Scuba Dive with Sharks: the best Shark Diving Destinations
Few experiences compare to the thrill of scuba diving with sharks. Scary? Yes. Amazing? Also, yes. Experienced operators are able to reduce the risk of shark diving, making it one of the most intense and magical experiences in the ocean. From the gentle giants of the ocean to the swift hunters of the deep, here’s your comprehensive guide to where you can dive with sharks around the world.
1. Dive with Tiger Sharks
Tiger sharks, named for their distinctive stripe patterns, are among the largest shark species, known for their powerful presence and curious nature. Out of all the species of sharks, tigers can be a more aggressive species of shark, so going with an experienced operator is a must. Scuba diving with sharks is one thing. Scuba diving with tiger sharks is a whole different ball game.
Tiger Beach, Bahamas
Tiger Beach in the Bahamas has earned its reputation as one of the premier destinations worldwide for reliable tiger shark encounters. Located off Grand Bahama Island, these shallow, sandy bottoms consistently attract resident tiger sharks year-round, with peak season running from October through January. Divers kneel on the sandy bottom in clear, shallow water (typically 20-30 feet) while these magnificent predators, which can grow up to 14 feet long, gracefully cruise by. Many dive operators in the area specialize in these encounters, offering multi-day expeditions dedicated to tiger shark observation.
I like Neal Watson’s and Epic. I’ve used Neal’s for all of my tiger beach dives, but Epic looks to run a safe and responsible operation.
Fuvahmulah, Maldives
Known as the “Shark Island,” Fuvahmulah in the Maldives has emerged as an exciting alternative destination for tiger shark encounters. This remote southern atoll offers year-round sightings, but what makes it particularly special is the opportunity to see unusually large tiger sharks. The local tiger shark population here is known to include individuals exceeding 15 feet in length. Unlike other locations, Fuvahmulah also offers the chance to combine tiger shark dives with encounters of other rare species like thresher sharks and oceanic manta rays, making it a bucket-list destination for serious shark enthusiasts. The Maldives is truly a first-rate destination to scuba dive with sharks.
2. Dive with Bull Sharks
Bull sharks are known for their stocky build, aggressive reputation, and unique ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater environments. I’ve seen a lot of bull sharks in the Bahamas, but have not gone to either Mexico or Fiji to specifically see them.
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
From November through March, the waters off Playa Del Carmen become home to one of the largest aggregations of bull sharks in the world. Female bull sharks migrate to these coastal waters during their pregnancy period, creating a unique opportunity for divers. What makes this location special is the relatively shallow depths (40-60 feet) and excellent visibility. Most dives take place on sandy bottoms where 10-15 bull sharks can be observed during a single dive. The convenient location, just offshore from this popular tourist destination, makes it one of the most accessible bull shark diving experiences worldwide.
Fiji
The Shark Reef Marine Reserve near Pacific Harbour in Fiji offers perhaps the most famous bull shark diving experience in the world. This protected area, often called “The Cathedral,” features a specially designed dive site where bull sharks gather in impressive numbers. What sets Fiji apart is the structured feeding program that guarantees sightings and allows divers to witness the social hierarchy of these powerful sharks. Divers typically observe from a designated area while dozens of bull sharks, some reaching over 10 feet in length, circle in the blue waters. The experience is further enhanced by the occasional appearance of tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and several reef shark species.
3. Dive with Great Hammerhead Sharks
With their distinctive hammer-shaped heads, great hammerhead sharks are among the most recognizable and sought-after species for underwater photographers and shark enthusiasts. I’ve done the hammer dive in the Bahamas more than 15 times and have never seen a hammer be aggressive with a diver. This is my absolute favorite way to scuba dive with sharks!
Bimini, Bahamas
From December through March, the shallow waters surrounding Bimini become the stage for one of the greatest shark shows on Earth. Great hammerhead sharks, which can grow up to 20 feet in length, aggregate in this area during winter months. What makes Bimini special is the reliability of encounters and the relatively shallow sandy bottoms (20-30 feet) where these typically shy pelagic sharks can be observed. Specialized operators have developed techniques to attract these magnificent creatures using controlled feeding protocols, allowing photographers unprecedented access to one of the ocean’s most striking predators.
