>About Us

Dive The World

About Us

Dive The World, in operation since 2002, are real people with a wealth of diving experience. Our aim is to ensure your happiness and convenience both on your scuba vacation and during the booking process. We help take the risk out of arranging your next adventure. That is one of the many good reasons why you should book with Dive The World.

So who are we? To put a face to the names behind Dive The World and what we value, see how your booking can help worthwhile charitable causes, and who our award-winning tour operators are ...

• Your Diving Buddies
• What Our Customers Say About Us
• Our Annual Dive Operator Awards
• Our Chosen Charities
• Join Our Social Community

Your Diving Buddies

When you contact us you get to communicate with an experienced diver with many years of experience in organising vacations, just like the one you want. Here we introduce ourselves so you can put a name to the face.

Like you, we are all enthusiastic about diving and the underwater environment but we also realise that your valuable vacation time should be as much fun as possible. Therefore we take the time and hassle out of finding you the best value scuba tours available.

Dive Buddy (in alphabetical order):

Erica Espinosa

Nationality: Mexican

Dive The World position: Contributor.

Bio data: Erica has worked in the diving industry but does not dive as much as she did in her younger days. mostly due to eardrum issues. She has dived all over her native Mexico in places like Socorro, the Sea of Cortez, Cancun and the Cenotes, so we shouldn't feel too sorry for her. These days she is chained to her desk like everybody else. Erica channels her energies into marine conservation projects near her home, including frequent beach clean-ups and organising clean-up dives in an effort to minimise the effect of marine trash on the local reefs.

Language skills: Spanish, English.

You can contact Erica at: erica@dive-the-world.com

Gavin Macaulay

Nationality: Born UK, though likes to think he comes from Ireland

Dive The World position: Contributor.

Bio data: Gavin is a devoutly warm-weather recreational diver who, having done his open water in Australia in 1996, has since dived all over Asia as well as in Europe, the Red Sea, Fiji, Palau, Cocos, Galapagos, South Africa and one cold weekend in Northern Ireland. A qualified PADI Divemaster, he is proud never to have worked a day as a DM, preferring to dive for fun. Has worked in the dive industry for nearly 20 years. When he is not travelling around the world for Dive The World he lives in Malaysia.

Language skills: English, French - fluent once, now not so, Spanish - again peaked at schoolboy level. Currently getting to grips with Bahasa Malaysia.

You can contact Gavin at: gavin@dive-the-world.com

Jessica Yew

Nationality: Singapore

Dive The World position: Contributor.

Bio data: Jessica is quite new to the world of diving having been certified only in 2012 (in Bali). However she has been making up for lost time ever since. So far she has dived in Komodo, North Sulawesi, Bali, Sipadan, Mabul, Tioman island, and the Similans. She is looking forward to continuing her underwater education in Asia and beyond, and to visiting and diving in the Galapagos one day ('my dream vacation') to follow in the footsteps of her hero Charles Darwin.

Language skills: Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), English and some Bahasa Malaysia.

You can contact Jessica at: jessica@dive-the-world.com

Jim

Nationality: British

Dive The World position: Jim is our finance and accounts guy. He number crunches our spreadsheets and creates our financial reports. He also makes sure we keep track of your payments so we can confirm those bookings as soon as possible.

Bio data: Jim comes from a computer programming background. After many years in the UK IT industry, he found his way to Dive The World. When he is not in front of a computer, Jim enjoys travelling, playing golf, spending time with his family, and is an occasional leisure diver. He also enjoys his sport, especially football and he still manages to play occasionally, although he's a lot slower than he used to be.

Language skills: English and passable Thai (and forgotten more computer languages than he cares to remember).

You can contact Jim at: jim@dive-the-world.com

Johnny

Nationality: American

Dive The World position: Marketing and UX.

Bio data: Johnny was born in San Francisco and started diving in 2007 in the warm waters of Phuket, Thailand. Since then he has worked as both a scuba instructor and a divemaster all around the world racking up close to 1,000 dives. He's been diving in Borneo, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Komodo, the Caribbean and Miami and, just like the rest of the marketing team, is a warm water only diver.

Language skills: English

You can contact Johnny at: johnny@dive-the-world.com

Martin R. Probert

Nationality: USAn

Dive The World position: Contributor.

