Sharks generally strike fear into the heart of the average swimmer. For some, however, the idea of sharing ocean space with the sharks is exciting and exhilarating. Fortunately, there are a handful of destinations around the world where shark lovers can visit their ferocious finned friends.
Your level of diving experience doesn’t matter. There are tons of great tours and trips available for both beginners and experienced divers alike. Some diving experiences take place in the safety of a controlled aquarium, but most divers agree that the best way to see a shark is in its natural habitat. Most of these trips consist of a boat rides into deep waters. Here we present 10 of our favorite locations for swimming with the sharks.
1. Galapagos Islands
The waters off of the Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, are home to a variety of marine species you might not see anywhere else. The hammerhead sharks in these waters are as large as 15 feet long, and you’re sure to see some marine iguanas as well!
2. The Maldives
The Maldives is located directly on the earth’s equator, near Sri Lanka. These waters are home to some of the world’s most beautiful reefs, which house 16 different breeds of reef shark. The waters here are crystal clear, and you’re sure to see hammerheads and whale sharks as well.
3. Neptune Islands
The Neptune Islands can be found off of the cost of South Australia. This area is well known for being the place where the film “Jaws” was created. Cage dives to see the great white shark are led by the esteemed Rodney Fox.
4. Underwater World
Underwater World, in Singapore, is an excellent destination for beginners. Participants do not have to be certified divers and will never step foot into the sea. Guides will take visitors into large tanks where they’ll be able to visit with sharks and a variety of other marine wildlife.
5. Dyer Island
Dyer Island, otherwise known as Shark Alley, is located off the coast of Africa. Tours from Dyer Island feature experience divers who take visitors in cages to visit with the great white sharks in the waters of South Africa. Your best chances of seeing a shark in these waters is during the winter months.
6. Cocos Island
Cocos Island, off the coast of Costa Rica, is one of the most active shark locations in the Pacific. Dives take place from ships only, and visitors are sure to see rays, whales, and dolphins as well as Galapagos sharks. The region is well known as a destination for schooling hammerhead sharks as well. Cocos Island is the perfect destination for a family, providing interesting attractions on land as well as in the sea.
7. Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is known for it’s diverse variety of marine life. There are so many shark breeds it’s almost impossible to leave without seeing one. You’re bound to come in contact with silvertips, nurse sharks, tiger sharks, and more.
8. Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh, in Egypt, is considered a luxury destination for the shark enthusiast. Tour groups will gladly escort you into the depths of the Straits of Tiran and the Red Sea to visit with your aquatic friends.
9. Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are located off the coast of Burma. These waters are the home to the whale shark, which has a reputation for being one of the gentlest of the shark breeds. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll see the shovel-nosed ray, orca whales, and even moray eels!
10. Sand Diego, California
The water off the shores of San Diego, California is home to a variety of hungry sharks. San Diego may not seem as luxurious as some of the other locations we’ve explored. Divers take guests into the deep waters in steel cages and chain mail suits, where they will be thrilled to visit with great white, blue, and mako sharks.
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Visit the following websites for more information on sharks and aquatic adventures:
Hawaii Scuba Diving
Scuba Bahamas
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