About Us

Hi, I’m Marianne, owner of Underwater Safaris and a PADI Master Instructor. I’ve been diving since 1968 and became an instructor in 1986. In 2001, I was honored to be inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Since opening Underwater Safaris in 1987, I’ve trained over 1,000 divers and logged more than 3,000 dives around the world. I’m passionate about ocean education and co-founded the Underwater Safaris Fund for Marine Awareness to support programs for deaf divers, inner-city youth, and schools abroad. I’ve worked with the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and others, and helped launch the Lake Michigan Shipwreck Buoy Program. My favorite part of the job? Helping people discover their love for the ocean—whether it’s their first breath underwater or their hundredth.

I’ve been the general manager of Underwater Safaris since 1987 and diving since I was 12. Back in high school, I worked in the scuba department of Morrie Mages Sports and stayed on when Underwater Safaris opened there. Over the years, I’ve earned a Master Scuba Diver rating with specialties in Deep, Wreck, DPV, Photography, and more. I love diving in places like the Bahamas, Baja, and Cozumel—and I have a knack for finding lost phones and keys in Lake Michigan harbors! I’m also certified to service gear from US Divers, Sherwood, and Mares. I love talking shop with divers and making sure they have the best gear for a safe and fun experience.

I grew up surrounded by scuba stories, so it was only natural I got certified myself. I did my confined water training here with Marianne and finished my Open Water dives in the Florida Keys—and I was hooked! One of my favorite memories is carving pumpkins underwater at Haigh Quarry. I’m also a regular on our annual Cozumel Memorial Trip. I’d love to help you get started on your dive journey too.

I started diving in 1991 after some friends invited me to try it, even though I was terrified of the idea of removing my mask underwater. But I did it—and now I’ve been teaching since 2000! That experience helps me empathize with students who feel nervous at first. I also work in sales and send out updates to our dive community. I’ve been lucky to dive in places like Belize, the Cayman Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, and even off the coast of Tasmania. If you’re unsure about diving—trust me, I’ve been there. If I can do it, so can you.

I got certified in 1996 and loved it so much that I became a PADI instructor by 2000. I’ve been teaching ever since, and I also work as an equipment technician. Some of my favorite dives have been in Cozumel, the Florida Keys, Belize, and even the Smoky Mountains. I also look forward to our underwater pumpkin carving events at Haigh Quarry every year. Hope to see you underwater soon!

Growing up in Nebraska, diving wasn’t even on my radar—until I tried scuba in a pool while on vacation at 10 years old. I didn’t get certified until 2010, but once I did, I never stopped. I became a PADI instructor in 2013 and now hold a Master Instructor rating. I’ve dived on all seven continents and am working on diving in all 50 states. Some of my favorite dives include fur seals in Antarctica, 2mm nudibranchs in the Philippines, and an abandoned Titan missile silo in Washington. I love helping students discover the underwater world and pushing them to reach their goals—just like I did.

I was originally certified in 1977—back before alternate air sources and integrated weights were a thing. After a few years of local diving, my wife and I settled down to raise a family, and SCUBA got tucked away into the back of the closet. Years later, we went on a Caribbean cruise that stopped in Cozumel. We went snorkeling in the gorgeous blue waters, and we instantly realized we belonged under the waves, not above them. When we returned to Chicago, I came to Underwater Safaris, did a SCUBA review, and then quickly signed up for Advanced, Rescue, and Divemaster. After four seasons working as “THE” Divemaster here, I decided to take the plunge and become an instructor. These days, when my wife and I cruise, we dive instead of snorkel—and it’s way better.

I’m a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and have been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. While I love my career, I always felt there was something more I was meant to do. In 2012, I took my first breath underwater and instantly wondered why I hadn’t done this sooner. My love for the ocean and its hidden mysteries led me to become a PADI Course Director. I now have the honor of mentoring and guiding future PADI Instructors. I’m a passionate technical diver and teach over 20 PADI core and specialty courses. As an Instructor Trainer, I can certify instructors to teach 24 specialty courses, plus Emergency First Response. My approach is rooted in real-world teaching, helping you leverage the skills that already make you successful in life. I’m dedicated to staying at the forefront of this industry—because you deserve the absolute best preparation possible.

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Give me any body of water—I’ll dive it. I got certified in 2006 at Underwater Safaris, and since then, I’ve dove everything from the chilly waters of Lake Michigan and the Northern Pacific to the tropical reefs of Fiji and the Caribbean. I’ve gone 120 feet deep in Cozumel and just 12 feet to clean the walls at Shedd Aquarium. My passions are underwater photography and videography—I even created PADI distinctive specialties for both. I’ve dove with tiger and great white sharks and trained as a shark feeder. With over 1,400 dives, I teach everything from Open Water to Assistant Instructor. My specialties include deep, dry suit, wreck, navigation, photo/video, conservation, and Rescue. Even with my busy teaching schedule, I still make time to travel and dive—because the ocean always has more to show us.

I started diving in 2013 thanks to a Groupon Discover Scuba experience at Underwater Safaris. I was hooked immediately and became an Open Water Diver in early 2014. A few trips to Cozumel, the Bahamas, and Key West led me to earn my Advanced and Rescue certifications in 2015. Then, after trips to Fiji, Cozumel, and Egypt, I went for my Divemaster and became an instructor in 2016. SCUBA has opened doors to travel, adventure, and learning like nothing else. Happy diving!

Hi, I’m Alex! I’ve been diving since 2014 and teaching since 2018. I moved to Chicago from Baton Rouge in 2020 for grad school and joined Underwater Safaris soon after. I originally trained through NAUI but crossed over to become a PADI instructor thanks to Marianne and Rick. My favorite dive spot is Cozumel—but Haigh Quarry is a close second! I also get cold easily, so I love diving in the warm, heated UWS pool. Hope to see you in one of my classes soon!

