Ariane| SSI Divemaster Instructor

Hello, I’m Ariane — but everyone calls me Ari.

I’m originally from Montreal, Canada. I speak French and English, some Spanish, and my Dutch is improving every year. By now, I understand more than I can speak — so if you’re talking about me in Dutch, there’s a fair chance I know exactly what you’re saying.

My diving journey started in the cold, low-visibility waters of Québec, where I worked as a Divemaster. In 2022, I came to Curaçao and immediately fell in love with the island — and with my future Dutch husband, Rudo. That same year, I joined Porto Mari shortly after completing my instructor training and worked there from May to October.

Later, Rudo and I travelled around the world and moved to Roatán, Honduras, where we spent several months working as a PADI Instructor. Warm water, coral reefs, and teaching full-time confirmed that diving wasn’t just a job for me — it was a lifestyle.

In April 2024, we returned to Curaçao for a second chapter of about fifteen months. During that time, I was part of the original instructor team that transitioned the dive center from PADI to SSI at the end of 2024.

I’m an SSI Divemaster Instructor with a specialization in adaptive diving. Before entering the dive industry, I spent more than twenty years working in special education, supporting people with diverse needs. That background shapes the way I teach: I adapt to the individual, making diving accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Today, I still live on Curaçao and remain active in the dive world, now as Operational Manager at Unique Diving.

People often describe me as positive, energetic, and deeply involved. Whether I’m guiding fun dives, teaching specialties, or training professionals, I aim to combine a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of safety and quality.

For me, diving is about connection — to the ocean, to the people around you, and to the confidence you gain underwater.