Dive trips for the faint and not so faint hearted…
Fear, fascination, infatuation, adrenalin junkie or prior shark encounter… Almost every shark enthusiast can attest to the fact that one of the above probably gave them the passion for shark diving they have now.
Shark diving is one of the most adrenalin pumping ways to enjoy scuba diving. For some, it is the reason they dive! Yet to others, shark diving is the worst idea ever conceived. These often misunderstood animals are majestic in their natural habitat, and can be observed calm and non-threatening way. Whether sharks petrify you or not, no one can deny that rush of adrenalin you feel when you put your mask into the water and see a shark or 10 below you doing their thing – it’s definitely a rush!
Various dive companies around the world have found a concentration of particular sharks in their waters, and offer shark dive experiences as an option to certified divers. So where can you find some sharks outside an aquarium? Here are some of our favourite shark diving experiences, where you are almost guaranteed to spot what you came for.
#1 Malapascua Island, Philippines
Malapascua Island in the Philippines is home to one of the most unique shark diving experiences. This tropical location plays home to an abundance of Thresher Sharks. Whipping their tails in an effort to stun their pray, Threshers are a unique and easy to identify species. These pelagic sharks are rare to spot but can be found frequenting the cleaning station at Monad Shoal, Philippines. If you want a one-of-a-kind shark experience, Check out Malapascua Island.
#2 Beqa Lagoon, Fiji
Feeding a bull shark by hand…. Sound crazy? That’s what you will witness on this world renowned shark dive. Ogle at your Divemaster as they hand feed these ferocious creatures who glide straight past your camera, mouth full and chomping. Located in a shark marine reserve, there is no better way to feed your obsession or overcome your fears of the famed Bull Shark then to dive with them! If you’re lucky, you also may spot tigers, lemon and reef sharks at the same time. If passing through Pacific Harbour, Fiji, give yourself some time to do this one; you won’t regret it!
#3 Neptune Islands, South Australia
If you’re a true adrenalin junkie, you can’t go past the chomping, circling and breaching of the greatest of all sharks, the Great White Shark. See these fearsome sharks in their natural habitat off the Neptune Islands, hunting amongst the New Zealand seal colonies. Approximately 70kms from Port Lincoln, Rodney Fox Expeditions takes you on an experience you won’t get anywhere else. Not only do you experience Great Whites on the surface, but you are submerged to a depth of up to 18 metres to observe from a completely different angle. If you’re looking for a diving trip with some edge, you can’t go past this experience.
#4 Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Imagine dropping 30 metres in between current filled volcanic islands and straight into a giant school of majestic hammerheads. Look up, down, left and right and all you can see is that infamous silhouette passing you from every direction. Take in the breathtaking experience of a whale shark passing you gracefully, all while trying to make sure you get a glimpse of the variety of other marine life coming at you from every which direction. Sound too good to be true? It’s definitely not, but it’s a journey for the adventurous. Take yourself to the other side of the world and experience all the Galapagos Islands have to offer. You’ll probably spot your fair share of Lemon Sharks, Reef Sharks and possibly even a Galapagos shark as well. A trip of a lifetime that you will want to repeat every year from then on.
With so many beautiful locations around the world offer shark diving, it’s just a matter of picking your option and deciding what kind of sharks you want to see!
Need inspiration for your next holiday? We can help you get to your dream shark diving location. Have a look at some great destinations here, or contact us to get the ball rolling.