Country of residence: Colombia
Diving since: 2016
Level/agency of certification: PADI Instructor
Jose Soto is a Colombian diver, PADI Instructor, nature and underwater photographer, and entrepreneur. He’s the founder and CEO of DivingLife, a company focused on creating diving and nature expeditions around the world.
Over time, his passion for diving evolved into a bigger purpose: using photography, storytelling, and travel to help people connect with marine life and understand the importance of protecting our oceans.
He’s also the founder of DivingLife Studios, an audiovisual production company focused on ocean and nature content. One of their recent projects, a documentary about sharks called Los Temibles Incomprendidos, was nominated for Best Documentary at the India Catalina Awards in Colombia.
Through social media and projects, Jose loves sharing encounters with wildlife, especially sharks, and showing a different side of animals that are often misunderstood.
In his own words, here’s a little more about Jose and what drives him in and out of the water.
How did you get into diving?
I discovered diving while looking for a deeper connection with nature. From my very first dive, I realized the ocean wasn't just a place to visit—it was a world I wanted to dedicate my life to. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion, and today it has become both my profession and my purpose: inspiring people to fall in love with the ocean and protect it.
What is your most memorable underwater experience?
I've been fortunate to dive in incredible places around the world, but if I had to choose one experience, it would be being surrounded by hundreds of hammerhead sharks in Malpelo Island. It was one of those rare moments that makes you feel incredibly small while reminding you how extraordinary nature truly is.
What is your proudest professional moment?
Founding DivingLife and watching it grow into a community that has introduced thousands of people to the ocean is something I'm incredibly proud of. Another milestone was having my documentary about sharks nominated for a prestigious film award in Colombia, helping change the way people see these misunderstood animals.
What do you wish more people understood about the ocean?
I wish more people realized that the ocean isn't separate from our lives—it makes life on Earth possible. It produces much of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, and supports an incredible diversity of life. Protecting the ocean isn't just about protecting marine life; it's about protecting our own future.
What advice would you give to a new diver?
Never stop learning, always respect the ocean, and don't rush the experience. Focus on becoming a comfortable, aware, and responsible diver before chasing depth or advanced certifications. The best divers are the ones who dive with curiosity, humility, and respect for every creature they encounter.
What is your favorite piece of Cressi gear and why?
EVERYTHING!!!! But, my favorite piece of Cressi gear is the mask. As an underwater photographer, clear vision is everything, and having a mask that fits perfectly and performs reliably allows me to stay fully focused on capturing unforgettable moments beneath the surface.
What does being a Cressi ambassador mean to you?
Being a Cressi ambassador means representing a brand that has inspired generations of divers while sharing values that I deeply believe in: exploration, adventure, safety, and respect for the ocean. It's an opportunity to inspire more people to discover the underwater world and become ambassadors for its conservation.
Find Jose:
