Who We Are | Cindaq

ABOUT US

Our primary dive team has more than 70 years of combined experience exploring, mapping and studying the underground rivers of this area. We have performed over 15,000 dives which translates into tens of thousands of hours of valuable experience and lessons learned both above and below the water. Our goal is to use our expertise to further the knowledge of the extent of these caves. We do this by incorporating current technology to aid us in locating, mapping and documenting the caves. With the information that we are able to generate we can help direct and coordinate scientific study of the aquifer and in turn use that information to educate the public at large.

photo: Alison Perkins (Sistema Sacactun, Cenote Otoch Ha)

Sam Meacham

Originally from Austin, Texas, Sam remains committed to understanding the complex dynamics of the Yucatán Peninsula's karst aquifer, as well as the people affected by it. He earned a Master’s Degree in Science in Natural Resources with a focus on geospatial science in 2012 from the University of New Hampshire.

25 Years professional diving experience
More than 3500 dives in underwater caves
GUE Fundamentals Instructor
GUE Cave 2 Diver
GUE Tech 2 Diver
GUE RB80 Rebreather Diver
GUE Cave Cartography Diver
Nautical Archeology Society Level One
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Archaeology Field School 2012

sammeacham@cindaq.org

Fred Devos

Fred is passionate about teaching safe cave diving and exploring the flooded caves of this area. Originally from Stratford, Ontario, Fred has lived and worked in the Yucatan Peninsula since 1996. He has been active in cave exploration in this area particularly in Sistema Ox Bel Ha and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Fred is particularly passionate about telling the story of the region's cave whether with maps or on film.

More than 25 Years professional diving experience
More than 5000 dives in underwater caves all over the world
GUE Fundamentals Instructor / Instructor Evaluator
GUE Cave 1, 2 Instructor
GUE Tech 2 Diver
GUE RB80 Rebreather Diver
GUE DPV1 & DPV Cave Instructor
GUE REC 1 & 3 Instructor
GUE Cave Cartography Instructor
Nautical Archeology Society Level One

fred@cindaq.org

Christophe Le Maillot

Chris is a dedicated diving educator and explorer. Originally from Brittany, France, Chris has lived and worked in the Yucatan Peninsula since 1996. He has been active in cave exploration in this area particularly in Sistema Ox Bel Ha and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

25 Years professional diving experience
More than 5000 dives in underwater caves all over the world
GUE Fundamentals Instructor / Instructor Evaluator
GUE Cave 1, 2, 3 Instructor / Instructor Evaluator
GUE Tech 2 Diver
GUE RB80 Rebreather Instructor
GUE DPV1 & DPV Cave Instructor / Instructor Evaluator
GUE Sidemount Instructor
GUE REC 1 & 3 Instructor
Nautical Archeology Society Level One

chris@cindaq.org

Daniel Ponce Taylor

Daniel is an avid traveler, explorer and lover of all outdoor adventures. With a background in marine biology and having lead conservation expeditions in Costa Rica, Mexico, Fiji and Australia, Daniel brings a wealth of field and management experience to the team. With 15+ years experience as a senior manager in international NGOs and non for profits, Daniel brings critical experience in setting up, managing and running scientific, diving and community development expeditions and projects in remote and protected locations around the world.

Daniel focuses on consolidating existing and new underground river exploration, science and education projects, and contributes to the overall consolidation of CINDAQ as a regional reference in those areas.

Daniel is an experienced PADI Dive Master, EFR Instructor Trainer, DAN Diving Emergency Management Provider Instructor and a TDI Into to Cave Diver. Daniel holds a Master Degree in Sustainable Management of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems from the University of Cadiz, Spain.

daniel@cindaq.org