs.
Do you rent scuba equipment to non-certified divers?
Yes, we offer complete gear rental packages for all experience levels with proper fitting assistance and equipment orientation for safe use.
What dive trip destinations are available?
We organize local Florida dives, Keys excursions, and international trips to Bonaire, Roatan, Philippines, and Indonesia with various accommodation and dive package options.
Are private scuba lessons available?
Yes, we offer private instruction with flexible scheduling for individuals or small groups requiring personalized training approaches.
What equipment maintenance services do you provide?
Our repair shop handles regulator servicing, BCD repairs, cylinder inspections, hydrostatic testing, and oxygen cleaning using professional-grade tools and replacement parts.
Do you offer underwater photography training?
Yes, our instructors provide photography guidance during specialty courses and guided dives, with equipment rental options for underwater cameras and lighting.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Tracey Swift
Dec 17, 2021
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I got my basic open water certification through Deep Six a few weeks ago.
Class: My instructor, Don, is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and answered 1000 questions from this newbie. He always made me feel comfortable and safety is his #1 concern. He went above and beyond to ensure the whole class was trained and well prepared. In the pool, we did every skill multiple times. Then we went to a lake and repeated those skills. That prepared us for our open water dives in the Keys. My whole class felt prepared and ready for our dives. (And the 4 of us built a bond and are still diving together).
Class: My instructor, Don, is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and answered 1000 questions from this newbie. He always made me feel comfortable and safety is his #1 concern. He went above and beyond to ensure the whole class was trained and well prepared. In the pool, we did every skill multiple times. Then we went to a lake and repeated those skills. That prepared us for our open water dives in the Keys. My whole class felt prepared and ready for our dives. (And the 4 of us built a bond and are still diving together).
Brandy Kriger
Nov 23, 2021
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Youd be hard-pressed to find a better, more welcoming bunch of people. Everyone in the shop is extremely knowledgeable and they genuinely care for their customers and making sure they have a great dive experience. Love these guys!!
David Cantero
Nov 20, 2021
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One of the best dive shops around and with very helpful people. They are very knowledgeable, help you with equipment and any questions or concerns may you have. This place is so amazing my family and I all got certified through them. Highly recommended. Thanks deep six for being amazing!!!
Blaze Hall
Nov 16, 2021
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Boomer, if he still owns the shop is a pretty uncomfortable creep to be around . My friends wife died while we were on our check off dive. Probably would be wise to stay away, but whatever
