I am inexplicably drawn to sharks. My passion for these fascinating predators started more than 15 years ago with my first shark encounter while snorkelling for crayfish in Cape waters. Since then I have spent the last 10 years focusing on great white sharks through underwater filming, free-diving and shark tourism. I even met my beautiful wife, a shark researcher and Shark Angel through our shared love of sharks. My passion for sharks continues to grow through each and every underwater experience and through Shark Explorers I want to share these experiences with you.

Unfortunately I have seen first hand how ignorance, greed and a lack of awareness has resulted in the decline of many of our local shark populations. One of the main reasons I started Shark Explorers is that I firmly believe that each one of us can make a difference. I believe that I can make a difference by showing people a positive experience with sharks. I don’t believe in misrepresenting them as potential killers for an adrenalin experience to sell tours. I do believe that sharks should be respected as the critically important predators they are.

Shark Explorers sets the standards and guidelines for responsible shark diving and interactions high. We provide a holistic experience which includes breaking down sensationalistic, adrenaline-hyped advertising, treating sharks with respect, reducing the impact we have on them and their environment, educating divers about their behaviour and the threats they face. Most importantly I want to show you the sheer beauty of these facilitating sharks and give you an experience you won’t forget.

Signed, Morne Hardenberg

Morne is an acclaimed diver, shark conservationist and underwater cameraman. He is a qualified PADI Divemaster, a Department of Manpower trained commercial diving supervisor, a SAMSA qualified boat skipper and is trained in medic first aid (Level III). Morne has 10 years experience working in a family owned great white shark tourism business where he learnt how to provide to the needs of tourists and filmmakers alike. He is a talented free diver and has hundreds of dives free-diving with great white sharks outside of cages, alongside his uncle, Mike Rutzen. Underwater filming is a special passion and documentaries he has worked on include:CNN's Planet in Peril: Battle Lines, Beyond Fear (National Geographic), SHARKMAN (Discovery), Great White Shark: a Living Legend (BBC Natural World), Deep Water (Animal Planet). In each, his passion and unique relationship with sharks shines through. A highlight in his career is winning the 2008 Award of Excellence from the Guild of Television Cameraman for his breathtaking great white shark sequences in the film “SHARKMAN”. Still photography is a new hobby, but already his photographs have appeared on the front pages of leading newspapers. Morne believes it’s his unusual insight into shark behaviour that gives him an edge.