| martin@thewhaler.co.za
ABOUT OUR RESORT
In the heart of Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique is a little piece of heaven, a slither of gold, known as Underwater Explorer. The beauty, view, accessibility and warm family environment, catering for divers and friends, alike. As a family-friendly resort, we ensure everyone from young and old, diver or non-diver enjoys all there is to offer, both underwater and on land. Underwater Explorer is right where you want to be in Southern Mozambique.
We offer a fully equipped PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, right on the beach, walking distance from the launch site and protected swimming area. Wake up in the morning to a view of the sunrise over the sea, and let the day unfold with diving, surfing, kite boarding, foiling or a day at the beach. You don’t have to go anywhere else, at Underwater Explorer you can see what activities the ocean will allow each day, it’s all on your doorstep.
Adventure diving all year round, situated amongst pristine untouched world-class reefs, famous for shark diving and breath-taking sightings of migrating humpback whales, manta rays and dolphins.
OUR TEAM
HERBERT CARTER
OWNER / SKIPPER / DIVE INSTRUCTOR
ELAINE CARTER
CAMP MUM / PUBLIC RELATIONS
VENANCIO MONDLANE
CAMP MANAGER
I started my career in the corporate world in South Africa and then Botswana, worked my way up the ladder to Managing Director of large International Corporate. During my time in South Africa, Ponta Do Ouro was my home away from home, especially at The Whaler now known as Underwater Explorer. After the fire in 2010, I focused my spare time into the rebuild of The Whaler. Little did I know I would do that again many years later when my wife Elaine and I decided to start new lives running this amazing dive centre.
Although I have been diving most of my life, I only advanced to professional levels once I arrived here. I am now in charge of an amazing dive team, boat team, grounds and cleaning team, not to mention the bar which was built for my wedding day.
A gypsy at heart, having lived in many amazing places around the world, I started my career working on dive boats in the Caribbean and on the Great Barrier Reef. I was everything from Deck Crew, to Dive Team, to Chief Stew to Glass-bottom Boat Driver and Tour Guide. After nearly 10 years in the hospitality field, I moved back to Botswana to work in the corporate world. Realising my soul needed more, my husband Herb and I moved to Underwater Explorer in Mozambique to begin our next adventure.
I am nicknamed Camp Mum, and like most Mum’s I am responsible for just about anything and everything to do with everyones health and happiness.
Venancio overseas every aspect of managing this camp. He is charge of all the staff in all sectors, all legal requirements and daily operations. He is always calm and happy and is loved by everyone, staff and guests alike. He started his career at Underwater Explorer as a young man, and has gained the respect of his peers and climbed the ladder of authority. We are so lucky to have him at the head of our team. PS. He hates going out to sea as he gets horribly sea sick 🙂 🙂 🙂
TITO GOMES
HEAD SKIPPER
MARTIN HOLMAN
RESERVATIONS & PR MANAGER
ANISIO CUMBE
DIVE INSTRUCTOR
My passioin for the ocean began as a child when I would spend my time going to sea with the local skippers and learning to be a marinero. As I matured, I realised this was what I wanted to do as my career and was lucky enough to be offered a duel sponsorehip from The Whaler and from a South African NGO. I have worked with many talented skippers sharing our knowledge and skills over my 24 years as a professional skipper. Everyday is a new experience in our paradise called Ponta Do Ouro.
Martin oversees our bookings and customer relations and is without a doubt the happiest man alive. You will never forget this gentle man, who will make your sides ache with laughter and ensure you never want to leave.
