12/05/2026
For the longest time, one of my biggest dreams as a diver was simple — to be in the water with sharks. Not in an aquarium. Not from a distance. But out there in the open ocean, sharing the same space with them.
More than 20 years ago, I had the chance to swim up close with a whale shark. It was one of those moments that never really leaves you. Since then, I’ve had occasional encounters with reef sharks over the years — enough to respect them even more, but somehow it always felt like there was still something unfinished on my diving journey.
And now, after all these years, I’m finally heading to the Maldives. What excites me most isn’t luxury, fancy cabins, or even the number of dives. It’s the possibility of descending into the famous “shark tank” sites — surrounded by sharks in their natural environment, where encounters are raw, real, and unpredictable.
Funny thing is… 20 years ago, diving with large sharks felt almost unimaginable for many recreational divers. Today, these encounters have become some of the most sought-after experiences in the diving world. Maybe it’s because divers have learned more about shark behavior. Maybe it’s because conservation and controlled interactions have changed the way we see them.
But for me, this trip feels personal. It feels like reconnecting with the younger version of myself — the diver who first fell in love with the ocean, adventure, and the unknown.
Still excited.
Still curious.
Still chasing that feeling 20+ years later.... Better late then never!
Maldives… see you soon.
