The Dive Team at Cortez Expeditions

“You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.” - Obi-Wan, Mos Eisley Spaceport.
Luke Inman
Luke is also the Owner & Operator of Cortez Expeditions. Luke has been a PADI Course Director for 19 years and has taught scuba for over two decades. He is both a PADI and DAN Instructor Trainer, and also holds instructor qualifications with RAID, IANTD, TDI, and HSE. Some of Luke’s extensive accomplishments on the technical front include Technical Trimix, CCR training, scientific diving, and cave diving. From his experience as a commercial diver to his work as a BBC Dive Safety Officer, Luke has spent most of his adult lifetime developing advanced skills and knowledge that allow him to share the world of scuba diving with people of any training level.

In addition to his wide breadth of knowledge and experience as a dive industry professional, Luke is also an award winning filmmaker, photographer and writer. His film and photography experience includes shooting diverse subjects for various publications, commissions, editorials and advertising campaigns.
 
Luke’s depth of knowledge and bilingual abilities have enabled him to give public presentations and commentary on television and cinema in a number of countries and languages, greatly furthering his impact and reach.  
After graduating from the University of the West of England, Luke attended the London International Film School. When not working he enjoys walking his dogs.
For all the best updates about what I am up to please follow him on:  Facebook Twitter Instagram

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Maru Brito
Maru is from Mexico City. Her passion is photography and video and we love her photography and video. Maru is a pilot, drone pilot, psychologist and most importantly a talent diving instructor and technical & cave diver. Maru has traveled the world looking for diving adventures and even dived in the artic. Maru has made La Paz her home and is an important part of Cortez expeditions management.
​Certification: Instructor, Dives: 1000+ 

Dr Frida Lara
Originally from Veracruz, Mexico. Frida is recognised as one the leading authorities on Sharks. Especially Sharks of the Eastern Pacific. One of the scientists responsible for assisting the Mexican Government with augmenting the Socorro National Park into the largest Marine Protected Area in North America. Frida has worked with Charles Darwin Foundation, World Wildlife Fund in Galapagos, Pelagios Kakunja and MigraMar. We have no idea why she prefers working with us, but we thank our lucking stars. Frida is writing and managing our soon to be published Marine Ecology Programs.
Certification: Divemaster, Dives: 1000+ 

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Katy Ayres
​Katy is currently studying to complete a PhD in La Paz. Katy is from Skipton in Yorkshire (UK). Katy is completing cutting edge research on Shark movements in Southern Baja. A graduate of The University of York, Katy completed her masters degree collecting data in La Paz and never left. Katy is mental about sharks. When not completing her research Katy works as a part- time guide for us. We can provide a translator if you are not from Leeds.
Certification: Divemaster, Dives: 1000+ Nickname: Love (must be said with Yorkshire accent) 
Karla Rodriguez
Another Fish geek in our ranks, but this time Reef fish. Karla has a masters degree in Reef fish ecology and studied hybridisation in Parrot Fish. Karla is an avid technical diver and helped Luke in the famous recovery of the University of Californias remote operated vehicle from 200FT. When not guiding for us Karla enjoys cross fit, fighting, walking her dog Malu and swearing like a truck driver. Originally from Veracruz
​Certification: Divemaster, Dives: 1000+ Nickname: Pocahontas 
Juan Antonio Ruelas Ramires
​Captain Tony keeps our boat “Monkey Business” shipshape. Cool, Calm and collected Tony is a man of few words. He loves being out on the ocean. Loves the diverse work we throw at him at Cortez Expeditions. Tony loves his family and his Pitt bulls, but hates having his picture taken.
Certification: Captain, Dives: 0 
Silvia Garcia Guzman
​Silvia is originally from Mexico City and has been living and working in Baja Sur as a scuba and tourism guide for a number of years. Passionate about conservation and trained in Mexico’s Merchant Navy working as a  marine mammal observer offshore in seismic surveys. Silvia has a degree in Coastal Zone Management and works for us freelance  and animal lover. Silvia´s passion for diving started  while scientific diving in coral reef assessments
Certification: Divemaster Dives: 350+ 
Olimpia Berdeja
​Originally from Mexico City and currently studying Sharks for her masters degree. Oli is fast becoming one of our most experienced instructors. Speaking multiple languages and having traveled the world Oli loves teaching and meeting new people. When not working with us Oli enjoys walking her dog Rolo and living in the clouds.
Certification: Instructor Dives: 350+