Let me introduce myself to all the new and old followers My name is Cristina Zenato, and I have a deep passion for the ocean. In 1994, following an opportunity and a series of choices, I decided to move to the Bahamas to learn how to scuba dive and work with sharks. I thought I would be there for a year or two, then go back to pursue a different career. We are now in year 31 of this journey, and I could not be happier with my choices and decisions. Many ask me how to do what I do. It is hard to give precise lines as some of the opportunities I had are no longer available. Meanwhile, different ones are opening up every day, and I wish I had them way back when. My love for sharks comes from my childhood; I have never been afraid of them, always fascinated, when I finally came in contact with them, I realized most people didn’t share my views, especially thirty years ago, and so I embarked on a long journey of exploration of the true nature of the sharks became an ecologist and behaviorist, I started educating first the ones around me and then reaching out as far as I could to educate others about them and ultimately worked for their protection. Removing hooks became as natural as removing the thorn from my dog’s paw; I love sharks and want their health and well-being. Today, I am still involved with diving with them, sharing their world with the divers who want to come and meet and understand them better, researching, educating, and following a passion that keeps growing. In my journey, I found a different love: caves, underground, and underwater passageways, but that’s for another story. Learn more about my work at www.cristinazenato.com and my conservation work at www.pownonprofit.org With @neptunic_com @peopleofthewater @waterproofinternational @diveshearwater @scubapro @fourthelementdive @kewinlorenzen
Imagine if each one of us completed one good action per day, every time they have a chance instead of thinking that our single action will not make a difference. It’s much easier to sit back and justify our lack of action because of the lack of others acting or the negative status of something we want to change. We sit behind the “removing one hook won’t stop shark finning” “removing one hooks won’t save all the sharks in the world” or “it won’t convince big fishing companies to stop their destructive practices.” Yet removing one hook makes a difference for that shark and the next one and the one following; it inspires one person to change the way they feel about sharks, the way they live their lives and relate to first the sharks, then the ocean, it may show them the right direction to follow for more changes, inspire them to take others with them, transfer what they learned. These single actions, hooks, sharks and people become the ambassadors for many more. Individuals have inspired changes in the world with their actions; they didn’t despair that they were one, the went after their convictions and with determination created a movement. If I listened each time someone told me “you can’t” I wouldn’t be here; instead I replied “watch me.” Video by @kewinlorenzen with @isotta_underwater_housings @neptunic_com
These are some of the titles I have been given in the last three days, all by men, when they started to contest the concept of removing hooks from sharks with weak excuses such as “sharks don’t feel pain,” “hooks rust,” and “you don’t know what you are talking about” (with 30 years of experience of it). When I start to respond with facts and information, and they run out of arguments, they leave these derogatory labels. It is unfortunate that such a profound ignorance about sharks, conservation, pain, and empathy exists in our world; receiving such pushback on the act of relieving an animal of pain is sad and appalling. It shows the tragic state of affairs regarding conservation and the issues we still need to tackle through education. It shows a deep-rooted attitude of offending someone when the argument is not going in their direction. It culminates in verbal abuse. I have witnessed what these comments elicit in other women, and it’s a damaging trait of our society and, especially, of social media. Please do not post comments such as “You are on social media, what do you expect?” it triggers memories of other blame-the-victim attitudes women receive. Social media should be a place of exchange and support and, if we don’t agree with something positive, of moving along. So I instead own these titles, because I deserve them 😉: Queen, 👑 Protector, Empathetic, Caring, Shark Moma, Determined 🙏❤️
“One small action is better than no big action” – Me When we feel that being one does not matter, that we cannot make a difference because we might be alone, too young, too old, too something else, we must think that each action, no matter how small, has a repercussion, like a stone cast in the water creating ripples effect. At times, we do not realize the reach of our actions, words, or examples, and it’s incredible to find out how far they might have gone. The fact is that we might only touch a certain number of individuals, but each one of them owns the power of one and is capable of transferring the message to the next and the next in an expanding wave. When we put our energy, positivity, and connection, we make a difference; all we need to do is start. I am deeply grateful for the support of each and every one of you. Your encouragement and comments are a constant source of inspiration, fueling my determination to continue on this journey.
