About Us
Capt. Michael D. Thomas
Founder of Aquatica Diving and RGV Scuba. Biologist, PADI Elite Instructor and Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Advanced Freediver, AHA CPR Instructor, and USCG Master Captain, 25 GT. 30 years experience, as many years of dive trips, several hundred certified students, and a few thousand dives (and counting!)
Mike was able to fit some education in around his diving, starting with a degree in Biology from Purdue University, then later attending the University of Hawaii for a Master's. Continuing the education trend took him to Arizona State University where he pursued doctoral work and engaged in scientific diving as a component of his research. Mike has a strong desire to help educate and share his experience with others, and founded SEAS Alliance (seasalliance.org) as a way to help promote STEM education and outreach. He enjoys time away from teaching and diving with his wife (adrianamartinezartist.com) and 3 daughters, enjoying the beach and the outdoors in general when time allows! Mike is a USCG certified Master Captain, and provides dive charter service with our 32' Carman, a downeaster working boat named Endless Summer (charterendlesssummer.com)
"I tried diving for the first time as a teenager, and it has been an amazing journey ever since! Having dove all over the world and having trained hundreds of students, the underwater world still presents to me the new and the unexpected, and is a continued source of wonder. Join in on my adventures!"
Testimonials
Rebecca and Ivan Medina, Phoenix AZ: "So glad my husband and I got certified with Mike. His instruction was thorough and clear, and he maintains a sense of calm that a student needs when learning something inherently risky like scuba diving. We never felt rushed, and asking for clarification was always welcomed. We also loved the convenience of having options that worked around our schedule.
If you're interested in learning to scuba dive, I highly recommend Aquatica Diving. It was easy to ask questions and our instructor gave positive feedback. In scuba diving there is a lot to learn, but Mike does a good job of keeping it stress free." - May 2022
K Tillman, Prescott, AZ: "We had a private pool session for our group at our family dive pool. Mike brought all the gear needed so we didn't have to buy anything upfront. He worked with us through 2 pool sessions and was especially helpful and patient in helping my daughter overcome her anxiety about diving and being underwater. He has a lot of patience and took it slow, to help us all develop our comfort. Also had COVID protocols in place, very professional. Highly recommended!" - July, 2020
GJ Hennessy, Phoenix: "Thanks to Mike Thomas for his expertise as a Dive Instructor. He certified my daughter so we could make diving a family event and Mike had a friendly and accommodating approach throughout. I highly recommend Mike to anyone who wants to become a certified diver. His skills and experience are extraordinary and his patience in accommodating student needs and questions is exemplary. Thanks to Mike for his great work in revealing the underwater world to the curious!" - June, 2017
Diana Price, new Open Water Diver: "My first scuba diving trip was to Mexico over fall break 2016 and it was one of the best experiences of my life! I got certified on this trip and after my certification, I was able to go off on my own with my buddy and adventure. We went off the coast of Mexico to an island with thousands of seals on it and we were able to swim with them! I love ASU scuba and I can't wait for the next trip! Thank you!" -October, 2016
Blake Welmann, Hawaii: Awesome. You won't find a better, more knowledgeable instructor. Go diving with them, it will change your life! Thanks for everything! - Spring break, 2014.
T. Selmore, Florida Keys: Mike and his crew were the most professional and fun trainers for our group, they handled everything and made every part of training enjoyable! The experience of working together on the common goal of SCUBA diving was incredibly valuable for all involved, and we finished up with a PADI certification. Ready for the next adventure! - March 2012.
Dive Staff
Other Staff/Divers you might encounter:
Jimmy Azzinaro, Divemaster
Kevin Goldman, Divemaster
Stephanie Salas, Advanced Diver