Meet our passionate expert team

Hi! I’m Cinzia. I’m originally from Italy, but I’ve been lucky to call Cozumel home for the past 20 years. I came here thinking it would be a short stay, but the moment I took my first dive, everything changed. The underwater world completely captivated me, and I knew I had found a place where I truly belonged.

I’ve always had a deep love for nature and the environment, but nothing compares to the magic of the ocean. The incredible variety of marine life never ceases to amaze me. Cozumel is such a special place—not only for its beauty but also for the wonderful quality of life it offers.

For the past 15 years, I’ve been running an underwater photography and videography company, which has given me the privilege of exploring the ocean up close and sharing its wonders with others. Capturing these moments allows me to show people just how breathtaking and fragile marine life really is.

I’m also a proud mom to an 8-year-old boy, and I feel so grateful that he gets to grow up surrounded by nature in such a healthy and vibrant environment. I truly believe Cozumel is the perfect place for childhood—it’s full of adventure, freedom, and a deep connection to the natural world.

With this same passion, I started the ACAMAYA project, a program designed to introduce young students to the beauty of the underwater world. I believe that by sharing these experiences, we can inspire future generations to love and protect our oceans.

Life has taken me on an incredible journey, and I love connecting with people who share a curiosity for the ocean, nature, and adventure. Whether through diving, photography, or education, my goal is to inspire others to see the world—above and below the surface—with wonder and respect.

I’m Dave. I was born in the UK, emigrated to Canada, and later to the United States. My parents also lived in Spain, and I have traveled extensively throughout Europe. I studied Aerospace Engineering at Imperial College London and began my career as a Test Engineer for Ford Motor Company, before moving into aerospace projects where I was fortunate to work on exciting programs and even earn patents.

Diving has been a passion of mine since I was 16, and over the years I became a PADI Divemaster with a focus on helping others gain confidence in the water. What makes Cozumel so special to me is not only its extraordinary reefs—it’s also the culture, the people, and the safe, welcoming environment it offers young explorers. For the past 25 years, I’ve returned again and again, always inspired by how much this island has to teach.

At ACAMAYA, my goal is to provide students with more than just adventure. I want them to feel supported, safe, and inspired—gaining not only skills in diving and science, but also life experiences that build confidence and resilience. Parents can trust that their children will be guided with care while discovering the wonders of Cozumel, both underwater and on land.

And after a day of diving, I’m always up for a game of chess.

Holistic Nutritionist & Culinary Director at ACAMAYA

I am a Holistic Nutritionist and will be in charge of the meals provided throughout the ACAMAYA program. I believe in the healing power of food, which I blend with my great passion for natural cooking. Healthy eating can be incredibly delicious—and that is my mission.

For over 15 years, I have led workshops and programs in conscious nutrition and natural cooking, helping people embrace a healthier lifestyle. My journey has taken me to study and travel with renowned teachers of nutrition and cuisine in France, England, and Spain.

In Cozumel, I am the founder of La Cuisine & Somaholisticlab, a restaurant dedicated to healthy living, where I also teach courses on mindful eating and holistic wellness.
At ACAMAYA, my goal is to nourish our students with fresh, wholesome, and abundant meals that fuel their adventures and create lasting memories around the table.

For me, scuba diving is more than a job—it’s a lifelong passion. As a child, I dreamed of becoming Jacques Cousteau, fascinated by the silent world beneath the sea. Though I studied Biochemistry, in 1998 I chose to follow my heart and dedicate myself fully to diving.

Since then, I’ve worked as a full-time scuba instructor with over 7,000 dives, specializing in recreational, technical, and cave diving. I’ve taught across Mexico’s coasts, lived in Cozumel for many years, and worked on liveaboards in Asia.

Today, I focus on adapting each course to my students’ needs, creating meaningful and unforgettable experiences. That’s what I love about ACAMAYA—combining diving with education and outdoor adventure to inspire the next generation.

PADI MSDT 164984, NAUI 34398,TDI 81116

With over 20 years of deep connection to Cozumel, Tati brings not only expert photography instruction but also rich insights into Mexican culture and nature.

The award-winning professional photographer, Tati has worked globally and taught students of all levels,sharing her sharp photographic eye and passion for capturing the extraordinary in the everyday.

