Instinctually we know that our energy affects the world around us. Nothing could be more valid than energy to work with sharks, diving and especially interacting with them. Not all the girls in the shiver allow us to pet them and keep them in our lap; it is a personal choice of a selected few, usually the ones I have established a relationship for a very long time, because trust is at the base of our interactions. During the shark interactive course with my shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks, there is a lot going on, sharks swimming around, the nurse shark intruding and pushing with his nose as the shark tries to relax, fish moving in and out, the energy of the student, eager to interact but still trying too hard and sometimes too intensely. I teach to read the shark, the response, to handle her gently until she relaxes by adjusting the touch, the depth of the stroke, the entire output of the student, still making sure that everything else is going well. Our energy is a key component in our interactions. To learn more about sharks and energy, you can join me for courses at www.cristinazenato.com Link in Bio. Video by @kewinlorenzen with @isotta_underwater_housings @neptunic_com @diveshearwater NOTE: Not all shark species need to swim in order to ventilate, many species like Caribbean Reef and Nurse have a secondary system called Buccal Pumping.
It is tough to make people feel for an animal that has been so vilified and maligned through incorrect language use, myths, and hyped information, but in the end, removing hooks from sharks is an act of kindness I can complete thanks to my presence and the tools I have at my disposal like the chainsuit, so why not taking care of a small shiver of sharks I come in contact with daily? Isn’t kindness better than ignoring? What’s the difference between rescuing a dog on the side of the road and rescuing a shark in the ocean when I come in contact with both of them and have the power and means to help both? Our actions, no matter how small we feel they are, have consequences. At first, the hook removals were locals; they helped the sharks I came in contact with, but the message that sharks are vulnerable by our presence, our actions even when we do not see the consequences, goes beyond this shiver, and it has spread everywhere. We do not all need to remove hooks from sharks to help the ocean, sharks, and nature in general. There are so many different ways to do so from where we are, from donating to a nonprofit involved in shark conservation to changing the way we consume food, to reducing and reusing everything from clothes to plastics and other products, to voting to change legislation in our area that may help with shark and ocean conservation. Learn more about how to support our work through our nonprofit @peopleofthewater Videos by @kewinlorenzen with @isotta_underwater_housings First shark is Crook, second shark is Floppy. @neptunic_com shark suits @waterproofinternational @diveshearwater
On the south shore of Grand Bahama island in a location I have visited for the last 31 years lives a shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks, a small group I call part of my family. Here is where I interact and remove hooks from them, here is where I invite you to join to share the same. The shark interactive experience and course are a unique way to connect with this special shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks. It allows for a personal experience while learning more about sharks in general. It’s where I will invite to touch a shark, not redirect, where I include to feel their gentle breath while resting in our lap, where a connection is built under my personal and direct supervision. Available on request, check www.cristinazenato.com under courses for more details. Link in bio. @kewinlorenzen will collect your memories through the lens of his camera. @neptunic_com @isotta_underwater_housings @waterproofinternational
Saying “Sharks” is like saying “Birds.” We do not need to be ornithologists to know that not all birds can fly, sing beautifully, or sport vibrant colors. “Sharks” is one word that includes over 530 different species, from the giant whale shark, the biggest fish in the ocean, to the smallest of the smallest, like the dwarf lantern shark. In between, there are apex predators, like great white or mako; meso predators, like the Caribbean reef or Lemon; the sharks who don’t even look like the traditional shark, like the Wobbegong or the Port Jackson; the ones with teeth, the ones who filter their food, the ones who grind it. The first step to understanding sharks and sharing their true nature with others is to learn about their differences, the places they live, and the role they play in their ecosystem. When divers visit us in the Bahamas, they encounter eight or nine different species of sharks; when they come with us to South Africa, they encounter eight or nine additional species of sharks they would never encounter in the Bahamas. Being able to see and experience the variety of sharks allows us to start speaking about them first as species, then as individuals within the species. Each animal is unique like we all are. Their role, environment, and changes happening in that specific location influence their behavior. To learn more about sharks with us, visit www.cristinazenato.com Link in bio.
