Freediving with sharks Part I - Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas

After a long time of waiting and then finally travelling to Eleuthera, Bahamas it was time for the first freediving session with sharks. Diving in the morning, Theory lessons (Shark school) in the afternoon.

We met Chad and his adorable dog Scoobie at the Dive shop (Ocean Fox Cotton Bay) for a welcome drink. The adventure started on the next morning.

Did you ever wonder how it would be to be face to face with a shark? What would you feel? Would you do it?

The boat ride to our first dive site was a bit rough. I checked my heartrate a couple of times. It was quite low. I was wondering if it would go up before jumping into the water. But it wasn’t, I felt relaxed even when I was gliding into ocean surrounded by sharks.

They came up really close, swam around us curiously and gently. It was an amazing feeling looking into their beautiful yellow eyes.

On my second dive I managed to get belly to belly with one. Even if there was plenty of space between the shark and me it was exciting.

After that I felt really seasick… fed the fishes. I wasn’t able to see all the sharks around me.

We quit diving earlier than planned because of an accident on the boat. Luckily the girl is fine, she got perfect first aid care. (No shark involved in the accident!)

Second day was filled with happy and “WOW” moments.

On our third diving day the sea was really rough again and it started to rain. Strong winds and a thunderstorm were close by. We had to finish diving and drive back to the marina. Spent the afternoon checking out the resort. Some nurse sharks and a big sting ray were swimming around at the marina, I could spend hours observing them.

Conditions seemed to be perfect on day 4. And so were the interactions. It was so much fun and the sharks came closer than ever before. They bumped into us all the time.

Day 5 was a good one as well. The 6th day should have been a rest day but everyone wanted to go diving again. Chad was keen so we headed out again. At the second dive site we got a good surprise. Suddenly a hammerhead came in. What a beautiful and huge creature! He swam around for a couple of minutes and then left the dive site. We were all blown away!

They never had a hammerhead at this dive site before. Even Chad went into the water to check it out. Everyone was so happy and thankful for this experience.

Our time at the Cape Eleuthera Resort came to an end. We had a wonderful week and lots of memories and photos to bring back home.

After this week I can definitely say that sharks are NOT bloodthirsty monsters. They are intelligent, curious and beautiful animals. We do not need to be afraid of them but treat them with respect.

And most importantly: we MUST protect them.

Thanks to Chris, Olivia, Ingo, Julia, Kerstin, Nino, Tanja and Chad.

(no paid add)