Dive Paradise is excited to announce that, effective November 1, 2018, Laura Alcala Ortega has been appointed as our new General Manager of Dive Operations. In this position, Laura is responsible for overseeing all Cozumel-based aspects of our legendary scuba diving business, encompassing our four locations and serviced by the largest fleet of dedicated dive boats on the island. “Laura is a true professional who knows this business and this island better than anyone,” says Dive Paradise CEO Michael Penwarden. “We are thrilled to have her join our team as we continue to build on Dive Paradise’s 35-year legacy.”
Most recently, Laura served as a board member and volunteer for the Humane Society Cozumel and the Red Cross Delegation Cozumel. Prior to that, she launched and operated Scuba Du and Ocean Tours with her husband for more than 25 years, and also operated a fishing business, a parasailing business, and her own inn. She has also worked as a Divemaster and Instructor for seven years at various dive operations in Cozumel, including Dive Paradise along with former Dive Paradise owner Rene “Apple” Applegate and under founder Tom Hartdegen’s management. In addition, Laura is a founding member of the Scuba Fest Committee, a former member of the board and volunteer at Cruz Roja Delegación Cozumel, and a founding member of Anoaat.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Laura has lived in Cozumel for over 30 years. She attended the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico and has a Master’s Diploma in Senior Business Administration. Passionate about scuba diving, she became a PADI Master Scuba Instructor in 1986. She spends her time off diving all over the world as much as possible.
Laura has two adult daughters, 26 and 28 yrs. old, volunteers in animal rescue among at the Cozumel Humane Society, and strongly believes in social work.
Welcome aboard Laura!