I still remember how “Jaws” terrified me in 1976. I joke that I didn’t go near water for two years. In the late ’70s, I was gigging in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, and saw a sign outside Unexso: “Learn to scuba dive for $50.” I took a Discover Scuba class and did a few ocean dives—and that was it, I was hooked. I kept diving during vacations and eventually got certified, then became a Divemaster, and finally a PADI Instructor in 1995. I’ve been teaching ever since. In 2006, I became a PADI Master Instructor, and with over 2,500 dives and hundreds of students, I’m proud to say I’ve spent a lot of my life underwater. I’m also grateful to Marianne and her late husband, Saul, for welcoming me to Underwater Safaris. It’s an honor to teach here.

I got certified in 2017 after snorkeling in Aruba blew me away. Since then, I’ve dove in incredible places across the Americas, Europe, and the Indian Ocean. I actually enjoy cold-water diving, and some of my favorite experiences have been in Iceland and Alaska. During the pandemic, I couldn’t travel, so I doubled down on training—and ended up becoming an instructor! Now I get to share my passion for diving with as many people as possible, and that’s a pretty great life.

My journey started with The Little Mermaid when I was five. Years later, I did a SNUBA experience on vacation and knew I needed to go deeper—literally. I got certified with Underwater Safaris in 2019, dove all over the world, and kept racking up certifications. I finished my instructor training in Cozumel and have loved teaching here ever since. I’ve swam with whale sharks in the Galápagos, explored cenotes in Mexico, hunted nudibranchs in the Philippines, and scoured shipwrecks in Lake Michigan. Now I get to help others discover the magic of diving—what a gift.

I’ve always loved the water. Books, The Little Mermaid, and even the Barbie Ocean Discovery game sparked a lifelong obsession with dolphins and marine life. A recurring dream about diving with whales pushed me to book a trip to Thailand—and as soon as I took that first underwater breath, I was hooked. I later did my Divemaster and Instructor training in Utila, Honduras in 2022. I have a B.A. in Environmental Studies, and conservation is a huge part of why I dive. I’ve worked in sea turtle conservation, completed a master’s thesis on marine protection in China and Indonesia, and helped monitor reef health in Thailand. Memorable dives include whale sharks in Koh Tao, cenotes in Mexico, and sailing/dive trips through the BVI. I’m here to explore, grow, and inspire others to love and protect our ocean.

My passion for diving began with my Open Water course in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. I fell in love with the vivid, immersive experience of being underwater—and being totally disconnected from the world above. My pro career began in Costa Rica, where I guided and taught in the waters around Manuel Antonio and Caño Island. I’m also into apnea and distance swimming. Diving has taken me everywhere—from West Papua to the Galápagos and the Açores. Right now, I’m diving in the Red Sea between Saudi Arabia and Jordan. When I’m not diving, I’m probably geeking out at a techno, trance, or house music show. Let’s explore the depths together.

I’ve been diving for over 20 years, but I started my instructor journey in 2012. I’ve explored everything from crystal-clear blue depths to eerie night dives. As an instructor, I love mentoring new divers and guiding even the most seasoned ones through new specialties. I also work as a hyperbaric chamber operator and EMT, which makes me a safer, more knowledgeable instructor. I’m an adaptive instructor, ready to help divers of all abilities. I’m also a public safety instructor, training divers for challenging mission environments. Let’s go add pages to your logbook together!

The ocean has always been my passion. I was first certified as a Junior Open Water Diver in 2010 during a three-generation family trip to Cozumel. I dove recreationally until 2024, when I had a break between grad school (Wharton MBA / Lauder M.A.) and work. I headed to Thailand to become a dive pro and conservation diver. My love for the ocean drives my commitment to marine conservation. I’ve volunteered in sea turtle conservation for nearly a decade, completed a master's thesis on marine protection in Asia, and monitored reefs in Koh Tao. Some of my favorite dives: hammerhead schools in the Galápagos, epic wrecks in Egypt, coral sanctuaries in Komodo, and magical cenotes in Mexico. Now, I’m excited to help new divers unlock the joy of breathing underwater—and the wonder that comes with it.

I’ve been diving for 27 years—ever since I got certified at 12 years old. On my 18th birthday, I earned my Divemaster certification, and I’ve been guiding, teaching, and exploring ever since. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California, but I have deep family ties to Belize. That meant I was lucky enough to dive some of the most beautiful reefs in the world from a young age. Between trips to Belize, I worked as a SCUBA manager for Sport Chalet, a volunteer exhibit diver at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and a salvage diver for Pacific Tugboat Service. I’m also a firefighter and paramedic, and in the coming year, I’ll be returning to dive-rescue work at offshore racing events throughout California and the western U.S. I love the draw of the open ocean—whether I’m sailing, distance swimming, or diving to support reef conservation. These days, I specialize in refreshers, tune-ups, and Discover Scuba experiences. Helping someone reconnect with the water (or experience it for the first time) is something I never get tired of.

Hi, I’m Lotte—a PADI Divemaster and former aquarist with a lifelong love of the ocean. The first time I took a breath underwater, I knew I was hooked. Diving combines my passion for marine life and my love of being in the water, and I’ve been lucky to explore some incredible dive sites around the world. I don’t have just one favorite dive location—but if there are sharks in the area, you can bet I’m in the water! As a Divemaster, I love supporting classes and guiding people through the underwater world. Seeing new divers discover the beauty and wonder beneath the surface is one of the best parts of what I do.