About Us — La Tortue

Meet the team behind La Tortue.

Our Story

What started as a vision for Marielle and Nicolas to live by the sea and share their passions with travelers from all over the world, came to fruition in February of 2020. Marielle had left her life in Manila and her corporate job to start anew with Nicolas, who had been reinventing his life too after leaving France. Dauin, Negros Oriental felt like the ideal place to build a modest first venture together. The name "La Tortue" means The Turtle in French, and it was originally meant to attract the French-speaking market that Nicolas could teach diving. Neither of them knew that the global pandemic would change the course of their life and business altogether.

La Tortue became a metaphor for the months that followed - as everything moved in a much slower pace, albeit steady, calm, and hopeful. People embraced more and more not only the love for nature and diving, but the chill island lifestyle altogether. La Tortue offers modest but comfortable rooms a few steps away from the sea, freshly prepared food and drinks made from local ingredients, and activities centered on appreciation for nature.

La Tortue Diving Center & Beach Resort is a safe haven for nature-lovers, explorers, foodies, and everything in between! We are happy to welcome you on your next adventure!

Nicolas and Marielle Lalire at La Tortue Diving Center

Our Team

We are a young team with a knack for personalized service and creating a home away from home atmosphere! Put your feet up, we're here to make your stay one of a kind!

La Tortue dive team group photo
Full staff group photo at La Tortue Diving Center

Our in-house dive pros

Camille

SSI Instructor Trainer & dive shop manager who mentors divers from entry through pro level, teaching up to SSI Instructor and keeping standards dialed on every dive.

Camille, SSI Instructor Trainer at La Tortue
Glenn

House dive master with a map of Dauin and Apo in his head; trusted spotter for macro and wide-angle, and a patient guide for photographers.

Glenn, dive master at La Tortue

How's the staff?

"Joseph and Glenn were amazing and all the other staff were so friendly and welcoming."

Nisha — Apr 2025

"We spent our open water here and everything was perfect thanks to our two great instructors... a warm, funny pair who believes in you and helps you accomplish everything!"

Pauline — Mar 2025

"The staff is lovely and super professional, the training is top-notch..."

Léon — Jul 2025

"My instructor Camille was absolutely amazing... knowledgeable and professional, but also patient, fun, and genuinely invested in your growth as a diver."

Abbie — Jul 2025

"The professionalism, sympathy and confidence of Nicolas' team allowed us to launch a family diving experience with young children - a real success!"

Béatrice — Nov 2024
Dolly

Resident good girl, beach greeter, and connoisseur of sunset walks.

Dolly, the La Tortue dog
Panda

Playful protector of flip-flops and expert in post-dive naps.

Panda, the La Tortue dog
Buttercup

Soft paw welcome committee and sunbeam enthusiast.

Buttercup the cat at La Tortue
Bubbles

Curious beach scout, usually found near the dive gear.

Bubbles the cat at La Tortue
Blossom

Lap-sitter in chief and sunset lounge buddy.

Blossom the cat at La Tortue