About us

“Truly great instructors can distill the essence of their art into something simple, elegant and beautiful. Less is More. But to do less you have to learn more.”
Steve Bogaerts

Born from a deep passion for the underwater world, Elite Divers International began its journey in 2013 amidst the turquoise waters of Thailand. After traveling around the globe, we finally settled down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico after falling in love with the Cenotes and Cave Diving. We feel privileged to have such a wide diversity of diving environments to our disposal and the magic of those places is making hard to ever consider leaving again.

We are pleased to offer training under the umbrella of the following Diving Agencies:

GUE – Global Underwater Explorers
Renowned for their rigorous standards and holistic approach to diving education and exploration.
IANTD – International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers
Pioneers in advanced diving techniques, with decades of leadership in technical and mixed-gas diving.
TDI – Technical Diving International
One of the largest technical certification agencies in the world, known for its comprehensive and progressive training programs.
Razor – Go Sidemount
Innovators in sidemount diving, offering a streamlined system and training method embraced by elite divers worldwide.

Why We Offer Different Training Opportunities?

Each diver is unique, and so is every dive. That’s why we’re proud to offer a diverse range of training opportunities through these leading agencies. This variety isn’t just a convenience — it’s one of our greatest strengths as a team. With different backgrounds, specialties, and teaching styles, our instructors bring complementary perspectives to your training. Whether you’re looking for a highly structured system, a flexible progression path, or a specific equipment philosophy, we’ll help you find the right fit to grow as a safe, skilled, and confident technical diver.

We pride ourselves in offering a personalised service and small groups for the most comfortable and adapted experience to your needs. We invite you to join us and dive with us to share our passion, transmit that flame should you decide to become one of our esteemed Padawans.

About us

“Truly great instructors can distill the essence of their art into something simple, elegant and beautiful. Less is More. But to do less you have to learn more.”
Steve Bogaerts

Born from a deep passion for the underwater world, Elite Divers International began its journey in 2013 amidst the turquoise waters of Thailand. After traveling around the globe, we finally settled down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico after falling in love with the Cenotes and Cave Diving. We feel privileged to have such a wide diversity of diving environments to our disposal and the magic of those places is making hard to ever consider leaving again.

We are pleased to offer training under the umbrella of the following Diving Agencies:

GUE – Global Underwater Explorers
Renowned for their rigorous standards and holistic approach to diving education and exploration.
IANTD – International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers
Pioneers in advanced diving techniques, with decades of leadership in technical and mixed-gas diving.
TDI – Technical Diving International
One of the largest technical certification agencies in the world, known for its comprehensive and progressive training programs.
Razor – Go Sidemount
Innovators in sidemount diving, offering a streamlined system and training method embraced by elite divers worldwide.

Why We Offer Different Training Opportunities?

Each diver is unique, and so is every dive. That’s why we’re proud to offer a diverse range of training opportunities through these leading agencies. This variety isn’t just a convenience — it’s one of our greatest strengths as a team. With different backgrounds, specialties, and teaching styles, our instructors bring complementary perspectives to your training. Whether you’re looking for a highly structured system, a flexible progression path, or a specific equipment philosophy, we’ll help you find the right fit to grow as a safe, skilled, and confident technical diver.

We pride ourselves in offering a personalised service and small groups for the most comfortable and adapted experience to your needs. We invite you to join us and dive with us to share our passion, transmit that flame should you decide to become one of our esteemed Padawans.

Arthur Nguyen-Kim

Fathom Gemini CCR Trimix Instructor
GUE Cave 1 / DPV 1 Instructor Instructor
IANTD Essentials / Sidemount / Trimix / Stage & Muti Stage Cave / DPV Cave Instructor
TDI Sidemount / Intro To Tech / DPV Tech / Decompression Procedures / Cave Decompression Instructor
Official Razor Sidemount Instructo
GUE Cave 2 / DPV Cave / JJ CCR1 Trimix Diver

Mark Michael Ehlich

IANTD Essentials / Sidemount / Cavern Instructor Trainer
IANTD Essentials / Sidemount / Intro to Cave / Full Cave / Technical Cave / Multi Stage Cave / Advanced Nitrox / Advanced Recreational Trimix Instructor
TDI Sidemount / Intro To Tech / Intro to Cave / Full Cave / Decompression Procedures / Cave Decompression Instructor
GUE Cave 2 & Tech 1 Diver
IANTD Fathom Gemini Trimix Diver

