Peter Kibler

SDI/TDI Instructor + PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer

An active local cave diver, Peter grew up exploring uncharted dry caves on his West Virginian family farm. When he moved to Florida, that love expanded to the underwater world. After doing his open water course in the Keys, Peter quickly grew to love north central Florida’s underwater caves and springs.

As an independent instructor, Peter emphasizes patient student-centered learning where students set the pace - not a busy dive shop’s schedule. Initially a PADI instructor, Peter later crossed over to SDI/TDI to offer greater flexibility and a wider range of both recreational and technical courses. He currently teaches for both agencies, and offers technical training through TDI.

Peter especially loves teaching cavern courses, and introducing divers to their first overhead environments; many of his students have gone onto cave certifications and technical diving. In his free time, he enjoys mentoring new tech and cave divers.

When not cave diving or buying too many toys for his dogs, you can find Peter camping or conducting research in Antarctica, hiking up glaciers in Svalbard, or otherwise avoiding the hot Florida sunshine. Preferably underwater.

Diving Qualifications and Experience

  • SDI/TDI Instructor

    • Open Water Scuba Instructor (SDI): Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, Open Water Divemaster, Technical Divemaster

    • Technical Instructor (TDI): Cavern, Intro to Tech, Intro to Cave, Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures (AN/DP)

    • Recreational Specialty Instructor (SDI): Dry Suit, Computer Nitrox, Deep Diving, Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV), Full Face Mask, Search and Recovery, Advanced Buoyancy, Emergency Care, Computer, Snorkeling, Night-Limited Visibility, Underwater Navigation, Wreck Diver, Solo Diver, Sidemount Diving, Drift Diving, Advanced Buoyancy, Coral Reef Conservation, Marine Ecosystems Awareness, Oxygen Administration, Bloodborne Pathogens, Adult and Child Emregency Care (CPR and First Aid),

  • PADI Instructor

    • Open Water Scuba Instructor: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, Divemaster

    • Master Scuba Diver Trainer

    • Specialty Instructor: Cavern, Dry Suit, Nitrox, Deep, Diver Propulsion Vechile (DPV), Full Face Mask, Search & Recovery, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Emergency Oxygen Provider, Boat, Night, Wreck, Self-Reliant, Dive Against Debris, PADI AWARE/Coral Reef Conservation, Emergency First Respones, Care of Children with AED

  • Technical Training Certifications

    • Full Cave/Cave DPV

    • Advanced Nitrox/Deco Procedures

    • Advanced Trimix

    • Technical Sidemount

    • Liberty Sidemount CCR

  • Abe Davis Award (NSS-CDS) for 100 safe full cave dives

  • Cave exploration

PADI scuba diving instructor Peter Kibler stands on an ice floe in Norway
PADI instructor Peter Kibler wears a drysuit with backmount doubles and a stage bottle during a full cave dive at Peacock Springs State Park
PADI open water instructor Peter Kibler peers out from an ice cave while conducting research in Antarctica
A cave diver wearing a dry suit standing in water at Ruth Springs, holding a golden retriever on a rock by the water's edge, with trees and a staircase in the background.
2022 PADI Elite Instructor 100 certifications badge

  • "I'm finishing my Divemaster with him and he has gone the extra mile to make sure I got a great experience"

    Nicole Gilbo | DM Candidate

  • "Super informative, helpful, and patient - this class was really a delight. Any diver who's diving the springs regularly should really take this course"

    Erin Westgate | Cavern Course

  • "I highly recommend Peter as an instructor for all levels. He has continued to help me through wreck diving and eventually into cave. His deep knowledge, experience (and patience) is second to none."

    Gary Fagan | Open Water/Wreck/Cavern

  • "I had a WONDERFUL time diving the springs and caverns. At our surface interval, knowing I was going for a [cavern] certification, he took the extra time to give me some advice and pointers"

    Guide Cavern Dive

  • "Great experience with Peter during my cavern certification. He is very thorough and even provided lunch"

    A. Couey | Cavern Course

  • "Peter is a great SCUBA instructor! His knowledge, professionalism, and passion for diving make him an outstanding choice"

    Rachel Moore | Cavern Course

  • "Thank you Peter Kibler for a great weekend class and tasty chicken. One step closer to the next course!"

    Shell Brown | Cavern Course