Presenting Sweet Bottom Dive Center

Tony McGowan Operations Manager - Master Instructor

Tony started diving in Wisconsin in 1972 and started working as an assistant instructor in 1976, becoming a PADI instructor in 1978. He is currently a PADI Master Instructor , a TDI Tech Instructor and an SDI  Open Water Instructor.

Tony along with his wife Gwen opened Dive USA, in Wisconsin in 1982 and ran a highly successful SCUBA facility for 26 years training divers in the many aspects of cold water diving including Dry Suit diving, Ice Diving and Great Lakes Ship Wreck Diving. Tony has worked extensively with both Fire & Police departments throughout the Mid West, training divers in Rescue and Search & Recovery. 

In addition to his 30 plus years of diving & teaching expertise, Tony has worked extensively as a Consultant both within and outside the dive industry, designing, building and maintaining High Pressure Air and Gas Systems. He personally maintains the air system at Sweet Bottom Dive Center to ensure the best quality air on the island. It was his first Caribbean trip to the island of Bonaire in 1977 that hooked him on warm water diving. From that point on, together with Gwen they have led many divers & vacationers to the beautiful reefs throughout the Caribbean.

Tony loves teaching all levels of diving but continues to get the most enjoyment teaching new divers in the Discover SCUBA program right off the beach at Carambola’s famous Davis Bay Wall.

Gwen McGowan Retail Manager - Dive Master

Gwen started diving in 1980 and worked her way up the ladder to Dive Master. Gwen taught classes at Dive USA in Wisconsin. She and Tony established a highly successful Dive facility that catered to the needs of the traveling diver.

After selling their business in Wisconsin, she and Tony decided that it was time to move south and after having lived in Roatan, Belize and Puerto Rico, they decided that St. Croix was the perfect place to settle down.  

Gwen is responsible for all retail operations as well as coordinating dives and training classes. She is also a great resource for hotel guests who want to know about some of the great restaurants to experience and and the numerous tours and fun activities on the island. Gwen makes sure that all of our guests receive the attention they deserve and leave St. Croix with the wonderful memories that will bring them back.

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