MEET TEAM BDC

We all love diving, the underwater world, and the Caribbean lifestyle. We come from all over and each of us brings something different to the team. Together, we are the BDC family.

Scuba Instructor Gadi Cohen fell in love with the easy logistics, simple access, tranquil weather, and unique culture of Bocas. He transformed a small dive center into a PADI 5 star world-class professional dive academy. He spearheaded renovations, hired top-notch instructors, built specially-designed boats and a state-of-the-art boutique hotel. Gadi and his staff provide a high quality, exhilarating diving experience, and have trained over 4,000 divers of all levels. 

A Panamanian Instructor, Leandro fell in love with the ocean the second he learned what was going on under the surface. He has been diving in a number of different locations around Central America including Costa Rica, Mexico and Roatan in Honduras. An IDC Staff Instructor, Leandro has been diving and teaching in Bocas del Toro now for over 14 years and has certified over 1,300 students. Leandro also teaches a number of specialty courses including: Underwater Photography, Night Diver and Underwater Navigator. Leandro teaches in both Spanish and English.

Originally from Scotland, Kelly has been diving all over the world and in many different conditions. A few years ago she left her corporate life and moved to the Caribbean to follow her dream of becoming a dive professional. She worked in Belize, before moving to Utila, Honduras, to become a dive instructor, where she became the head instructor of one of the island's most prominent dive centers. A passionate diver, Kelly teaches a number of specialties including: Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Self-Reliant Diver and Enriched Air (Nitrox). Kelly teaches in English.

Captain Freddie is a local legend. An extremely capable boat captain, Freddie is known for his trademark phrases 'todo pretty' and 'todo cool'. He enjoys setting the vibe on the boat with a mix of Latin and Reggaeton music. Freddie speaks Panamanian.

Yorhani is a 100% Bocatoreñian girl, born and raised in this beautiful Colon Island paradise. She is the “Google” of Bocas Dive Center and up to date on everything happening in Bocas. Always smiling and positive, Yorhani crushes it at the front desk and shines at divemaster snorkel test parties.  

Laurie, who is from Lille, grew up hiking and climbing in the Nord Pas de Calais region of France. She was traveling in Costa Rica when she first heard about Bocas del Toro. People kept suggesting that she visit, so she came for a few days. She loved it. She came back for a longer visit, and a year later, decided to move here. She learned to dive, which made her feel like she was in another world, and earned her diving certification at BDC. When she’s not enjoying the peaceful feeling of being underwater, Laurie teaches primary school, surfs, dances, reads, and plays chess.