Originally from Milan, Italy, Ivan Zanellato was seeking new opportunities when he met Lodo and Gildas in Hoi An almost 20 years ago and not long after joined them as one of the first members of our Center. As Master Boatman, Ivan oversees our snorkeling operations and is an expert on all things Cham Island and Hoi An. Have a question? Ask Ivan!

Originally from Cham Island, Mẫn has been with Cham Island Diving Center for over 10 years and has become our divemaster. With extensive knowledge of all diving sites and stories from Cham Island, Mẫn is always delighted to guide certified divers and assist our instructor with courses, as well as helping our head snorkeling guide, Ivan, from time to time.

After a hiatus of several years due to COVID, he is thrilled to rejoin the crew and looks forward to an incredible 2025 season with Cham Islands Diving

An experienced PADI instructor and an avid freediver, Ivan is always happy to share some fun facts about marine life and make the learning process fun and entertaining. Having previously worked in Dominican Republic and the Maldives, he has recently moved to Vietnam and is eager to explore the underwater macro life of South-East Asia.

Danh has been with us since last year. With more than 2,000 dives, he’s always happy to take divers and make some bubbles.

Anand is a PADI Divemaster, DSD Leader & Freediver. Driven by a passion for the ocean, marine conservation, and underwater photography, Anand is dedicated to creating safe and unforgettable diving experiences for every guest.

Xavier discovered his passion for being in the water in 2018 and began training in freediving. By 2021, he had become a certified freediving instructor with PADI and CMAS. Originally from the south of France, he arrived in Vietnam several months ago, and now assists our snorkeling customers on the boat alongside Ivan.

Born in France, I dove since my 10 years old. I became an instructor because I wanted to share my passion and my experience with other people. I’m happy to make new people discovering the underwater world, so magic!

Growing up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Pierre developed a lifelong passion for the underwater world. After spending much of his youth snorkeling, he began diving in his mid-teens and later earned his professional accreditation as an Assistant Instructor. He has enjoyed numerous dive trips throughout Australia and Southeast Asia. Pierre joined our team in 2022 and currently works as a Dive Master.

Paul joined us last year to try a Discover Dive. He loved it so much that he’s back with us this year to complete his Divemaster internship. Always happy to be on the boat, he’s a great support to the team.

BSante, Ivan’s eldest son borned in VietNam, learned to swim before he could even walk. Sante knows very well Cham Island, and its always a pleasure for him to come on boat, where he enjoys lending a hand to the crew and supporting the team.

Born also in Vietnam, Maxime is Gildas and Marie-France’s son. He also took his very first steps aboard the boat. Passionate about diving from an early age, always happy to return to Hoi An, where he enjoys supporting the crew and helping the team.

Ms. Ung has been with CIDC for many years and manages all bookings with professionalism and a warm smile. Supported by Ms. Tinh and Ms. Huyen, whose welcoming personalities and keen attention to detail contribute greatly to our service, they work together to ensure that every customer is well accommodated and enjoys a positive experience with us.

Our skilled and experienced crew members come mostly from Cham Island, and have an intimate knowledge of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the area. They are always eager to assist our customers with getting ready and equipped for their dive or snorkel, and are dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Marie-France has been involved with CIDC for over 15 years as a shareholder. Since the passing of her husband, Gildas, she has taken on a more active role in the company. She firmly believes that even through the most challenging times, the sun will shine again. Her goal is to carry on Gildas’ dream and leave a lasting legacy for their son, Maxime, who has also the passion for diving. Marie-France’s role at CIDC is multifaceted—she takes on everything from office cleaning to supporting accounting, booking, and ensuring that both customers and the team have an unforgettable time snorkeling and diving with CIDC!

In 2002, Lodo met Gildas, a Frenchman who shared his passion for diving and new adventures. After completing all the necessary courses to become a Padi instructor in Thailand, Gildas returned to Hoi An to join forces with Lodo and establish the Padi Dive center. Together, they became pioneers of diving in Vietnam and enjoyed many successful years. Although Gildas has since passed away, his spirit lives on through the crew and the work of Cham Island Diving Center.

Lodovico Ruggeri is a lively Italian who has called Southeast Asia home for 18 years. In 2002, Lodo obtained the first-ever tourist permit for visitors to Cham Island, offering tours that included snorkeling, visits to the island’s beaches and villages, and of course, plenty of Lodo’s signature charm. It was here that the idea for Cham Island Diving Center was born.