Meet Your Instructor

My love for the ocean didn't start in a classroom — it started by the shore. Growing up in Cancun, every Semana Santa my family would make the trip to Punta Herrero, and somewhere between the ages of 8 and 13, I discovered freediving for lobster. That was it. The ocean had me. I became a PADI Divemaster in 2006 and a fully certified PADI Instructor in 2016. Since then, I've dedicated myself to mastering every course, every dive site, and every type of underwater experience this incredible region has to offer. After two years calling Isla Mujeres home, these waters aren't just my workplace — they're my backyard. With over 40,000 personal dives logged, more than 500 certified divers, and a record of certifying over 250 students in a single year, I bring a depth of experience that's hard to match. I teach in both English and Spanish, keep groups small — a maximum of 8 — and adapt every session to the person in front of me. My style? Adaptable, thorough, and knowledgeable. Oh, and I've been told I'm pretty funny too. What drives me most is watching someone conquer their fear and step into the underwater world for the first time. That look — the pride, the wonder, the disbelief that it's real — never gets old. My favorite dive site is Cosmica, right here in Isla Mujeres, with its stunning coral variety and endless marine life. And when I'm not underwater, you'll probably find me walking the shoreline picking up trash — because this ocean deserves to be protected. Welcome to Zapata Dive Experiences. Let's get you in the water. 🤿