Tiger sharks are important for the survival of the conch and many other creatures we never thought connected to these apex predators. After all Tiger sharks don’t eat conch. So how do these animals prevent the disappearance of a mollusk happily grazing in a sea grass bed? While many know that Tiger sharks are apex predators and are vital in removing sick, injured, dead creatures, many might not realize that their presence redistributes the location of their prey, preventing high concentrations in smaller areas, and with that preventing the over consumption and grazing of some resources like sea grass beds, the vital food for conch. A lot like a wolf in a forest, these creatures maintain a balance so interconnected and so complex that removing them would trigger consequences affecting everyone, including humans. Protecting sharks goes beyond loving them, protecting sharks is key to an healthy ocean, the same ocean life on this planet depends from. Video taken during our most recent liveaboard trip to explore experience up to eight different species of sharks and learn more about the true meaning of the word “shark.” Join us in 2026; details on www.cristinazenato.com Link in bio. With @kewinlorenzen @isotta_underwater_housings
The barrier that drops the barrier between sharks and us. The use of the chainsuit is at time scorned and ridiculed as if it’s a discrepancy between my advocacy for sharks and my actions on the field. To me it’s the contrary; wearing protection to safely welcome a shark (Caribbean Reef) in my lap is the way we advocate for safe interactions, for the benefit of all involved. When I don’t interact and welcome a shark to rest on my legs and in my lap, I don’t wear a suit, same as I don’t wear a suit when working with tigers or great hammer head sharks. Similarly to a bird of prey we wear an arm cover to allow the bird to rest on our arm not because of the intentions of the bird but because of shape and nature of the claws. This might be the only place in the world where I encourage to welcome a shark in our lap, to interact in such close manner, while wearing the barrier that drops the barrier between sharks and us. Learn more about these incredible interactions and how to join me at www.cristinazenato.com Suit by @neptunic_com
There are so many misconceptions and myths related to sharks, their world and the fact that we go diving with some species considered “dangerous” to humans. Most of these myths and misconceptions come from false information from media, perpetrated divulging of myths and hearsay and the anthropomorphic interpretation of shark behavior. During our trips and experiences we introduce divers to the reality of sharks, of being in the water with them, to the “one size does not fit all” concept, we provide tools to evaluate destinations, locations and operators and through presentations and direct experiences share with them the true meaning of the word “shark” Sharks are not monsters, mindless killers, they can detect the differences between us and a prey, they are highly intelligent, selective and accept us in their space in a way that land animals normally don’t. For more info check www.cristinazenato.com Link in Bio Filmed with @isotta_underwater_housings during our liveaboard trip around the northern Bahamas to encounter up to eight different species of sharks
A message from my hotel room as I wait to present at Faena Rose about my life dedicated to exploration, education and conservation. What do we celebrate today? Or better what is this day about? It’s about celebrating women, empowering and uplifting them, but what are some of the actions we can do from where we are? Support women business, support and celebrate peers, invite other women to join us to experience what we experience, teach, share, educate, but mostly speak up and let’s make sure that those who try to stop us they can’t, because united we are a force to reckon.
“Shark Yourself” One place in the world, under my direct supervision, in direct contact with this beautiful and special shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks where we reach out and touch them as they approach, we don’t redirect, and welcome them in our lap and connect through my guidance, instructions and experience of 31 years leading divers to feel something new, something deeply different that has changed the perspective and the life of so many who have tried this before. With @kewinlorenzen photography and videography, experience something that lasts a lifetime. For more info www.cristinazenato.com With @neptunic_com @waterproofinternational @diveshearwater @isotta_underwater_housings
A relationship with my local shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks is built over time spent together, repetition of behaviors, knowledge and understanding. It starts with an invite for touch and it progresses into some individuals coming into my lap and allowing me to pet them. No interaction is forced, the individual shark allowed to come in and leave as they please. This is how we build an encounter with them. To learn more and experience it check www.cristinazenato.com Link in Bio Video @cristinazenato
It was a childhood dream to have sharks for friends while monitoring the ocean and making sure divers would not damage it. It was dismissed at best, but following our heart is the best gift we could give ourselves. And so I did, 31 years of pursuing a dream that I have been able to make come true. A dream that has opened the doors to more adventures, more experiences, incredible encounters and life lasting memories, and friendships. My love for sharks has brought me the most unexpected moments; my obsession in pursuing my dream regardless of the “no” “not for you” “”crazy dream” and many more opportunities taken away has lead me to be more determined. There is no direct road, mapped way, there is no guarantee, none what’s so ever and yet it’s the most amazing gift we can give ourselves, to listen to our soul. So take flight, give it a try, and say yes to living the life you dream instead of dreaming of the life you wish you had. With @waterproofinternational @diveshearwater @scubapro @fourthelementdive @isotta_underwater_housings
How about sailing around The Bahamas on a special trip , April 4-18, 2028 (14 nights – 13 days) for a super special TRIFECTA? Grand Bahama with our special shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks, Tiger Beach with Tigers and Lemons, Bimini with the incredible Great Hammerhead, to cruise through Nassau Blue Hole, into the Exumas and come back to Cat Island to complete our experience with Oceanic White Tip sharks. All in one trip, an incredible opportunity on the crossing of seasons, to encounter up to twelve different species of sharks and several rays. It is something we are going to offer only every few years; still to a total of six passengers. (Two spots already booked-four spots left) Adventure, education, experience. Regular dates for 2027 and 2028 also available! Must be a certified scuba diver. For more details message me at [email protected] 🫶 @kewinlorenzen and I are super excited!!!
