Our Team
At SXM Divers, our skilled team ensures exceptional dive experiences in Sint Maarten. Beyond our boat captains, dive instructors, and divemasters, our team includes a biologist and a professional underwater photographer. Each of us has traveled the world to study and deepen our diving expertise, united by a shared love for the ocean. We’re passionate about caring for our guests, ensuring your comfort while showcasing the wonders of the marine ecosystem. Learn about each of them in the profiles below.
Elena - biologist, dive guide & boat captain
Elena loves to spoil the clients on the boat and keep a close eye on them underwater. She strives to ensure everyone feels happy, comfortable, and safe throughout the tour. Understanding that little details can transform an experience, she takes joy in providing everything guests might need. A passionate biologist, Elena enjoys sharing her knowledge about fish species, especially sharks! She studied biology at Simón Bolívar University in Venezuela and earned an MBA in Sustainable Tourism from the European University of Munich in Germany. After her studies, she embarked on a year-long global journey to explore shark ecotourism, supported by the prestigious Rolex Scholarship from the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society. Elena is currently on maternity leave, but she’s always around, assisting the team with her expertise and warm presence!
Dan - photographer, guide & boat captain
Dan loves to drive the boat, take underwater pictures, and tell ocean stories during surface intervals. He’s amazing at finding whales and dolphins while navigating, adding an extra thrill to the journey. He’s the one who, based on the weather and ocean conditions, will decide or recommend which dive site(s) to visit. Dan enjoys looking for whales, diving with sharks, interacting with turtles, and pointing out cool fish behaviors or anything interesting he spots. If you have any questions about diving destinations, underwater photography, videography, or drones, he’s the man to ask—he’s an experienced diver, photographer, and videographer. Currently, he’s also the editor of Dive Photo Guide, a great platform for learning and sharing all about underwater photography and videography.
Blacky - diveshop doggie
Our spoiled pitbull-boxer mix dog will be at the dive shop to welcome our guests. He loves to be stroked gently and to play. If he likes you, he will probably jump on you or give you his paws, so watch out for his claws! He is a bit clumsy when he gets excited and we try not to tell him off too much because he had a rough past. He lived in the streets for months until he got rescued by the staff of the St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic. When we met him, we decided to foster him for “maximum one week”. However, we both fell in love with him and adopted him in September 2018. Since then, we have been trying to improve Blacky’s traumas with lots of love and affection.
TONY - instructor
Meet Tony, our exceptional PADI dive instructor with a wealth of experience and passion for every dive. Originally from Texas, Tony honed his skills by completing his instructor course in Utila, a renowned diving hub. He worked in Colombia, where he perfected his fluent Spanish while guiding divers. Beyond our dive center, Tony teaches with Broadreach, inspiring students with his expertise. An avid adventurer, he loves camping, traveling, and seeking new thrills. Known for his patience and excellence, Tony ensures every diver feels confident and cared for, making him a standout instructor for your Sint Maarten experience. With a keen eye for detail, he tailors each dive to suit your skill level and interests. His enthusiasm for marine life makes every dive even more exciting. Divers of all backgrounds appreciate his warm, approachable style and dedication to safety.
EMILIO - divemaster
Dive in with Emilio, our superb Divemaster who infuses every trip with skill and positivity. Originally from Argentina, Emilio earned his Divemaster certification in Thailand, a global hotspot where he mastered his craft. He’s a travel enthusiast and scuba diving devotee, always eager to explore new waters. Known for his friendly demeanor, hard work, and patience, Emilio excels in every role he takes on. In the water, his calm approach steadies divers, and he’s ever-ready to lend a hand with a grin. His constant good cheer boosts the mood, making him a gem for your Sint Maarten dive! With a steady hand, he guides divers through the reefs with ease and care. His passion for the ocean inspires those around him to dive deeper. Guests love his approachable vibe and unwavering commitment to a great experience.