About Us
The Story Behind Élite Diving Agency
Luca's Story
Meet the Co-Founder of Élite Diving Agency.
My Unexpected Beginning
I wasn’t supposed to be a diver. In fact, my aunt had other plans. At 18, she hired me to work at her seaside hotel, assigning me to the night shift as a receptionist—probably hoping I’d be too exhausted during the day to get into any trouble. To keep me busy (and out of mischief), she also gifted me my first Open Water Diver course at the hotel’s partnered dive center.
Little did she know, she was setting me on a path that would define my entire life!
From that very first dive, I was captivated. The feeling of weightlessness, the silence, the vastness—it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I didn’t just enjoy diving; I needed it.
The Moment That Sparked Élite Diving Agency
One sunny morning in Sardinia, I was guiding a group of experienced divers through the breathtaking underwater landscapes of Capo Figari. After surfacing and relaxing on the boat, one of the divers smiled at his phone.
Curious, I asked what was the good news. He turned the screen toward me: 23 missed calls!
I must have looked puzzled because he grinned and said: “I’m always busy, always reachable. The only place I truly have time for myself is underwater.”
That moment stayed with me. Here was a man with everything—success, wealth, a busy life—but what he cherished most was 50 uninterrupted minutes beneath the surface. It made me realize something important: diving isn’t just about exploring the ocean. It’s about escaping the noise, finding a space where nothing else matters.
That’s when the idea for Élite Diving Agency took shape—not just as a dive service, but as a gateway to a different way of experiencing the world.
A Lifetime of Experience at Your Service
Over the years, I’ve trained with multiple international scuba organizations, experiencing their methods firsthand. While each brings something unique, my professional journey ultimately led me to choose PADI.
Along the way, I’ve also worked with agencies such as HSA (Handicapped Scuba Association), ESA, NASE, SSI, and explored technical rebreather diving with Infinito IAMT 777. From becoming a PADI Open Water Instructor in 2000 to earning the prestigious title of PADI Course Director, my career has spanned a wide range of diving experiences and specialties.
This broad background has shaped my understanding of what truly makes dive education and dive center management effective—and how to recognize outstanding guides and centers around the world.
Over time, I’ve also built a Team of world-class Professionals—experts in training, guiding, and curating extraordinary underwater adventures. Their passion, skill, and dedication are what make Élite Diving Agency truly unique.
A Personal Note
Diving has given me so much over the years—not just a profession, but unforgettable memories that continue to shape who I am.
One of the most meaningful moments of my life happened underwater: my own wedding. Surrounded by 40 close friends, I said YES! to love in the most magical marine setting I could imagine. That experience inspired me to create our bespoke Underwater Weddings service, helping couples celebrate their love in a way that’s rare and extraordinary.
Another highlight in my career was hosting a Team Building event for a worldwide renowned luxury brand. We took their international team from their boardrooms to the sea, creating a powerful shared experience that brought connection, challenge, and wonder. It reminded me of how the sheer contact with nature can break barriers and build bonds in ways no other activity can.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and Élite Diving Agency.
My name is Luca, and I can’t wait to help you write Your Next Underwater Story!
Luca Pelizzari
Contact Luca to plan your next scuba diving experience