Carol Kapella is a seasoned dive instructor and mermaid instructor originally from Texas, whose passion for the underwater world has taken her on an adventurous journey across various coastal paradises. With a deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants, Carol honed her skills in Hawaii and Florida, where she gained extensive experience in scuba diving and underwater instruction.
Her expertise extends beyond traditional diving, as she is also known for her unique role as a mermaid instructor, captivating students with the magic of underwater performance and imagination.
Seeking new horizons, Carol made the move to St. Croix, where she continues to share her knowledge and passion for the sea with enthusiasts and aspiring divers alike. With her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to marine conservation, Carol inspires others to explore and appreciate the wonders of the underwater world.
Jason Lohman‘s journey into the depths of the ocean began unexpectedly when he and his husband relocated to the stunning island of St. Croix. Entranced by the turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, Jason discovered his passion for diving.
Fuelled by his newfound love for the underwater world, Jason embarked on a transformative path, progressing from a novice diver to a seasoned professional. With dedication and determination, he earned his stripes as a dive master, guiding countless explorers through the wonders of the Caribbean reefs.
Driven by his desire to share his passion with others, Jason furthered his expertise and became a certified dive instructor. His knowledge, patience, and infectious enthusiasm have empowered numerous individuals to discover the beauty and serenity beneath the waves.
Today, as a lead instructor and USCG Captain, Jason continues to inspire and educate aspiring divers, instilling in them a deep appreciation for ocean conservation and stewardship. His commitment to excellence and safety ensures that every dive experience is not just memorable but transformative.
Lauren DiMauro‘s affinity for the water was evident from a young age, growing up along the coastal stretches from New Jersey to Myrtle Beach. With saltwater in her veins, she embraced a life intertwined with the sea, spending countless hours on boats and exploring the ocean’s mysteries.
At a youthful age, Lauren embarked on her diving journey, obtaining her certification and delving into the underwater realm. Her passion for diving only deepened with time, leading her to pursue her USCG Captain’s license, enabling her to navigate the waves with skill and confidence.
Driven by her love for the marine world, Lauren set her sights on furthering her diving credentials, culminating in her recent achievement of becoming a PADI Dive Master and working towards her Assistant Instructor certification. Her dedication to mastering her craft and sharing her knowledge with others underscores her commitment to both personal growth and fostering a community of passionate divers.
As Lauren continues to expand her expertise and explore new depths, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring divers and ocean enthusiasts alike, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration that defines life on and beneath the waves.
Ken Biggs seamlessly blends his culinary prowess with a deep passion for the ocean, crafting a unique journey that combines gastronomic delights with underwater adventures. Originally known for his culinary expertise as a fabulous chef, Ken’s love for the ocean beckoned him to explore beyond the kitchen.
Driven by a desire to immerse himself in the wonders of the underwater world, Ken embarked on a transformative path, earning certifications for dive master, instructor, and USCG Captain. With each dive and voyage, he discovered new dimensions to his connection with the sea, forging a profound bond that transcended his culinary roots.
Ken’s transition from chef to instructor and captain reflects his unwavering commitment to following his passions wherever they may lead. Whether he’s orchestrating culinary masterpieces or navigating the ocean’s depths, his dedication to excellence and adventure shines through, inspiring others to embrace their own unique journeys of exploration and discovery.
Now, as our Staff Instructor, join Ken as he shares his passion and expertise, helping others continue their professional diving paths and inspiring a new generation of divers.
Jay Hantge, a native of Minnesota, embarked on a remarkable journey from the land of lakes to the depths of the Caribbean Sea. Intrigued by the mysteries of the underwater world, Jay made a bold decision to explore beyond his Midwestern roots.
His quest for underwater adventure led him to the picturesque island of Roatan, where he immersed himself in mastering the art of diving. With unwavering determination and a thirst for knowledge, Jay completed all necessary diving credentials, swiftly progressing to become a certified diving instructor.
Fuelled by his passion for teaching and sharing his love for the ocean, Jay made his mark in Roatan, mentoring divers of all levels and instilling in them a profound appreciation for marine conservation and safety.
Seeking new horizons, Jay set his sights on the vibrant island of St. Croix, where he now calls home. As a dedicated instructor, he continues to inspire and empower students from all walks of life, guiding them through every stage of their diving journey with patience, expertise, and enthusiasm.
Jay’s story epitomizes the spirit of adventure and the transformative power of following one’s passions. Through his teaching and leadership, he not only enriches the lives of his students but also contributes to the preservation of the underwater world for generations to come.
Aidan de Grandpre is a dedicated scholar with a profound passion for both the natural world and the depths of the ocean. Currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Aidan’s academic journey has been shaped by a deep-rooted curiosity about the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
Inspired by his studies and fueled by a love for the ocean, Aidan has set his sights on a new horizon: becoming a certified dive instructor. Eager to translate his academic understanding of ecological systems into practical conservation efforts, Aidan has embarked on a rigorous training regimen to obtain his dive certifications.
His journey through the realm of diving is marked by a commitment to mastery and safety, as evidenced by his pursuit of certifications ranging from Advanced Open Water to Rescue Diver, Search and Recovery, Dive Master, and ultimately, Instructor.
As Aidan progresses through his dive courses, his dedication to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation shines through. With each certification earned, he not only hones his skills as a diver but also prepares himself to educate and inspire others about the importance of protecting our oceans and their precious ecosystems.
Aidan’s dual pursuit of academic excellence and underwater exploration exemplifies the synergy between scientific inquiry and environmental advocacy. As he continues on his journey, he carries with him a vision of a future where knowledge and passion converge to create positive change for our planet’s oceans.
Cali Hilde‘s journey from the Lone Star State to the tropical shores of St. Croix is a testament to her adventurous spirit and deep connection to the ocean. Introduced to the wonders of diving in 2017, Cali quickly fell under the spell of the underwater world, setting the stage for an incredible odyssey of exploration and discovery.
Her quest for underwater adventure led her across oceans and continents, from the azure waters of Hawaii to the exotic reefs of Bali. Embracing every opportunity to deepen her understanding of the marine realm, Cali honed her skills as a dive master and snorkel guide, guiding enthusiasts through some of the world’s most breathtaking dive sites.
In addition to her roles in Hawaii and Bali, Cali’s passion for marine conservation and education found expression as a first mate on whale-watching expeditions along the rugged coast of Napali. Through these experiences, she developed a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the importance of stewardship.
Now, as she makes her home in St. Croix, Cali’s journey takes an exciting new turn as she sets her sights on furthering her education as a dive instructor. Eager to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others, Cali is poised to inspire a new generation of divers, instilling in them a love for the ocean and a commitment to its preservation.
Cali’s story is one of courage, passion, and a deep-seated love for the natural world. As she continues to chart her course beneath the waves, her journey serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to follow their dreams.