Bio data: Marty has been diving since 2004 when he first slipped below the waves in Florida at the age of 16. Since then he has travelled extensively in Latin America, diving in Hawaii, Belize, Mexico, Roatan, Bonaire and Saba & St Kitts. So far he has only ventured as far east as the Red Sea. However, he is looking forward to diving in South East Asia and seeing if the Coral Triangle is as good as the rest of us insist!

Language skills: 'Murican English, some Spanish.

You can contact Martin at: martin@dive-the-world.com

Philippa (Pip)

Nationality: Australian

Dive The World position: Pip is one of our expert travel consultants. She can help you with your inquiries regarding Australia, Thailand and Fiji.

Bio data: Pip went backpacking around Thailand in 1997 and loved the friendly people and warm weather so much that she decided to stay. Her mum still wonders where she's got to. She has been working in the industry and organising dive tours for more than 10 years and has spent her time in Phi Phi Island and on Phuket. Now is very happy to call Dive The World home. Being a hippy at heart, she will be out saving the planet if she is not answering your inquiries.

Language skills: Aussie mate and some very bad Thai.

You can contact Philippa at: philippa@dive-the-world.com

Ryan Ladstatter

Nationality: Austrian

Dive The World position: Contributor.

Bio data: Vienna boy Ryan spends more time at his computer coding than he does diving but he is striving to redress this life-work imbalance. Ryan has never worked professionally as a diver but has spent more than the average person on certification cards (many of them pointless!). He is currently looking forward to building on his diving experience in South East Asia, with the Banda Sea and Cenderawasih Bay high on his bucket list. Another target he has is never again to dive in a cold lake in Europe amid the wrecks of bicycles and shopping trolleys.

Language skills: English, German, un peu de French.

You can contact Ryan at: ryan@dive-the-world.com

Sarah Hearn

Nationality: English

Dive The World position: Contributor.

Bio data: Previously involved with marketing in financial services, Sally grew tired of the rat race. She completed her PADI Open Water Diver Course in 2010 and is now a Rescue Diver. A keen underwater photographer. Sally has been a yoga teacher and complimentary therapist for 19 years. She is passionate about marine conservation and animal welfare issues. Loves travelling and has done quite a bit worldwide, especially through her own tour company running small private yoga tours and retreats. Spent a lot of time in SE Asia.

Language skills: English and Spanish.

You can contact Sally at: sarah@dive-the-world.com

Sebastian Reyes Fontalvo

Nationality: Colombian

Dive The World position: Contributor.

Bio data: Sebastian (Seba) is an enthusiastic young diver from Colombia. He has spent a lot of time underwater in his own country working as an instructor for a few years and has just begun to sample the underwater world further afield. He has also dived in Costa Rica and Panama and is planning to hit the big names of Mexico and Galapagos soon. He loves to teach diving and both learn about marine conservation and help educate others. He cannot wait for his young son Ernesto to be old enough to dive so he can share with him his underwater passions.

Language skills: Spanish, Ingles.

You can contact Sebastian at: sebastian@dive-the-world.com

Sheldon Hey

Nationality: Born UK, though permanent resident of South Africa

Dive The World position: The founder and inspiration behind the Dive The World concept. Some people get the impression that Sheldon lives the life of Riley, jetting off to all corners of the globe to visit our destinations on familiarisation visits and attending the occasional company meeting. However, we believe he makes a valuable contribution.

Bio data: Sheldon qualified as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer - which means he's wasted more money than most on PADI cards. Diving in northern and southern Africa, South East Asia, Central America and the Pacific, his passions are for adventure, adrenaline, (very amateur) underwater photography, animal and environmental issues. Having dived with great whites, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks and Zambezis, as well as mandarinfish, blue-ringed octopus and pygmy seahorses, he enjoys the big, the bad and the ugly, as well as the minute and magnificent. "I feel it's important that those with a passion for marine conversation do try all they can to protect that environment. After all, we can't expect it from others that are not interested or don't know to do anything about it".

Language skills: English, Spanish, and all the Thai he would ever want to speak. Also html and java script (written, not spoken).

You can contact Sheldon at: sheldon@dive-the-world.com

Vichai Lamkijja (Vic)

Nationality: Thai

Dive The World position: Vichai is one of our expert travel consultants and is also our Database Administrator.

