Ever been face to face with a shark? I have, but never this close.

This was one of those “Adventure Days” with Dive Makai where we went offshore to see what we could see. We found a pod of pilot whales and slipped into the water to snorkel with them. Having dived with Dive Makai for several years, we’d done this many times, but I never got a good shot of a pilot whale because they would tend to keep their distance.

Today would be different, but not because of the whales. Just as I thought I was getting a good angle on a mother and baby, I turned my head and this guy filled my frame. I forgot all about the whales.

Looking through a tiny viewfinder gave me a false sense of security, so I just kept shooting, even though the shark was probably close enough to breathe on. For those who don’t know, these oceanic white tips aren’t like their more docile cousins, the reef white tips. These guys have a temper, and they don’t need a reason.

Kathy, who was cold from the previous dive and had stayed on the boat, was watching all this from the bow with the rest of the crew. She later told me everybody was a little surprised when they suddenly saw this dorsal fin pop up next to me. I just wish I’d gotten a better shot. Maybe next time.

By the way, it’s our anniversary today. 15 years!

Aloha…