For over a decade, we have been diving off the coast of Cozumel and have seen firsthand the many unique and diverse marine life that thrives here. What is apparent after all these years of experience is that dive trips are often focused on simply getting to the diving sites, rather than actually exploring and acquiring knowledge about the local environment while under the water.
Meet Sherief Sanad (Lead Instructor)
Sherief´s passion for the water has always been intrinsic to his nature, as he describes that It was very evident at a very young age, as the tantrums he created when he was dragged out of the swimming pool were a definite headache to his parents.
Scuba diving, especially deep diving is a magical trip out of this world for him. He never really thought of dedicating his work life and career to diving. However, after a few years of graduating from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland where he learnt how to dive, life led him to the enchanting waters of the Caribbean and Cenotes in Quintana Roo.
Learning how to dive in the dark freezing waters of the North Sea was the best gift life granted him, so he thought at the time, hence you can imagine the ecstasy of emotions that shocked his existence taking his first breath underwater in crystalline waters with just a shorty on. He was hooked for life and still is.
Scuba diving for him is not just his livelihood, he considers it an art to be mastered and a never-ending learning experience with no limits.
He would like to pass on this knowledge of the Sensei’s (below in a table) that have taught him formally and those who crossed his paths informally during dive trips and most of all from the experience I have gained being underwater for all these years.
Missing from the table below, is another Sensei from Protec Dive Center that he has trained with for a few days recently, Jake Bulman. Also he wants to take his hat off to a long time cave buddy that has taught him a trick or too Jason Renoux. He is now looking forward to plans of training soon with a grand cave instructor and friend Tristan Termat.
| Certification | Instructor – Training Facility |
| IANTD Advanced Sidemount Cave Diver | Patrick Widman -Protec |
| IANTD Advanced EANx Instructor | Fernando de la Valle – Protec |
| IANTD Basic Sidemount Cave Diver | Fernando de la Valle – Protec |
| IANTD Full Cave Diver | Patrick Widman – Protec |
| TDI Advanced Trimix Diver | Don Labruzzo – Deep Exposure |
| PADI Diving Instructor # 232209 |
Meet Quico Abadal (Special Guest)
Quico is a passionate underwater photographer from Barcelona, Spain. Right after university he travelled to Thailand to become a professional in the diving industry. During his dive master in training, he completely fell for underwater photography. He quickly acquired the necessary techniques to create outstanding images. His passion turned into a healthy obsession. He then moved back to Barcelona to grow as a professional, dedicating his time to commercial photography at a studio. Eventually his adventure continued, moving to Palau pacific islands and Thailand again.
Besides loving to capture marine life through his lens, Quico realised he also really enjoys shooting free divers. Becoming a freedive instructor at Apnea Total made able teaching his models how to dive safely and gracefully. His free dive work is based on fine art photography, creating conceptual imagery that attempts to evoke plenty of emotions. He has been awarded by the UPY contest the title of “Up and Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2022”, with his image “Supernova in Paradise” and published in several magazines. Quico is passionate about teaching underwater photography and creating underwater photographers with a strong diving base who can produce high quality and creative imagery.
| Certification | Instructor – Training Facility |
| SSI Diving Instructor | Brian Knight |
| Apnea Total Freedive Instructor Level 2 | Monica Ganame – Apnea Total Headquarters |
| Basic Sidemount | Abel Bonachera – Ihasia Diving Koh Tao |
Meet Tristan Termat (Special Guest)
Tristan is an IANTD Technical and Full Cave Instructor with extensive knowledge and experience beyond regular recreational diving. He is a dedicated, professional and passionate Instructor who will challenge and perfect your diving skills beyond what you thought was possible.
Born in Paris, his first breath under water was at the age of ten. Growing up in the “Big Blue” generation, he always loved to be close to the water. With his family, he had the chance to travel every summer to the south cost of France and Corsica. There he did some intro to dive experiences but did not get certified yet. Couple of years later, with his Level 2 Certification of the french federation (CMAS) in his pocket, he had the chance to meet a course director, Pascal Sortelle , who invited him to do his PADI Dive Master course in Egypt , Marsa Alam. There he made some of the best dives in his life and for the first time thought about becoming a full time dive professional.
