Meet Team
Scuba Elite
Pascal.
“When I started diving almost 20 years ago, I was hooked from the moment I took my first breath under water. My passion for diving gave me opportunities to meet amazing people and work with inspirational professionals.
As a PADI Course Director I really enjoy teaching people how to dive and share my passion with them. From beginning divers to experienced professionals, I love teaching them all. With my military and law enforcement background I really get excited when I can teach Rescue and safety courses. I'm also a big fan of the eco friendly courses like the PADI AWARE and Reef Renewal. Just reach out to me and we can navigate through your diving future together.
With Scuba Elite my dream finally came true. Teaching scuba is my passion and there's no better way to do it than opening your dive shop and being involved with the dive community 24/7. By being eco friendly, involved with the future of the local youth and initiatives Scuba Elite will also be contributing to the island.
With over 1400 dives all around the world and experience on Bonaire since 2013 I am the right person to guide you underwater and let you explore all the beauty Bonaire has to offer.
We are really looking forward to meet you, because at Scuba Elite we believe in personal growth. As a person, but for sure as a diver. Let’s connect if you're interested in a personal and tailor made plan to grow, either as a beginner or professional.”
Let’s blow bubbles soon!
Pascal
Mélina.
“Hi!
My name is Mélina, I'm 21 years old from Switzerland. I'm proud to work as a scuba instructor for Scuba Elite and I feel like it’s gonna be a wonderful adventure.
One of my all-time favorite dive sites on the island is Invisibles, where I've had the opportunity to explore the stunning underwater world and encounter breathtaking marine life. When it's time for a delicious lunch between dives, I often head to my go-to restaurant, Between2Buns for a satisfying meal.
As a scuba instructor, I am passionate about opening a new world to people and sharing my love for the ocean. It's a rewarding feeling to introduce others to the wonders of scuba diving and help them discover the magic beneath the surface.
On my days off, I enjoy taking some time to rest and recharge, catching up with friends, and exploring the beautiful island of Bonaire. Whether it's getting to know the local culture, or simply enjoying the stunning beaches, there's always something to discover and experience on this amazing island.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be living and working in such an inspiring destination, where I can combine my passion for scuba diving with my love for adventure and exploration.
See you soon for some incredible diving!”
Mélina
Niels.
“It all started on a holiday in Egypt where I did my first discover scuba dive 10 years ago. Fell in love with diving straight away. The freedom of weightlessness underwater was liberating. Got sucked into the diving world quickly and by now have well over 2000 dives and 8 years experience as a dive instructor.
Over the years I travelled the world as a scuba instructor teaching and guiding in wonderful places like Costa Rica, Indonesia and the Bahamas. However the Caribbean has always had a special place ever since I first started working there on Sint Maarten in 2017. The generally good visibility, low currents and amazing marine life make it the place to be for casual and relaxed diving.
My favorite diving around the island is definitely on the south side. The soft corals there are always a treat. You can convince me to go to either Vista Blue or Salt Pier any day.
Hope to be showing you all sorts of marine creatures soon!”
Niels
René.
Hallo, Hello, Bon dia,
I started diving in 2019 and still remember my first dive (Discover Scuba Dive) pretty well. It was on the island of Borneo. It was one of the most exciting things I had done in my life up to that point. Since that day, I knew I wanted to get my PADI certification. Then COVID-19 came, and the idea of diving was put on hold for the next year. During the pandemic, Bonaire was one of the few options to travel outside of Europe. When that trip was booked, I started my PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses in the Netherlands. That holiday in Bonaire made me fall in love with both Bonaire and diving. The corals and the abundance of fish around the island were amazing. The first seahorse I saw was mind-blowing and instantly became my favorite sea animal. My favorite dive sites on the island are Sweet Dreams and Candyland (their names are sweet, just like I think seahorses are).
In 2022, I decided to change things up in my life. I sold my house and quit my job to go on a world trip through Asia and Oceania for 10 months. Halfway through the trip, I started dreaming of living abroad, and Bonaire came to mind. What really pulled the trigger was diving in the Philippines. I made the decision to do my divemaster training in Bonaire and try living on the island for six weeks. This tryout led to becoming a citizen of Bonaire. From that moment, things moved quickly: I completed my divemaster training and decided a few weeks later to pursue the instructor course with Scuba Elite. After my instructor training, Pascal offered me a job, and I became a member of the fabulous Scuba Elite team!
The reason I became an instructor is that I love teaching divers new skills, giving them an unforgettable first experience, and making students stronger and better divers. Even if you are a bit afraid, I’m here to help you out. I experience great pleasure in learning and exploring new things with students. When students enjoy it, I have a smile all over my face. That’s why I became a specialty instructor: to expand my knowledge and teaching abilities. Within the first months, I knew I wanted to take the next step to IDC staff instructor. Why? Because I think it’s quite exciting to train new instructors and make their Instructor Development Course a personal and amazing process.
As a person, I’m always seeking adventure and searching for the next step. So don’t hesitate—follow your dreams and come explore the ocean with me.
René