Since 1983, Diver Dan’s Scuba and Aquatic Center has been a powerhouse in the diving community, offering state-of-the-art equipment, world-class scuba training, thrilling dive charters, escorted travel, top-quality gear rentals, and expert equipment repairs. As a family-owned and operated business, Dan and Brian Vaccaro are passionate about diving and committed to providing personalized attention to every customer and student.
“We don’t just teach people how to dive—we create lifelong divers,” says Brian. “Our goal is to make sure everyone who walks through our doors leaves feeling confident, excited, and ready to explore the underwater world.”
At Diver Dan’s, visitors are welcomed as part of the family, often by their furry K-9 greeters, Moki and Triton. The center boasts a 90-degree heated pool, making it the perfect place for convenient onsite swim classes and diving lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Diver Dan’s offers a supportive, family-friendly environment where divers of all levels can thrive.
Diver Dan’s took dive travel to the next level in 1993, offering divers the chance to explore the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations. But what makes their travel program truly special is the way it brings together divers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, fostering strong friendships and lifelong dive buddy connections.
Through a partnership with travel wholesaler Deep Blue Adventures, Diver Dan’s is able to handle all aspects of travel planning—from airfare and accommodations to diving logistics and side excursions. Each trip is personally led by an experienced trip leader from the shop, ensuring a stress-free, unforgettable adventure.
“Travel is where divers truly come alive,” says Brian. “Seeing marine life up close, instead of on a screen, changes everything. It builds confidence, improves skills, and deepens your love for the ocean.”
Many divers even use these trips to complete continuing education courses, adding another layer of value to their travel experience.
Raja Ampat: A Bucket-List Adventure
Diver Dan’s recent expedition to Raja Ampat this past January was a bucket-list dream come true. The idea was sparked by a personal milestone—a 50th birthday celebration—and a fantastic deal discovered at DEMA sealed the deal.
Getting to Raja Ampat was an adventure in itself. The group departed from Chicago, with a brief layover in Tokyo, followed by an extended layover in Jakarta, before reaching Sorong. From there, they took a ferry to Raja Ampat, finally arriving in paradise.
“It was a long journey, but trust me—it was worth every second,” Brian recalls. “The moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something truly special.”
Originally, the team secured 20 spots, but demand skyrocketed, and soon, they had 57 divers—a complete resort takeover!
“Raja Ampat is the ultimate bucket-list destination. The deal was incredible, and word spread fast. Before we knew it, we had new customers signing up just for this trip!” Brian explains.
A third of the travelers were first-time customers, proving that Diver Dan’s reputation for seamlessly organized and exhilarating trips is spreading far and wide.
The group included divers of all levels—from brand-new Open Water students to experienced instructors. Their 10-day stay at Meridian Adventure Dive Resort featured nine action-packed days of diving, with 2–4 dives per day. Some divers went all-in, taking every opportunity to explore, while others balanced their time between diving and soaking in the island’s beauty.
The marine biodiversity in Raja Ampat was nothing short of mind-blowing. Every dive revealed massive schools of fish, pristine coral reefs, and an astonishing variety of marine life. Some of the biggest highlights included Manta Rays gracefully gliding overhead, Wobbegong Sharks hiding in the reefs, a kaleidoscope of colorful nudibranchs, and thriving, untouched coral gardens.
The adventure didn’t stop at diving. The group also embarked on breathtaking side excursions, including:
- Hiking to the Piaynemo lookout for jaw-dropping panoramic views
- Visiting remote villages and immersing in local culture
- Exploring the mesmerizing Blue River
- Wandering through town and engaging with the locals
“It was the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and diving,” Brian says. “You can’t ask for more than that!”
Planning and Logistics: Making a Dream Trip Happen
Organizing a trip of this scale required meticulous planning, especially with complicated flight itineraries and extended layovers. Some travelers even added stops in other countries, making logistics even trickier. Fortunately, Brian said Kari from Deep Blue Adventures handled every detail flawlessly, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for all.
The planning process started at DEMA in November 2022—two years in advance.
“Planning early meant we locked in lower rates, and our divers had plenty of time to budget and prepare for this epic adventure,” Brian shares. Every detail was carefully chosen, from accommodations to dive operators, after in-depth research, meetings at DEMA, and leveraging DBA’s expertise. The result? A seamless, worry-free experience.
Brian was asked if he had any advice for other dive centers considering a Raja Ampat trip. His answer? “Absolutely do it!”
“You can’t see everything in one visit—it’s that vast! The marine life, the reefs, the culture—it’s unreal. Every diver should experience this place at least once.”
Unlike many group trips where hiccups are often inevitable, this trip ran exceptionally smoothly. The resort and dive operators went above and beyond to accommodate everyone, ensuring that every diver had a flawless, unforgettable experience.
Brian said he’d like to give a special thanks to Leona from Meridian Adventure Dive (MAD) and Kari from DBA, whose dedication helped make this trip extraordinary.
“People told us this was the trip of a lifetime,” Brian says. “That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Given the overwhelming success, Diver Dan’s is already planning a return trip, eager to uncover more of Raja Ampat’s hidden treasures. Other destinations on the horizon include the Maldives, Galapagos, and Africa.
With an eye on the future, Diver Dan’s aims to offer even more destinations and frequent trips, helping divers deepen their connection to the ocean, improve their skills, and embrace their passion for underwater exploration.
Diver Dan’s Scuba and Aquatic Center continues to raise the bar for dive travel, offering adventurers seamlessly organized, life-changing experiences. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a newcomer, their travel program delivers unforgettable adventures, expert planning, and a vibrant dive community.
“Now’s the time to dive in and explore the world with us,” Brian says. “The best is yet to come!”