It’s sharks, sharks, and more sharks. It’s also about exploring the Bahamas, enjoying the hideaway spots and the immeasurable beauty of the place, and discovering what’s above and below the water. We promise a comprehensive experience of dives, exploration, education, and understanding. We love our encounters with sharks, but we want you to dive with us, see the different creatures in our waters, and experience the beauty of the land, the ocean blue holes, and the hidden gems of The Bahamas. Cruising around on our catamaran, we complete different itineraries during the high season of each shark species to guarantee unique encounters. It is all under the direct supervision of a highly experienced crew. I will provide presentations about sharks, oceans, conservation, and more. Bring home memories through the talent of Kewin Lorenzen, who captures videos and images of the experience above and below the water. We now have dates for 2027 and 2028 with our Shark Experience Bahamas, a 10-night-9-day trip through the Northern Bahamas (the Main species are Tigers, Great Hammerheads, Caribbean Reef, Lemon, Bull, and Nurse). Our 2027 memorable Cat Island trip (the Main species are Tigers, Lemon, Caribbean Reef, and Oceanic White tip) takes us sailing through the Exumas to experience some of the most incredible places. In 2028, we offer our unique Trifecta, a once-in-a-lifetime trip covering the northern and southern Bahamas, including the Exumas, and diving with all the main species in one trip, 14 nights -13 days (Tigers, Lemons, Caribbean Reef, Great Hammerheads, Nurses, Oceanic White Tip). Information available at www.cristinazenato.com Link in Bio or by sending a message directly to [email protected] Videos by @kewinlorenzen and myself @isotta_underwater_housings @neptunic_com @waterproofinternational
Behind the scenes of Ice Queen Underwater Creative Image with @kewinlorenzen An Ife Queen is often perceived as emotionally cold, distant and unfeeling, the same kind of attributes given to a cave. With our creative projects we want to surface the uniqueness of these incredibly beautiful yet challenging environments, providing a connection in evocative images rather than usual technical ones. Devised, organized and executed with @kewinlorenzen photography and support (always and only the two of us) with @isotta_underwater_housings @scubapro Dress outsourced at @hsgb_second_chance_shop in support of @humanesocietygrandbaham
I didn’t even know that today is “education and sharing day” when yesterday I recorded this message. I often receive a request to provide directions in how to do what I do. Many find my replies not fulfilling their expectations as if I can provide a step by step career plan for each person asking. I don’t have that. Why? Well I started 31 years ago so what people see now is the result of a lot of different choices and opportunities, failed attempts, reinventing myself and my work, persistence, gritt. But it’s also a question that I normally want to ask: what is it that I do? I am a professional course director, tech and cave instructor, shark behaviorist who uses her work, which I have built through the years, to make a living and to finance the other things I love to do, exploring caves, removing hooks from sharks, provide free education to groups, schools, organizations. What else do I do? I (with @kewinlorenzen) take care of all of our communications with guests, accounting, prepare, clean, repair our gear, manage a life with three dogs, a business and much more. Showing up is the least of efforts; staying and being true to our hearts and dreams is the part that will eventually bring to do what we want to do, not what others do. Learn more about my work at www.cristinazenato.com and my nonprofit dedication at www.pownonprofit.org
My parents were worried but never opposed my desire to follow my dream, they saw the happiness it was giving me and although they might have wished I was closer to home and them, they never put pressure on me to return. Instead they gave me a recommendation I keep to this day and I give to others: always keep enough money in the pocket to buy a ticket to leave should you have any problems (this comes from my dad’s travels and some of the places he worked where the political stability was questionable.) It is not easy to always follow a dream, but it’s worth it. The best result is that if it does work we will be satisfied with the outcome, if it doesn’t work we have learned what we love and maybe what we don’t love as much but in the end we leave behind the regret of “what if”Wearing @neptunic_com Cristina Zenato shirt
I am a big advocate for the “The one size does not fit all” concept when speaking about sharks. With 530 different species of sharks we cannot summarize their behavior into one or two rules, we cannot provide one answer that will fit all circumstances, locations, species but even more so the same species in different locations. We can narrow down this concept to individuals within the same species in the same location. Each shark I dive and interact with had a different personality, attitude, learning capability. We need to stop lumping sharks under that one word and try to have all the answers in relation to all of them. So how do we learn? Through local knowledge, through experiences with specialists so that they can provide education and guidance. I teach special shark courses and we take people on diving experiences to encounter different species of sharks in the world. Learn more at www.cristinazenato.com Link in bio @neptunic_com