No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness may start as a small ripple that, over time, can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many. K Heath Complaining about an act of kindness because we do not understand it or because it may feel too small or insignificant won’t change the world; instead of worrying about what could be done bigger and better, we should start doing what we can with what we have. I keep revisiting the concept of the seastar thrower, the idea of the power of one, and our capability as individuals to start the change we want to see in the world. Removing hooks from sharks, picking up garbage washed ashore while walking the pups, and changing our ways with small actions every day will never be too small. Instead of focusing on what we cannot do, we should focus on what we can do. Our actions are like stones cast in the water, creating a ripple effect. If many do it simultaneously, the tidal wave will follow.
🪝 I remove hooks from the sharks I know and interact with. It’s an act of love the same way I remove a thorn out of my dog’s paw. It may not mean much to the world, but it means the world to that shark. It might be the chance to heal the wound, eat again, and avoid further damage and discomfort. And for me, that is enough. 🌹Little did I know that when I started removing hooks, people would start understanding the damage we could cause to sharks and trying to find ways to save them (which, by the way, does not require removing hooks; there are better and bigger actions to protect sharks, but I will leave that to another post). 🙌 As one person, I have removed over 380 hooks; it may not save all the sharks in the world, but it has made a difference. That is the power of one. Remember: If I look at the mass, I will never act; if I look at the one, I will. Images @kewinlorenzen from archive. With the immense support of @neptunic_com shark suits @waterproofinternational
There is a scary trend going on about sharks. It’s the uneducated and incorrect opinion that there are too many sharks, that they need regulation and culling, and that humans should be the ones completing this task. It’s crucial to address the widespread misconception about shark populations also has the potential to lead us down a dangerous path. Unfortunately, some of these circles hold the power to influence rules and regulations, often for their own benefit, rather than for the well-being of sharks or the ocean. Perhaps the first thing that requires regulation is “thousands of fishing boat charters.” We should have fewer fishing boat charters, fewer humans harvesting from the ocean at once, and less consumerism. If we had fewer humans in shark territory, fishing what belongs to the sharks by right, we would have more fish and fewer encounters. Scientific evidence is clear: shark populations are in a state of crisis. The IUCN red list, a reliable source, lists as much as 37% of sharks and rays as at risk of extinction. And this is based on monitoring only 28% of the different species and populations. These numbers cannot be ignored, and they underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts. Sharks have been on this planet for 450 million years, humans of our species for 150.000 years; we took to fishing 40,000 years ago. I do not see how humans can be responsible for regulating such a long-term being who has survived 5 mass extinctions. The only regulations we end up doing are the ones that involve us. We cause the transfer of invasive species; then we assert ourselves as the saviors by eliminating said species; we cause the overfishing of other species; then we set up quotas and limits on how much we can take, not because it is too much, but because there isn’t enough. The concept that we, as a dominating species, have the right to do whatever we wish with the rest of the planet is an ill and incorrect one. It’s the same one that has brought us to the situation we are in now, and it needs to change if we want to save not the planet but ourselves because, ultimately, the planet, without us, will do much better. Video by @kewinlorenzen
Do ever get bored opening the door and seeing our family members greet us? When we love someone we can never get bored with them. I am a big believer and practitioner of the “dive site fidelity”, visiting the same place over and over, building a presence and observation skills. Being in the same area teaches us that it’s never the same, shows us the changes, the ebbing and shifting of the seasons, of the animals, of the consequences of the human presence. Ultimately I love sharks, always have and seeing them every dive, every day, in the same place is a moment of happiness, and a reassurance for my heart.
I establish a relationship with a shark In the same way, we build all our relationships. We need time, presence, and the understanding that not everything will evolve according to our expectations but that will involve the needs and thoughts of the other individual. “Helicoptering” into the site once or twice per year or every few months does not build a relationship. A relationship is built with listening, sharing, and understanding without wanting to change the counterpart. Sharks are creatures with brains and understanding, with memory and connectivity; when I enter their world I take the time to listen and observe and give each one the space needed. When we don’t expect anything, the magic unfolds. With @kewinlorenzen using @isotta_underwater_housings @neptunic_com shark suit, @waterproofinternational
In 2013, Mia showed up at my door and asked to come in; that moment started a transformative journey that would change my life and the lives of many animals. I became more aware of the dire situation of bully breeds, how maligned they are, the issues with dogs and rescues on the island and other places, the displaced, the abandoned, the abused, used, and discarded. In three years, I would end up with three dogs: two bully breeds and one giant rottweiler mix, black like the darkest of cave tunnels. These are another kind of dog maligned because of fur color. After Mia’s passing, we would still end up with three, two black, and one bully breed. In between, @kewinlorenzen and I would start rescuing dogs as we found them. I jokingly remember many of them being in the most inopportune moments, from holidays or weekends when the shelter is closed and we kept them on our balcony until the shelter opened again to being nicely dressed for dinner and having the incorrect shoes on to making us late to a boat or picking up a guest. No matter what, we stop and try to rescue them. There are successful stories, stories of loss, stories that break my heart, and some that put a smile on my face; the fact is, these dogs are cutely yet aptly named land sharks because of the incorrect perception about their breed, attitude, and the stigma that bad owners, not bad dogs, have given them. I believe it’s not a coincidence that after obtaining the full protection of sharks in The Bahamas in 2011, a cause I was deeply involved in, I would expand the efforts to other animals so inaccurately portrayed by the media and so maligned against. Just as we worked to change the negative perception of sharks, we are now working to do the same for these misunderstood dogs, advocating for their rescue and protection.