Meet Evi (Special Guest)
Evi’s underwater journey started back in 2014 when she and her sister joined a finswimming club. Once Evi learned the dolphin kick, she wanted to explore the depths of the ocean. Freediving became her passion.
Later in 2016 Evi co-founded the “Mermates pod” together with 4 other aspiring mermaids. The Mermates are the only mermaid performance group in Europe and are specialized in underwater swimming shows and underwater modeling. In 2019 Evi and her sister got invited to the World Mermaid Championship in China and were crowned Miss Coral 2019. During this international competition, Evi learned about the SSI mermaid program and became a SSI mermaid instructor.
Mermaiding brings so much joy in her life that she wants to spread the magic. Not only by performing as a mermaid but by learning others how to swim in a mermaid tail. As a mermaid instructor Evi organizes classes and retreats all over the world, such as Europe, Maldives, Turkey and Cozumel.
| SSI mermaid instructor | |
| SSI basic freediving instructor |
Why We Started HUMARINE
We started HUMARINE because we recognize the importance of both marine education and expanding general knowledge when it comes to diving. We truly believe in making our adventures more immersive, so that those who come to Cozumel will not only gain or expand valuable and rewarding skillsets (such as underwater photography, or specialized diving skills) but also come away knowing more about the local ecosystem and its many diverse species. Whether you are an experienced diver or just starting out, we invite you to join us on one of our dive trips and explore Cozumel’s spectacular oceans as never before!
We believe in making your adventures more immersive.
Our Core Values
Diving Experience Standards
Diving is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to explore the beautiful and hidden depths of the ocean. However, in order to fully enjoy this amazing activity, it is essential to have the right skills and knowledge. One key area that might be currently lacking in diving instruction is the standard of the diving experience itself. Many divers today simply follow their guide without receiving any additional instruction or guidance on how to improve their technique and skill level, and no personal connection to the area.
Diving is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to explore the beautiful and hidden depths of the ocean.
To address this issue, we propose a new initiative aimed at raising the standard of diving for all divers. This would involve carefully training them on all aspects of underwater exploration, from basic safety measures to advanced navigation and communication techniques. With regular practice and support from experts, we believe that beginners will quickly gain the skills necessary for exploring the ocean safely and with confidence.
Connection To The Natural World
Walking down a familiar street, you might nod to the corner hotdog stand or wave to the friendly barber in his shop. Over time, these landmarks become part of your personal landscape and you develop a sense of connection to them. But for many people, this feeling of connection is lacking when it comes to the natural world. When they come to dive on our island, we aim to change that.
Our guides and instructors work hard to help clients see the reef and marine life not as an anonymous mass but as individuals with their own personalities and quirks. In this way, we hope to foster a sense of appreciation and respect for the underwater world and all its inhabitants.
Capturing The Human Factor
Cozumel is one of the most popular dive locations in the world, and for good reason – the clear turquoise waters offer visibility of over 100 feet, and the reefs are teeming with colorful fish and coral. Our Cozumel-based studio branch offers both dive trips and courses for photographers of all levels. We expanded into a studio branch exists because we feel like it’s important to capture the human factor in the water.
To foster and spread this idea, we offer courses for “regular” photographers to break into the underwater world as well as education opportunities for photographers to expand their knowledge. Cozumel is a premier destination for diving and scuba diving and our dive trips provide photographers of all levels opportunities to capture once in a lifetime photos.
Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced underwater photographer, or a business operation looking to tap into the unique visual world that the Caribbean can offer, we can help you get the shots you’re looking for. Cozumel is waiting for you!
Community
Cozumel is a vibrant and diverse community that is full of potential. With so many opportunities for diving, photography, and marine conservation education, we are constantly seeking new partners in our efforts to push this thriving community even further. Whether you are a local business or an organization with similar goals, we welcome your partnership as we work to explore, research, and protect Cozumel’s incredible underwater environment.
Through strategic collaboration and innovative thinking, we believe that together we can truly make a difference in the lives of Cozumel residents and visitors alike, as well as the life in and around the waters. So if you share our commitment to building a better Cozumel both below the surface and on land, let’s talk! We look forward to hearing from you soon.