Anne-Laure Huynh

Operations Manager
TDI Sidemount / Intro To Tech / DPV Tech / Cavern / Decompression Procedures Instructor
Official Razor Sidemount Instructor
TDI DPV Stage Cave Diver
TDI KISS Sidewinder Air Diluent Decompression Diver
IANTD CCR Advanced Nitrox Fathom Gemini Diver
GUE Fundamentals Diver

Shawn Murphy

Award Winning Photographer & Videographer
PADI OW Instructor
Registered Cave & Cavern Guide
Registered Cozumel Marine Park Guide
TDI Full Cave Diver
GUE Fundamentals Diver

Arthur Nguyen-Kim

Fathom Gemini CCR Trimix Instructor
GUE Cave 1 / DPV 1 Instructor Instructor
IANTD Essentials / Sidemount / Trimix / Stage & Muti Stage Cave / DPV Cave Instructor
TDI Sidemount / Intro To Tech / DPV Tech / Decompression Procedures / Cave Decompression Instructor
Official Razor Sidemount Instructor
GUE Cave 2 / DPV Cave / JJ CCR1 Trimix Diver

Mark Michael Ehlich

IANTD Essentials / Sidemount / Cavern Instructor Trainer
IANTD Essentials / Sidemount / Intro to Cave / Full Cave / Technical Cave / Multi Stage Cave / Advanced Nitrox / Advanced Recreational Trimix Instructor
TDI Sidemount / Intro To Tech / Intro to Cave / Full Cave / Decompression Procedures / Cave Decompression Instructor
GUE Cave 2 & Tech 1 Diver
IANTD Fathom Gemini Trimix Diver

Anne-Laure Huynh

Operations Manager
TDI Sidemount / Intro To Tech / DPV Tech / Cavern / Decompression Procedures Instructor
Official Razor Sidemount Instructor
TDI DPV Stage Cave Diver
TDI KISS Sidewinder Air Diluent Decompression Diver
IANTD CCR Advanced Nitrox Fathom Gemini Diver
GUE Fundamentals Diver

Shawn Murphy

Award Winning Photographer & Videographer
PADI OW Instructor
Registered Cave & Cavern Guide
Registered Cozumel Marine Park Guide
TDI Full Cave Diver
GUE Fundamentals Diver

Teaching Organisations

AUTHORIZED DEALER

There is no substitute for experience & finding out what really works for you in practice rather than just in theory.
This is how we chose to become Authorized Dealers in Playa del Carmen for:
HALCYON – XDEEP – RAZOR – APEKS – BIG BLUE DIVE LIGHTS – OMS – DUI Drysuits – Artic Drysuits – YRVA Hoods

Your trust is important and we pride ourselves to recommend the gear we use personnally & we believe is right. Let us know what you’d like to purchase from the brands below and we will arrange it for you at your arrival. If you are not sure of the exact equipment you will need for any upcoming class, please contact us and we will be happy to guide you with the required items.

AUTHORIZED DEALER

There is no substitute for experience & finding out what really works for you in practice rather than just in theory.
This is how we chose to become Authorized Dealers in Playa del Carmen for:
HALCYON – XDEEP – RAZOR – APEKS – BIG BLUE DIVE LIGHTS – OMS – DUI Drysuits – Artic Drysuits – YRVA Hoods

Your trust is important and we pride ourselves to recommend the gear we use personnally & we believe is right. Let us know what you’d like to purchase from the brands below and we will arrange it for you at your arrival. If you are not sure of the exact equipment you will need for any upcoming class, please contact us and we will be happy to guide you with the required items.

PARTNERS

BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE NOW

Contact us

BOOK YOUR NEXT
ADVENTURE NOW

Contact us

What people say

Une super journée passée avec Anne-Laure.
le pit et nicte ha que de merveilles !
très bonne organisation du super matériel et énormément de gentillesse pour nous guider et nous accompagner.
un seul regret...pas assez de plongées ensemble.
A refaire donc
Mille merci!

Angélique Nicolas
4/03/2019
My teenage sons and I undertook our first cenote dives with Anne-Laure yesterday and were absolutely delighted. I had found them on FB in the scuba group, looking for a recommendation, and from the very first moment I had the impression that they were extremely professional and competent. Their communication and follow-up was simply top, and when we finally dove with them Anne-Laure exceeded in our expectations. The planned dives were custom selected for us and to meet with our competencies, experience and wishes. To anyone wishing to do cenote diving in the PDC region, if you would like a memorable experience as we have had with very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate guides, I recommend Elite Divers International.

