Kira Hartwigsen

Location: Bonaire

Occupation: Scuba Instructor

Scuba Diving Since: 2021

Favorite Local Dive: Drift Dive La Dania's Leap to Karpata

An Interview with Kira Hartwigsen

I did my open water course in 2021 just for fun and fell in love with diving. 11 months later I became an Instructor, certified my first Open Water Diver and started sharing my passion for diving and the dive lifestyle on social media.

Why did you decide to take the giant stride into the oceans?

Everything starts with a break up, right? ;) In December 2021 I took a month off and went to Curaçao. I thought diving will be something fun and I have something to do other than just hanging on the beach. My main goal was to see a turtle in its natural habitat. (What I did in my very first confined water session!)

How has diving changed your life?

Diving turned my life 180 Degrees! In my time on Curaçao I met a Dive Instructor. He told me his story, how he became a Dive Pro. I thought this could be a good break from my „real“ life in Germany and my ticket to the Caribbean. After I went home I researched a lot. I stayed in contact with my friend and asked him millions of questions. At one point I started to reach out to dive operations with divemaster programs. Initially it was just an idea but at one point I became certain to leave Germany for some months and become a dive pro. I bought gear and booked my flight to Honduras. I met so many amazing people from all over the world, learned a lot about myself and most important about our beautiful ocean with it’s amazing reefs and aquatic life. Diving opened up a lot of doors and I can’t wait to see where it will take me!

What kind of diving do you like to do?

I love love love shore diving. It means absolute freedom for me. To go diving when and where I want without having a schedule is just amazing!

Tell us about one of the most incredible underwater experiences you've ever had.

Honestly, when I have an open water student who struggles/is uncomfortable with the mask skills and finally takes the mask comfortably off, makes me super pound! Other than that I freak out when I find a juvenile Trunkfish!

What are some of your favorite places underwater?

I love interesting topographies, structures and wrecks. In Roatán, Honduras for example are gorgeous dive sites with swim throughs, steep walls and some beautiful wrecks. Bonaire has the world known Salt Pier, a dive site which is so unique and fascinating with it’s structures.

What is your advice to someone considering diving?

Just try it! It might change your life. 

What would you tell people about the oceans?

Our oceans are such a unique and beautiful place. Full of life and history. I would tell them to try diving so that they can see what’s hiding underneath the surface. And that we have to protect this sensitive ecosystem.

What does diving mean to you?

It's my passion, my job and my life. Diving opened up doors I didn't even know existed. 

What's your favorite thing in your dive bag?

My Scubapro Solo Mask! A good dive starts with a good fitting and no flooding or fogging mask. 

Follow Kira on Social Media:

Instagram: @kira.dives