French Polynesia
While sightings are still relatively hard to guarantee in French Polynesia, the islands of Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau offer adventurous divers the opportunity to encounter great hammerheads in truly wild settings. Unlike more established locations, French Polynesian hammerhead encounters often happen unexpectedly during drift dives through reef passes or at outer reef drop-offs. The benefit of diving here is witnessing these majestic creatures in completely natural behavior patterns, without feeding or baiting. The pristine visibility and dramatic underwater topography make even brief hammerhead sightings in these waters particularly memorable and authentic.
4. Dive with Oceanic White Tip Sharks
The oceanic white tip is a pelagic species known for its distinctive white-tipped fins and graceful, unhurried swimming style. Oceanic white tips can be one of the most intense sharks to scuba or swim with.
Cat Island, Bahamas
For a few weeks each spring (April to June), the waters surrounding Cat Island in the Bahamas host one of the most reliable aggregations of oceanic white tip sharks in the Atlantic. These typically deep-water, open-ocean predators come surprisingly close to shore here, offering divers rare opportunities for encounters in relatively shallow water (60-100 feet). What makes Cat Island special is the calm, clear water and the unusual behavior of these sharks, which often approach divers with bold curiosity. Specialized liveaboard trips during this narrow seasonal window provide multiple dives per day, maximizing chances for quality encounters.
Elphinstone Reef, Egypt
The legendary Elphinstone Reef in the Egyptian Red Sea has earned fame for its oceanic white tip shark encounters, particularly during fall months (October-December). This slender offshore reef rises from the deep and acts as a natural aggregation point for these typically oceanic predators. Divers typically experience these sharks during drift dives along the reef’s dramatic walls or while doing blue-water safety stops. It’s worth noting that oceanic white tips are pelagic sharks found in most tropical waters worldwide, including famous encounters around Moorea in French Polynesia and off Kona, Hawaii. Their wide-ranging nature makes dedicated expeditions particularly valuable for guaranteed sightings.
5. Whale Sharks
Despite their name and massive size, whale sharks are gentle filter-feeders that offer some of the most awe-inspiring encounters in the ocean.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
From mid-May through September, the waters off Isla Mujeres host what is arguably the greatest whale shark aggregation on the planet. Hundreds of these gentle giants gather to feed on dense patches of fish eggs, creating a spectacle unlike anywhere else. What makes this location unique is not just the sheer number of whale sharks present (sometimes exceeding 100 individuals in a small area) but also the surface-feeding behavior that allows for easy snorkeling encounters. While scuba diving with whale sharks is not permitted here, the snorkeling experiences are so intimate and prolonged that many divers consider this the ultimate whale shark destination worldwide.
La Paz, Mexico
The Bay of La Paz in Baja California Sur offers more intimate whale shark encounters from October through May. Unlike other locations where whale sharks are found offshore, La Paz’s resident juvenile whale sharks feed in a shallow, protected bay close to the city. This accessibility means shorter boat rides and the opportunity for multiple encounters in a single trip. The sandy bottom provides a beautiful backdrop for photography, and the smaller number of sharks (typically 5-15 individuals) means less crowded experiences compared to larger aggregation sites.
Maldives
The Maldives offers year-round whale shark encounters, with South Ari Atoll standing out as a particularly reliable location. What makes the Maldivian whale shark experience special is the opportunity to dive with these gentle giants, not just snorkel (though regulations vary by specific location). The exceptional visibility of Maldivian waters enhances the experience, and the well-developed tourism infrastructure means options ranging from day trips to dedicated whale shark liveaboards are readily available. Many divers appreciate the opportunity to combine whale shark encounters with manta ray dives and reef experiences, making the Maldives a versatile shark diving destination.
Safety Considerations When You Scuba Dive with Sharks
When you scuba dive with sharks, maintaining proper protocols ensures both your safety and minimal impact on these magnificent animals:
- Always choose reputable operators with specific expertise in shark diving
- Follow briefings precisely and maintain the position and distance recommended by guides
- Move slowly and deliberately, avoiding sudden movements or splashing
- Never touch sharks, even if they approach closely
- Understand the specific behavior patterns of the shark species you’re encountering
- Avoid wearing shiny jewelry or contrasting colors that might attract undue attention
- Maintain neutral buoyancy and good diving skills to minimize environmental impact
