About

Hey there! I'm Antoine Baud, and I'm absolutely thrilled you're here. I'm a diving instructor, marine biologist, and someone who genuinely loves sharing the incredible magic I've discovered beneath the waves.

My Journey

I've been lucky enough to combine my love for the ocean with my academic background. I have two master's degrees—one in Marine Biology (I focused on animal behavior and biodiversity conservation) and another in Natural Resource Management. But honestly, what really drives me is getting people excited about the underwater world and helping them see it through fresh eyes.

What I Do

As a certified SDI instructor, I teach diving courses and lead guided dives. When I'm not underwater, I work with a company that specializes in environmental engineering and aquatic ecology, and I also teach a course at the University of Neuchâtel about how humans connect with aquatic environments. It's pretty cool to see students light up when they start understanding these connections!

About SDI Certification

I'm certified as an SDI (Scuba Diving International) instructor. SDI is part of the WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council), which sets the global standards for recreational diving training. These are the same international standards used by major diving organizations like PADI, SSI, and others. So your SDI certification is recognized worldwide and follows the same rigorous safety and training standards as other leading agencies.

All SDI certifications meet WRSTC standards, so your diving credentials will be recognized and accepted at dive centers everywhere. Whether you're planning to dive in the Caribbean, the Red Sea, or the Pacific, your SDI certification will be valid wherever your adventures take you!

Why I Do This

Through Athelas Diving, I get to help people discover something truly special—the healing, inspiring power of the underwater world. Whether it's through learning to dive, understanding marine ecology, or simply connecting mindfully with nature, I believe every dive is a chance to experience something extraordinary. There's nothing quite like watching someone's face light up when they see their first sea turtle or discover a hidden reef ecosystem!

Underwater Photography

All the photos on athelas-diving.com were done by Veronica Caggia from veranaturae.