Dive Ninja Ocean Guardians Mentorship Program in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Dive Ninja Ocean Guardians Initiative

At the crossroads of passion for the ocean and the commitment to sustainability, the Dive Ninja Ocean Guardians Initiative comes to life. This is a non-profit program nestled in the heart of Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, driven by a shared vision of empowering our local community’s youth through the wonders of the ocean and the boundless possibilities it holds.

Founded by the acclaimed conservation photographer Jay Clue and fueled by the dedication of the Dive Ninja Expeditions team, our initiative is a beacon of hope and opportunity. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and cultivate the next generation of conscious ocean guardians, equipping them with the tools they need to make a lasting impact on our marine ecosystems and the world around us.

We’re breaking down barriers and building bridges through our flagship program, the Ocean Guardian Mentorship Program. We’re bridging the gap between local youths and the expansive world of sustainable ocean tourism. We’re bridging the divide between dreams and reality, offering hands-on experiences that turn passions into professions. With the Ocean Guardian Mentorship Program, we’re sowing the seeds of change, nurturing a profound love for the ocean, and growing leaders who will carry the torch of conservation into the future.

Explore our website to discover the heart and soul of our initiative. Learn about our programs, the dedicated minds behind them, and the impact we’re creating in our local community. Join us in this journey of empowerment, education, and environmental stewardship as we nurture a generation of ocean guardians who will safeguard our planet’s most precious resource for generations to come.

Welcome to the Dive Ninja Ocean Guardians Initiative — where passion meets purpose and where young hearts become the guardians of our blue planet.

The Ocean Guardians Mentorship Program

Diving with great hammerheads in Bimini, The Bahamas. Photo by Jay Clue, Dive Ninja Expeditions

A 9-Month Journey For Local Young Adults

The Ocean Guardians Mentorship Program offers an enriching and transformative 9-month mentorship journey designed to help shape our local community’s next generation of ocean stewards and sustainable tourism leaders. Throughout the program, participants engage in hands-on experiences, workshops, PADI courses, and conservation initiatives that foster a deep connection with the ocean.

With each phase, participants evolve into well-rounded professionals, passionate ocean advocates, and conscious leaders poised for a rewarding career. The Ocean Guardians Mentorship Program is where passion meets education, aimed at creating a positive impact for both the individuals involved and the environment.

Here’s a glimpse of how the program unfolds:

Phase 1

Participants are introduced to what it means to be an ocean ambassador, the different roles that make up a dive center team, and marine conservation concepts in the initial phase. They will undertake their PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver courses to start their journey as a diver. They’ll begin English language courses and partake in workshops introducing them to marine debris issues, shark & ray conservation and whale conservation.

Phase 2

The second phase focuses on refining skills and specializing within the diving industry. During this section of the program, they’ll begin their PADI Divemaster studies as well as be introduced to freediving, sea turtle conservation, diving psychology, and learn how to design and implement sustainable eco-tours. They’ll get hands-on experience in working within dive center operations & logistics, sales & reservations and marketing & digital communities.

Phase 3

The final phase empowers participants to become certified PADI instructors and community leaders. They’ll be involved in community outreach programs, such as teaching local children about sharks and the ocean and taking members from their community to experience the beauty of our oceans firsthand. Participants will also gain experience guiding tours and teaching their first classes under the supervision of our expert Ninja instructors.

Click the image to view the curriculum.

Who Is The Mentorship Program For?

The Ocean Guardians Mentorship Program is aimed at supporting young adults living in Los Cabos who are passionate about the ocean and our local community but lack the financial resources to begin a career or studies in the industry. We want to help make your dream a reality by removing the financial barriers normally associated with a career in diving and sustainable ocean tourism. The application process and the entire program are offered free of charge and are graciously funded by Dive Ninja Expeditions and the PADI AWARE Foundation. Instead of students paying for the program with money, you will be required to “pay it forward” by giving back to our local community through different outreach programs, such as volunteering on clean-up dives or giving talks about the ocean to children at local schools. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age by their third month in the program and show a strong desire to use the opportunity to positively impact our planet. Students accepted into the program will be expected to dedicate 5-6 days per week for the entire 9-month length of the program. Those accepted into the program will also receive a small monthly salary to help offset living costs while in the mentorship program.

How Does The Application Process Work?

Dive Ninja Ocean Guardians Mentorship Program in LOS CABOS

Applicants can apply either online or by submitting a printed application to the Dive Ninja office in downtown Cabo San Lucas. The program works on a rolling admissions basis, with a new student starting every three months. Due to this, students can apply at any time throughout the year to be considered for the next start date. The application process is handled in 3 stages. First, our admissions team reviews all applications, and only those who have been shortlisted for the second stage of the application process will be contacted with follow-up questions or a quick call. After the second stage of the application process, those selected for the final stage will be invited to a discovery day to meet with a member of the Ninja Mentorship team for a final interview, to discuss the program, and to go for a discover scuba diving experience. The entire application process is free of charge.

A special note for teachers and adults: If you know someone who you believe would be a great fit for the program, please feel free to help them apply. You can also submit a referral application for a potential candidate online. To do this, please select “I would like to refer someone to the program” at the beginning of the online application.