Interview with Maria Jose, Dive Instructor at Dressel Divers Bavaro

We recently went to Punta Cana to delve into the exciting life of Maria Jose, a Dive Instructor at our base in Bavaro. Discover how she started her career, her most awe-inspiring underwater experiences, and her advice for those looking to dive into the world of scuba diving.

– At what age did you start diving?

I started diving in my home country, Colombia, when I was 25 years old.

– What is the most incredible dive you ever did?

The most incredible dive was the Bull Shark dive, which I did in Playa del Carmen. Diving with such magnificent animals changed my perspective of marine wildlife.

– At what point did you realize you wanted to be a dive instructor?

During my Divemaster internship with Dressel Divers, I noticed how my job could truly impact someone else’s life in a beautiful way.

– Where and with whom did you do your instructor course?

I did mine with Dressel Divers in Playa del Carmen, with Paul and Marcello.

– What qualities do you think a dive instructor needs to be successful?

You need to be passionate, empathetic, service-oriented, patient, and curious.

– What is the best advice you ever gave to students?

“Keep diving and never hold your breath.”

– What is your most memorable moment with students?

I have many memorable moments, but my favorite was when I had a small girl who did her very first dive with me. Once we went back to the boat after the dive, she started to cry because she had such a beautiful experience.

– Why would you recommend Dressel Divers to new students?

I would recommend Dressel Divers to new students because it’s a dive center with years of experience, high safety standards, and a great and passionate staff.

– How long have you been with Dressel Divers?

I started as an intern in Jamaica in 2022 and then continued as a Dive Instructor in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

– What features and opportunities made you choose to work with this company in particular?

I stay with the company because I have the great opportunity to benefit from their experience, gain a lot of experience myself, enjoy the high standards and because there is always the opportunity to rotate between different bases and different countries.

– Which Dressel Divers dive center would you like to go next if the opportunity arises?

I would like to go to Cozumel because of the great reefs and marine wildlife there.

– What is the best advice you would give to someone who wants to take up scuba diving?

“Don’t think, just do it and enjoy, but never forget to breathe!” (laughs).

– What are your other hobbies? What do you do on your day off here in Bavaro?

I like to explore the area where I live, and I also enjoy going to the beach and listening to my favorite music on my day off.