Our Team
Cindy
Growing up on the mesmerizing Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cindy was bound to feel connected to the ocean. When her uncle taught her how to dive at the age of 12 she was immediately smitten by the ability to breathe underwater and feel like a part of the environment she constantly wanted to explore. Now she enjoys searching for new sites on our ever-changing Pacific and helping new and experienced divers discover and appreciate the ocean in all its moods and surprises. PADI Pro #306502
Ophelia
Ophelia is Iguana Diver’s heavy artillery PADI IDC Staff Instructor. She is strong, Madonna-armed, fiercely protective of her students and divers, and wildly in love with the ocean with all its creatures and in all its presentations. Ophelia constantly raises the bar for educating competent, confident and caring divers who will hopefully continue their adventures in diving with a wider curiosity and concern for the ocean. In our team she is our light and direction and we love her to bits! PADI Pro #342763
Elly
Marine scientist, football wonder, PADI IDC Staff Instructor, talented cook, but above that: Elly is kind, fair, fun, caring, and her heart is as big as the ocean she adores. At Iguana Divers she established and leads the oceanic manta ray research program, guides our divers through specialty courses and in any spare minute she never hesitates to go out for a rewarding surf. We admire her motivation and discipline on all projects, and we are always happy to be with her in our Iguana Divers team! PADI Pro #363670
Galina
Thanks to her, Scuba Steve (one of our furry team members) can walk again! Galina is a tremendously caring and talented veterinarian, our chosen team doctor and the instructor who will relentlessly search for octopuses, no matter what. Born in Russia, raised in Canada, Galina moved to Costa Rica to pursue a tranquil life surrounded by nature and combining as many of the things she loves as she can into her daily life. PADI Pro #283770
Amanda
Bringing a little style and fashion along with her teaching skills, Amanda enjoys sharing the peaceful feeling of the ocean with her students. For Amanda, diving is a lifestyle that takes priority in all her decisions, and sharing the joy of beach living and love for ocean creatures (especially whales) is where she excels. When she’s not diving Amanda spends her time with loved ones and taking pictures. PADI Pro #410216.
Francisca
Fran is all smiles and fun when teaching. She first fell in love with diving during her university extracurriculars in Chile and from day one she decided that she would make diving a part of her life. She now has accumulated teaching experience around the world, from chilly Chile to sea lion dens in Mexico to giant mantas here at Iguana Divers. PADI Pro #442023
Phil
Phil is the embodiment of empathy. We all look to him for a bit of perspective and a lift of spirits, knowing we can count on his grounded wisdom and spontaneous silliness. Phil is a seasoned Divemaster with thousands of hours accumulated helping divers of all levels thrive in a variety of circumstances. Phil’s trained eyes will spot unusual creatures in the rocky reef, and above water he will fix anything you ask him to. PADI Pro #350835
Alonso
¡El capitán! Raised in the tiny coastal village of Cabuya, Alonso grew up in the ocean that is now his “office”. He knows it like no one else and is the most skilled boat driver we know, easily maneuvering our boat through large waves, strong currents and rocky channels. In addition, he is the Malpaís port’s go-to mechanic for outboard motors plus he is a certified diver so we feel especially safe with him! PADI #15040Y8609