One size does not fit all I said it before I say it again There are over 500 species of sharks, we can’t find a one response to all situations with one species nor we can find a one answer for all species. 👉 my biggest recommendation if we have concerns, is to evaluate location, ask locals about the presence of animals, about where to go, what to do (or not to do) about recommended times. We hear that knowledge is power, let’s acquire the knowledge to better understand our position as visitors in a world to which we don’t belong. 💙 🦈
The most important lesson we need to learn is that the ocean belongs to sharks and not to us. We are the invited guests into their world and we should behave the same as when invited into someone’s home. If we based our behavior and interaction on this inevitable truth we will learn that we need to protect rather than destroy, understand rather than fear, appreciate rather than damage. We teach this and more during our ten day nine day expedition to meet up to different species of sharks in The Bahamas. We share diving, conversations, education, we learn about the differences, we spend time in the water with them and we surface with a better understanding of the word “shark.” Learn more about our trips at www.cristinazenato.com With @neptunic_com
There is a part of me that is somewhat known, Cristina and her sharks, the hooks I remove, the diving I conduct Officially, I am a professional scuba diving instructor trainer, technical diving instructor, cave explorer, shark ecologist and behaviorist, underwater photographer, writer and speaker, with thirty years in the field & a few recognitions for my work I live my life by exploration, education & conservation. My work is my passion, my passion is my life, it is all blended in a mix of teaching, diving, exploring, together with giving back, mentoring & hosting, educating and involving. At the same time I am a person, with my good days and my bad ones, I have my insecurities and my quirks, l get tired and sometimes irritable. I have a sense of “sharkasm” some might not get when they first meet me (or when I attempt and fail with written messages) a love for life that has me collect sunrise and sunset pictures in my phone by the 1000s, who rescues dogs, no matter what and where, who has her heart broken, her hopes crashed, her dreams canceled, only to start all over again. I can haul gear through the bush and hack my way with a machete till my arm is about to fall off to reach the place I want to go; I equally love putting on a dress and enjoy a quiet and family time. I love to read, listen to music, exercise. I dedicated my life to my passion and obsession. I met Kewin Lorenzen at age 46, he understood that our love affair included a third party, my passion for what I do. He embraced the whole of me, the dogs, the exploration, the education, the conservation, the quirks. He expanded and enriched it. (not the quirks) We married and have been together 7 years. I love to mix and match people, bring them together in the common love for the ocean. Nothing makes happier than receiving images from different divers and students I met at separate times and who are now meeting and thinking of me. I am an emotional creature, aware of her shortcomings, trying to do her best, sometimes not successfully, but with a constant love for life that fuels every action of my day. It all starts with a good cup of coffee. With @kewinlorenzen
Humans tend to interpret animal behavior according to our standards, sensory systems, and logic. Sharks are first nose and hearing, pressure vibration (lateral line), vision, electro vibration (Ampullae of Lorenzini), touch, temperature, and taste, in that order. Although we cannot use our sense of smell underwater unless it’s extreme, like the sulfur we find in the caves, sharks have a highly defined sense of smell, so much that up to two-thirds of the total weight of a shark’s brain is dedicated to it. Each of us emits unique scents and hormonal secretions. Thanks to their highly developed sensory system, the sharks I work with can detect my unique scent, my heartbeat, my particular movement through the water, and my electro vibrations. They don’t need to ‘see’ me to know it’s me. Follow for more information about shark senses. Images by @kewinlorenzen @isotta_underwater_housings @neptunic_com
