Sam & Rebecca El Kik, Owners
Sam grew up on the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Lebanon, chasing fish and discovering the ocean’s secrets. That spark of love for the sea never faded. After moving to the United States to pursue a successful career in computer science with Fortune 500 companies, Sam’s heart remained underwater. A life-changing dive trip to the Red Sea was the catalyst—he knew it was time to follow his true calling and became a PADI Divemaster. Fluent in English, Arabic, French, and conversational Spanish, Sam brings a global perspective and a warm, welcoming spirit to every dive.
Rebecca’s love for the ocean was born during childhood summers at Rehoboth Beach. After 14 years working in the nuclear industry championing for the highest standards of safety and reliability, Rebecca’s knack for helping others and learning new cultures have taken her across the globe. Now, she’s channeling that energy into Gold Coast Scuba, creating a space where every diver can feel empowered & inspired.
In 2024, Sam and Rebecca joined forces to reimagine Gold Coast Scuba. We’re here to inspire, educate, and empower you to explore the underwater world with confidence. But we’re more than just world-class diving—we’re a community. Our dream is to create a dive shop that’s more than a store—a place where divers gather, share stories, and feel at home.
We’re deeply committed to making diving accessible and inclusive. That’s why we proudly support adaptive diving, ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the magic of the ocean. We’re also passionate about protecting our local marine environment. Through partnerships with local organizations, we actively contribute to coral reef development and restoration efforts, helping to preserve the vibrant ecosystems we all cherish.
Instructors & Divemasters
-
![]()
Mallory, divemaster
Mallory started diving when spending a college summer on Roatán Island, Honduras. Since then, she's been diving all over, from Greece to Thailand, from Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the Galapagos Islands, and even in Iceland.
She is a full time lawyer, but nothing makes her happier than being on or in the ocean, encouraging others to enjoy water sports, and advocating for marine conservation. She especially enjoys shark diving and her favorite underwater animals to see locally include turtles and stingrays.
-
![]()
Justin, divemaster
Justin moved to South Florida in 2020. Growing up in Arkansas he loved exploring creeks and lakes so it was only natural to want to explore in the ocean. He met some cave divers early on so it was a natural progression for him to enter the overhead environment.
Justin enjoys guiding people so they can enjoy themselves underwater. Hope to see your bubbles soon!
-
Jenna, Divemaster
Bio coming soon!
-
![]()
Dave, Instructor
Dave first got into diving over 25 years ago while working in the offshore high-tech industry in sunny Barbados. Warm tropical waters, lush reefs, and colorful fish can have an impact on some people. The bug bit hard and now he is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Technical Diver, Emergency First Response Instructor including Care For Childern, and a DSAT TecRec Instructor. He is also a PSI Inspector and a Sherwood Service Technician.
It seems if Dave isn't teaching he's taking courses adding to an all ready extensive list of specialties. The latest course he is eyeing is Cavern diving and then who knows what is coming next. An avid proponent of continuing education he'll tell you that there's always more to learn and always something new to discover.
-
![]()
Danny, instructor
Retired Marine and combat veteran,
now a SCUBA Instructor and boat
captain with a passion for ocean
safety and exploration. Danny specializes in offshore wreck dives and personalized
instruction. He also volunteers with
veterans and adaptive diving
programs. -
![]()
Lissa, instructor
Lissa is a PADI and SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor with a deep-rooted passion for the ocean and a love for exploration that’s taken me beneath the surface in some of the world’s most breathtaking dive sites. From the vibrant reefs of Thailand to the haunting wrecks of the Red Sea, diving has become more than a profession—it’s her way of life.
Her journey began with a single dive that sparked a lifelong fascination with the ocean. Since then, she's logged countless hours underwater, teaching divers of all levels how to dive safely, confidently, and respectfully. Whether guiding beginners on their first breath below the surface or leading advanced explorations into deep blue territory, she finds joy in every dive and takes pride in helping others discover the same awe and respect for the sea.
Beyond instruction, she's deeply committed to marine conservation and ocean education. She believes that exploration fuels understanding, and understanding drives protection. Through each dive, she aims to inspire a deeper connection between people and the planet’s most vital, yet often overlooked, ecosystem.
With 4 years of experience as a recreational diver and over 2 years as an instructor, she's had the privilege of guiding students of all backgrounds through their underwater journeys. She's certified to teach specialties including deep, wreck, sidemount, peak performance buoyancy, nitrox, night diving, and she's also an Emergency First Response Instructor. In the last year, she's taken her passion further into technical diving—continually pushing the limits of what’s possible beneath the surface.
She's explored dive sites across the globe, including Egypt’s Red Sea, the warm waters of Thailand, the Mediterranean beauty of Italy, the cenotes of Mexico, the Caribbean clarity of Saint Thomas and the Bahamas, and all along South Florida—from the freshwater springs to the coral reefs of West Palm Beach and Key West.
What drives hernis the magic of discovery and the connection we build with the underwater world. Every dive is a chance to learn, to grow, and to protect the oceans we love. Whether she's teaching a new diver how to take their first breath underwater or leading experienced divers into more advanced environments, her goal is always the same: to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lasting respect for the sea. Let’s explore the depths together—one dive at a time.
