Meet the AquaQuest Team
At AquaQuest, we believe that unforgettable underwater adventures are created by people who truly care about the ocean. Our team is made up of experienced divers, local guides, travel experts, and passionate storytellers who share one mission: to make your scuba and snorkeling trips safe, inspiring, and full of memories you’ll never forget.
We’re more than just instructors and planners — we’re fellow adventurers who know the thrill of spotting a manta ray glide past, the calm of drifting above a coral garden, and the joy of seeing first-time snorkelers fall in love with the sea.
Get to know the people behind AquaQuest, and discover the passion driving every dive and tour we offer.
Administration
John Carter
Founder & CEO
At AquaQuest, we believe that unforgettable underwater adventures are created by people who truly care about the ocean. Our team is made up of experienced divers, local guides, travel experts, and passionate storytellers who share one mission: to make your scuba and snorkeling trips safe, inspiring, and full of memories you’ll never forget.
John is the creative mind behind our signature tours and long-term strategy. He’s not only a strategic thinker but also a hands-on planner who personally visits destinations, collaborates with local experts, and ensures every itinerary reflects quality and integrity.
When he’s not in meetings or planning new routes, you’ll find her hiking off-grid trails, tasting street food in Southeast Asia, or mentoring young women in tourism startups. His warm leadership style, attention to detail, and fearless creativity have shaped AquaQuest into a brand known for trust, innovation, and transformative travel.
Maria Gonzalez
Head of Operations
Maria makes sure every AquaQuest trip runs like clockwork. With over a decade in travel and dive operations, she’s the behind-the-scenes force that manages itineraries, partnerships, and logistics across multiple destinations.
Her journey into diving began during a family holiday in the Caribbean. After her first snorkeling trip, she fell in love with marine life and pursued dive certifications. Today, she combines that passion with her operational expertise, building smooth systems that put travelers at ease.
Maria believes that great operations mean guests never notice the hard work in the background — they only feel cared for and free to enjoy the sea.
Samuel Brown
Finance & Compliance Officer
Samuel ensures AquaQuest’s finances are stable and our tours meet international travel standards. With a background in finance and accounting, he manages budgets, contracts, and compliance so the company can keep growing responsibly.
What makes Samuel unique is his love for adventure. Unlike many finance professionals, he regularly joins dive trips and often combines his business travel with local snorkeling experiences. This balance keeps him connected to both the numbers and the mission.
Samuel’s steady hand allows AquaQuest to invest in conservation partnerships and technology that benefit guests and the ocean alike.
Marine & Safety Experts
Dr. Helena Novak
Dive Safety & Medical Advisor
Helena is a certified dive physician with over 10 years of experience treating divers and advising operators. At AquaQuest, she sets safety standards, trains guides, and ensures every trip follows international medical protocols.
Her medical background combines with personal passion — she started as a recreational diver before becoming a doctor, which gives her empathy for both the thrill and the risks of the sport.
Helena’s presence reassures travelers that AquaQuest prioritizes health and safety above all else.
Richard Kim
Equipment & Technical Specialist
Richard is responsible for maintaining AquaQuest’s gear, from scuba tanks to snorkeling masks. With a background in engineering, he approaches equipment with precision and care.
He also trains guides on equipment safety checks and ensures AquaQuest always uses reliable, high-quality gear. Guests may not always see his work, but they feel it every time they dive with confidence.
Richard is also a hobbyist diver, and his technical expertise often helps troubleshoot gear in real time during expeditions.
Fatima Hassan
Boat Captain & Logistics Coordinator
Fatima has been at sea for over 20 years, first as a fisherman’s daughter in Oman and later as a professional boat captain. She now leads AquaQuest’s fleet logistics, navigating waters safely and coordinating day-to-day boat operations.
What makes Samuel unique is his love for adventure. Unlike many finance professionals, he regularly joins dive trips and often combines his business travel with local snorkeling experiences. This balance keeps him connected to both the numbers and the mission.
Samuel’s steady hand allows AquaQuest to invest in conservation partnerships and technology that benefit guests and the ocean alike.
Your Next Dive is Closer Than You Think
Imagine floating weightlessly, surrounded by vibrant underwater colors. With AquaQuest, that dream is just a few clicks away — and the memories will last a lifetime.
