San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions

About Us – San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions

San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions is led by Doc, the Owner and Instructor, who pioneered the Great White Shark diving tours at Guadalupe Island. With a passion for the ocean and its incredible creatures, Doc has been conducting shark diving expeditions since 1994. Under his leadership, SD Shark Diving has become a leading name in shark diving adventures, offering thrilling experiences for all who seek to encounter these magnificent predators up close.

Early History:

San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions, Inc. was founded in 1986 by renowned underwater filmmakers and photographers Bob Cranston and Marty Synderman. Their passion for the ocean and sharks led them to establish one of the first businesses offering shark diving tours. As their film careers grew, they found it increasingly difficult to manage the growing business. In late 1993, Paul “Doc” Anes purchased the company, bringing fresh energy and leadership while retaining Bob Cranston as a consultant to assist with the transition.

Doc’s Experience:

Doc’s journey into the world of diving started as a personal adventure. For his 21st birthday, Doc took scuba lessons in 1969. After transferring to San Diego State University in 1970, he signed up for an advanced scuba certification, which was taught by Mark Flahan, the diving safety officer at SDSU. Over time, Doc progressed from an assistant instructor to earning his NAUI instructor rating in 1974, becoming Instructor #3734.

After graduation, Doc returned to his roots in boat building before diving deeper into the industry in 1982. He was offered the position of diving operations manager at the Tortuga Club in Grand Cayman, where he worked until 1984. From there, he transitioned to the Spanish Cove Resort, where he focused on being a divemaster and boat captain. His work in the Caribbean led to a position at Dive Bonaire, where he continued to expand his expertise in diving operations.

By 1993, Doc received an unexpected call from Bob Cranston, who was looking for someone to take over San Diego Shark Diving. Doc jumped at the opportunity, and in 1994, he officially took charge of the company. His extensive experience, from dive instructor to operations manager, laid the foundation for his success in shark diving tours.

The Adventure Continues:

Now, Doc and the team at SD Shark Diving are focused on exploring new adventures with sharks around the world. Doc, with his wealth of experience and passion for the underwater world, says, “This is the one job that really fits my personality. Unfortunately, now I’ve gotten myself into a situation where I am no longer employable at a ‘real’ job, so I’d better be good at the ‘sharkin’.” This lighthearted approach speaks to his love for the ocean and his dedication to sharing the thrill of shark encounters with others.