ABOUT
THE TEAM
VICTORIA ALVAREZ
FOUNDER & CEO
Victoria, founder and CEO of Mind the Seas, is a professional diver with over a decade of experience exploring the underwater world across every continent. She became a professional diver at 23 and a technical rebreather diver at 24, pushing the boundaries of what it means to dive deeper—both literally and figuratively.
As a leading figure in female diving and a prominent advocate for marine conservation, Victoria has dedicated her career to inspiring others to connect with the ocean while fostering its protection. With over 200 certifications under her belt, she has trained countless divers, sharing her expertise and passion for the underwater world.
As a leading figure in female diving and a prominent advocate for marine conservation, Victoria has dedicated her career to inspiring others to connect with the ocean while fostering its protection. With over 200 certifications under her belt, she has trained countless divers, sharing her expertise and passion for the underwater world.
CLARA LOPEZ
EXPEDITION LEADER
Born and raised in the Canary Islands, Clara has been underwater since the age of 8, making the ocean both her home and her profession.
With a background in Biomedicine and as a dive instructor, she bridges science, exploration and conservation. Her journey has taken her from Lanzarote and La Graciosa to the Maldives, Mexico and Zanzibar, specializing in technical and cave diving, guiding, training and leading marine research operations.
With a background in Biomedicine and as a dive instructor, she bridges science, exploration and conservation. Her journey has taken her from Lanzarote and La Graciosa to the Maldives, Mexico and Zanzibar, specializing in technical and cave diving, guiding, training and leading marine research operations.
FELIPE DEVOTO
OCEAN SAFARI GUIDE
With over a decade of experience as a dive guide and instructor, Felipe Devoto is a true expert of the Eastern Pacific. Based in Baja California Sur, he has spent years diving and guiding in some of the world’s most iconic and remote locations, including Revillagigedo. Known for his professionalism, deep knowledge and calm, approachable nature, Felipe creates a safe, engaging and unforgettable experience both above and below the surface.
As Ocean Safari Guide for Mind the Seas, Felipe will lead our expeditions in Baja, offering participants rare encounters with pelagic life through expert guidance, local insight and a genuine passion for the ocean.
As Ocean Safari Guide for Mind the Seas, Felipe will lead our expeditions in Baja, offering participants rare encounters with pelagic life through expert guidance, local insight and a genuine passion for the ocean.
ELISE
RESERVATIONS TEAM
Originally from Canada, Elise is currently studying Marine Biology and has joined Mind the Seas as part of the Reservations Team. A passionate ocean explorer, she loves underwater videography, capturing the beauty of marine life while supporting divers in creating seamless and memorable journeys. Her dedication and creativity make her a valuable part of the team’s mission to connect more people with the sea.
MAX ROTA
DIRECTOR OF NAR ASSOCIATION AND MANAGER OF THE REEFBYREEF PROJECT
Max grew up connected to the sea, starting his diving journey at 10 and becoming an instructor by 18, inspired by his family’s legacy in the diving business. Hearing stories of a once-thriving ocean, he explored the world’s waters, finding only fragments of the ecosystems described. For Max, the ocean feels like a fragile patient, and he dedicates his life as a diver, fisherman, and captain to giving back to it. A defining moment came at 16 in the Red Sea, where a fleeting encounter with a school of hammerhead sharks deepened his awe for the sea’s boundless wonder. To Max, the ocean is a way of life and a responsibility to protect for future generations.
FLORIAN ALLGAUER
EXPEDITION LEADER
Florian is a passionate scuba diving professional and dedicated conservationist with over a decade of experience in the underwater world. After transitioning from business to diving, he has led expeditions, taught diving, and documented marine life across five continents. His work spans science, conservation, and underwater photography, focusing on the preservation of fragile marine ecosystems. Florian’s expertise in sustainable diving practices is complemented by his involvement with The Reef-World Foundation, where he combines his love for the ocean with his commitment to promoting marine conservation and creating lasting positive change for the environment.
OLLIE CLARKE
MTS SCIENTIST
Ollie is an award-winning underwater photographer, honored as “British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023.”
His work not only showcases the breathtaking beauty of the ocean but also tells compelling stories that inspire
marine conservation.
As a marine conservationist and passionate storyteller, Ollie has dedicated his career to documenting the world’s most remote ecosystems and raising awareness about ocean protection. His approach blends adventure with education, using powerful imagery and immersive experiences to connect people with the underwater world.
With his expertise and unique vision, Ollie will elevate our expeditions, giving participants the chance to explore some of the planet’s most pristine marine environments while learning from a true underwater photography expert.
As a marine conservationist and passionate storyteller, Ollie has dedicated his career to documenting the world’s most remote ecosystems and raising awareness about ocean protection. His approach blends adventure with education, using powerful imagery and immersive experiences to connect people with the underwater world.
With his expertise and unique vision, Ollie will elevate our expeditions, giving participants the chance to explore some of the planet’s most pristine marine environments while learning from a true underwater photography expert.
MAYA SANTORO
MTS PHOTOGRAPHER
With over a decade of experience exploring and documenting some of the most remote places on Earth—from the Arctic
to Antarctica—Maya brings a deep passion for wildlife conservation, ecotourism, and storytelling.
As a biologist and environmental educator, she has dedicated her career to protecting the natural world, collaborating with organizations like WWF, Only One, and Sea Shepherd Brazil.
A true adventurer, Maya thrives in the wild, using her photography and storytelling to educate, inspire, and advocate for a more conscious connection with nature.
As a biologist and environmental educator, she has dedicated her career to protecting the natural world, collaborating with organizations like WWF, Only One, and Sea Shepherd Brazil.
A true adventurer, Maya thrives in the wild, using her photography and storytelling to educate, inspire, and advocate for a more conscious connection with nature.
ANDREA SPINELLI
MARINE BIOLOGIST
Andrea Spinelli is a renowned marine biologist, recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Environment,
ocean conservationist, and TEDx speaker.
Holding a PhD in marine sciences, Andrea combines his passion for research at the Oceanogràfic Foundation Valencia with his dedication to ocean conservation.
Awarded the Gravity Wave Award 🥇 for his impact on marine ecosystem protection, his extensive knowledge and passion for the ocean elevate every journey, turning each experience into an opportunity to deeply understand the underwater world.
Holding a PhD in marine sciences, Andrea combines his passion for research at the Oceanogràfic Foundation Valencia with his dedication to ocean conservation.
Awarded the Gravity Wave Award 🥇 for his impact on marine ecosystem protection, his extensive knowledge and passion for the ocean elevate every journey, turning each experience into an opportunity to deeply understand the underwater world.