Ten Years Back in Time

I still remember the sound of my own breathing through the regulator — slow, uncertain, almost fragile.
Ten years ago, I took my very first dive. The surface closed above me, the noise of the world disappeared, and for the first time in my life, I understood what silence could mean.
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That moment changed everything. It opened a door I never closed again. The ocean became my classroom, my studio, my refuge — and ultimately, my voice.

Before entering the water, the young Ambassadors learn how the buoyancy control device works — an essential step to master flotation and ensure a safe dive.

The Next Generation Takes the PlungeToday, it was their turn.
Ten young Mahoran students gathered at Abalone Dive Center for their first dive — the first real step into a world they had only seen from the shore.
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They arrived laughing, a bit nervous, curious. On the boat, the chatter slowly faded as the lagoon widened around them. Then came the moment — masks on, fins ready, one deep breath, and a backward roll into silence.

Let's go the the first dive ever in the Mayotte lagoon

From the surface, I filmed.

Bubbles rising, hands reaching for balance, and eyes suddenly opening to something vast and beautiful.

When they came back up, no one spoke right away. That quiet awe, that mix of joy and disbelief — it’s always the same.
Only back at the dive center did everything release: smiles, stories, laughter, and pride.

First time underwater the Magic and new passion begins

More Than a DiveThis baptism wasn’t just about learning how to breathe underwater.
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It was about connection — to the lagoon, to themselves, and to something bigger.

For a few hours, phones were forgotten, screens were off, and attention turned fully toward the living world beneath the surface.
For many of them, this first dive will remain a memory, but maybe also a spark — the beginning of a story.

Under the watchful eye of their instructor, the young Ambassadors learn how to protect their ears and equalize pressure — a key skill for diving safely and comfortably.

“I felt some apprehension, a bit of stress… But once in the water, it was a release. I really enjoyed it — maybe a new passion.” — Lyam

“I want to discover our beautiful lagoon and raise awareness among my classmates. This dive allowed me to see the reef and many different species.” — Chamsoumdine

“I felt confident and was eager to get in. I was impressed by the beauty of the underwater world.” — Olivia

“A special day. I didn’t expect to see so much beauty. The only challenge was the ear pressure.” — Anaïs
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“I really enjoyed it, it was incredible. Underwater, you feel less stressed — it’s another world. It makes me want to go again.” — Oukase

After diving, each young Ambassador reads the charter and commits to nine key principles to protect the lagoon and become an active guardian of its future.

Passing the Torch

Watching them, I couldn’t help but think of that first version of myself, ten years ago, discovering the same silence.
The same light filtering through the surface, the same heartbeat echoing in the mask.
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Seeing that wonder reflected in their eyes — that’s perhaps the most meaningful reward of all.
Because behind every image, every project, there’s this simple idea: to protect, you must first fall in love.