Kriti Shanbhag hails from Mumbai, India, where she began her career as a fashion designer. A Discover Scuba Dive changed her life, and she fell in love with the ocean, eventually quitting her fashion career to become a diving instructor. She loves the community at Blue Marlin Dive, the ocean, and, of course, the turtles. Simon’s Reef is her favorite dive site for its deep dives and lovely coral.

Kriti holds multiple certifications, including Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Nitrox Diver, O2 Provider, Night Diver, and HSA Adaptive Dive Buddy. One of her coolest underwater experiences was witnessing octopus mating. Known for her flexibility (she can fit into a mesh bag!), Kriti also loves to draw and practices yoga daily.

Her dream dive destinations are Komodo and Mexico, where she hopes to one day encounter a sperm whale. After a day of diving, Kriti enjoys a plate of biryani. She lives by the motto, “Hugs are free, and they can make someone’s day!” Her dive journey began with a DSD, and she completed her Instructor Development Course (IDC) under Holly’s guidance.