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About Us





Me


Me

Rick Hayden

Owner/Director of Diving Operations

Rick is a seasoned and accomplished diver with nearly a decade in the sport. His passionate and dedicated demeanor has seen him make giant strides at a fervent rate. Currently, Rick holds instructor certifications with SDI, TDI, PADI, Diveheart, EFR, and First Response Training. His expertise spans across various diving disciplines, enabling him to train divers from complete beginners to novice technical divers.

Before his career in diving, Rick was a globetrotting advocate for conservation. He spearheaded a volunteer program aimed at animal welfare and enrichment at a safari park in Thailand, was a central figure in a sea turtle conservation program in the crystal waters of Malaysia, and volunteered with elephants in the lush rainforests of Laos. He also worked at an orphanage in Belize for a period, educating and caring for the local children.

This path eventually led him to Key Largo, where he served in coral restoration efforts to help revitalize Florida’s barrier reef. With a student membership at The Explorer's Club, Rick continues to seek new opportunities to advance conservation efforts and inspire others to take action for a sustainable future.

This philosophy has since carried over back into his diving. As a Diveheart Adaptive Scuba Instructor, Rick went beyond traditional diving instruction. An organization built on supporting the disabled to explore the underwater world, he’s opened doors of possibility and ignited newfound passions for students. His relationship with Diveheart is an immensely personal one, having suffered his own medical obstacles throughout his life. He’s found solace in the ocean waters and strives to share adoration. By breaking barriers, they proved that the ocean is a sanctuary for all, regardless of physical abilities.

With such a diverse background, it should be of no surprise that Rick’s style of teaching is highly adaptable, catering to the individual needs of each student. He begins each program with a thorough consultation to understand the specific goals of his students. Based on this assessment, Rick customizes a training plan to suit their needs. By choosing to instruct only one or two individuals at a time, he ensures personalized attention and guidance.

Rick meticulously adheres to the exacting course standards mandated by the training agency. However, he goes above and beyond by dedicating extra time to conduct additional sessions, thereby further developing the knowledge and skills of each student. This approach fosters a more comprehensive and enriched learning experience for his students.

Having established his home in the Florida Keys, Rick has grown fond of the vibrant dive scene in the area. With one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and a coastline plentiful of wreck sites, the Keys’ diverse underwater attractions have captured his heart. He is deeply passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise of diving and aquatic life.