Deep Blue: Shark of IMAX-worthy Proportions

Deep Blue was first filmed in 2013, but it was a 2015 video showing her calmly swimming alongside divers that turned her into a viral sensation.

In that clip, Deep Blue swam close to a diver's cage, offering an incredible look at a massive creature that stretched over 20 feet (6 meters) in length. Hoyos Padilla, a dedicated shark conservationist, described the encounter as both humbling and inspiring.

The footage captured during this dive was later featured in Shark Week, and National Geographic and other media outlets quickly dubbed Deep Blue one of the biggest great white sharks ever seen. Her calm demeanor and impressive girth suggested she was pregnant at the time.

What sets Deep Blue apart isn’t just her size. Her identifiable markings, including a tracking tag affixed by scientists and researchers in 2013, make her a rare case study in the movement and behavior of great white sharks.

Experts believe she may be over 50 years old, offering a glimpse into the life cycle of this powerful species.

During a later sighting near Hawaii, Deep Blue was caught on camera again, peacefully gliding near a group of divers. Unlike other sharks known for more aggressive behavior, Deep Blue appeared curious but nonthreatening.

The browser-friendly video quickly made rounds on the internet, bringing renewed focus to shark conservation.

Deep Blue's story matters because she brings public attention to shark conservation and the importance of protecting these apex predators.

Observations like those made by Hoyos Padilla help tag, track and understand shark behavior, especially in depths and environments less frequently studied.

In a world where sharks are often misunderstood or feared, Deep Blue offers a moment of connection—a peaceful encounter between human and shark. Her visibility has helped inspire greater public interest in shark research and marine conservation.

Thanks to researchers, video archives, and social media, Deep Blue swimming peacefully near boats and humans has become an iconic image. She reminds us that while dolphins, whales and other marine animals often get the spotlight, sharks like Deep Blue are just as awe-inspiring and worthy of protection.

As the first person to share this remarkable creature with the world, Hoyos Padilla continues to advocate for better marine education and shark awareness. Deep Blue remains a symbol of the ocean's mystery and majesty — a living legend swimming just beyond the coast.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.