If sharks stop swimming, they sink. All species are slightly negative in weight, which means they sink. Regular bony fish have a buoyancy system known as a swim bladder. Fish can regulate the amount of gas, usually oxygen, injected into the chamber through a combination of the circulatory system and other combined actions and deflate it when needed. That’s why we can observe fish floating in stationary positions and are able to move back and forth, up and down, without swimming. Sharks compensate for their lack of a swimming bladder and tendency to sink with their livers. These contain large amounts of oil that is less dense than seawater and provide them with some buoyancy, yet not enough to keep them afloat. Some scientists believe that certain shark species, known as ‘obligate ram ventilators’ such as the great white, mako, and great hammerhead, have unique sleeping habits. These sharks may sleep with half their brain active, or position themselves to face ocean currents. Even while resting, their eyes remain open, and their pupils continue to monitor the motion of creatures swimming around them. Sharks that possess ‘buccal pumping, a method of pumping water through their gills, are able to rest on the ocean floor, under coral heads, or on rock outcroppings, thanks to this unique adaptation. Video of Liz, Caribbean Reef shark, sinking into my lap as she stops swimming by @kewinlorenzen @isotta_underwater_housings @neptunic_com @waterproofinternational @diveshearwater
If I could ever freeze a moment, it’s not about my first experience with the sharks, but every time one of my divers experiences them for the first time. The shark experience and course provide a unique “shark yourself” immersion. These encounters are truly unique, always and only conducted one-on-one. You’ll be part of an exclusive experience with a group of Caribbean Reef sharks, wearing the correct protection and using techniques I have been using and adapted for the last 30 years. They allow the dream of coming in close contact with a shark to come true, to meet a special group of ladies (yes, they are all females) and interact with them in a way I would never encourage or allow in other settings, but these. These encounters are transformative. They change our perceptions of sharks, revealing their unique aspects, including individual personalities, preferences, and characters. They show us that one size does not fit all and create new ambassadors and voices to speak on behalf of the sharks. It’s crucial to remember that we should not lump sharks under one word. Each species and individual within a species is uniquely different, and there will never be one answer to a generalized question. For more information about the shark experience and course, visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to sharing this unique experience. Link in bio Video by @kewinlorenzen Student @ingrid.martinson from @owuss_ @isotta_underwater_housings @neptunic_com
The Childhood Dream. There’s something intangible and unknowable about our dreams. They can be considered elusive. Pursuing a passion is tough, especially when we are cautioned about the physical, but even more so social, financial, and amotional negative consequences if we keep seeking out our passion instead of a more stable situation. This cautionary advice often comes from well-meaning friends and family, who worry about our well-being and future stability. I had a childhood dream of being an underwater scuba ranger with sharks for friends, roaming the sea telling people what to do and not to do (and not having my mom tell me to get out of the water). With this image, I wanted to represent the child looking at her future self, the realization of a dream most deemed impossible and unattainable. I also wanted to celebrate the road that took to realize the dream, as it wasn’t a straight, clear one but one of many winding passages, blocked ways, interrupted bridges, sprinkled with piles and piles of failures. It was the resilience in the face of these challenges that made the journey worthwhile. Childhood dreams are not just amazing, they are a source of joy and inspiration. We should follow, keep, and celebrate them. However, we should also understand that they do not materialize just because we want them to; they materialize because we make them happen. It’s important to understand that achieving a childhood dream often requires sacrifices. These sacrifices are different for each one of us and we are the only one who should decide which price tag we are willing to pay, no one else. The video and final image are by the amazing @kewinlorenzen who understands and with whom I share the dream, the journey, and the sacrifices. With @isotta_underwater_housings @scubapro Dress outsourced at @hsgb_second_chance_shop in support of @humanesocietygrandbahama
