Tengrinews.kz — By day, it's all figures, reports, and deadlines. But after work, Laura Ali puts on her mask, dives into the Caspian Sea, and enters a world where time flows differently. Underwater canyons, shimmering schools of fish, and Caspian seals that swim up almost within arm's reach—all this is just minutes away from the high-rises of Aktau. Tengrinews.kz tells the story of a Kazakhstani woman who has managed to rediscover the Caspian for thousands of her compatriots.
Tengrinews.kz — By day, it's all figures, reports, and deadlines. But after work, Laura Ali puts on her mask, dives into the Caspian Sea, and enters a world where time flows differently. Underwater canyons, shimmering schools of fish, and Caspian seals that swim up almost within arm's reach—all this is just minutes away from the high-rises of Aktau. Tengrinews.kz tells the story of a Kazakhstani woman who has managed to rediscover the Caspian for thousands of her compatriots.
Laura is 37 years old; she was born and lives in Aktau. It is here, in the sea, that she found what was missing from her daily life.
"It is very important for me to have a place where I can escape the hustle and bustle. For me, that place is the sea," she said.
Her videos are captivating from the first second: transparent blue water, sunlight dancing on the seabed, rocky canyons, and schools of fish.
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Many admit in the comments that this is the first time they have seen the Caspian like this—calm, vibrant, and incredibly beautiful. There is no professional film crew behind the scenes. Just a standard action camera, patience, and a sincere desire to show people the sea she loves.
The most beautiful shots cannot be planned
When asked about the secret behind her videos, Laura smiled and gave a surprisingly simple answer.
"I shoot with a regular action camera in a waterproof case. But the secret isn't the equipment at all; it's patience. You can't rush underwater. If you just stay still and wait, the sea starts giving you the shots itself," she explained.
One moment a school of fry dashes past. The next, a seal surfaces just three meters away, looking you right in the eye.
"When a seal suddenly surfaces nearby and looks you straight in the eye, your heart just stops. Those ten seconds can become the best moment of the entire video," Laura admitted.
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Weather plays a major role. The best footage is captured in calm conditions when the water is clear and visibility reaches five to seven meters. That is when the Caspian truly reveals itself.
It all started just a year ago
Laura has been snorkeling for exactly one year. She came to it by chance—looking for a hobby that would add movement and vivid emotions to her life without requiring long courses or complex preparation.
"Diving requires training, special equipment, and tanks. Snorkeling is much simpler: you put on a mask and immediately find yourself in another world," Laura noted.
Since then, the sea has become a part of her daily life. Weather permitting, Laura tries to get out to the Caspian almost every day, spending anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour and a half in the water.
"For me, it's not so much about the sport as it is about the pause, the silence, and the freedom. It's a chance to put life on hold and reset," she said.
"There's nothing to see in the Caspian" — the biggest myth
Many are convinced that the Caspian is just water without any vibrant underwater life. Laura disagrees.
"That is the biggest myth. Yes, there are no tropical corals here. But the Caspian has its own beauty—calm, deep, and authentic," the Kazakhstani emphasized.
Under the water, there are entire rocky canyons, unusual bottom topography, gobies, and small crabs. Schools of sprat shimmer in the water column like a massive silver cloud. Sometimes she comes across old submerged structures that have become true homes for marine life over time.
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Laura still hasn't lost that "wow factor": every outing is different, and the Caspian never repeats itself.
From the sea to the steppe
Laura's second great passion is traveling across Mangystau. Interestingly, these two worlds complement each other perfectly.
She admitted that she loves heading out with friends in an off-roader early in the morning, while the steppe is still cool and the air is crisp and clear. They drive off-road to places where the horizon seems to erase all worries.
"The most powerful moment is when, after a couple of hours on the road, you get out of the car and realize there isn't a soul around. Just the wind, the stones, and a sky that feels incredibly close," she said.
Laura is particularly fond of Bozzhyra and the valleys with their whimsical rock formations.
"You can feel an ancient power in these places. In those moments, you start to feel like part of a vast history," she confessed.
And no matter where she travels in Mangystau, the first thing Laura looks for is water. Even a short stop at a deserted shore, she says, helps her see her home region in a new light.
Almost anyone can try it
Despite the spectacular videos, Laura emphasized that snorkeling is one of the most accessible hobbies. No special physical training is required. A basic kit—mask, snorkel, fins, and a buoy—costs about 20,000 tenge.
The golden rule is never to enter the water alone. It is best to take your first swims near the shore in calm waters and accompanied by an experienced partner.
"The biggest challenge isn't technique. You have to learn to slow down. Underwater, rushing only gets in the way. When you start breathing calmly, moving smoothly, and just observing—everything becomes much easier," she shared.
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In conclusion, Laura had just one request: "Take care of Mangystau. It deserves it."
Read also: “I see a completely different world in the sea”: Kazakh diver’s video mesmerizes the Internet