Shellback Dive Charters comprises a group of maritime, marine science, and dive professionals committed to operating safe and responsible SCUBA excursions out of Ozona Florida.

Often times the Gulf of Mexico is sold short in the SCUBA Diving world.  As a group of professional divers, mariners, and marine scientists we wanted to offer a dive charter boat out of our hometown of Ozona, Florida that would provide the local community and tourists alike a fun, safe, and  responsible diving experience.

We are not going to make statements like ” best dive boat in Tampa Bay” because everyone knows that those kinds of claims are impossible to substantiate.  We will never claim to be the best divers, charter boat, or anything for that matter. We want you to be the judge of that.  What we will do is promise you a pleasant atmosphere on board and a fun day of diving.  Everyone has unique perspective and knowledge to offer, why would you only ever dive with one outfit?

The bottom line is that there is a lot of great diving to be done here and at Shellback we want to spread that message.  So if you are looking to get underwater with like-minded individuals in a laid back and safe environment, give us a call!

Shellback Ocean Staff

Captain/PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer
Brendon “Boomer” Baumeister

Boomer is a mariner and diver who grew up on the West Coast of Florida and from an early age was enjoying the natural playground of the Gulf of Mexico.  After graduating from the University of Florida Boomer began working full time for Hunter Marine Corporation.  He soon became the “special” projects guy at Hunter which had him rigging boats in places like Guantanamo Bay and Seaworld as well as sailing them all over the east and west coasts of the US. After branching out as a freelance delivery captain Boomer found his way to the Caribbean and began working with Sea|mester Programs.  After a few years sailing all over the West Indies as captain of the 88′ schooner Ocean Star Boomer moved to Bangkok Thailand to assist in the build of the 115′, 148 ton schooner Argo. As the captain of  Argo he  sailed with 25 students and 6 staff members into over 30 countries and hundreds of ports of call, completing multiple crossings of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.  Throughout the voyaging Boomer taught SCUBA diving to the hundreds of college students that came through Sea|mester.  He has led dives everywhere from Tahiti and Egypt to Tortola and Malaysia.

In between crossing oceans Boomer worked aboard a number of commercial and private vessels.  After doing relief work for a year aboard the research ship Weatherbird II, Boomer took a full time position with the Florida Institute of Oceanography. He now sails as the full time 2nd Captain aboard Weatherbird II, the ship which has gained international recognition for her work at the  BP oil spill.   When not at sea or running a dive trip Boomer can most likely be found at Dunedin Causeway praying to the wind gods for a good windsurfing session or spearfishing with his family and buddies.

Boomer holds a USCG Master 1600 ton Oceans license, a British MCA CEC 3000 ton Master , and is a PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer.

Captain/PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer
Chantale Bégin

Chantale became interested in marine biology at age 15, when she had the opportunity to dive to 800ft deep in the Saint Lawrence estuary aboard the scientific submersible Clelia.  During her BSc and MSc, she gained extensive experience using scuba diving to conduct underwater research and has been involved in various projects, from studying invertebrate communities in subpolar waters to the recruitment of coral in the Caribbean.

In 2003, Chantale signed up as the chief scientist aboard the school ships Argo and Ocean Star with Sea|mester Programs.  She taught experiential courses in marine science and coordinated collaborations with scientists and marine managers throughout the world to get her students involved in research and conservation projects along their travels.  In 2008, she headed to Simon Fraser University, BC, to obtain her PhD in marine conservation and management, which she will finish in 2011.

Chantale is a PADI scuba diving instructor with credentials to teach Research Diver and Scientific Diver distinctive specialties. She holds an IYT Master of Yachts 200 ton license as well as a US Coast Guard OUPV “6 pack” license.  Being a French Canadian, that’s the biggest license the government allows her.  We have to keep those Canadians at a safe distance!

PADI Divemaster and General Entertainment

John Stevens

John has spent his life diving and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.  With hundreds of dives under his belt he has the local knowledge to show you around if you like.  John is adamant about fresh pineapple after diving, we just go with it.

John is also a successful local business owner and part time rock star.  If you ever get the chance to catch a Bloody Daggers show we highly recommend it.  When John works out he slams the weights on the ground like Schwarzenegger. 

PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer

Eliot Thorne

Eliot originally hails from England where he learnt to sail and dive in the cold waters of the English channel.  After graduating Bristol University he headed off in search of the sun and has since certified hundreds of dive students in places ranging from the Caribbean to South East Asia and the Great Barrier Reef.  For several years he worked for ActionQuest as Dive Director of a fleet of cruising yachts before joining Sea|mester as the mate and instructor aboard the school ship Argo.  He is now a Yacht Designer and enjoys spending time on the water kiteboarding whenever he can.

Eliot is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer qualified to teach 10 different distinctive specialties as well holding an IYT Master of Yachts 200 Ton license.

Second Mate/Aspiring Ocean Advocate/Novice Swimmer

Zoë Baumeister

Zoë is the product of a mutual love for the ocean.  She’s always game to head out on the water and REALLY loves dogs and christmas lights. Zoë is extremely proficient at saying the word “NO” as well as throwing her sippy cup across the room if she feels it necessary.  She recently graduated from SEAL swim school and has been eyeballing the SCUBA gear.