History of Fish 'n Fins Welcome from your hosts!
Tova & Navot
   
 
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Gabriel Pena - PADI Divemaster, Boat Operator
Gaby was born in Cebu, Philippines amid a family of divers. His father was one of the first divers in the Philippines in the early 50s. Gaby has got a great collection of photos of his father diving in 1953 when a rope for a weight belt was one of the early days inventions. Recruited to Ocean Hunter II in 2003 and Fish 'n Fins in 2006, Gaby is a gentleman with a peaceful nature. Our guests all find him to be a great dive guide and delightful after-dive company. His favourite reef is Ulong Channel, his favourite fish are sharks.
Wilson Marcello - PADI Divemaster

Under construction.
Alain Rabor - PADI Instructor

Engineer by education, beach bum by profession. Alain is from Cebu, Philippines where he worked as a dive guide and instructor. His enthusiasm is contagious when you have him around you. Turtle Wall, Peleliu Cut & Devilfish City are his favourite reefs, the thresher shark & rock mover wrasse his favourite fish.
Yoko Higashide - NAUI Instructor

Yoko is from Japan and has been working for Fish 'n Fins for more than 5 years now. She has a very good eye for small stuff and won the 1st prize on the Palau Underwater Photo Festival. She pretty much knows all good restaurants in Palau. Yoko's favourite reefs are Blue Corner and Turtle Cove. Her favourite fish are the manta ray and his smaller brother, the blenny.
Shane Kuartei - PADI Divemaster

Grown up on the reefs, Shane "The Insane" knows every little cut and corner of the entire reef system in Palau. If fun is what you're looking for, make sure he's on the boat. Has a good eye for small stuff too. Shane's favourite reef in Palau is Siaes Tunnel and his favourite fish the manta ray.
Ken Tarkong - PADI Divemaster, Boat Operator

Always entertaining, Ken brings great enthusiasm to whatever job he is doing, be it guiding divers or driving the boat. He normally orders Fried Crocodile for lunch but hasn't yet received it. 
Steve Wiles - PADI Instructor

Steve previously worked as a network engineer in the UK and Ireland. Having first dived in 1998 Steve took the plunge in 2003, quitting the office world to become a diving professional. Since then he has worked in Thailand and Egypt before arriving in Palau in April 2007. His favourite fish to be around is the magnificent Oceanic Whitetip Shark, although he also has a soft spot for the very similar Lemon Coral Goby. His favourite site in Palau is Peleliu Express .
Vladimir Serafimov - PADI Instructor

Before taking up diving professionally Vladimir spent 15 years in the Air Force of the U.S.S.R. After a brief stint working in TV production Vladimir qualified as an instructor in the mid 1990's and hasn't looked back since. Yet another of our guides who thinks Ulong Channel is the place to be, Vladimir loves diving with sharks. Any shark, as often as possible. Rumours that Vladimir is Tim's long lost brother remain unconfirmed.
Fuanes Oiterong - Naturalist and Kayak Guide

Fuanes has been working as a Kayak Guide for many years and joined Fish n Fins in 2007. Incredibly helpful, his knowledge of the flora and fauna of Palau is unsurpassed. In his spare time Fuanes competes in triathlon competitions.





Ocean Hunter I

Siksei Markungael - Captain, PADI Divemaster

After having worked for 3 years at Fish 'n Fins as a dive guide and boat captain, Siksei was transferred to Ocean Hunter I in August 2003. Born and raised in Palau, he loves the ocean, being a captain and finding small fish. His favorite fish is a leaf fish, followed by a scorpion fish, or the other way around. Ulong Channel, Blue Corner and Peleliu Express are some of his favourite divesites. He has logged around 8,000 dives. Make sure Siksei and boat operator Silas are on your side during a game of paintball.
Troy Ngiraikelau - PADI Divemaster, Boat Operator

Born and raised in Palau, Troy has been working at Fish ´n Fins since 1989, becoming a boat captain and dive guide alongside Francis Toribiong. He joined the Ocean Hunter crew in 1998. Favorite fish: sharks. Favorite dive site: Ulong Channel. On the boat, he loves watching the stars. Troy has done 10,000 dives, so he doesn't have to log 'em anymore. Don't have him on your side when playing paintball.
Chhetra Bhandari - Cook

Chhetra is a very friendly, always smiling and good-natured cook from Nepal. He joined the team at Fish 'n Fins in 2001 and was transferred to Ocean Hunter I in 2005. You'll love being in his company as he makes you feel at home the minute you're onboard.





