Diving deeper: a conversation with freediving champion Hanli Prinsloo

The Maldives has always been a magnet for ocean lovers, but this September, something truly special is happening beneath the surface. As Avani+ Fares Maldives prepares to host Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) AWARE Week, we caught up with 11-time freediving world record holder Hanli Prinsloo, who'll be leading breathwork and freediving sessions during this incredible ocean conservation celebration.

The moments that changed everything underwater

What's the most mind-blowing moment you've experienced underwater that completely changed how you see the ocean?

I'll share my top three, because honestly… there isn't only one!

Being surrounded by a super pod of spinner dolphins, clicking and circling and playing, diving down with them to the sandy bottom of Tofo Bay in Mozambique, I realised just how similar we are to social, playful dolphins.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention sharks… swimming with majestic tiger sharks in the Bahamas really had me reassess my views on both risk and relationship. I never felt scared with the elegant tigers; everything I had been told about sharks was missing the context of trust and relationship, focusing only on risk.

And finally, in the sea green waters off the coast of Ecuador, I came face to face with a gigantic Manta Birostris, an oceanic manta, seven metres from wingtip to wingtip. She glided over, under and around us, like a massive bird of the ocean. I felt both small and at peace in the presence of such power and gentleness.

Beyond breaking records

You've broken 11 national records – but what's the biggest lesson the ocean has taught you that no competition ever could?

Competitive freediving taught me about resilience, focus and being both soft and strong, letting go of the expectation to really go deep.

What the ocean continues to teach me is connection.

How all life is connected… through the breaths we take, the water cycle, the oceans that connect our continents.

My passion is connecting others to the ocean, themselves and each other.

Why the Maldives called her back

What made you think 'yes, this is it' when Avani+ Fares approached you about PADI AWARE Week – and what's so special about diving in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that guests absolutely need to experience?

The Maldives is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and it has been over a decade since my last visit. Being invited to spend an extended period of time in this blue paradise, with other ocean lovers and celebrating all the ocean gives us was a total yes!

Hanifaru Bay is truly one of our ocean's natural wonders and deserves its UNESCO designation ten-fold! Having the opportunity to see the aggregations of manta rays in the bay is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege, and I cannot wait to share this with our guests!

Your hidden aquatic superpower

If you could give guests one superpower from freediving that they'll use forever, what would it be?

The knowledge that your body remembers water!

We are aquatic beings, and our very physiology is adapted to being underwater through our mammalian dive response. So many people today feel disconnected from nature, but remembering we are a part of nature, our bodies remember water… we are cousins to seals, dolphins and whales. This gives us this sense of place on this blue planet that can truly transform how we see ourselves.

Dolphin parties and pufferfish games

Tell us about the wildest marine encounter you've had whilst freediving, and what can guests expect for their own magical underwater moments in the Maldives?

One time my partner Peter and I were diving with a pod of bottlenose dolphins off the southern Mozambican coast when the pod started playing with a pufferfish. Some researchers believe they can get slightly high from pufferfish, so it's a bit like being in the middle of a dolphin party! They suddenly came right up to me and offered me the pufferfish, which I graciously declined. They then started passing it to Peter and back and forth, back and forth, inviting us to share. We were laughing so much at their antics – it was hilarious!

And that's the thing with the ocean: you just never know what to expect!

Before we go: quick dive into Hanli's world

Sunset or sunrise? Both
Deep blue open ocean or vibrant coral reef? Both
Solo dive or diving with a buddy? Buddy
Best place you've done freediving: My local Cape Town kelp forests
Inspirational figure: Dr Sylvia Earle
Favourite marine life: Dolphins!

Ready to discover your own aquatic superpowers?

PADI AWARE Week at Avani+ Fares Maldives, named Best Dive Resort 2024 by Travel Trade Maldives, is your perfect chance to connect with the ocean in one of the world's most pristine marine environments. Guests staying at the resort during this period are invited to participate in all PADI AWARE Week events complimentary, whether they want to dive with mantas at Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for World Manta Day, explore the art of freediving or contribute to sustainable activities to protect the ocean and marine life.

For more about Hanli and her adventures in the Maldives, check out her podcast here.