Ideal destinations to 'play' with sharks

Let's take a look at the best places to "play" with the lord of the ocean floor.

1. Tiger Beach, Bahamas

Photo: Discovery Channel

“Tiger sharks are the star attraction at many dive sites, and I once encountered 12 at a time while diving at Tiger Beach,” said Eli Martinez, a professional shark diver and founder of Shark Diver magazine. Divers have become familiar with tiger sharks living near spots like Hook, Princess, and most famously, Emma, ​​where she has a Facebook page.

2. Cat Island, Bahamas

Sharks in the waters of Cat Island.

Cat Island is a sleepy paradise in the Caribbean where you can see the stunning beauty of the ocean floor with the Oceanic White Tip Shark. The sharks float like a submarine with a contrasting brown, black and white paint. Of course, they do not like to share their living space with people who often disturb their privacy, so you must be very careful when diving with them.

3. Bimini, Bahamas

Sharks in Bimini, Bahamas. Photo: Discovery Channell

Hammerhead sharks are one of the most unusual and exciting sharks in the world to dive with. The best place to find them is just off the coast of the small island of Bimini in the Bahamas. Located just 50 miles from Florida, Bimini is considered the hammerhead shark capital of the world. This is also where you can encounter many other shark species such as bull sharks and nurse sharks.

4. Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Sharks at Beqa Lagoon, Fiji. Photo: Rory McGuiness, Discovery Channel

Fiji is home to dozens of different shark species, but when it comes to bull sharks, Beqa Lagoon is the first name that comes to mind. Snorkeling here also allows you to see colorful aquatic life and the distinctive bull sharks. The Fijians sometimes feed them fish, and it is interesting to see these docile “ocean killers” like pets when being fed. Besides, you can also see hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks and several other species in Beqa Lagoon.

5. The Cove, La Jolla, California, USA

La Jolla, CaliforniaTo behabitat of many species of fish.h: Discovery Channel

You can find plenty of sharks just a short swim from shore during the summer months in La Jolla, California. In the fall, leopard sharks, top sharks, horn sharks, and angel sharks can also be seen. For a more challenging experience, take a boat out about 10 miles (16 km) to hang out with blue sharks and mako sharks – the fastest sharks in the ocean.

6. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Sharks in Mexican waters. Photo: Discovery Channel

The largest shark in the ocean is the whale shark and the best place to dive with them is Isla Mujeres. Hundreds of these giant sharks migrate here every year to feed and mate. This allows visitors to jump into the blue water and come face to face with these rare individuals. You will feel them always ready to swallow you whole with their big mouths always open.

7. Rhode Island, USA

Sharks on Rhole Island. Photo: Discovery Channel

During the summer and fall, blue sharks and shortfin mako sharks can be found traveling with the Gulf Stream all the way up to the New England coast (including Rhode Island). This is one of the few places in the world where you can regularly encounter these ocean lords.

8. Nassau, Bahamas

Sharks in Nassau. Photo: Discovery Channel

If you are new to swimming with sharks, the perfect place to experience it is Nassau with its Caribbean reef sharks. For decades, Nassau has been a destination for shark enthusiasts and film crews.Shark Week. You can dive among shipwrecks and shark habitats to see professional hand-feeders, dressed in chained wetsuits like medieval gladiators.

9. North Shore, Hawaii, USA

Sharks in Hawaiian waters. Photo: Discovery Channel

Hawaii is famous for its beautiful beaches, powerful waves, and Galapagos shark diving. These feisty sharks congregate in the blue waters off the North Shore of Oahu and can be seen alongside Tiger and Sandbar sharks. Visitors are kept safe in protective cages while watching them menacingly glide close by.

10. Florida Aquarium, USA

Florida Aquarium. Photo: PrestonC. Mack

If you don't have the opportunity to sail far out to sea, you can also experience swimming with sharks in the coral reef of the Florida Aquarium.

The Thanh