A Week of Many Thanks: A Thanksgiving Tribute to Deep Blue

Thanksgiving is more than just indulging in delicious food and gathering with loved ones—it's a time to reflect on what truly matters and express gratitude for the people, experiences, and moments that shape our lives. At Deep Blue Eco Tours, our gratitude runs as deep as the ocean. This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to honor everyone who has impacted our mission and vision, from our incredible team to the sharks we’ve devoted ourselves to protecting.

This week’s blog is a little different. It’s a celebration of thanks, a tribute to the individuals, guests, and, of course, the remarkable sharks that make Deep Blue Eco Tours what it is today. Whether you’ve joined us on a dive, supported us from afar, or simply shared in our mission, we owe you our deepest gratitude.

A Note to Our Founders: Calvin and Kasey

Calvin and Kasey, you are the heartbeat of Deep Blue Eco Tours. In just over three years, you have built something extraordinary—a company that doesn’t just offer shark diving experiences but inspires change and hope for the future of our oceans. Your vision to bridge human connections with sharks has changed countless perspectives. You’ve created an ecosystem where education meets adventure and conservation becomes a way of life.

Through your inspiring dedication, you’ve transformed fear into fascination, myths into understanding, and passivity into action. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to protecting our ocean and the incredible animals that call her home. Deep Blue wouldn’t exist without your passion and courage, and we are endlessly grateful for all you do.

A Note to Our Crew: Meg, Nika, Maddie, Gavin, Makaela, Camille

Behind every memorable dive and life-changing experience are the amazing people who make it happen. To our incredible crew, thank you for being the face, heart, and soul of Deep Blue Eco Tours. Your passion for marine life and your dedication to sharing the wonders of the ocean with our guests are unmatched.

From ensuring everyone feels safe and welcome on the boat to sharing your knowledge about sharks and ocean conservation, you’ve each played a critical role in making Deep Blue a family. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and love for what you do inspire not only our guests but all of us who are lucky enough to work alongside you. Together, you’ve inspired thousands to see the ocean—and sharks—in a whole new light.

A Note to Our Guests

Deep Blue Eco Tours wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible guests who join us on this journey. To everyone who has ever booked a dive, shared their experience, or supported us from afar—thank you.

Every time you step aboard our boat, you’re doing more than just exploring the wonders of the deep blue. You’re contributing to a mission greater than all of us—saving sharks and protecting the future of our oceans. By diving with us, you’ve helped turn dreams into reality, fueled conservation efforts, and brought awareness to the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. Your curiosity, enthusiasm, and open hearts remind us every day why we do what we do.

A Note to Our Sharks

And finally, to the soul of Deep Blue—the sharks.

It’s hard to put into words the gratitude we feel for the protectors of the ocean. Thank you to our Galapagos sharks for your calm yet commanding presence that leaves us in awe every time. Thank you to our sandbar sharks for your energy and curiosity, reminding us of the wonder and playfulness that exists in nature. Thank you to our tiger sharks, whose grace and power teach us that even the most misunderstood creatures deserve respect and protection. And thank you to the rest of our sharks we are fortunate to encounter off the North Shore of Oahu.

Sharks are the guardians of the ocean, the apex predators that keep ecosystems balanced and thriving. They have given so much to our planet, and in return, they ask for nothing. It’s up to us to ensure they are protected, respected, and celebrated. At Deep Blue Eco Tours, we are committed to doing everything we can to safeguard their future. Every dive, every educational moment, and every conversation about sharks brings us one step closer to a world where these amazing animals are understood and valued.

Spreading the Message

This Thanksgiving, let’s reflect on the delicate balance of our oceans and the role we all play in protecting it. Sharks face countless threats, from overfishing and habitat destruction to the devastating practice of shark finning. If we lose sharks, we risk losing the health and balance of the entire ocean.

At Deep Blue Eco Tours, our mission is not just to show people the beauty of sharks but to change the narrative. Together, we can replace fear with respect and myths with truth. By spreading awareness, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for shark conservation, we can create a better future—not just for sharks, but for the entire planet.

This week, as we sit down to give thanks, let’s remember everything that makes our oceans—and the world—a more beautiful place. From the humans who inspire us to the sharks who protect our seas, we are deeply grateful for all the connections we’ve made and all the work we have yet to do.

To our founders, our crew, our guests, and our sharks—thank you. You are the reason Deep Blue Eco Tours exists, and we are endlessly thankful for all that you are and all that you continue to be.

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Article by: Emma Carlton

Photo: Meg Cowley (@megcowley3)

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