My 8-year-old self would be thrilled to know that her childhood dream has become real! Being with sharks is part of my love and my work. The two blended into one. I started diving with sharks because I had a childhood dream of having them as friends; I realized I wasn’t the only one, so I take people to be and interact with sharks the same way I do, to fulfill their dream. I teach how to understand sharks and how to be with them; I explain the differences, the positives, and the negatives of our actions; I share, laugh, cry, listen, explain, and enjoy the process of each student who comes to experience this with me. I also remove hooks from the sharks to make them feel better, collect data and monitor their well-being and health, analyze their behavior, and study their relationship with the most dangerous animal to ever invade their world: humans. On the side, I educate, speak, campaign, and help change the incorrect perception of these animals, highlight their plight, and assist with policies. Those who come and share the experience directly become ambassadors in their way, sharing with others I would not be able to reach and expanding the education about sharks. The sharks I help become ambassadors for other sharks, showing the pressure we subject them to even without realizing the extent. Together, we become a voice for those still needing a voice to understand and protect these incredibly maligned yet necessary animals. Learn more about the interactive courses at www.cristinazenato.com, link in bio Videos of different parts of my day and work by @kewinlorenzen with @neptunic_com @isotta_underwater_housings @waterproofinternational
South Africa is a “shark hotspot” with over 100 species of shark present. Join us May 3-13 2025 on the shark expedition of a lifetime to dive, with Blue Sharks, Mako Sharks, Sevengill Sharks, Spotted Gully Sharks, Puffadder Catsharks, Dark Shy Sharks, Pyjama Sharks, Leopard Cat Sharks, and much more. This 10 Night/9 Day expedition package also includes a full day tour to view the BIG 5 on land, making this a truly African experience! Also included are three half day sightseeing tours to discover the beauty of the Western Cape. On these tours we plan to show you the “Cape of Good Hope” which is the most South Western tip of the African continent, finish this tour off with the famous “Boulders Beach” which is home to the African penguins. Other sightseeing attractions on this expedition are Table Mountain, Robben Island or a trip to some of the best wine farms in the world. Cristina will give several presentations about sharks, behavior, ocean conservation, and the work we conduct in The Bahamas and the rest of the world. Kewin will be the official photographer and videographer, collecting images and videos of your trip above and below the water. It will be emailed to you as a package at the end of your trip, included in the price. Single occupancy 4550$ double occupancy 4150$ For more info email [email protected]
52 years old, almost 53 and feeling them all 😜 I often receive questions about my training regime and routine and how to best keep in shape. Provided we are all different and our bodies train, react and adjust uniquely to whom we are the first thing I always reply is to find activity that we love to do. If we love running, and we can, we should go running, but it would be pointless to go running if we don’t like it. I have four points to keep in shape from a physical perspective: aerobic exercise, like running, swimming, biking, skating, cross country skiing, anaerobic, like weight lifting, cross-fit, manual labor, stretching like yoga, pilates, tennis or volleyball (yes you read that correctly) and then there is fueling the body correctly, which again is even more personal and different for each individual. None of these are educated expert advices, these are things that work for me and might not work for someone else. I love and I have chosen an outdoor life style; it allows me to be often in movement and to keep active without have to consistently schedule an exercise routine. As a matter of fact, routine is not a word that fits well with our lifestyle, we are everything but that. There are days when we can plan our runs and going to the gym where I either do personal yoga or strengthening exercises with light weights and high repetitions, there are days, weeks when we can’t and we supplement with anything else coming our way, from logging a lot of gear, to long swimming dives, to walking and swimming with the pups. Then there are days when I don’t do much, besides the regular walks with our dogs and I let the body rest. What we need to find is what works for us, what makes us happy, what makes us want to get up and move, gives us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, or in some cases a chance to zone out and float our mind in a restful position. My job of thirty years has taken its toll on the body, but it also allowed me to keep in good strength, which is what I want to be. I supplement it with exercises for flexibility (which also prevent damages when walking over uneven terrains) and fun activities.
