Thanks to the incredible support of the Rolex Scholarship and the generosity of Walter and African Watersports, I had the chance to explore the waters of Umkomaas, South Africa, an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of sharks.

There, I encountered two remarkable species: the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) and the oceanic blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus).

Sand tiger sharks were unlike anything I expected. With their rows of jagged teeth permanently exposed, they look intimidating… but underwater, they’re slow-moving, calm, and curious. I was struck by their gentle nature and how close they allowed us to get. Gliding silently through the reef, they seemed entirely unbothered by our presence. It was one of the most peaceful dives I’ve ever had with large predators.

In contrast, diving with oceanic blacktip sharks was a rush of adrenaline. These pelagic sharks are agile and fast, and the baited dives allow for close observation in open water. As they darted in and out of view, circling and approaching us, I was amazed by how bold yet controlled their behavior was. Despite their speed and power, they showed no aggression, only curiosity. Once the bait were gone, they vanished into the blue just as quickly as they had appeared.

Unlike the blacktips, which need to be attracted with food, the sand tiger sharks are just there, naturally cruising the reef, offering one of the most authentic shark encounters imaginable. Experiencing both species in their own context helped me appreciate the diversity and adaptability of sharks even more.

Both encounters were unforgettable in their own way. They showed me how diverse shark behavior can be, even among species often misunderstood or feared. This experience, made possible by the Rolex Scholarship, strengthened my passion for shark conservation and fueled my desire to share these stories with others around the world.