About Thalassa

More than a resort, more than a company

Practicing sustainable diving in Indonesia, especially in an area like North Sulawesi, comes with its own set of responsibilities. This is why we find it so important to be more than just a resort. We want our people to grow and step out of their comfort zone. As a PADI AWARE resort, education is a core value of ours: we built a school, we train our guides in-house, and we encourage our team members to outdo themselves.

A local dive guide giving OK signal
Simone Gerritsen
Simone Gerritsen
Managing owner

Hi, my name is Simone

I did my first dive in 1978, and I was instantly hooked. In 1987 I opened the Thalassa Dive Shop in Amsterdam. But when I was given the chance to start a dive center here in beautiful North Sulawesi, I didn’t have to think twice — I moved to Manado in 1996.

Thalassa Dive Center opened in 2001 as a joint venture with a luxury resort, and we certified many divers in that time. Eventually I discovered the Barracuda, an old, abandoned resort on a beautiful estate near Manado. I managed to strike a deal with the land owner, and this is how Thalassa Manado was born in 2013.

A People Company​

We place a lot of value in our people. This is why we are always looking for new ways to involve personnel with our idea of “giving back”. For instance, we organize beach clean ups, marine lectures, or simply have a dance party with guests.

These experiences are meaningful and valuable, with self-actualization as the goal. It’s often easier said than done, but it’s just one of the reasons guests return as friends — just to see how everyone in the company is getting on.

Collage of different staff members

Let's plan your next trip

Send us an email — we’d love to hear your vacation plans.

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