Mathias von der Decken
8/26/2019
Did we ever get lucky!

We were staying at Iberostar Lindo and were going to dive the cenotes with Dressel. However, the couple in front of us took the last two spots and we figured that was the end of it.

I looked at recommended cenote operators on the r/scuba group and found EDI came highly recommended. I contacted them via WhatsApp, they responded immediately, and it was nothing but professionalism and excellent communication from then on.

We dove Kukulkan and little brother with Carlito. We got an in-depth history of the cenotes, did a walking tour, and detailed briefing. The co-owner (Anne-Laure) was on site and checked in on our group at least 3 times to make sure we were having a good experience.

Carlito kept us calm and confident as first time cenote divers and these were the best dives of our lives.

Not only did he lead great dives, he made sure we caught a taxi for the right price to get back to our resort.

When we got back to the resort, Arthur, the other owner, checked in to make sure we had a good day as well.

Like I said, we got LUCKY!

We are already talking about coming back to dive the cenotes sooner rather than later. And we would definitely choose EDI (and we may even leave our equipment at home since they rent excellent gear).

100% recommend.

Ashley Audrey
1/05/2022
My experience with Elite Divers was incredible. Everything is extremely well organized. Communication with Ann was amazing! She answered to all my questions, she explained in details how my day would look like and what to expect. I booked to go to dive with the bull sharks and I wasn't disappointed. Not only we saw many of them but we were only 4 people on the boat and it was one of the best experience ever. I rented my equipment and you can see that everything is well maintained, neat and clean. The dive guide made a beautiful briefing, he gave me lots of information about the sharks and how to properly behave with them underwater. After the dive they also organized a meeting with other Divers to drink something together in Playa. It was a nice opportunity to meet people from other parts of the world who share the same passion for diving. Thank you to all the team for the best quality service I could ever imagine. 🦈

Playa Dog
2/01/2023
I can’t say enough about my recent experience diving with Elite Divers! I took a chance based on reviews and I am so glad that I did! Anne-Laure guided me through a challenging AOW course (as it should be), with incredible dives in both the ocean and the cenotes. If you’re looking to really become a better diver, you’ve come to the right place. Not only are they amazing instructors, Anne-Laure and Arthur make each student and diver feel like family. I went to Playa as a solo traveler and diver and came home with friends for life. I never go to the same place twice, but I will definitely be back to Playa to dive with these amazing humans!

Jenny Pennington
9/19/2019

What people say

We dove with Arthur and felt it was safe, fun, and professional. Diving the cenotes is a magical experience! Would recommend it to anyone comfortable with buoyancy

Lauren Rieschel
1/16/2022
Quick Playa reef two tank with my newly certified boys and some friends. Arthur and Mark were very patient and helpful fine tuning their new skills. Would definitely go back. Thanks EDI

Mark Baird
6/22/2021
Anne-Laure a su nous faire profiter d’un site magnifique avec beaucoup de professionnalisme. On recommande +++!

Anne Marty
2/22/2018
Diving with Arthur and Anne-Laure from Elite Divers International has been such an awesome experience. From starting my sidemount journey, to doing my intro to cave diving, their service has been nothing but outstanding every step of the way. Not only do they cater for your every need, the personal service adds a degree of authenticity that you won’t get from regular dive shops. What started as a 4 week, trip turned out to be almost 3 months. Much of which I spent with these two amazing people. For anyone who wants quality, friendly and professional service, Elite Divers International is where it’s at. I highly recommend these guys.
Not only have I had a great experience, have made some life long friends too.
I’ll definitely be back. Thanks for an awesome experience!!!

Rory Treweek
10/12/2019
When I asked the ladies in the Girls That Scuba FB group for recommendations for dive companies in Mexico, I had no idea they would come thru with such an amazing company. Anne-Laure and Arthur take the time to figure out what you're interested in and customize it for you. I was the only diver in my group, but I wanted my snorkeler friends to come too. They made it happen when other dive companies said it was either a dive group or snorkel, we could not mix. My friends and I couldn't stop commenting on how they treat you like family! They stick to small groups and know the best times to avoid crowds. I would 100% recommend them to anyone in Mexico even for a discover dive and can't wait to go back next year! Thanks so much guys!

Samantha Skaggs
9/07/2019