Location: West End, Tortola
Hello and welcome to Vela Vita!! We are eager and excited to see all of our new students today. We can’t wait to start exploring, sailing, diving, and adventuring with all of our new friends!
Meet the staff!
Kyler (Skipper, Dive Instructor, Marine Biologist)
Kyler grew up worldwide, born in Australia, and moved to the UK and Canada. He earned his master’s degree in marine biology at the University of Southampton in the UK, focusing on tropical reef ecology. Kyler joined ActionQuest as a student in 2016, then attended the following year, and proceeded to do a GoBeyond trip in 2018. He has been diving for 12 years and became a dive instructor to continue his passion. He spent much of his time growing up diving, skiing, and exploring all the corners of the world. Nowadays, he trains for endurance races, such as the Ironman triathlon events, hoping to make it to the World Championships. He is ready to explore the beautiful underwater world of the BVI with the next generation of AQ students and wants to share the same experience he received, like getting caught in your hammock when it rains!
Emma (Mate)
Growing up in Massachusetts, Emma’s connection to the water runs deep, and she feels most at home when on the water. Emma became part of the GXG family in the spring of 2024 when she joined the crew of STV Vela as a student, sailing from Cape Town, South Africa, to Antigua. After completing her student voyage, she immediately transitioned into a dual role as deckhand and provisioner on board Vela. She gained hands-on experience and deepened her love for life at sea. Emma is excited to spend this summer in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, creating unforgettable memories with everyone!
Perry (Dive Instructor/Marine Biologist)
Perry grew up in the seaside town of St. Augustine, Florida, where he has been in the water for longer than he can remember. During college, he was lucky enough to sail with Seamester from Fiji to Bali, igniting a love for sailing. After graduating with a degree in Marine Biology from the University of South Florida, he left to pursue a diving career in Thailand & Malaysia. Perry previously worked as a marine biologist in the Maldives before ActionQuest, and loves to combine his passions for diving and research (he especially likes nudibranchs). He is very excited to join the ActionQuest team and share his love for the ocean! Outside the water, on his off days, you can find him freediving, working out, or watching sports.
Stay tuned for daily blog posts filled with unforgettable memories, stories, and photos from our 21 days together!