About Maire
Hi, I’m Maire Karabel.
Scuba diving isn’t just my passion—it’s my way of discovering who I am. Every dive, every video, and every photo I share is more than just an underwater moment; it’s a piece of my journey, a reflection of the lessons the ocean has taught me. Through my adventures, I explore not just the depths of the sea but the depths of myself—learning, evolving, and finding meaning in every dive. This isn’t just about where I’ve been or what I’ve seen; it’s about the stories I want to share. Join me as I dive deeper—not just into the ocean, but into the passion that defines me.
Beyond the Surface
A deep dive into the world of scuba, travel, and storytelling—exploring the wonders beneath the waves and the reflections they inspire above.
Underwater
Encounters
Marine life highlights, rare sightings, and memorable dive experiences.
Dive
Destinations
Recommendations, tips, and insights on some of the best places to dive.
Scuba Gear & Tips
Recommendations, gear reviews, and diving best practices.
Underwater Photography
A visual journey beneath the waves—capturing marine life, seascapes, and the unseen beauty of the ocean.
Writing & AI Reflections
Thoughts on blending AI with creativity and the journey of writing again.
Personal
Musings
Lessons learned from the sea, reflections on life, and the ever-changing tides of experience.
Some inspiration
“Diving isn’t just about seeing the ocean—it’s about feeling its pulse, understanding its rhythms, and becoming part of a world that exists beyond our own. Below the surface, time slows, and we remember why we must protect what lies beneath. Being underwater is humbling—it reminds me how small I am in this vast, beautiful ocean, yet so privileged to be allowed to experience it.”
– Maire Karabel
Scuba Diver | Writer & Storyteller | AI & Travel Enthusiast
Welcome to
My Underwater World
If you’re here, you likely love the ocean as much as I do. Whether you’re a seasoned diver, an ocean enthusiast, or just curious about what lies beneath the waves, this space is for you.
This blog is a collection of my experiences as a scuba diver and traveler. You’ll find stories from my dives, underwater photography, and videos that capture the beauty of the deep. I’ll share dive destination insights, gear recommendations, and marine life encounters. If you’re new to diving or planning your next trip, I hope my experiences help.
Beyond diving, expect personal reflections and lessons from the sea. This blog isn’t just about exploring the ocean; it’s about the connection we build with it and the people we meet along the way.
Writing has always been a part of me. I have a degree in Journalism, but for years, I set writing aside. AI has helped me regain confidence in my words. It refines my thoughts and polishes my writing while keeping my tone intact. Some say AI makes writing less authentic. I see it as a tool—one that supports, not replaces, the writer in me.
This blog has existed since 2021, but self-doubt kept me from fully building it. I started blogging in 2007, and over time, my voice has changed. Life has shaped my perspective, my candor, and my style. AI gave me the push to write again, and now, this passion project is back.
I welcome you to explore, comment, and share your own stories. Whether it’s a dream dive, a favorite marine creature, or a shared love for the sea, let’s connect.
Let’s dive in. There’s a whole world waiting beneath the surface.
Sharks Are Not the Beasts
—We Are
Sharks have been demonized for years—called monsters, killers, and threats. But the truth? The ocean is their home. We are the intruders. We are the real predators.
Swimming With Sharks—A Bucket List Experience
For many, swimming with sharks is a dream. Resorts and dive shops worldwide—especially in the Maldives, Bahamas, and Fiji—offer shark encounters. These often feature nurse sharks, a docile species.
If you’ve seen influencers gracefully surrounded by sharks, they were likely nurse sharks. Slow-moving bottom dwellers, not apex predators hunting for their next meal. But like any wild animal, they will defend themselves if provoked.
Know Before You Go—Respect the Sharks
If you plan to swim or dive with sharks, educate yourself first.
Understand their behavior. Different species react differently. Learn what triggers them and how to interact safely.
Follow the rules. No touching. No chasing. No harassing. Their space is not yours to invade.
