There are currently over 440 different species of sharks in the world’s oceans. From carpet sharks to whale sharks and silverbacks to skink sharks, it’s easy to see why so many scuba divers are so fascinated by seeing them. Many of us plan entire vacations and dive around to see these magnificent creatures.
Bajo Alcyone – Cocos Island, Costa Rica
The most dangerous diving route in the world.
Off the coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island consistently ranks as one of the world’s top destinations for hammerhead shark diving. The site is accessible only by liveaboard. Baojo Alcyone is the world’s most challenging and challenging dive. The site reaches depths of up to 82 feet (25 meters) and attracts dozens of hammerhead sharks. All you have to do is dive to the top of the platform, enter a protected area, and watch the schools of fish swim around.
Monad Shoal – Malapascua, Philippines
Shark watching spots in the Philippines.
With more than seven thousand islands, the Philippines has hundreds of shark diving sites where visitors can see whale sharks, reef sharks and zebra sharks. However, shark enthusiasts will know the Philippines for its special dive site – Malapascua’s Monad Shoal. This is the only place in the world that is home to thresher sharks. At a depth of 100 feet (30 meters), divers wait for the sharks to come for their daily cleaning.
Gordon Rocks – Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos.
The Galapagos Islands are one of three destinations that make up the “Shark Triangle.” The other two are Cocos Island and Malpelo. Like the other destinations, the Galapagos are home to schools of hammerhead sharks, and one location in particular is known as a shark diving mecca. At Gordon Rocks, an eroded volcanic crater near Santa Cruz Island, strong currents attract dozens of hammerheads into a confined area. Divers can get quite close to the sharks safely, but this dive should only be attempted by divers experienced with current diving.
Tiger Beach – Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
See ferocious tiger sharks at Tiger Beach.
The Bahamas is known as the world’s most exclusive shark diving destination. Here, you can swim with reef sharks, hammerheads, and great whites in the ocean around these stunning islands. However, one of the best places is Tiger Beach, where you are almost guaranteed to encounter tiger sharks. Every day, a few of these aggressive sharks come out for local divers to see. Divers wait in groups on the sandy bottom as the sharks circle for a few minutes. As an added bonus, you can also see nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and Caribbean reef sharks while diving at Tiger Beach.
Pipín – Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
Queen's Garden is a sanctuary for many sharks.
Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina (Queen’s Gardens) is fast becoming one of the world’s most exclusive shark diving destinations. Accessible only by liveaboard, the reserve boasts some surprisingly sharp dives. At Pipín, divers can swim with 30 sharks and Caribbean reef sharks in a single dive. After years of being protected by the Cuban government, the sharks are comfortable letting divers get close to them.
Isla Guadalupe, Mexico
Watch great white sharks in Mexico.
As one of only four places in the world where you can dive with great white sharks, Isla Guadalupe is quickly becoming a favorite. The reason why great white sharks are found here is because of the warm, clear waters. Here, you can dive with these giant sharks using an open cage, half of which protrudes from your protection for an unobstructed view of the predators. Isla Guadalupe is only accessible by liveaboard.
Placencia, Belize
Watch giant whale sharks.
If you’re looking for sharks that are a little more gentle, try diving with whale sharks in Belize. Gladden Spit near Placencia is known for being home to these giants, drawn to the area for the delicious eggs produced by red snapper spawners. The best chance of seeing whale sharks while diving is just before and just after the full moon.
