Luis Leal, a Mexican native originally from Mexico City, relocated to Quintana Roo in the early 2000s. He is an active Cave and Technical Instructor Trainer with the International Association of Nitrox & Technical Divers (IANTD) and Scuba Schools International (SSI), and also serves as a Cave and Technical Instructor with Technical Diving International (TDI).

In 2016, Luis implemented the Cenote Dive Guides’ filter and credential registration system at Cenotes Dos Ojos Park. This system remains in operation and has contributed to maintaining a zero-fatality rate to date.

Luis is an active member of BUCEMA Tulum (Buceo en Cenotes y Mar A.C.) and was elected moderator of the First Line Committee, now known as CREER (Comité Regional de Espeleobuceo, Ecología y Regulación). As part of the CREER working group, he has consistently prioritized safety and environmental conservation above the interests of cenote dive guides, instructors, businesses, and the dive industry. He also represented BUCEMA in the original CREER Cenote Dive Guide Manual group and contributed to the SEDETUR (State Government) working group responsible for developing the structure of cenote diving regulations.

Additionally, Luis has been involved in and supported multiple cave exploration projects throughout his time in Quintana Roo. He has reported paleoentological discoveries, including three human remains from the last Ice Age, and has contributed to various documentaries that advocate for the preservation of the region’s unique underground ecosystems, including FLOWS (produced by The Lighthouse Foundation), as well as Las Venas de la Terra and Exploración Profunda (both produced by Por el Planeta).

Moreover, Luis is an Attorney at Law and the founder of the NGO Cenote Republic, A.C.  Through this organization, he has promoted one of the ongoing “amparo” lawsuits challenging the so-called Tren Maya project.