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Diving with… Rocio Del Mar and Quino El Guardian Liveaboards, Mexico
In this new ongoing series, we speak with the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer
What is your name?
Susan Long
What is the name of your business?
Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard and Quino El Guardian Liveaboard
What is your role within the business?
Sales & Marketing
How long has the business operated for?
Since 2008
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I have been in the diving industry for 22 years of which most was designing and manufacturing drysuits for divers all over the world. It is with great excitement that I can take this experience and focus on an entirely new area of diving – dive travel on liveaboards in the beautiful waters of Mexico with an incredible team of people at Rocio Del Mar & Quino El Guardian.
What is your favorite type of diving?
Any diving where I get to see critters! I especially love diving with sea lions and manta rays. I’ve been able to snorkel with whale sharks and sperm whales. I love seeing eels and octopus when they are as interested in me as I am in them. And nothing compares to being just one-of-the-guys when swimming inside a huge school of fish.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
It’s all about the crew. The moment you walk onto Rocio Del Mar and Quino El Guardian you are family. Not only do they take care of your needs, they make everything fun, light hearted and safe. From the first buenos diaz in the morning to the last buenos noches at night, it is nothing but smiles and helpfulness. The entire crew from the captain to the engineer, from the steward to the chef, from the divemasters to the panga drivers, are there to work together as a team. It’s all about the crew who make it all about YOU.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
In Socorro it would be diving with the manta rays and in the Sea of Cortez it would be diving with the sea lions. This past season the manta rays came so close and slow – they seemed to look me in the eyes. It made me catch my breath – it was absolutely magical and something I had never felt before. They made me feel special and unique; like they were checking me out!
In the Sea of Cortez it’s diving with the sea lions. It’s like diving with friendly black Labrador retrievers with their big, brown sweet eyes. Having one nibble on your fin is one of the greatest joys on earth!
This past summer I got to snorkel which Sperm Whales in the Sea of Cortez. Oh and did I mention dolphins – when they swim up to you and say hi? There is just so much in Socorro and the Sea of Cortez – and it’s so close for so many of us! Why fly to the other side of the planet? It’s all here and it’s all so amazing!
What types of diving are available in your location?
We have two liveaboards that offer 8, 10 and 13 day trips. We also have Citizen Science expeditions aboard Quino in which a scientist involves divers in their research such as shark and manta tagging, animal identification, DNA sampling, whale song recording, etc. They also do daily presentations on animal behaviour, migration, conservation and more. Liveaboards offer the best vacation I can think of – the excitement of diving with maximum relaxation. You just eat, sleep and dive…
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
Being part of an amazing group of people who care about the divers/customers, take pride in the boat and the service they provide, and do their best every day to be their best. I get to help people have experiences and make memories that will last their lifetime.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
That is hard as there are so many that I love – but I have to say sea lions.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
We are working diligently on developing a team of scientists for our Citizen Science program aboard Quino El Guardian. It takes diving to a whole new level. Divers are always looking for new adventures and this gives it to them along with a purpose. The more we know about the ocean and its inhabitants, the more we love them. And the more we love them, the more we will do everything within our power to preserve them. Citizen Science is diving with a purpose and Quino El Guardian is leading the way in this new adventure!
As a business, what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
With our newest boat, Quino El Guardian, we have 4 cabins with 4 bunks each and one cabin with 2 bunks. People who have travelled with us on Rocio Del Mar are used to a private cabin with their own bathroom so the fact that these are more relaxed accommodations can be a bit off-putting for some.
On Quino we have 4 full-sized bathrooms, each assigned to a cabin (typically assigned by gender). This way a guest is only sharing a bathroom with 3-4 other people at most so they can leave their personal items inside. It’s really much more convenient then people may initially think.
The best part about Quino is we take a maximum of 16 divers which is the perfect size because you really get to know everyone on board. It’s super easy to get around the boat – from the dive deck to the galley for food then hop up to the shaded sundeck for a quick nap. Wash, rinse, repeat…
Is your business involved in any environmental work?
As I mentioned earlier, we have our Citizen Science program on Quino El Guardian (Quino – named after the owners grandson plus THE GUARDIAN). This is a totally unique program that we offer. We have a scientist on board (they often bring one or two of their Ph.D students with them) and they give divers the opportunity to participate in their research. It could be on sharks, mantas, reef ecology, mobula rays, echinoderm diversity (sea stars and sea cucumbers), and more. Much of this work goes into the preparation of documents and papers which in turn goes to governmental agencies to help increase the protection for these remote and pristine areas.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
Our industry is aging. We need to find more ways to engage younger generations. That is why Quino’s Citizen Science program is so important. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves and to do something that can have a positive impact on our planet.
