Country of residence: United States
Diving since: 2018
Level/agency of certification: Advanced Open Water Scuba Certified/Level 2 Freediver Certified
Alyssa Blake is a full-time content creator and aquatic adventurer who travels the world in search of unforgettable ocean experiences, sharing them with more than 1 million followers across platforms. Known as the “Paddleboard and Shark Girl,” she first went viral for her paddleboarding encounters with manatees in the Florida Keys, with one video accumulating more than 30 million views.
Since then she has built a following around freediving, snorkeling, and open-water exploration, taking her audience into encounters with sharks, crocodiles, shipwrecks, and marine life across the United States and beyond. Her content brings the underwater world to people who might never otherwise see it.
In her own words, here is a little more about Alyssa and what drives her in and out of the water.
How did you get into diving?
I've always loved the ocean and marine life, so during a trip to Cozumel I decided it was finally time to get scuba certified. While I was there, I also began teaching myself how to freedive because I wanted to spend as much time underwater as possible.
After that trip, I spent two months traveling through Thailand and Bali, where I continued practicing both scuba diving and freediving every chance I got. A few years later, I became formally certified in freediving, and both disciplines have completely changed the way I experience the ocean.
Diving has given me the opportunity to witness incredible marine life up close and share those experiences with millions of people online. My hope is that by bringing others into the underwater world through my videos, they'll develop the same appreciation and desire to protect our oceans that I have.
What is your most memorable underwater experience?
It's almost impossible to choose just one! I've been incredibly fortunate to experience so many unforgettable moments underwater.
Some of my favorites include scuba diving with more than 30 manta rays at night in Kona, Hawai'i, swimming alongside a whale shark at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, and having oceanic whitetip sharks swim right up to me offshore in Hawai'i!
One of the most surreal experiences I've ever had was during an offshore pelagic safari in Hawai'i, where I witnessed pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and an oceanic whitetip shark all together in the same encounter. It felt like stepping into a wildlife documentary.
What is your proudest professional moment?
Growing a following of more than 1 million people on social media who genuinely care about wildlife, conservation, and adventure has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing my videos inspire someone to explore responsibly or care more about the ocean is something I'm proud of every single day.
What do you wish more people understood about the ocean?
I wish more people realized that the ocean isn't something separate from us—it's what keeps our planet alive. It produces much of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, and supports countless species, including us. Every small action we take to protect it matters, and when people experience the ocean firsthand, they often become lifelong advocates for it.
What advice would you give to a new diver?
Take your time and focus on becoming comfortable, not just certified. Good buoyancy, slow breathing, and awareness of your surroundings make every dive more enjoyable. Never stop learning, always respect marine life by observing without disturbing it, and remember that every dive is an opportunity to appreciate a world that very few people get to experience.
What is your favorite piece of Cressi gear and why?
I have two! My Cressi F1 mask and my Cressi Gara Modular Blade fins. I've been using my F1 mask for over 6 years, and the quality is AMAZING. It's comfortable, reliable, and gives me such a clear view underwater.
I love my Gara Turbo Carbon fins because they provide incredible efficiency in the water. They're lightweight, responsive, and allow me to move quietly through the ocean, making wildlife encounters feel even more natural.
What does being a Cressi ambassador mean to you?
Being a Cressi ambassador means representing a brand that has helped people explore the underwater world for generations. It's an opportunity to encourage more people to experience the ocean safely and responsibly while inspiring a deeper appreciation for marine life. I'm honored to partner with a company that shares my passion for adventure, education, and ocean conservation.
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