Meet our Travel Department
Tom Pederson
Tom has been diving for over 50 years and established Scuba Center’s renowned travel program as it is known today. His adventures have taken him from diving with crocodiles in Cuba to cage diving with great whites in South Africa and exploring the Serengeti on safari. His passion for adventure and ocean conservation continues to inspire travelers and divers alike. Tom’s deep experience and enthusiasm set the tone for every Scuba Center trip. When not traveling, Tom is a Master Scuba Instructor with Scuba Center.
Emily Ortiz
Emily began diving at just 10 years old and has spent recent years expanding Scuba Center’s travel offerings to include both diving and land-based exploration. With a focus on “exploring the unexplored,” she has introduced new destinations and experiences that welcome non-divers as well. Often diving alongside her husband, an advanced diver, and her sister, a divemaster, Emily brings both expertise and family spirit to every journey. Favorite dive: the Red Sea. Dream destination: the Galápagos Islands.
Meet our Photographers
Our site is filled with photography from our adventures abroad. Unless otherwise noted, photos have been provided by our travel department and the following staff members.
Matt Olson
Rachel Pederson
Rachel began diving at age 10 and earned her Divemaster certification at 19. After spending several years in Hawaii working as a dive professional, she developed a deep passion for underwater photography and videography. Rachel’s favorite animals to see are hammerheads, and her dream destinations include Antarctica, Galápagos & Papua New Guinea. Rachel is also a Divemaster with Scuba Center and is working towards her Instructor certification.
Interested in purchasing prints?
We are fortunate to have many talented photographers capturing our adventures, both on land and underwater. If you’re interested in purchasing prints from a specific Scuba Center destination, please reach out using the form below.