Prashanti Pyke

Head mermaid and all round organiser.

Hi Prashanti, tell us a bit about yourself.

Born in Australia, I’ve always enjoyed and been drawn to the water. A former professional career woman, living on a tropical island was always a dream but it wan’t until I was 30 that I grabbed the bull by the horns and went for it. Now I get to live my best life in the tropics… Plus, I get to dish out orders to the boys and generally keep them busy. 🙂

When did you realise that diving was more than a hobby?

I was traveling with a friend and went to Thailand. It was there I did my Open Water course and was so inspired my instructor, I said to her, “I’d love to do this for a living”, and she said, “What’s stopping you”? After a little reflection, I though… What not! So I went back to Australia to tie up a few loose ends and moved back to Thailand to start a new career in diving. That’s where Darren and I met and the rest, as they say, is history.

Favourite dive site?

Oh I do love Manta Point when the mantas are swimming in mating trains… They are so intent on doing what comes naturally that they ignore the divers and fly past all around you. Breath taking!

Prashanti doing what she does best

What is your most memorable moment underwater?

Seeing a whale shark for the first time. I had a friend come to visit and was already having a great day but that was the icing on the cake!

What is best part of your job?

Well, aside from teaching people to dive, telling the boys what to do is definitely one of the perks 😉