From Great Whites to Grand Cayman

Water sports Manager of the Year Mark Landman of Ocean Frontiers is very happy with his Stingray Award. 

“Previously we have nominated people for longevity and this year I was nominated by the staff which was a nice touch,” he said. “When your colleagues vote for you, you think you must be doing something right – or that I’m too soft. It meant a lot to me.” Mr. Landman worked in London in travel industry marketing, before selling up to see the world. Identifying diving as ‘a good way to get around’ he has travelled through 41 countries. 

“I was travelling and diving and did my diving instructor qualification,” he said. “I spent a year in Australia then two in Honduras managing a backpacker lodge. I’ve now been with Ocean Frontiers for five years working my way up from dive instructor to operations manager.” 

Great White Sharks He said the Indonesian islands were ‘pretty crazy with the Komodo dragons and not much population.’ Other places on his tour included Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, which were full of history. 

“Diving was the way to get around; I’d got the travel bug from the trips I did with the travel company I was marketing for,” Mr. Landman said. “I enjoyed diving with Whale Sharks in Honduras – 40-odd feet, they are as big as the boat. It is pretty exciting when you see one of those coming at you. I was fortunate enough to dive with Great White Sharks in South Africa. When you are in a cage they seem aggressive, but they have been negatively portrayed by the media which does not tell you how many are killed for their fins, but any shark attacks are big news.” 

It is the Cayman Islands that has been home and there are many attractions under the sea, he said. “Where we are based at the East End there is a swim-through; of all the places I’ve dived in the world the dramatic topography really stands out. I like living at the East End, it’s more peaceful, the people are friendly. On days off I play golf and tennis when the weather is cool.” The adventurer advises people getting into the industry to get an education before embarking on their travels. 

“It is very important to get that education when working in the travel industry which can take you around the world,” Mr. Landman said.