Entrepreneur, marine biologist, educator, and dive instructor, Danél Wentzel joins us on the show. Danél shares her journey from landlocked farmland in rural South Africa to becoming an instructor with over 600 dives under her belt, four minute breath holds, and her own show and company. As a self proclaimed “freelance marine biologist” Danél has some incredible stories and experiences to share, including surviving a shark attack (you’ll have to listen to the end for that one!)
Connect with Danél : instagram | website
Quick links
Oceanography
Save Our Seas Shark Education Center- Marine Explorers Program
I Am Water Foundation
Oceanic Blacktip Shark
Oceanic Manta Ray
Humpback whales
Capensis Diving
Kelp forests
Nudibranchs
Macrophotography
Cow shark
African penguin
Underwater Hockey
Whale shark
Great white shark
Show notes
0:12 Growing up on a farm in South Africa no-where near the ocean, Danél starts by sharing how she became interested in Marine biology through watching shark week documentaries on TV and eventually trying out scuba diving on holiday.
2:01 Moving across the country to start university is challenging but doing that while trying to learn a new language is even harder. Danél shares her experiences of moving to Cape Town for school without speaking English and having to re-learn her high school science in a new language.
7:42 Danél is passionate about inspiring others with the ocean. Volunteering for the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Education Center, she helps to bring children form underprivileged communities to see and experience the ocean through diving, snorkeling, and surfing.
15:10 Danél shares her transition from school to starting a career in marine biology. From struggling to find jobs, to finally landing an internship, and eventually getting offered positions out of the blue, she emphasizes that in marine biology it’s all about persistence, putting in the effort, and never giving up!
25:17 From doing her first dive at only 11 years old to starting her own dive school, Danél shares her love of scuba from the moment she first took that first plunge underwater.
29:32 What does diving with Capensis look like in Cape Town? Cold but surreal. With the right gear, the incredible ecosystems are breathtaking to explore; especially for those interested in macrophotography.
35:55 If you’re planning on diving in Sodwana Bay be prepared for some gnarly waves on your way to your dive site! Danél talks about her experience diving right offshore and some other cool milestone dives that she’s done including one recent blindfolded baited shark dive.
41:14 Aside from diving and marine biology work, Danél shares some of her other talents/hobbies including trail running and underwater hockey!
47:13 After deciding to do her honors and working as a research assistant, the lack of community engagement and science communication deterred Danél from research, but she continues to love science and shares ocean information in new ways that appeal to the general public.
51:04 Danél’s favorite sea creature is the great white shark.
53:24 What does the ocean mean to Danél? One word, everything.
54:05 With a blank cheque, Danél would dedicate a center to inspire kids with the wonders of the ocean by taking them out on expeditions, scuba diving, teaching underwater photography, and equipping them with the tools to learn about ocean careers.
55:50 Danél shares the field story of how she became a shark attack survivor!
58:46 Danél’s conservation ask- Use your voice and inspire others!
59:32 Connect with Danél!