Ocean Hunter II

Kenneth Johnny - Captain, PADI & IANTD Instructor

Born and raised in Palau, Kenneth has a record of more than 10,000 dives in Palau over the last 20 years. His knowledge of the reefs, currents, fish life and Palauan customs is stunning. Yet he continues to be the friendly guy he has always been, eager to share his knowledge and stories with you. His favourite reef is the entire Ngemelis reef and his favourite fish is a small one, the harlequin ghost pipefish.
Eddie Foja - PADI Instructor

Born and raised in the Philippines, Eddie used to work as a bookkeeper but changed his profession when he discovered the beautiful aquatic world. He worked in Puerto Galera, Philippines for 9 years and then came to Palau in 2003. His favourite reefs in Palau are Buoy 6, Ulong & German Channel. His favourite fish are any rays or sharks, especially the big ones.
Jade Rechelluul - PADI Divemaster

Under construction.
Arlee Terunez - Chef Cook

He joined Ocean Hunter I in 1999 and Ocean Hunter II in 2005. Divers love him, he has a million-dollar smile and is always eager to please you. Thanks to Tova’s training, Arlee specializes in a very healthy cuisine incorporating the freshest ingredients to produce a memorable bill of fare with great diversity. At the end of your trip you'll agree that he is the best liveaboard Chef in the world.
Richard Eco - Sailor

Born in Cebu, Philippines, Richard came to Palau in 2002. He is a good-natured young guy always ready to attend to the slightest need that might arise. His task is basically to make sure the ship is prepared for anything, in true Ocean Hunter fashion. And that's what he manages to do.





Fish 'n Films

Mark Thorpe

Fish 'n Films, the Photo Shop at Fish 'n Fins, is run and managed by Mark, an internationally recognised underwater cameraman in his own right. With clients such as National Geographic Television and Film, the World Wildlife Fund, YLE - Finland, SBS - Korea and Channel 7 - Australia, to mention a few, Mark has been instrumental in the supply of underwater imagery to compliment underwater film production for the past 13 years. Mark speaks french, spanish and a bit of german. His favourite reefs in Palau are Blue Corner (northwest or outgoing side) & Ulong Channel. His favourite fish are the tautilus, nurtle and longnose filefish.





Boat Operators

Timothy Olikong - Boat Operator and PADI Divemaster

Tim joined us in 2006 after previously working as a Koror State Ranger. First employed by Fish 'n Fins as a driver Tim has successfully completed his PADI Divemaster course, so now you might find him either driving or diving for us. Tims favourite dive site is Ulong Channel (incoming tide of course), he loves to dive with Silvertips and if you ever see a Thresher Shark please point it out to him, as it's the one fish he'd love to see. 
Silas Adolf - Boat Operator and PADI Divemaster

Has been working as a boat operator for 7 years now, 4 of which for Fish 'n Fins. Knows the entire reefsystem in Palau as the back of his hand. Likes to explore. Favourite reef: Ulong Channel. Favourite fish: bumphead parrotfish, with mayo. Make sure he and Ocean Hunter I Captain Siksei are on your side when you play paintball. 

Garry Tellames (Tong)

Under construction.

Marlon Kinto

Under construction.
Moses Blesam

Under construction
Malsol Obak - Boat Operator and PADI Divemaster

Kenneth's brother Malsol joined Fish 'n Fins in 2005 as a boat operator. He likes to catch wahoo, at night or daytime and his favourite reef is Blue Corner, especially when the current is rock n' rolling. .





Barracuda Bar & Restaurant

Solomon Viray - Chef Cook

Highly experienced. Came to Palau in 1994 to serve as a Chef Cook aboard Ocean Hunter I and was transferred to Ocean Hunter II in 2004. Now Solomon is responsible for the Barracuda Bar & Restaurant. No matter what you want, he'll prepare it.
Cesar Adriosula - Cook

Cesar came to Fish 'n Fins in 2004. He loves to prepare (and eat!) seafood pasta and has a great sense of humour!





Shop & Office

Jacky Brabon - PADI Staff Instructor, Accountant

Left the U.K. a long time ago and has been an instructor for more than 10 years now, the last three of which have been spent at Fish 'n Fins. Her favourite reef is Ulong Channel, her favourite fish the pufferfish.
Charito Diagro, Accountant

Came to Palau after having worked as an accountant in Manila, Philippines for 6 years. She might also be assisting you with your check in and out.
Ricky Mercado, Dive Shop

Not to be confused with Ricky Martin, he came to Palau in 2006. Ricky works mainly in the shop, although he also has a nice sideline in driving you to and from your hotel.
Rose Cabana, Dive Shop

Rose has been working for Fish 'n Fins since 2001. She's part of our team in the shop and will be assisting you with your check in or any purchases you might be making.
Maria Elena Mercado, Dive Shop

Marilyn came to Palau in 2006 and is part of our team in the shop. She will also be assisting you with your check in and out and will be taking your order if you want to purchase something in our shop.





Maintenance

Junior Galo - Supervisor

Junior has been working for the pioneer dive shop in Palau since 1994. He's responsible for all general maintenance and he'll be picking you up from your hotel in the morning. His favourite fish is wahoo sashimi.
Eppie Estova

Came to Palau in 2001 to assist Junior. He'll be driving you back to your hotel in the afternoon.
Fabio Arnaiz - Carpenter

Came to Palau in 2002, assists Junior.
Roy Arnaiz - Carpenter

Came to Palau in 2005, assists Junior.
Rene Arnaiz - Carpenter

Came to Palau in 2005, assists Junior.

Antonio Sabinda Jr

 Came to Palau in 2007, assists Junior.