Sharks in the Runway

At the age of twelve, Captain Paul Harding moved with his family to the Bahamas-and instantly fell in love with the vibrant beauty and untamed spirit of island life. This captivating memoir is a heartfelt tribute to the people, places, and adventures that shaped his extraordinary journey from wide-eyed newcomer to Bahamian legend.

Drawn to the sea from an early age, Paul became a certified Charter Boat Captain and Open Water Scuba Instructor, founding the award-winning day-trip diving company Diving Safaris, Ltd. in 1976. His passion for exploration didn't stop at the shoreline. In 1989, he expanded his horizons by ordering a seaplane and learning to fly, launching Safari Seaplanes-a venture that would become an iconic part of Bahamian life. Over the years, he has flown people from all walks of life to sun-drenched island destinations, including politicians, adventurers, and internationally renowned figures such as Johnny Depp.

A diver, pilot, captain, husband, father, and loyal friend, Paul Harding is above all a gifted storyteller. With warmth, humor, and authenticity, he shares unforgettable tales of island adventures, colorful characters, and a life forged between the sea and the skies.

This memoir is a celebration of courage, curiosity, and the enduring magic of the Bahamas-an inspiring story for anyone who has ever dreamed of charting their own course.