Mermaid.Kayleigh

It’s hard to explain exactly how it feels to have the oceans top predator come right up to your fin tip. It’s a thrill that sends a tingle through your whole body. As they approach, you wonder if & when they’ll turn away, but also have a deep understanding of their high intelligence & curious yet gentle intentions. Moments like this, when we are both seeking to learn more about one another, keep me searching for more glimmers of connection. This interaction couldn’t & shouldn’t be forced, they have to want to approach on their terms. ⚡️


#orca #ocean #killerwhale #dive #underwaterphotgraphy

Skip the Carousel

1 2

1 week ago | [YT] | 481

Mermaid.Kayleigh

Blues 💙🦈 So grateful for any time I get to spend with this incredible, inquisitive, bold species. Blue sharks are one of the most wide-ranging shark species in the world, roaming across the open ocean with their stunning deep-blue coloration helping them blend into pelagic waters while they hunt mainly squid & fish. But wide distribution doesn’t mean they’re safe. Despite being found across much of the world’s oceans, their populations are declining due to bycatch, overfishing, & the shark fin trade. Millions are caught each year, making them one of the most heavily impacted open-ocean shark species. Their demeanor & beautiful appearance has made them one of my favorite species to swim with. Photos by @tarashay_ on our @kaimana.expeditions with @latitude.encounters ⚡️



#blueshark #sharkdiving #savesharks #mexico #sharkdiver

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 592

Mermaid.Kayleigh

Sperm whales have one of the most unique sleep styles in the ocean. They rest vertically in the water, head up & tail down, often in small groups. During these short naps (usually just 10–20 minutes) they become very still almost like they’re floating statues in the deep. Scientists believe this upright sleep may help them stay aware of their surroundings & conserve energy between deep dives. 🐳💤 Photos by @tarashay_ @kaimana.expeditions



#spermwhale #whales #ocean #swimwithwhales #snorkeling

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 722

Mermaid.Kayleigh

I came to Tulum to dive in the cenotes & was lucky enough to stay at ‪@azulik_‬ ! It was the best home base to more deeply connect with nature while we explored the stunning jungle of this area. I can’t wait to share more but for now here are some stills of this absolutely incredible, unique eco resort! 🌿✨


#tulum #azulik #ecoresort #mexico

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 month ago | [YT] | 323

Mermaid.Kayleigh

I got to spend a week on Fuvahmulah, the sharkiest island I’ve ever been to, with @sharkexpeditionfuvahmulah @scubaexpeditions & it did not disappoint!! This place is so special with year round, reliable tiger shark encounters & a chance to see threshers, silver tips, hammerheads, whale sharks & more!! The reefs were stunning & the water was clear & warm! I can’t wait to go back to this amazing location & share more about my time there. In the meantime, check out these beautiful photos by @camgrantphotography 🦈📸



#tigersharks #maldives #fuvahmulah #sharkdiving #sharkdiver

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 month ago | [YT] | 408

Mermaid.Kayleigh

We all rely on a healthy ocean - fishermen, tour operators, divers, & families alike.

In Hawaiʻi, some fishermen use jug lines as buoys & also to attach to sharks in an effort to protect their catch. This method can cause entanglement, serious injury, & death not just for sharks but also monk seals, sea turtles, & more.

I’ve personally removed jug lines from endangered oceanic whitetip sharks, & I know other ocean goers who have found sharks struggling, or even dead, because of this gear.

SB 2973 is being heard by the Judiciary Committee on March 3. This bill would prohibit jug line fishing in Hawaiʻi.

Testimony is OPEN! Whether you’ve submitted before or never submitted, please submit again-previous submissions will NOT carry over. DEADLINE is March 2 at 10am HST.

Please take 2 minutes to submit testimony in SUPPORT of SB 2973.

➡️ Go to: capitol.hawaii.gov
➡️ Search: SB 2973
➡️ Click “Submit Testimony”
➡️ Choose “Support”

Be a voice for the voiceless.
Follow along for updates. Thanks for sharing! 🦈💙
Photos by @elizabethsides

#savesharks #hawaii #sharks #marinelife

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6

2 months ago | [YT] | 465

Mermaid.Kayleigh

Still not over my week on ‪@scubaspamaldives7199‬ where luxury meets world class diving!! Can’t wait to share more about the experience, but for now, here are a few snaps by @camGrantphotography! Mahalo @scubaspamaldives for the experience which was the absolute perfect way to celebrate our anniversary!! ✨🦈🤿



#maldives #luxury #diving #scubadiving #liveaboard 

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

2 months ago | [YT] | 314

Mermaid.Kayleigh

Sperm whales are elite deep-sea hunters capable of diving over thousands of feet to hunt giant squid in total darkness. Using powerful echolocation clicks they stun, track, & precisely capture squid in the deep ocean where few other predators can compete. One of my favorite sights on our recent @kaimana.expeditions trip to Dominica was seeing the whales return to the surface with tentacles hanging from their mouths. What a sight to see!! 🐳🦑 I have a mailing list in my bio where you can sign up to be informed of ocean trips with me! Photos by me on my @sonyalpha from @kehcamera 📸



#underwaterphotography #spermwhale #swimwithwhales #whalewatch #ocean

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4

2 months ago | [YT] | 323

Mermaid.Kayleigh

This whale shark changed my brain chemistry forever ✨ Photo @camgrantphotography @kaimanaoceansafari


#whaleshark #kona #hawaii #savesharks #sharkdiver

Skip the Carousel

1 2

3 months ago | [YT] | 308

Mermaid.Kayleigh

There’s been a recent cluster of shark bites in Australia which has been scary for beach goers & tragic for those involved. My heart goes out to any victims first & foremost. It’s always important to look at these events objectively while still feeling sympathy for those affected. Even with this short-term spike, shark attacks are still extremely rare in the context of the number of people who use the ocean every year. Historically, Australia averages about ~20 bites per year with fewer than 3 fatal incidents annually & people are far more likely to suffer injuries from everyday activities than from sharks. Shark bites are usually from something called mistaken identity as they accidentally assume we are a natural food source like a seal or turtle. Sharks don’t look at humans as food which is why they typically bite once then swim away. They are just trying to hunt & survive in the ocean as nature intended. Please don’t demonize sharks for running off their natural instincts while still empathizing with victims & their families. 💙🦈 A few snaps from @elizabethsides 📸


#tigershark #savesharks #sharkdiver #sharkdiving #ocean

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4

3 months ago | [YT] | 412