About Us
Discovery Divers in Koh Sumai, Thailand
Discovery Divers has been operating for 13 years now in Koh Samui at the Amari
Palm Reef Hotel and is well known for our customer service and flawless safety
record over those 13 years.
Discovery is owned and operated by Eric Vinik, who is PADI master scuba diver
trainer, as well as an Emergency First Responder instructor.
We have the most experienced staff of any of the dive shops on the island and all of
our staff are full time employees of Discovery and do not work for other dive shops.
We use full time staff so we can train our staff to teach and lead dives the way that
we want it done. This also creates consistency in our customer’s experiences as all
of our instructors teach in the same manner and have worked with each other for a
long time which creates the team atmosphere that we have here at Discovery.
We believe first and foremost in safety and customer service. All of our instructors
are emergency first responders and we provide our own oxygen and first aid kits
aboard all of our boats. Our equipment is top notch and replaced annually to ensure
that you always have clean, comfortable and working equipment for your dives
and courses. We keep all of our equipment on-site at our dive shop so that our
customers can see the condition and we can also fit equipment correctly for all of
our guests.
We keep all of our groups small for better experiences. We even can usually provide
private instruction for your group upon request. We realize that you all have a
choice when your are picking a dive school to visit during your vacation and we here
at Discovery will make sure to make your time with us an experience of a lifetime.
our staff
ERICEric is the owner/operator of Discovery Divers and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. He is
originally from New York City, where he learned to dive. He has been diving now for 14 years and
prefers the warm waters of the Gulf to the freezing cold waters of the Northeast US. Eric still gets out a few times a week to dive and teach courses. Sitting in the office is not his thing. When not diving, Eric is usually on the beach with the boss Stoli. Also Eric is also a certified ski instructor
and personal trainer and likes to get away for at least one or two ski trips during the year.
KARL
Karl is originally from England has been an instructor on Samui for 7 years now and the last 5 years with Discovery Divers. He has extensive knowledge of all the dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the most experienced instructors in Koh Samui and is especially good with
younger divers and anyone who needs that extra attention. Of course the best place for Karl is in the water so where we don't have to hear hours and hours about the latest Chelsea football match.
AXEL
Axel is originally from Stuttgart, Germany and has been an instructor for 11 years and has
been teaching in Thailand for the last 8 years. Axel teaches courses in both English and German and
also specializes in teaching handicapped divers. Axel has also performed an underwater wedding. Known as “Mr. Organization”, don't be surprised if your equipment is in alphabetical order in your
bag when your dive is finished! When not in the water Axel likes to follow all the Formula 1 action.
JOE
Joe is originally from Paris, France and has been with Discovery Divers for about 1 year. Joe
is a customer favorite here and gets many returning customers requesting him. In addition to
playing soccer, Joe is a Thai boxing trainer which of course keeps all his students in line.
DAYNA
Dayna is from the UK and has become one of the top instructors in Koh Samui. Her love of
diving comes through in the courses she teaches as well as taking fun-divers out. I think we could
actually get her to work for free as long as she gets to dive. Dana is also an accomplished artist and
regularly draws sketches of the days diving. You can see and purchase her artwork right here in our
shop. Just remember to stay on her good side not to spell her name “Dana”.
EAD
Ead has been working at Discovery for 8 years now. As she handles most of the administrative
things you will probably have the pleasure of dealing with her at some point in your visit. Ead is
also a PADI rescue diver and her extensive knowledge of equipment and the dive sites make her an
invaluable part of our team.
TUK
Tuk has been with Discovery for 3 years now. He is our driver and also overseas the daily
washing of all of our equipment. After your diving you can stroll down to the Andaman steakhouse
in Chaweng and have a drink and listen to Tuk playing guitar with his band.
STOLI
Stoli is our most valuable employee. He is the top canine scuba instructor in the Gulf of
Thailand. You will find him mostly in the office supervising the staff or on chaweng beach honing
his swimming and diving skills. When not working Stoli enjoys playing catch with his ball and
begging for food.







