In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…

What is your name?

Cipooz Guadez

What is the name of your business?

Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards

What is your role within the business?

Cruise Director at Atlantis Azores. I am responsible for all onboard hospitality and dive activities.

How long has the business operated for?

The Azores started life with Atlantis in January 2010, so we are ten years old.

How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?

I first went diving in 1999 and really loved it. I then became an Instructor in 2014.

What is your favorite type of diving?

Muck Diving is my top pick, but drift diving and night diving are also my favorites.

If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you, what would it be?

The People, the authentic Filipino hospitality and service, where guests go first before we do. Our experienced staff have been with us for decades and that makes you feel like a homecoming on your return. And, not to mention the diversity of reefs and Island culture; it’s an authentic tropical island paradise experience.

What is your favorite dive in your location and why?

Our locations offer a variety of diverse underwater seascapes. From dynamic drop offs, flat reefs or slopes, and each place offers a different experience from great muck dives, schools of fish, to big stuff like whale shark and mantas. They are all my favorites.

What types of diving are available in your location?

I am lucky as we dive three separate itineraries through the year – so I get to dive most of the Philippines! Almost all types of diving are available, from reef dive, wreck, drift, night dive, from shore to boat dive, we love doing it…

What do you find most rewarding about your current role?

The best reward is getting paid to do what you love, meeting different people and connecting with them and sharing the passion of diving and lifestyle.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

I love the encounter of gentle giants like Mantas and Whalesharks but I always enjoy the small critters too, especially nudibranches.

Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?

There is always a rainbow after the rain. I have always believed that every trial and tribulation that has come has a purpose. Coping and overcoming all of this makes us more driven and motivated to move forward. I am excited for the next chapter after this and will embrace it strongly.

As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?

As our world is facing this health crisis, all are affected; normal life and businesses are interrupted.

Is your center involved in any environmental work?

Our center works with researchers and ocean advocates and is involved in helping and protecting our environment, especially our ocean.

How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?

I hope not much changes except being aware that this pandemic taught us a lot and we should better protect ourselves and others.

What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?

Our mother Earth is healing, and let’s heal together with it. The ocean is our sanctuary, diving is one of our therapies.

We are ready and prepared to welcome you back with us.

Where can our visitors find out more about your business?

Website: www.atlantishotel.com/dumaguete-resort/

Facebook: @atlantisdiveresorts