Bio data: Vic was born in Thailand but he grew up in Singapore. He is most of the time mistaken by people as Japanese or Korean. He fell in love with diving when he was on a snorkeling trip in Malaysia and decided to go for the Open Water Diver course instead. His love for scuba and spicy Thai food (which he never gets enough of) grew stronger after a few trips to Phuket and the Similan Islands in 2005. This is where he decided to quit his job in Singapore and settle down in Phuket as a PADI Open Water Instructor. If he is not assisting you with your inquiries you will certainly see him decorating his house or planning his next diving trip.

Language skills: English, Thai (spoken only) and Mandarin, plus a few Chinese dialects.

You can contact Vichai at: vic@dive-the-world.com

ScubaZoo - Official Image Supplier

SCUBAZOO is a team of professional underwater cameramen based in Sabah, Malaysia. They have filmed and photographed marine life throughout the world, particularly in South East Asia.

Their photographic work has featured widely in various diving magazines and publications and can be enjoyed in their own book: 'SIPADAN, MABUL, KAPALAI - SABAH'S UNDERWATER TREASURE. Their underwater film work has including projects with the National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Channel. Many of the images featured on the Dive The World websites have been kindly supplied by Scubazoo.

If you want to know more about Scubazoo or to take an underwater photography / videography course under their expert guidance, please visit their website at www.scubazoo.com.

What Our Customers Say About Us

We know the places we promote and the operators that will take you diving there, so we are confident that we can help you find what you are looking for. Our knowledge, experience and impartiality can help take all the hassles out of your holiday planning and you can avoid the disaster of ending up in the hands of some sub-standard company, ruining what should have been a dream dive vacation.

But don't take our word for it. We have helped thousands of people book diving vacations that were perfect for them. Read what they have to say on our customer testimonials page.

Our Annual Dive Operator Awards

Dive The World's Annual Awards: Each year we present a special award in recognition of outstanding service to our customers. These awards are the result of many comments from our customers all over the world about all aspects of their travel experience, from accommodation to food, diving safety to staff service.

We listen to your feedback and communicate with the dive operators that we promote in order to ensure they are providing you with the best service they can. So you can be sure that recipients of these awards have exceeded your expectations and received positive reviews from many scuba divers just like you.

2019

Operator of the Year: MV Amba
"Thank you so much, our dear guest to make this award for AMBA happen. We are so delighted to be awarded from you and the team of "Dive-The-World“. We take this award as a base to improve our standards in the future, so your next stay with us will be more pleasant and comfortable as your last one. We hope to welcome  you again. See you soon on AMBA – Das Boot. " - Mario R. Rückert, Managing Director, AMBA

2018

Operator of the Year: Galapagos Sky
This is great news :) It warms my heart when the hard-working, amazing crew of Galapagos Sky get recognition!  They deserve it and they make me so proud to work with them! Huge thanks to Dive The World." - Amy Lionetti, Marketing & Sales Manager, Divencounters, Inc

2017

Operator of the Year: Belize Aggressor III
"Wow! We are delighted to be awarded the prestigious 2017 Dive The World Operator of the Year award. We truly thank all the guests whose positive feedback made this possible and, of course, all the Belize Aggressor III staff who work hard to deliver a great scuba diving vacation experience. We look forward to continuing to do so, in the future, across the Aggressor fleet." - Tom Gebhardt, Sales Manager, Aggressor Fleet

2016

Operator of the Year: Layang Layang Island Resort
"Thank you for the recognition and support from Dive The World. We will continue with our efforts to provide the ultimate dive experience @ Layang Layang Island." - Lawrence Lee, Avillion Layang Layang

2015

Operator of the Year: Spirit of Freedom
"We are thrilled to be voted Dive Operator of the Year, and wish to thank Dive the World for their ongoing support and loyalty. We appreciate the recognition that the award brings, as we continue to deliver our guests a quality live-aboard experience, with high standards of customer service and Australia’s best diving." - Trina Baker, Sales Manager, Spirit of Freedom

2014

Operator of the Year: Maldives Aggressor
"The Tour Operator Dive The World has chosen the Maldives Aggressor as their "Operator of the Year"! We are very excited about this accomplishment!" - The Aggressor Fleet

2013

Liveaboard of the Year: Humboldt Explorer
"Explorer Ventures is very pleased that Humboldt Explorer has been chosen by Dive The World as the winner of their 2013 Liveaboard of the Year! We strive to maintain high standards in all areas on our liveaboards and we're grateful to all of our customers for the positive feedback about their experiences aboard Humboldt Explorer that have helped us achieve this honor. This award is wonderful recognition for the hard work of everyone involved in the operation, from the booking office to the exceptional team - our captain, chef, guides and crew - aboard the Humboldt Explorer. Thank you to Dive The World for their continued support of our operations!" - Jennifer Cumming, Galapagos General Manager, Explorer Ventures