Martin Holman born 19th November 1984 in a little town in Zimbabwe called Masvingo, went on my first adventures at a young age of 16 to South Africa in 2002. Whilst working in hosptality in a trendy popular restaurant, I watched the dive school next door certifying students and knew this is what i wanted to do as my career. I paid for my first few dive courses with my tips in 2008, and by 2012 I became a qualified PADI Instructor. I have lived by the coast in South Africa and Mozambique ever since and worked with thousands of excited diving students helping them achieve their dreams. With both Hospitality and Diving experience, my current role is suited exactly to me as reservations manager. I will make sure your holiday with Underwater Explorer offers you everything you wish for. You can’t miss me, I am the man who never stops smiling. “Happy days yall”
My name is Anisio Armando. I’m a PADI dive Instructor since 2023. I have been diving for 10 years now. I did my Open Water to Rescue in 2014 to 2015. I was born and grew up until I was 14 years old inland. At edge of 15 years, I moved to Tofo to live with my old sister. The very interesting story about my journey is that I nearly drowned in a river when I was 11 years old. Because of that I was terrified and my parents didn’t want me to be near the water. During my school holidays I used to go to Tofo to see my sister. That’s where I saw a boat going out with divers for very first time. I had no clue what they were doing underwater. However, seeing them with suits and tanks, it seemed way cool and, I talked to my self “I wanna do that one day”. I heard of Bings Divers which was NGO organization that was working on costal and marine life conservation, they were giving opportunities for young people in Inhambane Province to become professionals divers. I applied for a scholarship and I was selected.
NAMASAKE MUNGUAMBE
DIVE MASTER SCHOLARSHIP
PATRICK SINGA
HEAD BARMAN
JOAO MARIO
PADI DIVE MASTER
My name is Namesake. As a child, my father used to bring home magazines featuring people surfing, swimming, and diving, and that sparked a passion for the sea and marine life. I started with swimming and surfing, and only later, on July 22, 2021, did I do my first dive with the Underwater Explorer diving school – an unforgettable day. I’ve been progressing through the levels ever since, and today I’m a Divemaster, studying diligently and with dedication to become an instructor.
Charlie’s Bar is run by staff who make you smile and keep the memories flowing.
My name is Joao Mario Maculuve. I was born in Maputo and raised in Ponta d’Ouro, where I have lived for almost 23 years. I am 24 years old and currently work as a sailor with Under Water Explorer.
I am passionate about learning, teaching, and marine conservation, particularly protecting aquatic species and reducing pollution that harms marine life. My goal is to become a Divemaster and eventually a Dive Instructor, so I can educate others and contribute positively to ocean conservation in Mozambique.
TONY SOBRINHO
PADI DIVE MASTER SCHOLARSHIP
BOAT CREW
MARINHERO AND BOAT CREW
CLEANING FAIRIES
MAGIC ELVES
Born in Maputo and raised in Ponta d’Ouro, Mozambique, my connection to the ocean began at a young age. Growing up in a modest environment taught me the value of hard work and self-reliance early on.
I started my entrepreneurial journey by renting sun tents and quad bikes, before discovering my true calling through teaching surfing with the Lwandi Surf Project. This experience shaped my approach to ocean sports, emphasising safety, respect, and community.
Today, as a qualified surf instructor, lifeguard, and licensed skipper, I work with Under Water Explore to help others experience the ocean in a meaningful and responsible way.
Often working behind the scenes, our boat crew ensures every trip runs smoothly, safely, and on schedule. From preparing the vessels to assisting guests on the water, their experience and attention to detail allow you to relax and fully enjoy your time at sea.
Our cleaning and support team works quietly in the background to keep our facilities welcoming, comfortable, and spotless. Their dedication ensures a stress-free environment, allowing you to focus entirely on your holiday experience.
OUR DIVE OPERATION
& ON-SITE FACILITIES
ABOUT OUR RESORT
With conservation at the forefront, our protected Marine Reserve offers shallow to deep dives with diverse vibrant marine life and untouched ecosystems. From beginner to professional levels, we offer private dive boats with a friendly dive team to guide you in your diving journey on the best dive sites in Southern Africa.
Underwater Explorer offers all Padi dive courses from Try Diving to Professional Courses, approaching all dives with safety and fun in mind, incorporating all Padi scuba diving standards. Click here for an introduction to what we have on offer.
ON THE PREMISES:
- Unspoiled Location
- On the Beach
- Beach Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Swimming Pool
- Family Friendly
- Self-Catering
- Braai & Boma Area