Bio: John was a Cayman Island dive operator in the mid 70's, a former Florida Regional Director of the YMCA Scuba Program, and the former Secretary of Treasury of the Florida Association of Dive Operators (FADO). John is one of a select few that teaches about marine life through direct interactions with wild animals including; moray eels, barracudas, goliath groupers, scorpion fish, angel fish, lobster, butterfly fish, and sharks.
He began this personal interaction with sea creatures in his Cayman days by learning more about them on every dive. He shares this interactive knowledge and love of the sea with generations of scuba divers. Bio: Danny started teaching elementary school after 14 years in the Air Force.
He began this personal interaction with sea creatures in his Cayman days by learning more about them on every dive. He shares this interactive knowledge and love of the sea with generations of scuba divers. Bio: Danny started teaching elementary school after 14 years in the Air Force.
Services
This course offers the basic skills needed to become an open water diver. This is required for any higher level of training. The Basic Open Water Diver course meets two days a week for five weeks, 6:30PM - 9:30PM and covers the topics needed to be a safe and skilled Open Water Diver. Private classes are available for those whose schedule demands a more flexible time frame.
8 Days/ 7 Nights at the Buddy Dive Resort. Round trip airfare out of Orlando, transportation to and from Bonaire airport, 9 boat dives, UNLIMITED shore dives, Nitrox as long as you are certified to use it, Friday night rum punch party, breakfast each morning, and 50% off meals at Blennies restaurant up to $75.
Head to Islamorada, just south of Key Largo, for gorgeous reefs, wrecks, spearfishing, and so much more. We offer a two day, four dive trip to Captain Slates for only $125 and includes our famous Creature Feature! Our unique partnership with Captain Slate means better prices, and a fun time for all!
Reviews (17)
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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David Cantero
Nov 20, 2021
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Blaze Hall
Nov 16, 2021
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Kevin Poley
Oct 08, 2021
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Most welcoming shop I have ever been in. The guy literally helped me with everything I would ask and didn’t judge being a newbie. Not to mention there prices were almost the same as online if not cheaper which is awesome. They helped me with fins mask anything I asked. I cannot wait to make this my go to shop and all 4 of my spear fishing buddies.
Anthony Kintrup
Aug 17, 2021
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Austin Kitchel
Jul 18, 2021
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John Baxter
Jun 01, 2021
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John Appleboom "Boomer" is probably one of the best scuba instructors in the business. I got my open water certification back in 1996 from him. It's not a weekend resort course type of thing. It was more like a scuba bootcamp and it prepared me for a lifetime of safe scuba adventure. I highly recommmend getting certified through Deep six dive shop in Lakeland Fl.
Noley Cannoli
Jul 19, 2020
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Hands-down the best scuba diving instructor’s. Staff is incredibly informative on all gear. I’ve done my open water , nitrox with Tyler Anderson and will be continuing to do my advanced open water with him as well . Mr. Appelboom owner is also very informative on everything in his shop and genuinely loves scuba will answer just about anything you have question on. Will continue all of my scuba training with deep six divers and refer all friends to them hands-down could not be happier with my decision.
Stephen H.
Jan 03, 2019
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John "Boomer" Appelboom certified me originally in 1977. I have since returned for several advanced certifications and have been very pleased with the service and professionalism that exists at Deep Six Divers Service. I can recommend them without hesitation. they have top quality gear, and instruction. This company is a great resource for getting introduced to Scuba, or any other aspect of Snorkeling and diving.
Steve H
Bartow, FL
Steve H
Bartow, FL
Jacob P.
Jul 14, 2018
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Visited here to get a new snorkel and mask for my scalloping trip. I had no clue what to expect. I was greeted and helped right away. Didn't catch his name but the gentleman who helped me fit my mask so leaks would not happen and I got a dry snorkel. Tested it out in my pool prior to my trip tommorow and there's no leaks and it feels great! Defiantly recommend this place. Very helpful to people who are unsure what they want/need. I will defiantly be coming back for my dive cert. when I am ready to do so.
Heather P.
Mar 13, 2018
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Kathleen K.
Jan 09, 2017
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As a Diver of 24 years I trust only one shop and one man with my treasured "antique" USDivers regulator. That man is John Appleboom. He does repair and service onsite. His shop didn't train me originally- a long out of business shop did. His instructor's retrained me and taught me to Advanced Deep Level. I do not recommend anyone else. You won't regret training here.
Chris L.
Feb 25, 2015
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The guys at Deep Six have a great selection of gear and if they don't have it in store they work hard to get it for you. My family has been shopping there since I was a little kid. Both my parents my little brother and I had taken the diver certification course and the instructors have a ton of patience and skills to work with anyone interested getting into the sport. I wouldn't shop anywhere else.
Nichole T.
Jul 03, 2014
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This shop has been around for a long time and they carry a great selection of dive gear. The owner John is an awesome instructor who really cares about his students safety while showing them how fun diving can be. He can also fix near anything. You can trust this place to service your equipment while still offering a reasonable price.
Justin S.
Mar 14, 2014
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Boomer and the Gang at Deep Six are the authority on diving in Lakeland. Other places that offer the "get certified in a weekend" program are setting divers up to kill themselves. No such nonsense here. Their basic open water certs are six weeks long and are thorough, challenging, and exciting - but make no mistake about it: you won't be in the water until they're ready to put you there. Boomer has certified thousands of divers in this area over his multi-decade career and produces hands-down the best divers around. You will leave the course a certified diver ready to blow bubbles
K. H.
Jul 27, 2010
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