Who are we?
Kaptain is not a travel or tour agency. Kaptain is an experience whose goal is to help you discover Mexican culture, lifestyle, the beauty of the country, and its diving sites.
Captain Kaplun
My name is Fernando Kaplun, I was born in Mexico City.
Although I grew up in one of the largest cities in the world, I quickly developed a passion for scuba diving. This was encouraged by one of my beloved aunts, who was Mexico's first female diving instructor. She used to take us with her on her trips around the country. It was obvious to me then that I wanted to be a diver!
At the age of 12, I obtained my first diving certification.
Après avoir étudié « Commerce international » à Mexico City, du haut de mes 20 ans je prends la grande décision de suivre mon rêve et de m’installer à Playa del Carmen dans la Riviera Maya, sur la côte Caraïbe mexicaine. Je veux vivre de ma passion, je veux vivre heureux à la plage.
That's how my career as a diving instructor began 16 years ago.
I first worked at the beach, learning various water sports (windsurfing, fishing, freediving, sailing, etc.), then at a diving center in a luxury hotel. It was a very rewarding experience, during which I learned to understand the needs and requirements of different customers.
After five years of learning on the job, I needed a new challenge. I wanted to open my own diving center. Although I thought my studies in international business would never be of any use to me, it was the right time to put all that knowledge to good use. It was by sharing the same passion with a very dear friend that we decided to embark on this crazy adventure!
In 2012, we had the opportunity to open not only a diving center but also a whole “marina” offering diving and other water sports within a prestigious 5-star hotel, the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda.
Dive-X was born.
Day after day, ten years have passed. So many faces, so many stories and lessons learned, and yet it feels like my first day was yesterday. Living out your passion is a real pleasure and a great opportunity. How many dives have I done? Good question, but as they say, “When you love something, you don't count the cost.”
I love challenges and I love learning. Over the last few years, I have continued to improve my skills and train. I am not only a diving instructor but also a cave and cavern diving guide in the famous cenotes of the Riviera Maya.
The hotel that houses my diving center not only allowed me to become professionally independent, but I also met my wife there when she was staying as a vacationer...
In December 2021, after six years together, we said “I do” in Lille, her hometown in northern France. My life then took a completely different turn. Dive-X was doing well, and I felt like I needed a new challenge.
I want to go further. I want to share my passion and my culture, which is why I created Kaptain.
Kaptain is not a travel or tour agency. Kaptain is an experience—my experience. I want to help you discover Mexican culture, my way of life, and above all, the beauty of my country and its dive sites.
We will travel together from France to Mexico, where we will enjoy the best diving spots on the Riviera Maya. It will be an adventure, a journey of total immersion with a local. You will also discover traditional Mexican dishes and places that only locals visit, far from the tourist crowds.
I am passionate about what I do and very proud of my country. What makes me happy is sharing what I have.
Do you like diving? Do you like discovering new perspectives and adventure? Then I have just the thing for you!
Contact me and let's get to know each other. Let's arrange a meeting online or in a café. I'd be more than happy to meet you.