Dive Resort of the Year: Mabul Water Bungalows
"It is an honour to receive the unexpected award from Dive The World. Thank you for the recognition and to all the staff for their hard work and loyalty." - Michelle Teo, Director of Sales & Operations, Mabul Water Bungalows Resort

2012

Liveaboard of the Year: MV Mermaid I
"Mermaid Liveaboards goes from strength to strength here in Indonesia. The diving is spectacular at all our destinations and all our crews are very happy working and diving these waters on board 2 awesome boats. We are able to attract and keep a high calibre of staff on board both vessels and this shows through in your guests feedback from their dive trips with Mermaid Liveaboards." - Kay Golding, Director, Mermaid Liveaboards

Dive Resort of the Year: Bastianos Bunaken Resort
"Thank you to Dive The World for this great award. We are delighted to be Dive Resort of the Year. Since starting as a small family business 25 years ago, our motto has always been to keep the family atmosphere, but maintain professional standards. We want our customers to have fun and feel safe and comfortable above and below the water. We are very pleased to have our efforts recognised with this award." - Yvonne Schwarzer and Lutz Hoffmann, Managers, Bastianos Bunaken

2011

Liveaboard of the Year: MY Emperor Elite
"We are delighted that our flagship MY Elite has been declared the winner of the Dive The World Liveaboard of the Year 2011. The award is testament to the hard work the whole team put into making our guests trips as rewarding as possible; this award recognises their hard work. Also a big thank you to our guests for providing the positive feedback that wins awards like this but also allows us to maintain our high standards." - Mike Braun, General Manager, Emperor Divers

Dive Resort of the Year: Tulamben Wreck Divers Resort
"Dot, Wayan and I are very happy receiving this award. But most of all we are very proud of our staff, as we train them well and then they are able to give that service to our clients. Thank you all." - Tony Medcraft, Manager, Tulamben Wreck Divers

2010

Liveaboard of the Year: MY Sachika
"Thank you so much for this award. This is such a great and unexpected honour. It is gratifying to know that our professionalism and hard work have contributed to Sachika becoming your Liveabord of the Year! This award distinguishes our company as a premier company that always puts at first place its customers satisfaction and the relationship with its reliable agents worldwide, as you are. Thank you once again for this important recognition." - Corrado Scaburri, General Manager, Top Class Cruising

Dive Resort of the Year: Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
"We are indeed very honoured to be selected as the 2010 'Dive Resort of the Year'. We thank you for having recognized and appreciated our efforts and we shall strive to continue to maintain our resort to the highest standard." - Veronica Lee, Director, Pulau Sipadan & Tours

2009

Liveaboard of the Year: SY June Hong Chian Lee
"The movie we made last year 'Shang Hai', its release has been postponed again. The producers promised me it will win an Oscar. This hasn't happened yet. But winning the 'Liveaboard of the Year' award from Dive The World feels like winning an Oscar because they are our greatest and most reliable agent. It is great to see customer feedback recognised in this way and we are delighted that the comments about us, from Dive The World customers, have been so positive. Thank you. We will work even harder this year to stay on top for as long as we can." - Frank De Groot, Managing Director, SY June Hong Chian Lee

Dive Resort of the Year: Sipadan Mabul Resort
"It is an honor to receive the unexpected award from Dive The World. Thank you for the recognition and to all the staff for their hard work and loyalty." - Michelle Teo, Director of Sales & Operations, SMART Resort

Our Chosen Charities

By booking with us, you are helping us donate to charitable causes that help protect the marine environment (see our Why book with Dive The World page for more details).

Join Our Social Community

If you're the social type that likes to meet fellow divers, you can join our Dive The World Facebook page. Through our Facebook page you can check out all the latest information plus competitions, customer photos, meet like-minded people and more.

Check out our Dive The World Blog for all the latest news, special offers and other goings-on in the world of scuba. You can sign up for email updates to make sure you stay in touch.

You can also subscribe to our newsletter (see our sign up feature in the right hand margin of this page). We send out monthly emails to our subscribers with special features and items of interest. Twice a year these are fun and informative web-based newsletters - a great way to transport yourself to the underwater world.

Diving friends' websites:  SeaFocus