A little history ...



For as long as I can remember, I have loved the Ocean, I loved the JAWS movies and all the wildlife programs about the Ocean, I read all the adventure books by Willard Price and was so captivated by the ones that were about the Sea - so vast, infinite, full of wonder and most of all, full of life.

I must have been around 11 years old when my mother asked me what I wanted to 'be' when I grew up, I remember smiling and saying, "I want to be an Underwater Photographer"

It was always my dream to live somewhere hot and sunny where I would be close to the Ocean.  Born in Tenerife, Spain, the island life runs through my veins.  I grew up in Exeter, Devon, England. It was inevitable for me pack up my home and life in England and venture out into the big, wild world. I always knew deep down I had a calling that didn't involve staying still.

I travelled through SE Asia and Australia for 2 years, learning to dive and working in Dive Centers. Funnily enough, I did my PADI Instructor Course in the colds of England, I thought it would toughen me up and I'm pretty sure it did, although, without a doubt, I'm a fair weather diver!

After traveling and diving through many countries, I finally arrived on Grand Cayman as a Dive Instructor in September 2005.

I irrevocably fell head over heels in love with Grand Cayman and her Crystal Clear Waters. Everything seemed to click and it felt like home. I met a photographer in a bar one night and he offered me a job - as an Underwater Videographer/Photographer.

And so my photography journey really started.

I stayed in this job for 15 years before taking a leap of faith and opening my own business, Pura Vida Photography Ltd, in January 2020.

The rest, as they say, is history.  I Hope to see you soon! ~ Amanda