Marlynda was born and educated in the Netherlands. Travel and diving has always been her passion. Her first diving experience started in 1989 and she has pursued her passions through more than 20 years in expedition- and cruise travel. She will get your most complicated expedition organized and her personal approach creates an unforgettable private experience or successful corporate incentive.
She speaks from experience when she advises on technical expedition and dive equipment, destinations and consults on operational management.
At University her thesis was on ‘Sustainable Tourism’ and her involvement and dedication to sustainable tourism also came to live in her role in the Executive Committee and Chair of the International Association of Antarctic Tourism (IAATO), of which Waterproof Expeditions is a voting Member. As an expert in Polar tourism Marlynda is contracted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advise them on safe and environmentally responsible Antarctic tourism management. Since 2004 she joins the Dutch Delegation to the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, where the 50 Antarctic Treaty Parties meet to provide for the international governance of Antarctica.
Together with cinematographer Göran Ehlmé, head designer of Waterproof International Sweden, they operated the first ever commercial diving expedition to the Polar regions. Ten years later they started Waterproof Expeditions to provide unique and tailored experiences focusing on the natural beauty of the Oceans and diversity of unique underwater environments worldwide. Supporting clients to capture this through (underwater) photography and sharing breath-taking moments with travellers who are enthusiastic about experiential travel and share the same values for conservation and education. Whether this is on a private expedition or scheduled departures.