Country of residence: Hawaiʻi, USA
Diving since: Childhood
Level/Agency of Certification: 20+ year PADI Divemaster , Captain, Professional level, Freediver PB 175ft. Static: 5:45
Juan Oliphant is an underwater photographer, filmmaker, and PADI Divemaster who grew up surfing and snorkeling on Oahu's North Shore, where the ocean became the foundation of everything that followed. After a near-fatal zip-line accident that broke his back, femur, and foot and left him temporarily paralyzed, he returned to the ocean as part of his rehabilitation and encountered sharks for the first time.
That experience changed the direction of his life entirely. Combining a Fine Art and Photography degree from BYUH with a deepening passion for marine life, he co-founded One Ocean Diving with Ocean Ramsey, building a platform that has introduced thousands of people to sharks through safe, educational, and respectful in-water encounters. His underwater photography, focused primarily on sharks, has reached a global audience through social media and documentary work.
In his own words, here is a little more about Juan and what drives him in and out of the water.
How did you get into diving?
I was lucky enough to grow up at Chuns Reef on Oʻahu’s North Shore, right in front of Jocko’s surf break. My parents were avid surfers, so from the time I could walk, I was in the ocean—surfing, snorkeling, and exploring the reef. I was introduced to scuba diving through family friends at a young age, but the experience that truly changed my life came after a devastating accident.
I fell nearly 60 feet in a zip-line accident at Waimea Bay, breaking my back, femur, and foot. I was temporarily paralyzed, underwent multiple surgeries, and spent more than a year recovering. As part of my rehabilitation, my doctor recommended scuba diving because the buoyancy would relieve the pressure on my spine and help me regain strength.
Returning to the ocean became part of my healing. During those dives, I came face-to-face with sharks for the first time and completely fell in love with them. Instead of seeing what the media had taught me to fear, I saw intelligent, curious, and misunderstood animals.
With a degree in Fine Art and Photography from BYUH, I combined my passion for visual storytelling with underwater photography, focusing on sharks and marine life. That journey eventually led me to meet Ocean Ramsey. Together, we co-founded One Ocean Diving with a shared mission to educate people about sharks, improve human safety through understanding, and inspire greater protection for these incredible animals and the ocean they call home.
What is your most memorable underwater experience?
It’s impossible to choose just one. Every expedition brings moments that stay with me forever—whether it’s swimming alongside tiger sharks in the Maldives, encountering oceanic manta rays, or watching guests experience their first close interaction with a shark. Seeing fear transform into respect and fascination is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and those moments are just as memorable as the wildlife itself.
What is your proudest professional moment?
My proudest accomplishment has been co-founding One Ocean Diving with Ocean Ramsey and helping build a platform that has introduced thousands of people to sharks in a safe, respectful, and educational way. Knowing that our work has helped change perceptions, inspired future conservationists, and contributed to protecting sharks makes every day worthwhile.
What do you wish more people understood about the ocean?
The ocean supports all life on Earth. It provides much of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, and connects every continent and island. Sharks aren’t mindless predators—they’re intelligent, highly evolved animals that play an essential role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. The more we understand them, the better equipped we are to protect both sharks and ourselves.
What advice would you give to a new diver?
Take your time and build a strong foundation. Master the basics, become comfortable in the water, and never stop learning. Respect every environment and every animal you encounter. The goal isn’t to get as close as possible—it’s to leave every dive knowing you observed wildlife responsibly while leaving the smallest possible impact.
What is your favorite piece of Cressi gear and why?
The Cressi Nano mask has been my go-to for years. Spending long hours underwater photographing sharks, I COUNT on my ability to see and Cressi’s reliable equipment allows me to focus entirely on the experience and the animals.
What does being a Cressi ambassador mean to you?
Being a Cressi ambassador means representing a company that has earned my trust through decades of innovation and quality. Their equipment has been with me during some of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I’m proud to represent a brand that encourages people to explore the underwater world responsibly while helping inspire a greater appreciation for marine life and the importance of protecting our One Ocean.
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