Hanli Prinsloo: Ocean Conservation

Hanli Prinsloo is a Record-breaking freediver, ocean conservationist, and keynote storyteller inspiring courage, connection, and purposeful leadership.

Highlights:
  • Record-breaking freediver with multiple South African national records
  • Founder of I AM WATER, empowering youth and driving marine conservation
  • Expert in resilience, fear management, and human potential under extreme pressure
  • Blends adventure storytelling with leadership and environmental advocacy
  • Acclaimed speaker at global conferences, corporate summits, and conservation events


Formats Available:

Preferred Audience Sizes:

Corporate leaders, sustainability advocates, conservation organizations, and teams seeking inspiration rooted in resilience and purposeful action



Outcomes:
  1. Tools for reframing fear and uncertainty into growth opportunities
  2. Practical lessons on resilience, adaptability, and mindful leadership
  3. Renewed awareness of environmental responsibility and human connection
Reviews: (5 reviews)
5/5
  • Travels from: Kalk Bay, Cape Town
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

Topics covered (or a selection) in a keynote speech, told through anecdotes with spellbinding visual elements:

  • The human connection to the ocean / nature
  • Competitive career, failure vs. success
  • Overcoming limiting assumptions but respecting limitations
  • Fear and our relationship with it
  • Mental strength – we are not our thoughts
  • Near death experience underwater
  • Finding purpose and meaning (and what is that?)
  • The importance of the ocean on human life on earth
  • Our effect on the ocean (and no, it’s not just about plastic!)
  • Finding hope in what seems like desperate times

Talent Short Bio

Hanli Prinsloo is a globally recognized storyteller, conservationist, and record-breaking freediver whose work explores the intersections of freedom, fear, and purposeful living. Known for her breathtaking underwater experiences with sharks, manta rays, and whales, Hanli translates these encounters into powerful lessons on courage, resilience, and environmental responsibility.

Holding multiple South African national freediving records, Hanli has spent her career pushing human boundaries while advocating for the planet. She founded the I AM WATER project, dedicated to ocean conservation and youth education, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability and community impact.

Hanli’s speaking engagements combine captivating visuals with deeply personal storytelling, leaving audiences with actionable insights into fear management, connection, and mindful leadership. Her presentations resonate across corporate, leadership, and environmental platforms, inspiring attendees to embrace uncertainty, harness inner potential, and lead with purpose.

Hanli Prinsloo is not just a speaker; she is a storyteller, a conservationist, and a record-breaking freediver whose life’s work resonates with the core of human experience freedom, fear, and purposeful living. Her compelling narratives are not merely tales but life lessons drawn from the deep, where she swims alongside some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.

As a speaker, Hanli captivates her audiences, taking them on a vivid journey from record-breaking dives to intimate encounters with great sharks and graceful manta rays. Her presentations are a blend of breathtaking imagery, heart-stopping moments, and profound insights into the connection between human potential and the natural world.

With a background that spans competitive freediving, where she holds multiple South African national records, Hanli’s expertise extends beyond the sport into the realms of ocean conservation and mindfulness. Her initiatives, such as the ‘I AM WATER’ project, underscore her commitment to protecting marine environments and educating underserved youth about ocean conservation.

Hanli’s unique blend of adventure and advocacy brings a fresh perspective to environmental issues, making her a sought-after speaker at global conservation and corporate leadership events. Her ability to connect with her audience on a personal level, sharing stories of vulnerability and triumph, cements her status as a luminary in both the environmental and motivational speaking circuits.

Moreover, Hanli’s speeches are tailored to inspire action. Each talk concludes with actionable insights that encourage audiences to take definitive steps towards personal growth and environmental stewardship. Her global recognition and credibility, built through years of advocacy and record-setting achievements, add an unmatched level of authenticity and inspiration to your event.