How do we change the world when we are only one person with one set of hands, when we feel that our small action has no reaction, when we are overwhelmed by the news of big and powerful entities doing everything against the planet, environment, and conservation? How do we keep going? I believe in the power of one (or two) The action and thoughts of one person transferred to another who then transfers to a third and a fourth, like a stone cast in the water we create a ripple effect that goes beyond our reach, location, language and culture. During the shark interactive experience and course divers come in contact with my special shiver of Caribbean Reef sharks, they feel, meet and interact with them. Guided by my thirty years experience, and with discussion on sharks, one size does not fit all, conservation, they leave with a new understanding but even more so with a renewed positive message on behalf of the sharks, not only these but the others, on behalf of the ocean and its inhabitants and ripple that message through. Never underestimate the power of one. Images from the shark course with @kewinlorenzen To learn on how to join us check www.cristinazenato.com (these courses are not trips) With @neptunic_com
One size does not fit all. It has become my standard reply to “all sharks” question. It is the only correct answer. With over 530 species of sharks we cannot give an answer to an I’m really question. At times we generally speak of sharks but it limits the scope of our answers and knowledge. When we have sharks the size of a pen and sharks the size of a bus filter feeding we can’t say all sharks do this or all sharks do that. During our liveaboard shark experience trips our guests continually experience the “one size does not fit all” effect and learn the differences in species, behavior, even individuals within a group and locations. Check out for options to learn about sharks at www.cristinazenato.com Link in bio
“Midsummer Night’s Dream” Love is a dream, perhaps a vision, maybe absurd, irrational, even a delusion, or perhaps love is a transfiguration. Behind the scenes of creative underwater image with @kewinlorenzen photography and assistance. We devise, plan, execute all of our creative images. Available at www.kewinlorenzen.com Glowing stalactites thanks to @bigbluedivelights With @isotta_underwater_housings @kissrebreathers @diverite84 @diveshearwater @waterproofinternational
“Collect moments, not things” It’s the way we live our lives, the way we organize our trips, the way we share our passion with those joining us. It’s a full immersion made of moments, connections, conversations, experiences, shared knowledge, it’s more than a diving trip, it’s the true Bahamas experience, it’s an adventure built together through which we forge memories and friendship. Find out more at www.cristinazenato.com, link in bio or email [email protected] for our 2026 and 2027 dates! With @kewinlorenzen @shark_explorers
The Sardine Run is known as the greatest shoal on earth! South Africa June 20-30, 2026! We will track the action in the area between East London and Port St Johns, the hot spot of this sardine migration route. This is the location that has brought the best action over the past years. We have the chance to encounter Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Cape Gannets, Brides whales, Humpback whales, Dusky sharks, Copper sharks, Bull sharks, Black tip sharks, Ragged tooth sharks, Cape fur seals, even Sailfish can be seen in this area at this time. Our main goal is to find baitballs, but there is so much more to explore and experience. While we track the baitballs, we still encounter dolphins, Humpback whales and sharks. This makes it the ultimate Ocean Safari. The Sardine Run is unpredictable, it’s wild, it’s thrilling, it’s high stakes for high rewards. As with any of our special trips, @kewinlorenzen will take images and videos of your days above and below the water and I will provide educational content. 10 nights- 9 days land based, max 8 people per group. Email [email protected] for more details; link in bio.
SHARKMANIA 3-13 May, 2025 is a go with a last spot left. Travel with us to experience the amazing wild world of South Africa, above and below the water. Encounters with up to eight different species of sharks, and land wildlife. As always with @kewinlorenzen and I as leaders, educators, photographers, every step of the way to guarantee a personal experience. We will share adventure, knowledge and full immersion in this unique world. Only eight 8️⃣ people per trip. Email [email protected] for details; $4.150 per person in double occupancy (single supplement available) Special 10% discount on the 2025 trip May 8-18, 2026 dates are now open.
All the dates, all the trips in one reel! A summary of the trips we offer in The Bahamas 🇧🇸 (liveaboard) and South Africa 🇿🇦 (land based with boat launch) for 2025, 2026 and 2027!!!!! All dates listed currently have spots open. The goal is to encounter diverse species of sharks, to learn about their world, behavior, to explore and experience, to surface with a new understanding of the ocean, the animals living in it, the balance they have, the relationship we have with them and their world. Always escorted by @kewinlorenzen photography and cinematography, the educational part through talks and presentations from Cristina and the total immersion and experience beyond the dives but as part of a complex, beautiful, incredible system to which we are active participants and that falls under our responsibility to understand and protect. Full descriptions of the trips, with prices on the website www.cristinazenato.com Link in Bio