Choose a responsible dive shop. Not all operators follow ethical practices. Research their credentials. Ensure they prioritize conservation over staged, harmful interactions.
When we step into the ocean, we are visitors. Treat it—and its creatures—with respect.
Who’s Really the Predator?
Sharks have been vilified, yet the numbers tell a different story.
Shark-related human fatalities? Fewer than 10 per year worldwide.
Sharks killed by humans? 100 million annually.
Overfishing, shark finning, habitat destruction, and pollution are pushing species toward extinction. Yet, when a single shark bite happens, it makes headlines.
So, who’s the real monster?
Final Thought
Sharks don’t hunt humans. They don’t attack out of malice. When incidents happen, it’s usually because we didn’t respect their space.
It’s time to stop the fear-mongering and see sharks for what they are—essential, intelligent, and misunderstood.
Because the real beasts? It’s us.
My PFO Journey Reflection
Four years ago, I made a life-changing decision – to have my PFO (patent foramen ovale) closed.
Discovered after years of diving and unexplained post-dive symptoms, this tiny hole in my heart could have ended my diving journey – or worse, my life.
Since my procedure in 2021, I’ve had zero DCS-like symptoms and, surprisingly, no more migraines (which I used to get 2-4 times a month). I’ve also made changes to dive safer: diving with nitrox whenever possible, staying within limits, hydrating well, and ensuring proper rest.
So why am I sharing this again?
Because DCS (decompression sickness) is an inherent risk we take every time we dive. Even the most careful diver isn’t immune. PFO increases that risk, but DCS can happen to anyone – which is why having dive insurance is so important.
If you dive, please consider getting dive insurance. I’ve been using DAN insurance for years, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I’m covered. There are other options too, like DiveAssure and Pacific Cross – what matters is having that safety net when you need it most.
PFO may be generally benign for most people, but for divers, it’s a major risk factor. Hyperbaric medicine, while more available now, is still a specialized field and can get expensive. That’s why I’ll keep talking about this – for my dive community and anyone who might need to hear it.
Diving has given me peace, happiness, and a community I love. Raising awareness on safe diving is my small way of giving back. If you have questions or just want to share your experience, my inbox is always open.
Let’s keep diving safe and fun for everyone.
Isla Verde, February 26:
What Happened, What Didn’t,
and Why It Matters
Two divers died in Isla Verde on February 26. They were Russian nationals. I did not know them. But the dive community is small. Their deaths weigh on all of us.
I wasn’t there. I will not speculate.
But I’ve read the reports. I’ve spoken to people who were there. And I’ve seen the way this incident has been twisted into something it wasn’t.
The shark narrative was baseless. Experts have ruled out an attack. Still, headlines and Facebook groups ran with it—some even before the bodies were recovered. This is not only disrespectful, it’s dangerous. It undermines efforts to promote safe and responsible diving in the Philippines.
One of the divers reportedly surfaced after 21 minutes—with zero air.
That is the fact that should’ve been in the headlines.
How I Dive
I dive with respect. For the sea. For its moods. For my limits.
I dive with nitrox. I check every tank myself. I log my dives. I hydrate. I rest between dives. I dive with a computer and use it religiously. I abort when something doesn’t feel right. No dive is worth dying for.
I don’t stop training. None of us should.
My dive buddies and I did skill drills last weekend. Buoyancy. Mask clearing. Reg recovery. SMB deployment. Because skills fade. Practice keeps us sharp.
Diving is a privilege. It demands preparation, presence, and humility.
For the Media
If you’re going to report on dive fatalities, get it right.
Talk to professionals. Ask what questions matter. Understand what dive profiles mean. Don’t quote anonymous dive “enthusiasts” or whip up fear for clicks.
And stop using videos you don’t have permission to use.
Local media ran clips taken by a friend who was on the boat that spotted the first diver. These videos were shared without consent. Most were paired with incorrect, even reckless, interpretations.
People died.
The least you can do is honor them with the truth.