Diving the Remote Bahamas: An Interview with Johan Malan, Dive Instructor aboard Alpha Waves

24th July 2025

We sat down with Johan Malan, a seasoned PADI Instructor and dive operations lead aboard the PADI Certified Dive Center Motor Yacht Alpha Waves, to talk about the untamed beauty of the Bahamian waters, his most thrilling underwater encounters, and what makes luxury yacht diving truly extraordinary.

What are your favourite dive sports in the Bahamas, and why? 

My favourite spots are far from the crowds, places where most yachts never go. I’ve been fortunate to work on yacht programs that take us to some of the most remote Bahamian islands, where we spend long periods diving and fishing. Instead of naming specific dive sites, I prefer to highlight entire islands or regions, because each offers a unique underwater experience with diverse marine ecosystems. They all feature similar fish life, though some areas are richer or host larger species.

Here are my top scuba diving locations:

• Cape Eleuthera (Wonderwall)
• “The Bridge” — an underwater reef connecting Cape Eleuthera to Little San Salvador
• Conception Island — a designated marine park
• Cat Island — especially the southern drop-off
• Crooked Island
• Samana Cay and Mayaguana
• The Abacos — particularly the drop-off south of Sandy Point Airport

What kind of marine life do you most enjoy encountering underwater in these areas?

Turtles and hammerhead sharks are definitely favorites of mine. But I also love coming across other spectacular species—like spotted eagle rays, dolphins, and impressively large groupers and snappers. These encounters become even more incredible during full moon cycles, when spawning brings a burst of activity across the reefs.

Do you have a memorable diving story to share, maybe involving clients, wildlife, or unique conditions?

Absolutely. One of the most unforgettable dives of my life happened earlier this year in Belize with the owners of  Alpha Waves. We were diving at a site called “The Elbow”, located on the Turneffe Atoll, an area designated as a marine reserve. It was a relaxed drift dive, starting 40–60 feet over a wall and transitioning into shallower reefs over nearly a mile. We started the dive in the late afternoon during high tide and a full moon. The first part of the dive was fairly uneventful, until we reached the 30–40 foot mark about 30 minutes in. Suddenly, we were surrounded by massive schools of fish, mutton snapper, dog snapper, horse-eye jacks, blue runners, schoolmasters, blue tangs, groupers, cubera snappers. Each school had between 300–500 fish, forming swirling “fish tornados” up to 25–30 feet high. At times we were completely enveloped in them. It was the most extraordinary spawning cycle I’ve ever seen, a truly unforgettable dive.

What do clients appreciate the most about your guidance during dives?

Guests often tell me they feel safe and well taken care of, which means a lot. I’ve been a PADI instructor since 2006, and I run dive operations with a focus on safety, smoothness, and professionalism. My team and I make sure everything is meticulously prepared, and we adapt to the skill and comfort levels of every guest. Working with paraplegic divers over the years has helped me develop a strong sense of intuition and care that I bring into all my programs. I once led dives for Paul Nicklen and Cristina "Mitty" Mittermeier. They told me it was the most professionally run program they’d ever experienced. That same level of professionalism is now part of everything we do aboard Alpha Waves.

What makes the diving experience on a luxury yacht in the Bahamas different from diving with a regular dive center?

It comes down to service and seamlessness. On Alpha Waves, which is a PADI Certified Dive Center, all you need to do is show up. Everything is already arranged, from your gear to your dive planning. We select and maintain top-tier equipment through years of experience and refinement. Before each dive, your setup is ready; afterward, it’s disassembled and cleaned for you. The entire operation is built around effortless comfort, without sacrificing safety or professionalism. It’s the most refined and stress-free dive experience you could ask for, far beyond what typical dive centers can offer.

If you're dreaming of exploring pristine reefs and rare marine life in the Bahamas, with luxury, safety, and experience at the helm, Johan Malan and Alpha Waves are setting the standard.