By La Galigo
6 Best Places to Go Dive with Sharks
One of the top priorities for most divers is going shark diving. Seeing different types of Sharks is an amazing experience for divers in different parts of the world that provides its own unique opportunities.
So it is necessary to know the divers’ favourite locations that should be on your must-visit list. The thrill of this experience definitely makes it all worth it when you get that up close encounter with a shark.
Coming up against different types of sharks can indeed amaze us. In this article we will list the top six places to dive with sharks around the world. Each dive site is unique and offers epic shark encounters.
1. Indonesia, Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is a place that can be your destination for an amazing dive. There are many unique species that Raja Ampat has to offer, two of which are the Endemic species.
The first of which is the Indonesian speckled carpet shark (Hemiscyllium freycineti), a species of Bamboo Shark sometimes referred to as the Raja Ampat Epaulette or Walking Shark due to its restricted range, now considered endemic to the Raja Ampat region. This species is registered on the IUCN red list as near threatened.
As the name suggests, the walking shark also known as the epaulette shark, uses its pectoral fins to walk on the ocean floor ready to search and pounce on prey. Don’t miss diving in Raja Ampat to capture this incredible moment!
The type of shark that you can meet in Raja Ampat is a flat-bodied shark called “Wobbegong”, Maybe for you this is a new thing that you may have never seen before. In fact, the Wobbegong is a very tough predator.
This is the second endemic species you will find in Raja Ampat, the Tasseled Wobbegong Shark (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon). Much less elusive, more numerous and easier to find than their Bamboo Shark cousins, this shark is classed as a species of least concern on the IUCN red list.
These sharks are uniquely camouflaged, making them look like real soft corals as they hide in small caves and crevices. But luckily they are much larger than the Walking Sharks, making them a bit easier to spot on your dive. The Wobbegong will always be ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey as they patiently lie in wait.
And just on a side note from sharks, in Raja Ampat you will also find at least 40 types of coral and 35 types of fish that are found nowhere else in the world.
2. Palau, Blue Corner
Palau is an incredible dive destination that should not be missed. This dive spot was established in 2009 as the world’s first shark sanctuary.
Palau provides its own charm as a shark sanctuary; around this island nation it is most common to see these species of sharks; leopard sharks, grey reef sharks,and white tip and black tip reef sharks.
There are many schools of sharks that certainly challenge you to get up close to see, including grey reef sharks that you can see in several locations.
Additionally, on the less common side of the encounters, you can witness hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks and bull sharks. One of the most recommended spots for divers to see these in Palau is Blue Corner.
Blue Corner consists of a coral plateau extending into the open sea. The current is very strong at high tide, and the clarity of the water creates crystal-clear visibility and encourages fish to act while in the cacophony and ripples of the sea.
3. Fiji, Beqa Lagoon
Fiji is a very famous and phenomenal place that offers amazing diving spots. Beqa Lagoon, located just off the southern coast of Viti Levu, is a popular spot for shark diving. There are ferocious predatory sharks such as tiger sharks and bull sharks which can be found here.
Only a maximum of 20 guests are allowed to go to this location, which will be led by a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
Viti Levu Island was designated as a nature reserve in 2004, offering beautiful coral reefs and shark species.
Additionally, you can come to the Yasawa islands to get really close to sharks, seeing tiger sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and silverfin sharks at close range.
4. Bahamas, Tiger Beach
The Bahamas is made up of many small islands and is a favourite diving spot for shark watching. Divers have a good chance to see shark species including tiger sharks, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, Caribbean reef sharks and many other types of sharks.
One of the iconic species that can be found throughout the Bahamas are Tiger Sharks which can be seen at Tiger Beach, located in Grand Bahama.
Sharks are a solitary species, but in the Bahamas you can see them in groups and even get to see pregnant females. Don’t miss this rare moment, make diving the Bahamas your next dive destination.
5. Philippines, Malapascua
You can see thresher sharks almost daily in the Philippines on Malapascua Island at relatively shallow depths. TEC diving is not required for the opportunity to dive and see these Thresher Sharks. This is a rare advantage as these sharks spend most of their time at depths below recreational scuba limits. This is one special place in the world where they will come up to the shallower parts of the water just for you.
The best time to see thresher sharks in Malapascua is just before dawn, as thresher sharks are very sensitive to light. The species is nocturnal, hence the large eyes help them hunt in the dark at depths where they spend their time pre dawn.
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