Diving with… Norman M. Lopez, Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, Puerto Galera, Philippines
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
In this post, we chat with Norman M. Lopez from Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards who feature in our latest publication Philippines Dive Adventures – download your FREE copy here!
What is your name?
Norman M. Lopez
What is the name of your business?
Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards
What is your role within the business?
Dive Shop Team Leader
How long has the business operated for?
More than 25 years.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
More or less about 14 years. Currently an active PADI Instructor.
What is your favorite type of diving?
Mostly reef diving and also interested in wreck diving, muck diving and drift diving.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Arrive as a Guest, Leave as a Friend.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
The Canyons. Well known for drift diving with its abundance of different varieties of soft and hard corals, and home for either solitary or schooling big fish.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Reef diving, wreck diving, muck diving, wall diving and also some places for technical diving.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
The ocean is my office. I get to see it mostly everyday, while scuba diving and teaching courses.
What is your favourite underwater creature?
Harlequin Shrimp.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
It will be a big challenge for all of us at this time however we will find a way to make it better as we slowly move on and get to a new beginning.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Coronavirus and the Pandemic.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We work with the local dive shop association on clean-ups and alike, and have also hosted the California Academy of Science.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
We should work together to protect the environment and encourage younger people to get involved in diving.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
There is almost nowhere on the planet like Puerto Galera – the most biodiverse part of the coral triangle just a five minute boat ride from the resort.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
