Nereus Expedition is built on the passion for exploring and protecting the wonders of the ocean. Our mission is to offer unique expeditions that allow people to experience marine life up close, ethically, and responsibly. We focus on creating immersive adventures that combine the thrill of exploration with the joy of learning, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems to the natural world. Whether you're an avid ocean lover or just beginning your journey, Nereus Expedition is for those who share a love for the sea and are committed to preserving its beauty for future generations.
Our Founder
Mohd Maroof
Maroof is the Founder and Expedition Leader, driven by curiosity and the pull of the unknown. An SSI Master Diver, Rescue Diver, and Emergency First Responder, he has logged 120+ hours underwater, leading ethical, science-focused encounters with some of the ocean’s most misunderstood apex predators. When not in the water, he works behind the scenes in highly analytical fields, bringing the same precision and situational awareness into expedition planning and risk management. Through his expeditions, Maroof aims to transform fear into a calm, flow-state experience, helping people connect deeply with the ocean and understand why its marine life is worth respecting and protecting.
His words
“The ocean has always been more than a fascination for me, it's a source of endless inspiration and a reminder of how intricately connected life is on this planet. From diving with sharks to exploring vibrant coral reefs, I’ve discovered not only the beauty of marine ecosystems but also their fragility. My passion lies in understanding and sharing the stories of the ocean, educating others about its vital role in our natural ecosystem, and inspiring a deeper respect for the life beneath the waves”
Our Co-Founder
Maalav Thakkar
Maalav is the Co-Founder of GrowthSpree and someone who effortlessly blends strategy with curiosity. A self-proclaimed funny guy, that label barely captures his depth. Professionally, he operates in the world of B2B SaaS marketing, An Advanced Open Water Diver, Maalav found his true sense of perspective beneath the surface. His first scuba dive in 2023 marked a shift - from curiosity to clarity. While many chase marine megafauna, it was the ocean itself that drew him in: its calm, its unpredictability, and its refusal to ever repeat the same moment twice. Floating in open water, surrounded by life that has survived five mass extinction events, reinforced a belief he carries strongly that the ocean teaches humility better than anything on land. For Maalav, diving is not about ticking sightings off a list, but about surrendering to the vastness of something far greater than ourselves.
His words
“Co-founding Nereus Expedition with Maroof felt natural, his passion for the ocean was impossible to ignore. Together, they aim to challenge common misconceptions, reduce fear around marine life, and help more people fall in love with the ocean the way they have. When he’s not diving, you’ll find Maalav dancing to Bollywood music, playing badminton, networking endlessly, chasing new cuisines, or adding to his growing tattoo collection. See you underwater. The ocean has stories waiting for all of us”
Our Ocean-engmt lead
Shruti Tekade
Reeled in through a consistent pull to the unknown and a deep respect for everything nature. Professionally she is a fixed-wing commercial pilot with 10 years of experience and a few thousand hours. She became a certified diver in 2023, with her Advanced Open Water Certification to not just observe the marine life, but to learn how to exist within its rhythm. For her, the ocean is not a backdrop, it is her guru, gently guiding her towards herself and in the deeper understanding of existence. She’s always looking to create spaces where curiosity replaces fear and awareness replaces assumption. When she’s not in the water, she brings the same clarity and intention to her work and all her passions. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help people reconnect with the ocean, dissolve inherited fears, and understand why protecting marine life is not optional but essential.
Her words
“Ocean and by extension the Nereus expedition has played a vital role in my transformation journey. Being around the Tiger Sharks shifted something in me and brought me closer to myself; something I’d been trying and working towards for quite sometime. With Nereus and Maroof, the mission is to challenge misconceptions around the ocean, reduce fear, and create meaningful connections between people and the marine life. Not through spectacle, but through understanding. My way of living life is through experiences, so travelling or cooking up a storm in my kitchen or writing a poem about something I connect deeply with - these are just things that bring me pure joy. For me, the ocean isn’t a destination, it’s a reminder: that life is vast, fragile, and far more interconnected than we can ever imagine.”