Who We Are
Meet the Splash Dive Center Team
The Splash Dive Center team is dedicated to showcasing Belize’s natural beauty while promoting the importance of protecting and preserving its environment. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier diving services, making every dive an unforgettable adventure.
Patty Ramirez and Ralph Capeling own and operate Splash Dive Center. Our team is committed to providing guests with memorable, eco-friendly experiences in Belize. However, our mission goes beyond diving. We foster a deep connection to the environment and the community. As a result, we create local jobs and support community-driven initiatives through sustainable tourism. Furthermore, the Splash Dive Center team runs children’s diving programs and environmental education. We also make active contributions to local development in Placencia, Belize. When you dive with us, you’re not just experiencing Belize — you’re helping protect it.
Patricia Ramirez | PADI Course Director
Patricia “Patty” Ramirez is the founder of Splash Dive Center. She has led Splash since 2000, growing it into the largest dive operation in southern Belize. Under her leadership, Splash earned the prestigious Belize Tourism Board’s “Tour Operator of the Year” award twice. In addition, Patty is a passionate athlete. She founded both the Splash Running Club and Arrecife Handmade. Arrecife Handmade is a non-profit that supports youth athletics and students through sustainable practices. She also serves as the Belize Tourism Industry Association representative on the Belize Tourism Board’s Tour Operators Committee.
In 2007, Patty became the first woman in Belize to achieve the elite rank of PADI Course Director. This achievement reflects her dedication to marine conservation and dive education. Notably, there are only two PADI Course Directors in all of Belize. As a result of her exceptional work, Scuba Diving Magazine awarded her the “Hero of the Sea Award.” This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to her community and the environment.
Ralph Capeling | PADI IDC Staff Instructor
Ralph Capeling moved to Belize in 2005. He was drawn by its remarkable natural beauty and forward-thinking environmental policies. Ralph brings over 40 years of experience in the oil industry, as well as extensive diving credentials. After witnessing the impact of Splash Dive Center’s community programs, he became deeply involved. In particular, he was moved by the program that teaches local kids to dive for free.
Together with Patty, Ralph helps manage the dive center. He focuses on the safety and quality of every experience, as well as environmental stewardship. Ralph is passionate about sharing the beauty of Belize with the world. He also stresses the importance of preserving this precious spot on Earth. He personally responds to all guest reviews and often congratulates reviewers for becoming ambassadors for Belize. In addition, Ralph serves as the Trust Administrator for the Jaguar Trust Fund. This is a charitable non-profit dedicated solely to the protection and preservation of the animals and environment of the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary.
about splash
Since 2000, Splash Dive Center has delivered exceptional scuba diving, snorkeling, and adventure tours throughout Placencia and Southern Belize. As a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center, we combine expert instruction with unforgettable reef experiences.
The Belize Tourism Board has recognized our commitment to excellence. Specifically, they named us Tour Operator of the Year twice — an honor held by only one other dive center in the country. As a fully accredited PADI Dive Center, we provide up-to-date scuba and snorkel equipment. Moreover, we maintain all gear to the highest standards. Our facility features state-of-the-art air compressors, and we also offer nitrox.
We operate a fleet of five dedicated dive and snorkel boats. As a result, we run daily trips to a wide variety of top destinations from Placencia. This gives you the flexibility to explore the very best of Belize’s underwater world.
Why Choose Splash Dive Center?
When you dive with Splash Dive Center, you explore the world’s second-largest Barrier Reef. Furthermore, you support a business that is committed to sustainable tourism and environmental protection. We encourage our guests to become ambassadors for Belize. Together, we can safeguard this extraordinary destination for future generations. Above all, Splash exists to teach the world about the beauty of Belize. We are dedicated to protecting and preserving this very special place.
