After Grand Cayman my next adventure lead me to Grand Bahamas where Jeff Hester the 2013 North American Rolex scholar and I were hosted by a most inspirational woman: Cristina Zenato.

Cristina is well known as ocean conservationist, sharks feeder and underwater cave explorer. She is a member of the Explorer’s Club and the Women Divers Hall of Fame.

Cristina introduced Jeff and me to the sharks. She is doing what most of the people would believe to be unthinkable. Watching her feeding, cuddling and kissing the Caribbean reef sharks was pretty impressive and a same time very peaceful. She appeared to be dancing with them. Then she rubbed a shark’s nose to put him into a sort of trance called tonic immobility. While the shark was asleep Jeff and I could touch the shark. An unforgettable moment. She usually uses her ability to put the sharks in a sleepy state to take fishing hooks caught in their mouths out and to educate other divers.

The other very strong moment with Cristina was when she brought me into an underwater cave for the first time. I have always been curious about cave diving but I was not completely sure if I would like it or find it too stressful. I found Cristina to be a very strict teacher but it was exactly what I needed. Caves are definitively a challenging environment and require very specific training.  I expected to be very nervous during my first overhead dive and it was actually a very peaceful and calm dive. Diving into the caves is truly breathtaking with unique geological formations and crystal clear water. 

I could never thank Cristina enough for sharing a bit of her passion for the shark and the caves with me!