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Episode Show Notes
Danny Lomas, known as Danny Mako, is an elite freediver and underwater filmmaker who specializes in diving with sharks and large ocean predators. From bull sharks in Jupiter, Florida to humpback whales in Mag Bay, Mexico, Danny captures some of the most raw and intense marine encounters on the planet—all while holding his breath for up to 5 minutes at depths reaching 60-70 feet. In this episode, he shares what it's like to experience life-threatening moments with Caribbean reef sharks, explains the distinct personalities of different shark species, and describes the absolute chaos of diving into a bait ball attacked by marlin, whales, and dolphins simultaneously.
What is freediving with sharks like?
Freediving with sharks involves descending 20-70 feet underwater on a single breath, typically lasting 4-5 minutes, to film and observe sharks in their natural environment without scuba equipment or cage protection. Danny Lomas describes it as experiencing "the truest definition of raw nature" where you get brief moments in the sharks' world completely unprotected, creating intense adrenaline rushes rather than fear-based encounters.
Who is Danny Mako?
Danny Mako (Danny Lomas) is a professional shark diver, underwater filmmaker, and freediver based in Oahu, Hawaii. He started as a PADI scuba diver at age 15 in England, developed his shark obsession around age 20 through a university professor who specialized in shark research, and now documents close encounters with bull sharks, tiger sharks, reef sharks, and other marine predators using GoPro, DJI underwater drones, and broadcast-quality RED cameras.
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From England to Hawaii: How a Professor Sparked a Shark Obsession
Danny's path from recreational scuba diver in England to elite shark freediver in Hawaii wasn't a straight line. After getting his PADI certification at 15 and diving whenever he could travel, everything changed around age 20 when he met a university professor who specialized in shark research. That connection led to dives in Florida where he first experienced sharks up close, but the real transformation happened when a friend in Hawaii told him about the ecotourism shark diving scene. Danny took a flight to Oahu, spent a few months there, and immediately knew: "This is what I wanna do." Now based on the most populated island in the Hawaiian chain, he's turned that certainty into a full-time career capturing footage most people will never witness in person. Hear how a chance meeting changed everything at [00:03:40].
The Distinct Personalities of Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and Reef Sharks
Not all sharks behave the same way, and Danny's learned this through hundreds of encounters. Bull sharks, found in murky waters around Jupiter, Florida, are unpredictable and aggressive—the kind that keep you on high alert. Tiger sharks are curious and incredibly powerful with serrated teeth designed to eat "pretty much anything that moves." Reef sharks are typically smaller and more timid, while hammerheads are "a bit more aloof." Great whites are the apex predators that command intimidation just by their presence. Each species has a different personality and demeanor, which means Danny has to adjust his approach and awareness level depending on which predator he's diving with. The differences aren't just academic—they're survival information. Danny breaks down each species' behavior starting at [00:07:09].
Hear Danny explain the moment a Caribbean reef shark turned on him at 50 feet
The Close Call That Reminded Him Who's in Control
Even with years of experience, Danny had a recent encounter that reinforced just how fast things can go wrong. While freediving down to about 50 feet to film Caribbean reef sharks, one particular shark suddenly turned on him and started moving very quickly. Danny had to ascend rapidly, but in that moment of adrenaline and survival instinct, he realized something profound: "just how fast these animals are, and how much more power they have in the water than we do." It's not fear that brings him back to these situations, though. It's the adrenaline rush and the experience of raw nature—being in their world completely without protection or air. That brief window where you're truly in their domain is what keeps him going back, dive after dive. The full story of the reef shark encounter starts at [00:05:57].
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SubscribeMag Bay: Diving Into Chaos With Whales, Marlin, and Bait Balls
Danny just returned from Magdalena Bay in Baja California, Mexico, where he and friends witnessed what he calls "some of the most raw, intense, and wild nature" they'd ever seen. They encountered bait balls—defensive formations where sardines or anchovies cluster together—being attacked simultaneously by humpback whales, marlin, dolphins, and other predators. The entire event lasts only 10 to 15 minutes, but during that window it's "constant chaos" with multiple apex predators hitting the bait ball at once. Danny and his crew freedove right alongside humpback whales during these feeding frenzies, getting within feet of these massive animals. One moment stands out: when a whale passed right by him, Danny felt "the life flash before your eyes a little bit" because of their sheer size and power. The Mag Bay bait ball story unfolds at [00:08:12].