I would make our industry as welcoming as possible, i.e. opening up the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association annual trade show to the public. It is a wonderful show and divers love to see and touch things. This would be a great way to welcome ALL DIVERS into one big family.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Rocio Del Mar and Quino El Guardian offer divers wonderful adventures from the pelagic animals of the Socorro Islands to the remoteness of the Sea of Cortez. The Sea of Cortez is so easy to get to as guests typically fly in and out of the Phoenix, AZ airport. There is a 3.5 hour shuttle that takes you right to the boat. The next morning you wake up at an island that is so remote you will truly feel as if you have gotten away from it all. You may see one or two other boats the entire week and the sky will be so lit with stars you will be able to see the Milky Way and passing satellites. Why spend two days to get somewhere when you can spend that time diving. Come with us to the Sea of Cortez and our Explore Baja expeditions. You will love them!
To find out more about Rocio Del Mar and Quino El Guardian Liveaboards please visit www.RocioDelMarLiveaboard.com and www.QuinoElGuardian.com and see their Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/RocioDelMarLiveaboard and www.facebook.com/QuinoElGuardian.
Susan is always happy to answer your questions. Get in touch directly with her at SLong@RocioDelMarLiveaboard.com.
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
My name is Aydin Dinc.
What is the name of your business?
The Cenote Guy – Cenote Diving.
What is your role within the business?
Founder. I’m guiding in the Cenotes and I’m the manager of the business.
How long has the business operated for?
We started in February 2018.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
Professionally diving since 2017 in Mexico.
Got certified in 1998. I was mostly diving for fun during vacations in the Mediterranean.
2017 MSDT Padi instructor
2017 TDI full cave Diver
What is your favorite type of diving?
For sure, cavern diving. I also love Ocean diving, the Big Blue and marine life.
Cavern and Cave is more like a living style, a daily ritual, a spiritual thought process for me.
Diving in caverns in very addictive. I enjoy the caverns on a daily basis and practice cave diving on my days off.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you, what would it be?
We are specialized in cavern diving and that´s what make our strength. The dives are tailormade taking into consideration the diver’s experience and skills. We are not doing any courses; we are not doing Ocean dives. We want to give you the best in cenote diving. Fully concentrating on GUIDING. Safety being our biggest focus. And, word of mouth, that’s how our customers choose us. That’s a niche we have chosen because it is not “regular diving.” It’s special, it’s Cenote Diving.
What is your favourite dive in your location and why?
Little Brother is by far the most enchanting dive of all. My personal favorite. Incredibly beautiful and with the most features you can have in Cenote diving. I am proud to guide in this place where you have the feeling of being on another planet, where the words are missing when trying to describe the experience.
What types of diving are available in your location?
We only do cavern diving. So, the main parameter is how much you get inside the overhead environment. I personally categorise them as:
Semi open water dives: The open water surface is wide and easy to spot, like Kukulkan, little brother, eden, Barbie line, carwash, casa Cenote etc.
Penetration dives: You have this real feeling of getting under the ground and tunnels, adventure lovers are welcome! Tajmaha, Batcave, dreamgate etc.
Open water dives: Technically open water dives, but all around 30 meters / 90 feet of depth, for advanced divers. Like Angelita, zapot , Kinha etc.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
I’m into guiding and sharing my passion with my fellow divers is the best reward. It’s amazing how diving creates bonds after having done a Cenote dive. I have seen people crying after the dives, being moved. It’s impacting, calming and so out of this world. It’s a spiritual calling. And believe me, to be someone witnessing the emotion and in a way being the one that is facilitating such moments, is the greatest reward. Back in time, my first cenote dives were the most exciting things I have ever done in my life. And I know that it’s the case for the majority of our divers. A life changing experience.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
My favourite underwater creatures, that we are lucky to spot in a couple of cenotes, are the crocodiles. They are laying on the rocks and watching us calmly. They are the real inhabitants of the cenotes. They are small and very inoffensive. Always a nice encounter for our divers.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
The fast growth of the region is somehow menacing our beautiful cenotes. We would like to keep this activity as an off the beaten path one!