Her trademark enthusiasm and good humor make learning with her both enjoyable and inspiring.

Additionally, Tati is a certified federal tour guide (Nom 09), with specialization in environmental interpretation and the ecosystems of tropical forests and jungle trees, ensuring a truly enriching experience.

Hi, I’m Vanessa! I was born in the French Alps, but for the past 15 years, I’ve found my heart and home in Cozumel, a place where the ocean feels like an extension of my soul. As a dive instructor, I have the privilege of exploring the underwater world every day, sharing its wonders with others and helping them discover the magic beneath the waves.

My career has taken me on incredible adventures, including a few years in Indonesia, where I immersed myself in diverse marine environments and cultures. However, it is in Cozumel that I truly feel at peace—a perfect blend of vibrant marine life, stunning landscapes, and a close-knit community that makes life here feel special.

I feel incredibly blessed to make a living doing what I love. Every day, I wake up with gratitude, knowing that my work aligns with my passions and allows me to inspire and connect with others. Life is an adventure, and I embrace every opportunity to learn, explore, and share the beauty of the world around me.

PADI 241037

I am Yazlin, a biologist from the island of Cozumel with experience in monitoring sea turtle nests and restoring coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and dunes, within the island’s protected natural areas. Passionate about birdwatching, I am a member of the Isla Cozumel Bird Festival Committee and, this year, I am in charge of organizing the festival.

Since 2018, I have specialized in mycology, conducting workshops on edible mushroom cultivation and environmental education. Currently, I am the director of the Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium, where I promote the integration of science, humanities, and technology through educational experiences for all ages.

Born in the port city of Veracruz in 1987 and raised in Cozumel since 1989, Vania studied law with a strong interest in human rights and corporate law. In 2013, inspired by a personal journey of self-discovery, she began training to support others in their own paths of personal growth—always guided by love and higher states of consciousness.

She is a life coach and wellness mentor, and a practitioner of ancestral and somatic psychotherapy through yoga and traditional healing practices. Her mission is to help others return to their natural rhythm and reconnect with their inner wisdom as a foundation for human development.

Antonio is a Network Engineer from the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo, with a true passion for astronomy, photography, and science in general. Since 2015, he has been part of the Cozumel Planetarium, where he leads the digital dome and observatory.

He has showcased the beauty of Cozumel’s skies through multiple photo exhibitions and proudly coordinates the local edition of Noche de las Estrellas (Night of the Stars) on the island.

At ACAMAYA, Antonio shares his love for the cosmos, inspiring young explorers to look up, stay curious, and discover that the universe is much closer than they think.

Born and raised in Cozumel, I spent most of my life working in ecosystem restoration projects and environmental education programs. For almost 15 years, I participated in sea turtle monitoring programs, fish identification workshops, mangrove restoration projects, and gave lectures in Canada, Japan, and Switzerland about my experiences working for the island ecosystems of Cozumel.

I studied geological engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of UNAM, with a sub-specialty in hydrogeology and environmental geology, with a special interest in groundwater and karst in southeastern Mexico. I have experience in water and soil sampling, as well as in the development of hydrogeological studies.

I am currently the president of the association Jóvenes MaB Cozumel, which I co-founded with my collaborators, and whose mission is to protect and promote the biocultural heritage of the MaB Cozumel Island Biosphere Reserve.

I am a PADI certified AOW diver and work as a technical advisor in a long-term coral restoration project and Cozumel Conservatory.

Born in Argentina and a proud resident of Cozumel since 2001, Gerardo Beber has dedicated his life to the sea and aquatic sports. His journey began in the 1990s with swimming and scuba diving, but it was sailing—aboard a Hobiecat 16—that ignited a passion that never faded.

With over three decades of experience, Gerardo has navigated a wide variety of vessels, including monohull sailboats, catamarans, and trimarans. His voyages have taken him to international ports and high-level regattas. A pivotal moment in his career came with his involvement aboard America’s Cup 12 Metre yachts such as King Canada IV (True North IV) and Stars & Stripes US-56, which cemented his calling as a sailor.

Today, Gerardo remains active as both a navigator and an instructor, sharing his expertise and love for the ocean with new generations of sailors and adventurers.