Reviews

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Ocean W
Jul 07, 2026
What a trip of a lifetime. Cristina, Kewin, and the crew with Shark Explorers are knowledgeable, pleasant, and incredibly enjoyable to dive and snorkel with. Their trips also attract wonderful participants as well. On the Sardine Run, we saw so much wildlife including different species of whales, sharks, dolphins, smaller fish, and birds - both above and below water. Truly awe inspiring! Highly recommend you join a trip with Cristina and Kewin!
Sardine Run 2026
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Devin L
Jul 04, 2026
Such a fantastic trip from start to finish! The operators were great and Cristina and Kewin were fantastic guides — knowledgeable, fun, and passionate. The small group size made everything feel really personal and our days were full of laughter. The abundance of sea life was incredible and several of us got to check things off our bucket lists. Cristina's afternoon talks were a highlight — great content delivered with passion,. Can't recommend this trip enough.
Sardine Run 2026
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KIANTE A
Jun 08, 2026
This trip was genuinely one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had and a huge part of that was because of Christina, Kewin, and the Sharkamania team. The diving itself was incredible - mako sharks, seven gill sharks, kelp forests, puffadder sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, octopus encounters, and some of the most beautiful underwater environments I’ve ever experienced. But what stood out most wasn’t just the wildlife - it was how thoughtfully the whole experience was put together. You can tell this is something Christina and Kewin have built together with a huge amount of care and intention. Every part of the trip felt considered - from the diving itself through to making sure people had opportunities to get the most out of each day and leave with experiences they’ll remember for a long time. Christina is one of the most skilled people I’ve ever watched in the water. What impressed me most wasn’t just her diving ability - it was how aware she was of everyone around her at all times. She has this incredible ability to make people feel safe, seen, and looked after without making a big thing of it. Kewin brings the same level of care in a different way, and together they create an environment where you feel supported while still having an incredible adventure. It is very obvious that they take a lot of pride in what they do, and rightfully so - they’ve created something really special. I left with amazing memories, more confidence in the water, and a huge amount of appreciation for the thought, effort, and care that goes into creating experiences like this. Thank you for such a special trip. I’d recommend Sharkamania to anyone considering it.
Sharkamania 2026 May 18-28
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Stephane H
Jun 06, 2026
I had a fantastic experience with Cristina and Kewin. The water was cold but full of life. Lots of new sharks I had never seen. Loved it!
Sharkamania 2026 May 18-28
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Deanna E
Jun 05, 2026
If you're considering Sharkmania with Cristina Zenato, stop thinking about it and just go. I've been fortunate enough to travel to some incredible places, but this was genuinely one of the best trips of my life. The diving was spectacular, but what made this experience so special was that it was so much more than diving. The wildlife was beyond anything I could have imagined. I grew up in New Zealand on and around the water, so I thought I'd seen a fair bit of marine life over the years, but South Africa completely blew me away. Every day felt like a front-row seat to nature at its most raw, beautiful and humbling. The scenery above the water was just as breathtaking as what we experienced below it. South Africa is an extraordinary place, and Sharkmania gave us the opportunity to experience it in a way that felt authentic and deeply connected. What truly sets Cristina apart, though, is the people she attracts and the environment she creates. There was such warmth, kindness and genuine connection throughout the entire trip. From Cristina and Kewin to the beautiful humans at the dive company, it felt less like joining a tour and more like becoming part of a community. This trip was also unexpectedly good for my mental health. Life can get busy, stressful and noisy, and this experience gave me the chance to reconnect with nature, slow down, and remember what wonder feels like. In a word: PRESENT. I felt present. (Goosebumps just now writing that). I came home feeling lighter, happier and incredibly grateful. When I stop to think about some of the experiences in South Africa during Sharkmania, I find myself getting emotional. I am beyond grateful for this experience. Cristina's passion for sharks, conservation and education is rooted in a deep desire to help the planet and it's creatures. You leave with unforgettable memories, a deeper understanding of these magnificent animals, and a strong desire to help protect them. I can't recommend Sharkmania highly enough. It was magical, inspiring, emotional at times, and absolutely the trip of a lifetime. Thank you, Cristina. I'll see you next year!! De
Extra nights hotel Sharkmania Deanna

References

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Elena Raluca (Luca) v
20 Jan, 2026
Being on a trip with Cristina Zenato Explorer is an honor and an incredible opportunity to witness and learn about the majesty of sharks and to get to know Cristina and pick her brain about everything that has to do with diving! She is incredibly kind, patient and loves to teach, will give you pointers to improve your diving skills and always make sure you are comfortable and safe! Now, diving with her and her babies (the Caribbean reef sharks) is magical, devine and breath taking beautiful! It’s not just a dive, it’s an experience like no other! It opens your heart and your soul and you are forever changed! You get to witness the result of decades of experience and relationship building with these beautiful sharks, her gentleness, and kindness and yes their love for her is obvious in the way the behave with her! A beautiful ballet, communication and interaction based on trust and mutual respect! Kewin Lorenzen’s artistry in photography is the assurance that you will have the memories of the trip in stunningly beautiful photographs to remember forever! If you are curious to learn more, their presentations will open your mind to new science, about sharks, understanding behavior and new species in caves in jaw dropping photographs that Kewin takes! This is not just a liveaboard! It’s an experience like no other, a lifetime opportunity!