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We care about the environment and we are trying to reduce our footprint. No plastic cups and bags, no chemicals in the cenotes. We are helping and working with the local Mayan community to minimize our waste.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
We are very happy and proud to have very competitive pricing. Having a high demand, we are doing way better in our offer for the people willing to have a very private experience to celebrate birthdays, honeymoons and special days in the cenotes. As our team of instructors is getting bigger, it’s easier to separate private divers from the other divers. We are into diversifying our offer to match with the demand. Keeping the quality and the safety as our main concern.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
From what we can see in the Riviera Maya, tourism activity is increasing. This region is the pearl of Mexican tourism. Radical measures should be taken to allow this blooming to be regulated in order to respect the nature. Unfortunately, the educative ‘pink’ approach is not working anymore – my humble opinion.
From the Airport on arrival to the departure day, the tourist should be hammered with preventive (and punitive) measures to make sure the preservation and protection of the environment is ensured.
Finally, what would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Cenote diving is a different way of diving. The open water certification is more than enough to enjoy this very amazing adventure. We have seen a lot of divers never going back to “normal” ocean diving after having experienced Cenote Diving 😊
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
WhatsApp messages only: +52 984 100 78 65
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecenoteguy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecenoteguy
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
Pablo Calderon Cadiz
What is the name of your business?
Takata Experience
What is your role within the business?
Owner / General Manager
How long has the business operated for?
6 years
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I have been diving for 16 years; I am a PADI IDC Staff Instructor
What is your favorite type of diving?
I really enjoy all types of dive but deep dives and dives with crazy topography are by far my favourites.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
We are a dive center and also a research center, so we merge both into one big idea. When you dive with us you also benefit the reef, as we put part of that money into our restoration program. We are also one of the only dive centers in the world that has a full research center working together with us. That’s why our official hashtag is #Divewithpurpose
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
My favorite dive in Mahahual is Piratas, because of the beautiful topography and the amount of big animals you can see, such as turtles, manatees and sharks.
What types of diving are available in your location?
One of the best things about Mahahual is that there are dive sites for all levels, from shallow reefs with beautiful life to walls that can go down to 150 meters within 5 minutes from the shore. You can always choose what you want, if you are looking for biodiversity, topography, shallow sand patches or very deep walls, we have them all.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
The diving industry is an industry that is constantly evolving and from my role I am able to always bring that to Takata. I am always looking for ways to create a solid business culture, to make sure the people that work for us can always develop themselves from a professional perspective, but also from a personal one. We have created many different programs that are unique to us, where we merge the dive and research center. All that is possible because I can take those decisions. To see how your dream becomes true is the biggest reward ever.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Sharks are my number 1, and if I can be more specific, Hammerheads!!!
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
I feel that many dive centers in the world don’t know yet what makes them unique, so the way for them to attract people is to charge very low prices, sometimes that is very difficult, because the one that is next to you can charge 30% less than you for the ¨same service¨. I believe we should always find what is unique to us and to create a value on it. We should all focus on the professionalization of our industry.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
As I mentioned before, we have a full research center, our director has 2 master degrees and our 2 biologist both have PhDs. Actually our research center was name as Actor for the UN Decade On Ecosystems Restoration for the next 10 years.
Our research center works together with the Mexican government to ensure a sustainable development in the area and to implement big scale conservation and restoration projects in Mahahual.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
As we are a new company, there are always exciting thing coming our way, in these years we became an IDC center, UN partners, we did a small hotel and we are looking forward to develop our research center even more. We would like to become the biggest research center in Mexico which is very ambitious and to become leaders in diving, restoration and everything that involve costal ecosystems. We dream big because we love what we do.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
I think the industry is doing ok but not great. For sure freediving has grown a lot in the last 10-15 years. There are several organisations around the world who do great work, but we need more people and businesses looking to do the exceptional. Sometimes talking with diving friends around the world, we all agree that this is probably one of the few industries where the prices we charge are the same or even cheaper than 5 or 10 years ago. We urgently need to proprofessionalize the industry and put the correct value on our product and services.
Finally, what would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
If you guys are looking for a unique immersive experience where you can mix your passion for diving with deep understanding of marine and costal ecosystem, then we are your choice.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
You guys can follow us on IG: Takata.experience
Our website is: www.takataexperience.com
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