Diving with bull sharks had been a dream of mine for years, and during my Rolex Scholarship year, I finally had the chance to do it. I experienced two very different yet equally powerful examples of how shark tourism can be done responsibly, first in the turquoise waters of Fiji, then in the vibrant coast of Mexico.

My first encounter with these incredible animals took place in Beqa Lagoon, Fiji, with Beqa Adventure Divers. I had heard so much about their shark dive and the incredible conservation work they do, so I made it a priority to visit. Beqa Adventure Divers is a model for how to build a sustainable and impactful shark diving business. Their long-running operation attracts large numbers of bull sharks and fish, contributes to the local economy, and actively supports scientific research. They were also instrumental in convincing the government to establish Fiji’s first shark Marine Protected Area right on their dive site.

Behind this successful operation is Mike Neumann, one of the most inspiring people I met during my scholarship year. Mike became a mentor to me, and I will always be grateful for his advice to Dan and me, and for the generosity with which he shared his time, knowledge, and experience. I learned so much from him, not just about sharks, but about how to build a business rooted in values, community, and long-term conservation impact.

While in Fiji, I also had the chance to work with the team that was leading the bull shark research for Projects Abroad. I helped with shark tagging and took part in exploratory dives organized in partnership with local fishermen. These experiences helped me see the delicate balance needed between tourism, science, and community. Beqa Adventure Divers gets it right, and I left the island inspired.

If you're interested in shark conservation, I can’t recommend Mike’s blog enough. It’s full of fascinating, in-depth content about shark science, conservation, and responsible diving practices, and it’s also brutally honest, offensive, and absolutely hilarious. It's one of the best online resources out there for anyone serious about understanding the world of shark diving from the inside.

Later that year, I traveled to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to dive with the seasonal population of large female bull sharks. There, I reunited with my friends at Phantom Divers, another operation deeply involved in conservation. Jorge “Chino” Loria, the owner of Phantom Divers, is an incredible source of knowledge and has been at the forefront of bull shark diving in the region for many years. Alongside him, Luis Lombardo, the director of the nonprofit Save Our Sharks (SOS), plays a key role in conducting research and promoting shark conservation across the region.

Shark tourism in Playa hasn’t been without challenges. With nearly 40 dive operators in the area, there were conflicting ideas about how bull shark dives should be conducted. I was fortunate to sit in on many of the meetings between stakeholders, where I saw firsthand the political and logistical complexities of conservation tourism. After nearly two years of discussions, the community reached a milestone: they agreed on a Manual of Best Practices that now guides all bull shark diving activities in the region.

My time in Fiji and Mexico taught me that diving with bull sharks is about much more than just the thrill. These powerful, misunderstood creatures deserve respect, and both destinations showed me that it is possible to develop tourism that protects wildlife, supports local livelihoods, and contributes to scientific understanding. The people I met, especially Mike, Chino, and Luis, showed me that true conservation leadership is built on experience, collaboration, and a commitment to doing things the right way.