About Us

Ray Butler - Owner

I formed Aquatic World Explorers based on my love of SCUBA diving, travel, exploration, and adventure. I believe each experience helps us to “shrink the world” as we learn and grow.

I am currently an open water SCUBA instructor with more than 30 years of diving experience including cave diving, scientific diving, underwater photography, and underwater hunting.  My diving career began in 1988 while in high school.  I had the opportunity to participate in an experimental marine biology course through a partnership with Florida State University.  I built, deployed, and monitored three small artificial reefs for ecosystem development.  My love of diving and the underwater world has only increased since then.

I served as an officer in the U.S. Army for 22 years, retiring in 2017.  I have the utmost respect for those who serve.  I will always support current and former military personnel and first responders -- especially those wounded or injured while performing their duties.

I have logged thousands of dives over the past 30 years.  My passion for travel and adventure, combined with the skills and experience I acquired in my military service make me uniquely qualified to train divers and guide global travel and adventures.

Join me for an AWEsome adventure.