Discover how Insta360 cameras are helping divers like Roy and Natalie capture rare shark encounters, protect a misunderstood species, and share the underwater world like never before.
Up Close and Personal: Diving with Sharks in 360
Everyone has to have a hobby, right? Roy's happens to be diving with sharks. Already an experienced SCUBA diver and occasional shark diver, he wanted to bring a more inclusive experience to diving with sharks in their natural environment.
His 360 camera journey started in 2019 when he brought his Insta360 ONE X and chain mesh "shark suit" to Freeport Bahamas to dive with famed Shark conservationist, Christina Zenato.
In the past, Roy had tried other "360 type" cameras on dives, but the limited quality after a cage dive with Great Whites in Guadalupe Mexico left him disappointed. Insta360 ONE X, on the other hand, captured the true, immersive experience of being surrounded by Caribbean reef sharks as he hand-fed them 50ft under the waves. But it went beyond just the thrill of diving with sharks—thanks to Insta360, he could share these experiences in a unique and immersive way.
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"I can record my shark dive experiences in 360, not only to find those cool moments or exciting stills, but I can put a 360 video on a VR headset and share my shark dive experience as if one was right there in the water with them."
Sharing these dives on a VR headset is more than just a gimmick. Firstly, it brings a unique underwater world to people who would normally not have the opportunity to actually go diving. Roy shared his Caribbean reef shark dive with his elderly father, an experience the two of them could share, despite only one of them having been in the water.
"He sat there with a VR headset on his face and must have watched the entire dive a dozen times over. He and I did not have much in common in our years, but being able to share this experience with him, even virtually, was special. He would pass away a few short years later."
Secondly, it's a great opportunity for people to see what it's really like to dive among sharks, not a Hollywood version. 360 video opened a door for Roy to educate people, including some divers who won't dive with sharks.
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"Shark conservation is important, protecting marine ecosystems. And the more people understand the role sharks play in a marine ecosystem, perhaps the less scary they might seem. I'm just a regular guy, I have limited resources and a small reach on social media platforms. But I have an Insta360 camera to use on my shark dives."
ONE X was only the start of the journey for Roy, and pretty quickly he started to collect more of Insta360's lineup. Insta360 X3 and Insta360 Ace Pro made their debut at Tiger Beach filming tiger sharks, Insta360 Ace Pro resurfaced this summer to meet whale sharks in Cancun, Mexico, and in early November, it was off to Bimini Bahamas with filmmaker Andy Casagrande to meet some Great Hammerheads with Insta360 Ace Pro 2, Insta360 Ace Pro and X3. During his most recent dive trip, Roy was able to work with Insta360 X4, and the improvement in image and video quality was immediately clear.
The versatility and the ability to revisit and explore all of that footage long after the dives are over is just another aspect of Insta360's cameras that make these Roy's go-to choice.
"I now do all my shark dives exclusively with Insta360—love that AquaVision setting! I would definitely want to up my game and get an X4 to use for my next shark diving trip back at Tiger Beach in 2025."
Through Insta360 cameras and the moments they capture, divers like Roy can share immersive experiences with people who may not be able to travel.
"I love these cameras, as it gives me the ability to share these unique and inspiring perspectives. I need to show what it's like to be around sharks for real... It gives people the chance to meet these majestic and often misunderstood creatures, and maybe change a mind or two about sharks."
You can experience Roy's dives for yourself on his YouTube (@rmdragon2) and Instagram (@rmdragon). This article was submitted to Insta360 Community Stories by Roy Mauritsen and won him an Insta360 X5!
A Rare Encounter: Kale the Porbeagle
Roy isn't the only one using Insta360 to reveal rare and unexpected moments in the ocean. Canadian media specialist and shark diver Natalie spends her seasons on a shark research boat, getting up close with hundreds of sharks.
One of the species she encounters is the rare and endangered Porbeagle Shark, typically visible for just 45 seconds before disappearing into the depths. But one day, filming with her Insta360 X4, Natalie noticed something unusual with one particular Porbeagle: rather than swimming off as it normally would, this shark seemed fascinated by the camera. Its ampullae of Lorenzini—special sensory organs that detect electrical currents—drew it in.
The shark came full speed toward the cage and the X4, lingering long enough for Natalie and her team to capture footage and collect valuable research data on a species rarely documented. This adventurous visitor earned the name Kale.
It’s another example of how Insta360's 360 cameras don't just let divers relive unforgettable experiences—they can also help scientists observe and study creatures that would otherwise remain almost invisible.
This article was submitted to Insta360 Community Stories by @nataliewannamaker.
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