Sharks and their fins. There is so much to say about the different species of sharks and their unique fins that we could write a whole book about the relationship between the location, shape, size, presence, or absence of some of them and what a shark “does for a living.”All species of sharks present pectoral fins, which are considered the animal’s steering wheel.Sharks determine direction, speed, and attitude in the water column by moving their pectoral fins. They also all have a primary dorsal fin, which is like the rudder of a boat or a surfboard, a stabilizer for their bodies in the water. All of them also have pelvic fins; these two fins are where their sex is visible, a genital slit known as cloaca for the females and two extensions sausage looking for the males, known as claspers. Last but not least, they have a caudal fin, considered the propeller of the animal, the motor that pushes the shark forward; some species present both a visible and distinct upper and lower lobe, while some species have almost lost the lower lobe. On the other end, some species present a second dorsal fin and an anal fin, while some lack one or both. The symmetry and size of the fins cause more or less drag, depending on how the shark functions.If we look at the fins of a great white o mako, for example, we notice they are all primarily proportionate and balanced with each other; this allows these species to be fast and direct hunters (the pointy nose and the large gill slits add to it, but this is for another post.) If we look at a nurse shark, we notice that the caudal fin lacks a prominent lower lobe and has a very elongated upper lobe with a pushed-back dorsal fin. Start looking for different shark species and analyze their fins, size, and position, and try to guess what they do for a living; it’s a fun game! Video @kewinlorenzen @isotta_underwater_housings
It is a balancing act. In an era of shiny images, cultured videos, and Al-enhanced moments, it is hard to come to terms with the fact that we seem to live a life where not everything is right at any time. Many-seem to always have all of their ducks in a row and never experience the failures and down moments we go through. The reality is that most of us are navigating the same issues: the highs and lows of life, work, or academia, the moments of achievement, and the times when recognition seems distant. At times, we might even fluctuate between the desire to continue and the thought of giving it all up for something easier. It’s completely normal to feel disheartened, tired, and, at times, defeated. When things aren’t going well, it’s okay to acknowledge these feelings. We can even humorously invite them in for a cup of tea and a cookie. The key is not to dwell on them and remain seated, but to eventually gather the strength to get up and try again. Remember, it’s not about how many times we fall or ‘fail’, but how many times we muster the courage to stand up and try again. The balancing act is part of life; it’s part of ourselves and the outlook we want to give to what happens to us. Life is half a choice. We cannot have it all; the best way is to balance the positive and the negative. If my positive feelings are, on average, 80/20, maybe even 70/30, depending on the events, I know I can keep going, that what I am doing is valid and worth it, and that I am sticking with the choices that work for me. My choices may not align with others’, and my balance of positive and negative feelings may not match what others expect. But the beauty lies in the fact that there are no set standards; we should only adhere to the ones that resonate with us, not the ones imposed by others.
SHARK YOURSELF Join us to discover, learn, dispel myths, and surface with a new understanding of the word shark. We offer different opportunities and the possibility of diving with up to 20 different species of sharks in different parts of the world: SHARKMANIA 3-13 May 2025 Destination South Africa: 10 nights—9 days. This is a land-based trip with different ocean excursions. You will meet Seven Gills, Bronze Whalers, Makos, Blues, and many Cat Sharks. You will also explore the kelp forest and enjoy land adventures with penguins, safari, Table Mountain, and more. The price is $4150 per person for two people sharing a hotel room and $4550 for an upgrade to single occupancy. Max 8 people SHARK EXPLORERS 3-13 March 2026 (November 14-24 one spot for male left) – 2024 and 2025 trips sold out. Destination The Bahamas 10 nights – 9 days Sail around the northern Bahamas on a catamaran to meet Tigers, Bulls (Leucas), Great Hammerheads, Lemons, Nurse, Atlantic Sharpnose and observe the memorable dive with our unique shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks. The price is $6160 per person, double occupancy cabin. Max 6 people. SHARK YOURSELF: available on demand. Land-based. Connect with our special shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks in Grand Bahama for a personalized Shark Interactive Experience (one day—two dives) or Shark Interactive Course (two days—four dives) on a private charter boat. Learn about shark behavior, understand shark interactions, and come in complete contact with these unique girls under Cristina’s direct supervision. Interactive Experience: $1895 Interactive Course: $3465. Maximum one person; 2 people can share when booking together. All trips and experience-course include photography, and videography by Kewin Lorenzen. www.cristinazenato.com link in bio Contact us for more information at [email protected]
Far away from the hustle and bustle, with barely any phone service and little internet, I found my soul lifting as we worked hard each day to dive, survey, map, and capture images and videos of our cave diving adventure. As I glided through the heavy crystal-decorated chambers, slithered through tiny passageways, and found the entrances through clouds of silt, I experienced a unique sense of freedom and tranquility, a disconnect that allowed me to reconnect with myself and clear my mind for what was next to come. Enduring the relentless summer heat and humidity of the Bahamas, we embarked on a weeklong cave diving adventure in a neighboring cay. Surviving on the cay is a test of self-sufficiency. With no external support, we had to bring all our dive supplies, tanks, compressor, oxygen, gear, and more. Our meticulous planning for food, drinking water, and any other necessities ensured we were fully prepared for the adventure. Upon arrival, we ventured into the back, carving our path through harsh terrain. We encountered seasonal storms that filled holes with waist-deep water we had to wade through. We had to contend with the remoteness of the caves, some of which required over 300 yards of swim across saltwater depressions and along creeks, and hordes of insects. Yet, the sheer beauty of the caves made the journey truly worthwhile. We don’t need to dream of faraway lands to find great opportunities; the best way is to find what we have where we are. Images and videos by @kewinlorenzen, relentless travel, adventure and photography and videography companion.
