Seeing a shark up close in the wild is a moment that stays with you forever. Exhilarating. Exciting. Truly, life enhancing. Sharks hold a very special place in the heart of most scuba divers, and a shark encounter is justifiably at the top of many diver’s wish lists. But with shark populations under threat, and an entire blue planet to explore, it can be tricky to know where to go in the world to experience sharks first-hand. And that’s where our dive travel experts can help.
Here, at Diverse Travel, we really share your passion for wildlife encounters. We’re also corporate patrons of leading UK-based conservation charity the Shark Trust, working together to help safeguard the future of sharks and helping our guests get involved in shark and ray conservation.
You can find out more about our partnership in our blog here… and read on for our top recommendations of the best destinations for scuba diving and swimming with sharks.
Shark Diving in the Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most diverse diving locations worldwide. From the inside atoll lagoons, which offer calm, shallow shore dives, to the outer atoll walls with their strong currents, breathtaking topography and whole range of wildlife. Encounters with Grey and Whitetip Reef Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks and gentle giant Whale Sharks are possible throughout the Maldives islands, but if you’re serious about your shark diving, we recommend you head south!
Fuvahmulah atoll is THE shark diving hotspot in the Maldives. Known especially for its large Tiger Shark population, especially at the so-called ‘Tiger Zoo’ dive site, divers will also be thrilled to encounter Hammerhead and Thresher Sharks, plus plenty of other shark species too at this remote spot. And don’t forget the giant Oceanic Manta Rays.
Liveaboards in the Maldives are a great way to see and experience even more. If seeing sharks underwater is top of your list, we recommend a shark-specific itinerary such as Southern Shark Adventure or Deep South, ideally from December to March.
Shark Diving in Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Accessible only via liveaboard, remote Cocos Island in the Pacific Ocean is legendary as one of the world’s best destinations to dive with Hammerhead Sharks. Divers who make the 32-hour boat crossing are likely to be rewarded with the incredible sight of literally hundreds of Hammerheads on a single dive.
This is a thrilling destination for adventurous and experienced divers… but oh so worth it! Cocos Island National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Island of Sharks.” Divers can expect to encounter schools of Scalloped and Great Hammerheads, Silky Sharks, Blacktip, Whitetip and Silvertips, Galapagos Sharks and more. Cocos Island is the ultimate shark diving destination for wildlife lovers. We highly recommend extending your stay in beautiful Costa Rica to see nature at its finest above water too.
Shark Diving in South Africa
South Africa is well known as a destination for big wildlife encounters and under the sea is no exception. Gansbaai, just outside Cape Town, is often called the “Great White Shark Capital of the World” and offers unparalleled opportunities for cage diving with Great Whites. You don’t even need to be a scuba diver for this, but you definitely do need to be an adrenaline seeker!
South Africa is a great destination for a multi-centre holiday and there is so much to see all year round. You won’t want to miss a visit to Aliwal Shoal, close to the small town of Umkomaas on the East coast. Head here for thrilling Tiger Shark encounters, best seen from December to May, or spot Ragged Tooth, Dusky Sharks and Whales from May through November. Whale Sharks are also seen in the early months of the year.
Even more epic encounters can be seen during the spectacular Sardine Run, which takes place off the southeast coast of Africa from the end of May to the start of July. The Natal Sardine Run is legendary, not only because of the sheer volumes of these shiny little fish, but also due to the attendant escort of hungry predators. Add on a Wildlife Safari for some Big Five game viewing or a stay in Mozambique for more shark and wildlife action – we will be delighted to put together a bespoke holiday for you.
Shark Diving in the Red Sea
Egypt’s Red Sea is one of the most-loved destinations for UK divers and it offers a tremendous amount of versatility and guaranteed great diving across the board. Sharks including Oceanic Whitetips, Grey Reef Sharks and even Tiger and Thresher Sharks can be encountered on offshore reefs and the marine parks. Whale Sharks have also been spotted here increasingly in recent years.
Statistically, the warmer summer months offer the best chance of encountering sharks in the Red Sea. There are many specific shark itineraries available on liveaboards and these often also offer a great opportunity to brush up your knowledge with specialist marine life presentations onboard.
Shark Diving in the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands have long held the top spot on most diver’s bucket lists. Darwin and Wolf Islands, in particular, offer legendary shark and marine life encounters of all kinds. Want to hang in the deep blue with hundreds of Hammerheads? Tick.
The diving is fabulous all year round but June to November is prime time for larger numbers of sharks and Whale Shark encounters. Liveaboard holidays in the Galápagos Islands are the pinnacle for lovers of nature and wildlife. There is so much to see above and below the water, this is a once in a lifetime trip not to be missed.
Shark Diving in Mexico
If you’re looking for incredible marine life encounters, add Mexico’s Revillagigedo Islands to your list! Four remote, volcanic islands including Socorro, nestled deep in the Pacific Ocean, that can only be reached by liveaboard. This is the diving of dreams… schooling Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, playful Dolphins, Silky Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Oceanic Whitetips, Whale Sharks, Whales, and, of course, Manta Rays. Join Diverse Travel on one of our expert-led private charters to the Revillagigedo archipelago – book early as there are strictly limited places for this bucket list trip!
If you’re looking for a land-based holiday to Mexico, why not combine a trip to the Cenotes, with the chance to see Bull Sharks and Whale Sharks off Mexico’s Caribbean coast. These seasonal encounters are ideal for those who want to enjoy a mix of different diving styles and Whale Shark snorkelling trips are perfect for non-diving family and friends.
Other Top Destinations for Shark Diving Worldwide
The Islands of The Bahamas offer some of the best shark diving spots worldwide. Head to Grand Bahama and the eponymous Tiger Beach for world class dives in superbly clear water with Tiger Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and Reef Sharks of many kinds. If you’re interested in adventuring even further afield, Palau, Fiji and French Polynesia are also renowned for the quality of their shark diving.
Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon is famous for dives with several species including Bull and Tiger Sharks. Palau boasts resort-based and liveaboard holidays that promise spell-binding shark and ray encounters in fast flowing currents. French Polynesia has large populations of Blacktip and Grey Reef Sharks, and offers a truly exceptional, one-of-a-kind tropical holiday escape in paradise. And if Thresher Sharks are on your wish-list, book a multi-centre holiday to the Philippines and ensure you spend a few days in Malapascua. This island, situated off the north tip of Cebu, is known to be the only place in the world where you can dive with magnificent Thresher Sharks every day. Don’t miss it!
Want to know more about diving with sharks? Interested in booking your next holiday to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat? Get in touch with our dive travel experts today and we will help you plan your next diving trip to maximise your chances of incredible shark encounters and much more. Unforgettable adventures await!
Photos: With thanks to Frogfish Photography.
