ABOUT OUR TEAM
SOUL SCUBA DIVERS
Photo by Dennis @freediver87
Soul Scuba Divers is a scuba diving center on Kri Island in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. We pride ourselves on offering fun diving experiences, but safety and thorough planning is the cornerstone of our diving operations. Visit our FAQs page to learn more about our safety procedures and the dive experience you can expect to have with us.
For us, scuba diving isn't just about looking at creatures underwater. It allows us to explore the world—and ourselves—in a fulfilling, transformative way. It connects us to nature, compels us to travel the world and invites us into the amazing international community of scuba divers.
We greatly appreciate being a part of the local community of Raja Ampat. Our mission is to hire local people from Raja Ampat—and also workers from other parts of Indonesia—to be longterm parts of our team or help us with projects such as building our dive center and speed boat. Our top priority is to protect the precious marine and terrestrial environments in Raja Ampat, which is why we organize education and conservation projects within the local community. Learn more about their community projects here.
Thibault
Thibault Bancillon is the owner of Soul Scuba Divers. Thibault is from France and loves meeting people from all corners of the world and sharing his passion for the underwater world. He deeply cares about the people of Raja Ampat and is proud to partner with the local families on Kri. He cherishes working hand in hand with locals and spreading environmental awareness.
Superpower: 'Kindest heart in Raja'
Weakness: struggles to say "no"
LUKI
Luki is our main captain and AUX cord genius. He has been driving boats in Raja Ampat for 25 years and is originally from Ambon on the Maluku Islands. Luki is waiting for our divers with a big smile and a cup of water after diving.
He was with us during the whole COVID period despite the closure of our dive center.
Superpower: Celine Dion
Weakness: Celine Dion
HARNEX
Harnex was born in the Yenbuba village and learned how to swim in these waters and knows all of the local dive sites like the back of his hand.
He is a pro at spotting all sorts of marine life especially anything small. He enjoys playing the guitar by the bonfire with our guests.
Superpower: Pygmy seahorse whisperer
Weakness: Plays the same three songs on repeat
Fatur
Fatur was born in Central Sulawesi in the Togean Islands.
His strengths lie not only in his ability to entertain and interact with
guests but in his diving skills.
Superpower: always laughing
Weakness: dad jokes
Papa Juliano
One of our captains and all round helper.
Papa Juliano always manages to be in the right place at the right time. Whenever you need a helping hand just look up and he'll be waiting.
Superpower: friendliest smile on Kri
Weakness: none
Darwis
Our compressor expert and experienced diver from Ternate.
Darwis is always ready to fill the next tank but is constantly itching to put one on his back and head to the blue.
Superpower: can fix any mechanical issue in a pinch
Weakness: drinks too much coffee