Who We Are
Island Style Diving is owned and operated by Javier and Christina Cantellops. As well they are now the proud owners of Maui Dreams Dive Company! After years of searching for their dream opportunity on Maui, they have finally found it. The moment presented itself, and they purchased one of the most recognized dive operations on Maui, Mike Severns Diving. As it was the end of an era, they retired the name and created Island Style Diving. Honored to carry on the legacy of such a great dive company, they are dedicated to continue the exceptional reputation and strive to bring their very best every single day. These two PADI dive professionals have incredible backgrounds, years of dive experience, and amazing stories. Their passion for the ocean, sharing their adventures, and love for teaching both scuba diving and freediving, drove them to the island of Maui for the pursuit of a life you don't need a vacation from. Prior to living on Maui, they lived in Costa Rica operating their own Dive Charter and restaurant called "Tortugas Beachside". They also are the owners of Maui's one of a kind wetsuit and swimsuit brand, Sting J Maui. They have spent years working in the waters of Maui, know all of the sites, have encountered almost every creature, and love showing people an amazing time on the islands. They have made a name for themselves as a couple that lets nothing stand in their way, tries to give back to the community, and truly tries to harness the Aloha spirit. With these two at the helm, you are guaranteed to have an incredible experience on our beautiful island of Maui.
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Javier Cantellops
Javier Cantellops is head Captain and Master Dive Instructor for Island Style Diving. He is a P.A.D.I. Master Scuba Diver Trainer, P.A.D.I. Level Two Freediving Instructor, U.S.C.G Master Captain, Spearfishing Instructor, former Special Operations Airborne Ranger, and creator of Sting J Maui Wetsuits and Apparel. He graduated from Discovery Diving's 9 month Instructor program to become a dive professional. Teaching every P.A.D.I class, getting every certification, and gaining a massive amount of knowledge. His dive experience is not that of the casual professional. With a life's worth of harrowing stories and a decade of being a dive professional, Javier is experienced, knowledgable, and puts safety above everything that he does. Spending the last 7 years being a Master Instructor on Maui, he knows every dive site, has encountered almost every underwater creature, and can ensure you are diving properly, safely, and are having a lot of fun doing it. His dive life motto is "Safe, Fun, and in that order. If we can't do both, we aren't doing it". He brings his passion for life, Aloha spirit, and high energy charisma to every charter, making your Maui experience one of a kind. Feel free to ask him about some of his wild adventures, incredible underwater sitings, search and rescue stories, spearfishing tales, or war stories. You are sure to stay entertained with Javier at the helm.
"We have dedicated our lives to the dive industry and the pursuit of our underwater dreams. We truly love sharing our passion for diving, love to explore our beautiful dive sites, and want to spread the Aloha Spirit with all those who come aboard. Here at Island Style Diving we always strive for excellent customer service and true professionalism. While making safety our number one priority. Being a Master Dive Instructor for both Scuba Diving and Freediving, there is nothing we can't do in the water. "- Javier Cantellops
Christina Cantellops
Christina Cantellops is Island Style's incredible lead guide and Javier's better half. Look no further than Christina as one of the best Divemasters on Maui. She has an extensive background in Marine Biology, is a P.A.D.I. Divemaster, U.S.C.G Master Captain, and Vice President of Sting J Maui Wetsuits and Apparel. As an Aquarist, Christina has worked for the North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, as well as the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium. Diving with sharks, rays, and every creature you can think of, she can discuss almost any underwater creature and talk to you about their habits and particularities. She has an incredible eye for detail, and is know for finding the rare creatures most divers miss. She has been working as an active P.A.D.I Divemaster here on Maui for the last 5 years, showing visitors and locals alike the beauty of the underwater world. With her extensive background in Marine Science she can help you find small creatures and tell you all about them. She is an incredible dive guide with a keen eye for nudi's, fish, and all things interesting. With years of incredible underwater encounters, she can entertain you with Whale Shark stories, Pelagic Mantas, and incredible Dolphin Encounters. As a Master Captain she can also take the helm and lead the day out on the water.
