Barrett FranklinInstructor
- Highest Dive Rating Held: Master Instructor
- Affiliations:
Barrett Franklin's Gallery:
Background:
Give Barrett a camera and some water, and he’s gone. Whether he’s teaching, photographing, or (ideally) doing both at the same time, that’s his happy place. He’s had the chance to dive some truly epic spots—Maldives, Caymans, Carolinas, the Channel Islands—but what sticks with him most isn’t just the scenery. It’s the moments shared: catching that perfect shot with friends, swapping stories topside, and forming new connections above and below the surface.
His best advice for divers? Stay curious. No matter how many dives you’ve logged or how long you’ve been in the water, there’s always something new to see, to learn, or to appreciate.
Favorite Dive Site:
Barrett’s favorite dive site is Salt Pier in Bonaire—any time of day, any day of the week. Early morning, midday, or late at night, the site is a chameleon. The light shifts, the life moves, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s for teaching, photography, or just soaking it all in, Salt Pier keeps delivering—one dive after another.
Favorite Creature:
Barrett doesn’t play favorites—he’s got a top three. Sharks are just straight-up epic. Crocodiles? A little terrifying, sure, but also completely awe-inspiring—you’re diving with a dinosaur. And rays? They’re effortless, graceful, and just plain cool to watch. Whether it’s adrenaline or elegance, he’s always looking for that unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Favorite Certification Course:
As a student, Barrett’s favorite course was his Wreck Diver training with Paul Adler. Paul wasn’t just a great instructor—he moved through wrecks like he belonged there. For Barrett, it wasn’t just about the skills, it was about watching someone model what true control and comfort in the water looked like.
As an instructor, Barrett’s heart is split between two favorites: Open Water and Photography. Open Water lets him share that first-time wonder and help divers fall in love with the sport. Photography, on the other hand, gives him the chance to open people’s eyes—literally—to all the tiny, beautiful things they might have missed. Either way, he’s all about creating those “wow” moments.
Goals In The Dive Industry:
For Barrett, diving isn’t just something he does—it’s something he loves. And teaching gives him the chance to share that passion with others. Whether it's through a first breath underwater, a perfect photo, or a new perspective on the ocean, he’s all in on helping others experience what makes the underwater world so special.