Welcome to Epic Diving

Vincent Canabal is a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. When he’s not working in the ER during the diving off-season, he’s at the helm of Epic Diving, leading guests into the world’s most incredible shark encounters.

A lifelong waterman, Vincent holds a 100-ton Master’s License from the United States Coast Guard, a Class A Boat Master’s License in the Bahamas, and is a certified PADI Scuba Instructor. His expertise on (and under) the water ensures every expedition is run with the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and adventure.

Vincent’s passion for sharks began at just 14 years old, when he first slipped beneath the waves to dive and film these majestic animals. That first encounter sparked a lifelong journey, taking him to shark hotspots around the globe and inspiring his mission to promote conservation through unforgettable, in-water experiences.

As the owner and operator of Epic Diving, Vincent blends science, seamanship, and storytelling—crafting photography and videography expeditions that not only thrill but also transform perceptions of sharks. He believes that face-to-face encounters, paired with powerful imagery, can replace fear with respect, and awe with a deeper appreciation for these apex predators.

Debra Canabal earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Science with a concentration in neuroscience from Rutgers University. A scientist at heart, her path shifted during graduate school when she went on her first shark dive in the Bay Islands of Honduras. That single dive sparked a lifelong passion and deep respect for these powerful yet misunderstood animals.

Motivated to protect sharks, Debra became Director of Development at the Shark Research Institute, advancing conservation through research and global awareness. In 2010, she founded Epic Diving, creating a platform where ecotourism connects people with sharks in their natural environment and inspires their protection.

Education and outreach remain central to her work. She frequently visits schools and community programs to share her knowledge and launched Epic Diving’s scholarship program, which awards graduating Bahamian high school seniors a full tuition scholarship to the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute in Nassau.

Debra believes conservation thrives where science, tourism, and education intersect. By giving people the chance to experience sharks up close, she works to replace fear with understanding and inspire the next generation to protect our oceans’ most iconic predators.

Born and raised on the beautiful shores of Crooked Island in the southern Bahamas, Captain David has spent his life navigating the turquoise waterways of the Bahamian archipelago. Holding a prestigious Class A Boat Master’s License, he has captained vessels across all the major islands, bringing unmatched skill, experience, and local knowledge to every voyage. His lifetime on the water gives him an intuitive sense of the sea, making him a trusted guide for both crew and guests.

In addition to his expertise at the helm, Captain David is also a qualified marine mechanic, equally at home in the engine room as on the bridge. His technical ability ensures that every trip runs safely and smoothly, adding an invaluable layer of security and professionalism to Epic Diving’s operations.

Beyond his skills, Captain David is known for his warmth, genuine friendliness, and infectious good spirits. Guests and crew alike are drawn to his easygoing nature and deep love for life on the water. Whether guiding divers to world-class shark encounters, sharing stories of the islands he calls home, or ensuring every journey is memorable, Captain David embodies the true spirit of Bahamian hospitality and adventure.

Pia Oyarzun is a Chilean journalist turned ocean explorer. Since 2011, she has pursued her passion for the sea as a PADI dive instructor, underwater photographer, and advocate for shark conservation. In 2018, she founded Made in Water, a boutique dive service offering personalized expeditions both from shore and aboard private yachts. Her goal is to deliver meaningful, high-end underwater experiences in one of the world’s most spectacular marine ecosystems.

Her work has brought her face-to-face with tiger sharks, some of the ocean’s most iconic yet misunderstood predators. Pia specializes in safe, respectful interactions with these powerful animals and supports research and education efforts dedicated to their protection. Working alongside shark scientists, she has assisted in field operations and documentation that deepen understanding of their behavior and importance.

She has also worked as a videographer for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and Good Morning America, capturing the magic of the underwater world. In 2023, she co-set a Guinness World Record with Canadian model Kim Bruneau for the deepest underwater fashion shoot—photographed at 40.2 meters in Nassau.

Whether through guiding, photography, or immersive experiences, Pia strives to inspire others to connect with and protect the ocean.

While the crew is out at sea diving with tiger sharks, Felicia is the steady hand guiding operations back on shore. Based in New Jersey, she balances her role as a full-time high school educator with being the heartbeat of Epic Diving’s land-based team. Her classroom skills—organization, communication, and problem-solving—translate seamlessly into managing bookings, coordinating schedules, and ensuring every guest feels supported and excited about their trip.

If you’ve emailed or messaged Epic Diving, chances are the quick, friendly reply came from Felicia. She manages everything from answering questions and confirming reservations to sharing trip updates and keeping our social media alive with glimpses of life on (and under) the water. Her approachable style makes guests feel welcome long before they step aboard.

Although you won’t see her on the dive deck, Felicia plays a vital role in shaping the guest experience. She’s the behind-the-scenes link that keeps operations running smoothly and the first friendly connection many guests have with Epic Diving. From the moment you reach out until the day you arrive for your adventure, Felicia ensures every detail is handled with care—making your shark diving journey seamless, memorable, and truly epic.