Over the last week, I've been able to join Swim With Sharks for five incredible dives. The first two were part of a collaborative clean-up effort to clear nearby reefs and wrecks of fishing line, discarded metal scrap, and other debris that could cause issues for the local sea turtle population. Lauren donated her boat and all proceeds to support this important mission. The following week, I joined the team for a three-tank shark dive.
The People: Lauren and Jeff are co-owners, experienced divers, and genuinely kind people. Lauren has an unbelievable wealth of shark knowledge and her passion for these creatures is both obvious and infectious. Besides providing a helping hand to anyone onboard, Jeff goes above and beyond in the water, taking exceptional underwater photos & videos to capture some of the magical moments. Lauren remains aware of everyone underwater, constantly monitoring conditions, providing group leadership, and ensuring a safe, fun dive. She's always checking-in with people to ensure they have whatever they might need and to address any concerns. I also overheard her on multiple occasions approaching members of the group and complimenting them on small things she observed during each dive, which goes a long way to boosting someone's confidence and making them feel seen. The vessel itself was piloted by Captain Adam, who did a great job at getting us to our dive sites safely and dropping us in ideal locations so that the current would allow us to hit our target with precision, minimizing wasted gas for the divers.
The Experience: For context, I'm a certified PADI Rescue Diver but prior to these dives, had been out of the water for nearly two years. Despite this gap, I was able to engage in this experience with peace and confidence due to the clear instruction, careful dive planning, and supportive boat team. Our goal was to locate our local celebrity, DJenny, the 15ft tiger shark. Within minutes of our first drop, she swam up to our group and hung around with us for the full duration of our first and second dives of the day. While one could imagine this being an intimidating experience, we had been carefully instructed on what to expect and how to safely interact with this magnificent creature. While I wanted to always be vigilant, appropriately respecting that this is still a wild animal, I felt calm and supported throughout the experience. Our final dive of the day involved drifting with a group of sandbar sharks (up to TEN at the peak) and one bull shark. This was a surreal experience that I won't soon forget!
The Boat: The boat itself was well equipped with all the essentials of a dive boat: fresh water, tank holders, weights, O2 analyzer, mask defog, reef-safe sunscreen, extra gear, tools, & basic repair kit items, dry-bag storage, snacks & drinks, a toilet, and even a shower with shampoo and conditioner! There were also multiple beanbag chairs available that could be set up on the bow to enjoy the picturesque ocean views and relax in-between dives.
In Conclusion: I had a phenomenal experience with Lauren and the Swim With Sharks crew, and look forward to my next adventure in the waters of...
Read moreIf you're on the hunt for an electrifying adventure that takes you face-to-face with one of nature's most mesmerizing predators, look no further than "Swim With Sharks." This company offers an adrenaline-packed experience that will leave you breathless and craving more.
From the moment I booked my dive with Swim With Sharks, I knew I was in for an unforgettable journey. The professionalism and dedication of the staff were evident from the get-go, as they guided me through the pre-dive preparations with precision and care. Safety briefings were thorough and comprehensive, ensuring that all participants felt confident and secure before taking the plunge into the deep blue.
As we set sail towards the dive site, excitement crackled in the air like static electricity. The crew's passion for marine life was infectious, and their knowledge of shark behavior was nothing short of impressive. Throughout the journey, they shared captivating insights and stories, building anticipation for the incredible encounters that awaited us beneath the waves.
Descending into the crystal-clear waters, I was immediately greeted by a breathtaking spectacle of marine life. Majestic sharks glided gracefully through the ocean depths, their sleek forms cutting through the water with effortless grace. From the sleek elegance of bull sharks to the imposing presence of Lemon Sharks, each sighting was more exhilarating than the last.
The dive itself was expertly guided, with experienced instructors leading the way and ensuring optimal viewing opportunities for all participants. Despite the heart-pounding thrill of being in such close proximity to these magnificent creatures, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the entire experience—a testament to the professionalism and expertise of the Swim With Sharks team.
Back on the surface, the adrenaline rush lingered as we shared stories and swapped awe-inspiring anecdotes with fellow divers. The sense of camaraderie and shared excitement added an extra layer of magic to an already unforgettable experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition to providing an exhilarating adventure, Swim with Sharks is also committed to marine conservation and responsible tourism practices. Their dedication to protecting the ocean and its inhabitants is commendable, and it's clear that they are passionate about preserving these fragile ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
In conclusion, my dive with Swim With Sharks was nothing short of extraordinary—an experience that exceeded all expectations and left me hungry for more. For thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, I wholeheartedly recommend diving with this exceptional company. Prepare to be dazzled, inspired, and forever changed by the raw beauty of the ocean and its most magnificent...
Read moreWhat an incredible experience with Swim With Sharks. Lauren and Jeff are a great team and make the dives so much fun while still keeping safety and comfort the priority. Lauren constantly asked if we needed anything while on board and she always made sure everyone had all their gear so they were ready to go. Along with being so generous, Lauren, has such a passion for all things marine life and especially sharks! She is so knowledgeable about so many intricacies and her excitement and energy is just contagious on the boat. Captain Adam, Jeff and Lauren worked together to drop us at the perfect spot where the divers all got to see the famous 15 foot tiger shark named DJenny. It was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad we went out with them. While onboard they have super comfortable bean bags to lay out on the bow on the boat trip out and in between dives. Also, they have a bathroom and shower with shampoo, conditioner and body wash so you can feel clean and ready to get on with the rest of your day afterwards if you choose. I really appreciate these “human” touches especially as I’ve been on other boats that have made me feel like I should avoid using the bathroom on the boat. They would actually tell clients to just jump into the ocean to go which always felt incredibly inappropriate. So I am super grateful to have found a company that cares about the diving but also the overall experience of the guests on board. The atmosphere with Swim With Sharks feels like one of being long-time friends with everyone there which was really special. Thank you Lauren, Jeff and Captain Adam for all you do! I will see you...
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