Country of residence: Ecuador
Diving since: 2014
Level/agency of certification: PADI Divemaster
Roberto Ochoa is a marine wildlife videographer and PADI Divemaster based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, whose work documenting the underwater world has taken him across the Pacific and to Antarctica, the Maldives, French Polynesia, and beyond. He has collaborated with National Geographic, PADI, Galapagos Sky, and the Cousteau Divers, and served as a correspondent for the Ecuadorian Government on a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition to the Galapagos National Park.
His photography book “Herencia Azul” brings together 10 years of underwater expeditions across more than a dozen countries, and his children's story “My Friend the Manta Ray” uses ocean storytelling to introduce conservation to younger audiences. Together with Cressi, he co-created the documentaries “Galapagos Evolution” and “Socorro Evolution.” He has been a Cressi ambassador for more than a decade, representing the brand through fieldwork in some of the most biodiverse marine environments on earth.
In his own words, here is a little more about Roberto and what drives him in and out of the water.
How did you get into diving?
My journey into the underwater world began in 2014, when I dove in the Caribbean with sharks for the first time. Before that experience, I had always been afraid of sharks. I was a surfer, and because of the way sharks were portrayed in movies, I had grown up seeing them as dangerous animals to fear. However, the moment I entered the water and saw them in their natural environment, everything changed.
That first encounter helped me overcome my fear and completely transformed the way I viewed sharks and the ocean. Instead of feeling afraid, I became fascinated and wanted to learn, explore, and discover more about the underwater world.
Living in Ecuador also played an important role in this journey. Having the Galápagos Islands in my country inspired me to continue exploring and eventually dedicate my professional career to underwater filmmaking, photography, exploration, and marine conservation.
What is your most memorable underwater experience?
It is difficult to choose only one because I have been fortunate to experience extraordinary encounters in many parts of the world. However, one of the most meaningful moments was finding a manta ray entangled in fishing gear and being able to help free it.
It was an emotional and powerful encounter because it showed me both the vulnerability of marine animals and the positive difference that one person can make. The video of the rescue reached many people and later inspired a children’s story called “My Friend the Manta Ray,” created to educate younger generations about ocean conservation.
That experience reminded me that underwater photography and filmmaking are not only about documenting beauty. They can also become tools for education, awareness, and action.
What is your proudest professional moment?
One of my proudest professional achievements has been completing “Herencia Azul,” a photography book that brings together ten years of underwater expeditions, discoveries, and conservation work.
The book includes images from the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, Mexico, Cuba, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Indonesia, Egypt, the Maldives, Tonga, and French Polynesia. Each photograph represents not only an encounter with marine life, but also a story of exploration, patience, teamwork, and respect for the ocean.
I am also very proud that my documentaries and visual projects have allowed me to promote Ecuador and the Galápagos internationally, while supporting environmental education and conservation initiatives.
Another important moment in my career was having the opportunity to create our own documentaries together with Cressi: “Galápagos Evolution” and “Socorro Evolution.” These projects allowed us to share the beauty of the underwater world, inspire others, and promote marine conservation through powerful images and stories.
What do you wish more people understood about the ocean?
I wish more people understood that the ocean is not distant from our everyday lives. Even people who live far from the coast depend on it. The ocean regulates our climate, produces much of the oxygen we breathe, supports millions of livelihoods, and is home to an extraordinary diversity of life.
I also wish people understood how fragile marine ecosystems can be. Pollution, overfishing, discarded fishing gear, climate change, and irresponsible tourism can create serious and lasting consequences.
The ocean is incredibly powerful, but it is not indestructible. Protecting it requires better education, responsible choices, scientific research, and collaboration between governments, communities, companies, and individuals.
What advice would you give to a new diver?
My first piece of advice would be to never rush. Learn the fundamentals, practice your buoyancy, control your breathing, and become completely comfortable with your equipment before focusing on depth, photographs, or difficult encounters.
A good diver should always remain humble. The ocean deserves respect, and conditions can change quickly. Listen to your instructors and local guides, continue improving your skills, and never exceed your training or personal limits.
I would also encourage new divers to observe without disturbing. Do not chase, touch, feed, or harass marine animals. The best underwater encounters happen when we remain calm, patient, and respectful visitors in their environment.
What is your favorite piece of Cressi gear and why?
One of my favorite pieces of Cressi gear is the Calibro mask. I appreciate its low-volume design, wide field of vision, comfort, and reliability during long days of diving and underwater filming.
When working with cameras, every detail matters. I need equipment that feels natural, performs consistently, and allows me to concentrate completely on marine life and the image I am trying to capture. Cressi equipment has accompanied me during demanding expeditions in very different environments, and that reliability is extremely important to me.
What does being a Cressi ambassador mean to you?
Being a Cressi ambassador is both an honor and a responsibility. Cressi has been connected to the underwater world for generations, and representing the brand means sharing values such as passion, exploration, innovation, safety, and respect for the ocean.
For me, the relationship goes beyond using diving equipment. Cressi has supported important audiovisual and conservation projects throughout my career, including expeditions connected to “Galápagos Evolution” and “Socorro Evolution.”
Being an ambassador gives me the opportunity to inspire more people to discover the underwater world responsibly and to use photography, film, and storytelling to promote marine conservation. I am proud to represent a brand that has been part of my journey and that shares my commitment to the ocean.
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