Alba | PADI & SSI Instructor

Hola, I’m Alba — from Barcelona.

I arrived in Curaçao during the pandemic, between the two lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. At the time, I was working as a freelance underwater photographer and videographer for Turtle & Ray, spending my days capturing turtles, reef life, and the ever-changing world beneath the surface.

Then everything closed.

From March to May 2021, the island went quiet. Dive shops shut down, tourism paused, and life slowed dramatically. Instead of simply waiting it out, I used that time to take the next step and prepare for my instructor training. As soon as everything reopened, I joined the first IDC — still under strict COVID protocols, with distancing, adapted exercises, and a very different atmosphere than usual. It was an unusual way to become an instructor, but one I’ll never forget.

In July 2021, I joined Porto Mari. The island was gradually coming back to life, and we were rebuilding momentum. One of the most meaningful parts of that period was teaching many of Denis’ colleagues from the hospital. After months of intense and demanding work, they came to diving simply to switch off and experience something completely different. They were not only great students, but also wonderful people to spend time with — both in and out of the water. Being perfectly bilingual in Spanish and English proved incredibly helpful, especially with several Spanish and South American participants in the group.

Those months felt hopeful. We were teaching, laughing, and rediscovering the rhythm of the ocean after a long pause.

In December 2021, I felt the urge to move on. I first returned to Catalonia, but the sea kept calling. I later worked in places such as Thailand and the Maldives, continuing to grow as an instructor. Along the way, I also crossed over to SSI and maintain both professional memberships.

I’m still active in the dive world today. Photography, teaching, guiding — the ocean remains my compass.