About Underdog Divers

Come as a guest, leave as a friend

Imagine waking up every day to a job you absolutely love. That’s exactly how we feel at Underdog Divers! We started in 2022 to do things differently.

Our story

Who we are

Our team consists of passionate ocean experts dedicated to a higher standard of diving. Our mission is to provide safe, personalized adventures while fostering a professional environment where expertise is truly valued. Together, we bring a diverse skill set to ensure every guest experiences the ocean’s magic in a safe, fun, and unforgettable way.

Meet the team

Our motto: everybody wins

When you dive with Underdog Divers, you are diving with instructors who feel valued, secure, and proud of what they do. That care and stability translate directly into safer, calmer, and more meaningful experiences for our guests. Everybody wins.

Accessible diving

We make premium, private diving possible at competitive prices. By focusing on ethical standards and professional stability, we ensure a high-quality, personalized experience without the premium price tag. Excellence in diving should be accessible to everyone who values quality and safety.

Meet the team

Meet the passionate professionals who work behind the scenes and underwater to make your trip unforgettable.

Pauline van Kesteren

Founder & Lead diver

Alan

Dive instructor

Marcus

Dive master

Raymond

Dive instructor

The origin

How the underdog was born

I grew up in Holland and studied sports management, but my heart has always been in the water. I started diving at 17, and it quickly became such a big part of my life that I’ve now been a diver longer than a non-diver.

In 2021, I founded Underdog Divers Aruba. My former employer once told me I’d be crazy to think anyone would want to dive with “the Underdog,” and that’s exactly how our company got its name. Being a different kind of employer matters to me, because I never want my team to lose the joy of diving.

I’m proud to run a company that focuses on quality over quantity. We don’t overload our schedule, so every dive is relaxed, enjoyable, and memorable. Something we take great pride in, and something our guests can fully enjoy.

I believe that working with the best should be valued, which is why our team receives fair pay, benefits, insurance, professional courses, and even contributions toward a retirement fund. Creating an environment where my team can enjoy diving, feel appreciated, and plan for the future is something I’m truly proud of.

The best part of being a dive instructor is seeing people surface after their first dive with huge smiles on their faces. My favorite course to teach is the Scuba Discovery, also called the Try-out dive.

I’m a big wreck diving fan and love watching how nature slowly reclaims sunken structures. My favorite fish is the juvenile trunkfish, they never fail to make me smile.

News & Updates

Stay connected with us

Want to know what’s happening below the surface and behind the scenes? From our latest coral conservation efforts and new upcoming events, this is where we share our journey with you.

January 31, 2026

Coral restoration project

We believe in giving back to the ocean. We are actively involved in local coral restoration, specifically around the Mangel Halto area. Follow our updates as we monitor the growth of new coral nurseries, helping to ensure that Aruba’s reefs remain vibrant and healthy for years to come.

January 30, 2026

Our brand new boat is finished

We are excited to launch our custom-built dive boat! Designed specifically for small groups, it offers more comfort, easy water access, and the speed to reach remote “hidden” wrecks and reefs that larger tour boats simply can’t get to. Join us for a smoother ride to the best spots on the island.

January 25, 2026

Raymond joined us

As we grow, we want to make sure we never lose the personal touch we are known for. We’ve welcomed a new professional to the Underdog crew, allowing us to offer more flexible scheduling for private dives and remote snorkeling trips while maintaining our small-group standards.