In the imagination of many people, there is only one type of shark: a large species weighing hundreds of kilos, with a dark colour and a fearsome mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth capable of tearing a person apart in a single bite. Not to forget its signature feature... Its large dorsal fin slicing through the sea’s surface.
This may be a sinisterly accurate image in some cases, but it cannot be applied to the majority of existing species.
Many Species, Many Behaviours
Their lifestyles can be as varied as their appearance! Some live near the surface, shaped like powerful, perfect swimming machines, with colouring expertly designed—bluish on the back and whitish on the belly—allowing them to go completely unnoticed by observers both above and below.
Others, in contrast, spend their entire lives in contact with the seafloor, adopting a flattened shape adorned with intricate patterns, sometimes resembling a literal carpet, to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Some thrive in tropical waters, others in temperate zones, and even a few in polar regions. Certain species have adapted to the open ocean, many to coastal areas, and some to the freshwaters of rivers and lakes, like the Lake Nicaragua shark.
Some exceed twelve metres in length yet are entirely harmless and docile, while others, as adults, barely reach fifty centimetres. But despite such diversity, their number of species is relatively small—just three hundred—compared to the twenty thousand existing fish species.
Where to Find Them
Adventure tourism lets you see sharks in the wild—though bear in mind it’s far from easy, especially if you’re not deliberately seeking an encounter.
To dive with sharks, you must choose your location carefully to maximise the chances of spotting them. Many dive sites pride themselves on the ease of observing sharks up close, such as Bahamas or Polynesia, where feeding shows attract large numbers of these animals.
A more authentic alternative is venturing to remote locations where sharks remain abundant and untouched by mass tourism, like Galápagos, Cocos Island, Malpelo, or Revillagigedo. Their lush waters teem with these majestic hunters, making them legendary for diving.
The most thrilling—yet costly and logistically challenging—option is exploring areas far from conventional diving routes. Nearly all oceans hide pristine, wild pockets where marine life thrives undisturbed. Diving here is where true underwater adventure begins!
Tips for Diving with Sharks
Even with so-called "harmless" species, never attempt to touch, disturb, or block their path. A docile nurse shark still has jaws strong enough to cause serious harm.
Some species, calm by day, turn skittish or aggressive at night. Avoid night diving in shark-rich areas.
When observing sharks, keep your back protected by the seabed’s topography. In open water, position yourself back-to-back with your buddy. Always maintain visual contact—sharks should know they’re being watched.
Avoid murky waters with high shark activity, especially near bait. Unpredictable behaviour is common here. Learn to identify potentially dangerous species beforehand. Any animal over two metres long warrants caution (this applies to many marine species).
Some sharks approach curiously rather than flee. Stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and swim slowly to the boat or shore while monitoring their body language—aggression often manifests in erratic swimming or jerky motions.
In shark-dense waters, minimise surface time; descend and ascend swiftly.
The King of the Seas: The Great White
For shark enthusiasts, facing the ocean’s most powerful predator—the great white—is a bucket-list experience. Expeditions to see them run in two locations: Australia’s south and South Africa.
In Australia, despite ideal diving conditions, sightings are dwindling due to historical overfishing. Today, they’re a protected species.
South Africa boasts a robust great white population, but harsh weather—cold, murky waters and spartan equipment (compared to Australia)—makes cage diving arduous even for experts. Yet, the sharks’ abundance enables coastal cetacean watching, reducing expedition costs significantly.
Now that you’re armed with the facts... Ready to plunge into this underwater adventure?