Key Takeaways
- Danny Lomas can hold his breath for 4.5 to 5 minutes and regularly freedives to depths of 60-70 feet to film sharks and marine predators without any protection
- A university professor who specialized in shark research turned Danny's casual diving hobby into a full-time career obsession when he was around 20 years old
- Bull sharks are unpredictable and aggressive in murky water, tiger sharks are curious with serrated teeth that eat anything, and reef sharks are smaller and more timid—each species demands different diving approaches
- A recent Caribbean reef shark encounter at 50 feet forced Danny to ascend rapidly and reminded him that sharks have far more speed and power in the water than humans
- Bait ball attacks in Mag Bay last only 10-15 minutes but involve constant chaos as humpback whales, marlin, and dolphins simultaneously attack sardines and anchovies
- Danny uses GoPro cameras, DJI underwater drones, and RED broadcast-quality equipment to capture footage that raises awareness about ocean conservation and marine life protection
- It's not fear that drives Danny to keep diving with predators—it's the adrenaline rush and experiencing "the truest definition of raw nature" in their world without any protection
Final Thoughts from Tom
This conversation with Danny really opened my eyes to what's possible when you fully commit to being in an animal's environment on their terms. The way he talks about those moments underwater—whether it's a bull shark in Jupiter or a humpback whale in Mag Bay—you can hear the genuine respect and awe in his voice. These aren't thrill-seeking stunts. These are calculated encounters with some of the ocean's most powerful predators, and Danny's approach is equal parts science, preparation, and pure passion.
What really struck me was his explanation of why he keeps going back after close calls. It's not about conquering fear—it's about experiencing something most humans never will: being truly present in the underwater world without barriers. That takes a different kind of courage and a deep understanding of marine behavior. The footage Danny captures isn't just beautiful; it's important conservation work that helps people understand and protect these animals.
If you're interested in the ocean, marine life, or just want to hear what it's like to be face-to-face with a tiger shark while holding your breath at 60 feet, this conversation is absolutely worth your time. Listen to the whole thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Danny Mako hold his breath?
Danny Mako can hold his breath for approximately 4.5 to 5 minutes. He achieves this without any official freediving training, simply by building up his lung capacity over time through consistent practice and diving.
Where does Danny Mako dive with sharks?
Danny Mako is based in Oahu, Hawaii, where he regularly dives with sharks as part of the island's ecotourism shark diving scene. He also dives with bull sharks in Jupiter, Florida, and travels to other locations like Magdalena Bay in Baja California, Mexico for encounters with various marine species.
What is a bait ball in the ocean?
A bait ball is a defensive formation where small fish like sardines or anchovies cluster together in a tight ball when threatened. Larger predators including whales, marlin, and dolphins attack these formations to feed. According to Danny, these feeding events last only 10 to 15 minutes but involve constant chaos with multiple predators attacking simultaneously.
What makes bull sharks more dangerous than other shark species?
Danny Mako describes bull sharks as "quite aggressive" and "known for being unpredictable." They are typically found in murky waters, which adds to the challenge and risk when diving with them, requiring divers to maintain heightened awareness during encounters.
What equipment does Danny Mako use for underwater filming?
Danny Mako uses GoPro cameras, DJI underwater drones, and RED cameras along with other broadcast-quality equipment to capture his underwater footage. His goal is to document these encounters and share them with the world to help people understand the beauty and raw nature of the ocean.
Related Episodes
Another conversation about protecting marine ecosystems and documenting ocean life
Connects to Danny's Mag Bay experience with marlin feeding on bait balls
Similar themes of preparation, risk management, and pursuing passion in extreme conditions
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Danny Lomas (Danny Mako) - Elite freediver and underwater filmmaker based in Oahu, Hawaii
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About this Guest
Danny Lomas (Danny Mako)
Danny Lomas, known on Instagram as Danny underscore Mako, is an elite freediver and underwater filmmaker based in Oahu, Hawaii. Originally from England, Danny started as a PADI scuba diver at age 15 and developed his obsession with sharks around age 20 through a university professor who specialized in shark research. He can hold his breath for 4.5 to 5 minutes and regularly freedives to depths of 60-70 feet to document close encounters with bull sharks, tiger sharks, reef sharks, and other large ocean predators. Danny uses GoPro cameras, DJI underwater drones, and RED broadcast-quality equipment to capture footage that raises awareness about ocean conservation and marine life protection. His work documents some of the most raw and intense underwater encounters on the planet, all without the protection of cages or scuba equipment. Follow him on Instagram at danny_mako to see his incredible footage.
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