Private Scuba Instructors in Chicagoland
If you're looking for personalized scuba training in the Chicagoland area, hiring a private scuba instructor can provide a customized learning experience that fits your schedule, goals, and learning style.
Why Choose a Private Scuba Instructor?
- Flexible Scheduling: Train on your own time, without the constraints of a group class.
- Personalized Instruction: The instructor can focus on your specific needs and skill development.
- Custom Training Plans: Private instruction can be tailored to your needs.
- Better Student-to-Instructor Ratio: Ensuring full attention from the instructor.
- More Time in the Water: Maximized water time with efficient lessons.
Recommended Private Instructors in Chicagoland

Richard Tessell (Evolve Scuba Diving)
- Specialties: New divers, buoyancy & trim workshops, wreck diving and drysuit diving
- Classes: Teaches for SDI and NAUI as well as Red Cross and DAN for O2, CPR, AED
- Why Choose Richard? Richard provides high-quality instruction focused on precision in skills like buoyancy, trim, and gas management. He was my instructor for drysuit and wreck diving, and I’ve been on several buddy dives with him — top-notch instruction and expertise.
- Contact: Evolve Scuba Diving
Considerations When Choosing a Private Instructor
- Training Philosophy & Agency: Does their style and agency align with your goals?
- Instructor Experience: Some specialize in technical diving, others in recreational training, some in both.
- Cost & Scheduling: Private instruction often costs more but may offer better value.
- Location: Some instructors operate through dive shops, others are independent.