Compared to the 2,000,000 deaths attributed to mosquitoes, we can now acknowledge that sharks are far from being the bloodthirsty killers portrayed in the famous film Jaws. Statistically speaking, even a toaster is more dangerous than a shark.
This is no longer news. That's why many people today seek the ultimate thrill through scuba diving with sharks, without feeling like they're risking their lives.
Scuba diving offers adrenaline enthusiasts one major advantage: complete immersion and full visibility of their surroundings. Among the few shark attacks that occur globally, divers are actually among the least affected - surfers are the most vulnerable, often mistaken for prey due to their board's silhouette.
So where can you find sharks?
Sharks inhabit waters worldwide, but if you're hoping to encounter one, tropical regions offer your best chances.
Below is a far from exhaustive list giving a rough idea of shark species you might encounter in different zones:
- Caribbean: Home to reef sharks and nurse sharks. The Caribbean is famous for its shark feeding centres where sharks are hand-fed.
- Polynesia: Blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, and lemon sharks.
- Pacific Islands: Hammerheads, bull sharks, and blacktail sharks.
- California, Africa and Australia for great white sharks!
Great white sharks are also present in the Mediterranean, with some sightings near Corsica. However, although this population is resident, their small numbers make encounters rare.
Shark encounters
Many divers have found themselves face-to-face with sharks unexpectedly. Yet not all sharks should inspire wariness. Nurse sharks, zebra sharks, basking sharks, whale sharks, and whitetip reef sharks pose no threat. If you encounter these, you can continue your dive normally.
Of 450 shark species, only a handful are considered dangerous! While you're extremely unlikely to encounter them, exercise caution with:
- Tiger sharks
- Great white sharks
- Bull sharks
- Oceanic whitetip sharks
- Mako sharks
For thrill-seekers, there are ways to actively seek encounters:
- Shark feeding dives: This controversial practice has become popular as it allows diving with shark species that would otherwise be hard to attract. However, it's debated due to ecosystem impacts, potential dangers if poorly conducted, and its artificial nature.
- You can also seek encounters in known shark territories through cage diving experiences in Australia or South Africa to see great whites!
How about you - does diving with sharks appeal to you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