Hanli Prinsloo is more than just a freediver; she is a visionary who dives into the fundamental questions of life, offering her audiences a unique perspective on what it means to live purposefully and fearlessly. Her talks are not only about the depths of the oceans but also about diving deep into the human spirit to explore what truly drives us.

Hanli Prinsloo speaks with animation & passion…… about freedom, fear, risk and PURPOSEFUL living.

Stories of swimming alongside tiger sharks, to what it takes to communicate with a sperm whale or the grace of giant manta rays adds to the journey the audience is taken on. Hanli Prinsloo visual material from the underwater realm combined with her vibrant storytelling captures the imagination and inspires audiences of all ages and walks of life.’

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Talent Videos

Hanli Prinsloo – Learning to Trust Yourself Through Freediving

In this 1-minute keynote clip, Hanli Prinsloo shares how freediving taught her the hardest lesson of all: trusting herself and her body’s innate wisdom.

Summary

Hanli Prinsloo introduces herself not by listing achievements, but by demonstrating what’s possible: diving to 65 meters on one breath and holding her breath for six minutes. She clarifies that she shares this not to impress but to inspire, highlighting freediving as a sport of pushing human limits with nothing more than a single breath.

She then shifts to the theme of trust. While most people think of trust as something external—trusting others or grappling with betrayal—Hanli reflects that the hardest lesson she has learned is to trust herself. Freediving, she explains, required her to place confidence in her own body, to believe that she was “born to do this” and that her body knew what to do underwater.

Hanli closes with a reminder that our bodies carry deep memory, including the “little swimmer” still within us. By trusting that memory and reconnecting with it, we can return to water, to flow, and to our true potential.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction: 65m dive on one breath and 6-minute static breath-hold
00:15 Freediving as inspiration, not just achievement
00:30 Redefining trust: from external reliance to internal self-belief
00:50 Freediving’s hardest lesson—trusting her own body and instincts
01:05 Closing insight: reconnecting with the “little swimmer” within us

In this 1-minute feature, the Ocean Guardians program empowers grade seven students from coastal communities to connect with the ocean, overcome fear, and build confidence.

Summary

This short video highlights the Ocean Guardians workshops, an initiative inspired by the vision to connect coastal communities with the ocean so they can fall in love with it and protect it. The program is designed to give underserved youth direct, positive experiences with the marine environment, helping them overcome fear and discover new confidence.

The workshops bring grade seven students from local schools to the beach for two days. On the first day, participants visit a tidal pool to explore in a safe, contained environment. On the second day, they are introduced to one of South Africa’s pristine marine protected areas, where they learn the value of conservation through hands-on experiences.

Workshops include three stations: rocky shore exploration, a beach cleanup, and snorkeling. Many of the children have never been in the ocean, and some cannot swim, but through supportive mentorship they learn to float, snorkel, and engage with the ocean. By stepping out of their comfort zones, participants leave with not only new skills but also the belief that they can achieve more than they thought possible.

The video closes with testimonials from children who describe their excitement at snorkeling for the first time, their appreciation for the experience, and their newfound love for the ocean. The ultimate goal of the program is to turn fear into love, and love into long-term stewardship.

Key Moments

00:00 Program vision: connecting coastal communities with the ocean
00:10 Students express nervousness and fear of water
00:20 Ocean Guardians workshops explained: two days, tidal pool and marine protected area
00:35 Three activity stations: rocky shores, beach cleanup, snorkeling
00:50 Outcomes: overcoming fear, building confidence, inspiring love for the ocean
00:55 Student testimonials: first-time snorkeling, floating, and gratitude

In this 1-minute cinematic teaser, Hanli Prinsloo captures the essence of freediving through serene visuals with dolphins—an immersive metaphor for trust, presence, and connection with the deep.

Summary

Although the full transcript isn’t available, this video serves as a visual and emotional introduction to Hanli’s message: freediving isn’t just a physical feat, it’s a practice in trust, flow, and immersion.

