Our Expert Destin PADI Dive Instructors

ScubaTech Destin has been a cornerstone of the Destin scuba diving community since its founding in April 1986 by Capt. Nancy Birchett. As a woman-owned and operated full-service dive shop, ScubaTech has built a reputation for excellence, safety, and a deep passion for the underwater world. Whether you're an experienced diver or just beginning your journey into scuba diving, we offer various services tailored to enhance your adventure beneath the waves.

Destin, Florida, is a premier dive destination, known for its stunning natural limestone reefs and an impressive collection of artificial reefs and wrecks. ScubaTech Destin provides access to some of the best dive sites in the region, allowing divers to explore the Miss Louise wreck, the breathtaking Destin jetties, and more.

As a leading dive shop in Destin, we specialize in scuba diving lessons and PADI certification courses for divers of all skill levels. Our beginner scuba diving programs introduce newcomers to the basics of diving in a safe and controlled environment, while our advanced scuba courses help seasoned divers expand their skills and confidence. If you're looking for a more specialized experience, we also offer night diving excursions, spearfishing charters, and underwater photography dives.

ScubaTech Destin is more than just a dive center—we are a community of passionate ocean explorers dedicated to providing top-tier service. Our team of experienced instructors and dive masters is committed to ensuring that every dive is safe, fun, and unforgettable. In addition to our scuba diving trips, we offer Destin snorkeling tours, allowing non-divers to experience the beauty of our snorkeling reefs and marine life up close.

Our full-service dive shop is stocked with high-quality scuba gear rentals, ensuring that you have everything you need for your underwater adventure. Full gear setup, tanks, or snorkeling equipment? We have you covered. We also provide equipment servicing and repairs to keep your gear in top condition.

At ScubaTech Destin, we believe that scuba diving is more than just a sport—it’s a gateway to discovering the incredible underwater world that lies just off the shores of Destin to Fort Walton Beach. We guarantee an adventure like no other. Join us and let our expert team guide you through the wonders of the Gulf. We hope to “sea” you soon!

Bringing his extensive experience and concern for safety, Captain Jon has taught several hundred student divers from ages 10 to 82 how to enjoy scuba diving and make it a lifelong endeavor. He started scuba diving when he was 9 years old and earned his PADI Junior Openwater certification at age 11. At age 16 he earned his PADI Advanced Openwater certification and joined the Destin Search and Recovery Team, a volunteer Public Safety Dive Team affiliated with the Destin Fire Department. He later became a full-time Deputy with the Sheriff's Office, tasked with running the Sheriff’s Office Underwater Investigation Unit and did so until he retired in 2011. In retirement, Captain Jon continues to teach SCUBA, Snorkel Squad, and his latest passion - Mermaiding. This opens up new ways to share the underwater world with more people- both young and old. Capt. Jon’s hope is to create a passion for the oceans, rivers, lakes and waterways of our planet in as many people as he can reach. If he can do that, he knows that each and every one he reaches will develop a passion to protect our planet’s waters

Wendy found her passion for SCUBA at age 14, after a DSD experience. In 2017 was introduced to how she could share that passion with other while living on the beautiful island of Oahu. In 2021 she because a full fledged PADI instructor after moving to the beautiful emerald coast. Her claim to fame is a Bubbly personality and a passion for the underwater world!