The footage, showing Hanli diving with dolphins, symbolizes harmony, presence, and the deep bonds between humans and the ocean. The imagery alone conveys themes of courage, connection, and mindfulness under pressure.

Key Moments

00:00–00:15 Opening visuals: underwater entry and graceful movements
00:15–00:45 Encounter with dolphins: elegant, flowing interactions
00:45–01:00 Transition to deeper underwater shots: Hanli in motion, calm and centered
01:00–01:14 Closing frame: stillness, reflection, and an invitation to dive deeper—figuratively and literally

Talent FAQ's

A: Yes—her storytelling translates seamlessly into leadership, teamwork, and resilience frameworks.

A: Yes—Hanli offers both live and virtual keynote presentations with stunning visual storytelling.

A: Leadership, fear management, resilience, ocean conservation, and purposeful living.

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ

A: Yes—her storytelling translates seamlessly into leadership, teamwork, and resilience frameworks.

A: Yes—Hanli offers both live and virtual keynote presentations with stunning visual storytelling.

A: Leadership, fear management, resilience, ocean conservation, and purposeful living.

View further speakers

  • (6)
Vernice Armour

Combat tests you. Being a beat cop tests you. Life tests you. Three brothers and being the only girl…tests you. Vernice Armour has been tested her whole life. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of “firsts” including America’s first Black woman combat pilot. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Aviation Speakers
  • (44)
Travis Mills

Travis Mills, a retired United States Army Staff Sergeant, stands as an emblem of unwavering resilience, indomitable spirit, and boundless inspiration. A member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Mills’s life took a dramatic turn on April 10, 2012, when he was critically injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) during his third tour of duty […]

  • Travels from: Augusta, ME
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (74)
Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson is an international entrepreneur, adventurer, icon, founder of the Virgin Group, the eccentric and outspoken chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways and the founder of Virgin Records. Famous for his daring entrepreneurial style, he oversees the Virgin Group, Ltd., an extensive conglomerate encompassing over 360 companies, including recording studios, a travel business, publishing […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Business Speakers
  • (44)
Dina Demetrius

Dina Demetrius has spent over two decades at the forefront of broadcast journalism and live event hosting, making her one of the most experienced professionals in the industry. As a well-respected news anchor and correspondent, she has graced major networks, including CBS News, PBS, and others, delivering top-tier journalism with poise and professionalism. Her rich […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (15)

Colin O’Brady is a world-record-breaking endurance athlete and a pioneering force in adventure and motivation. Known for his awe-inspiring achievements, including becoming the first person to cross Antarctica solo, unsupported, and unassisted, Colin captivates audiences worldwide with his story of courage, resilience, and pushing human potential beyond limits. Colin O Brady | Motivational Speaker With […]

  • Travels from: Jackson, WY
  • Adventure Speakers
  • (50)
Vishen Lakhiani

In a world teeming with motivational speakers and thought leaders, few individuals manage to stand out quite like Vishen Lakhiani. As a top inspirational keynote speaker, Vishen has transcended the boundaries of conventional personal development and self-help, captivating audiences around the globe with his unique approach to transformation and personal growth. With an unrelenting commitment […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (16)
Se-ah-dom

Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce and Yakama) brings deep experience in community organizing for racial and social justice work across the nation. Prior to joining Seeding Justice, Se-ah-dom served as the Sovereignty Program Director at Western States Center where she was the coalition convener of Tribal History: Shared History (Senate Bill 13, 2017) in Oregon, which established and funded […]

  • Travels from: Gresham, OR
  • Native Americans
  • (18)
Todd Buchholz

Todd Buchholz has been featured alongside such luminaries as Colin Powell, Michael Porter, and Jeff Bezos. He has been invited to guide corporate and political leaders around the world, from the UK and New Zealand parliaments, to the Mexican and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, to tech and entertainment firms in Seoul. An internationally known consultant […]

  • Travels from: Solana Beach, CA
  • Finance Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.