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Let's explore some of the best places to "play" with the lord of the ocean depths.
1. Tiger Beach, Bahamas
Photo: Discovery Channel
“Tiger sharks are the star attraction at dive spots, and I once encountered 12 tiger sharks at once while diving at Tiger Beach,” recounts Eli Martinez, a professional shark diver and founder of Shark Diver magazine. Divers have become familiar with tiger sharks that live near spots like Hook, Princess, and most famously Emma, which even has its own Facebook page.
2. Cat Island, Bahamas
Sharks in the waters around Cat Island.
Cat Island is a hidden paradise in the Caribbean, where you have the chance to admire the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world and the Oceanic White Tip Shark. These majestic sharks glide like submarines painted in contrasting shades of brown and black and white. Of course, they don't like sharing their space with people who constantly disturb their privacy, so you must be very careful when snorkeling to see them.
3. Bimini, Bahamas
Sharks in Bimini, Bahamas. Photo: Discovery Channell
Hammerhead sharks are one of the world's most unusual and fascinating shark species 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 (about 80 km) from Florida, Bimini is considered the "capital" of the world's largest hammerhead shark population. It's also a place 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. Scuba diving here allows you to see colorful marine life and the distinctive bull sharks. The local Fijians sometimes feed them fish, and it's fascinating to see these "ocean predators" behaving like pets when being fed. Besides sharks, you can also spot hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, and several other species at Beqa Lagoon.
5. The Cove, La Jolla, California, USA
La JollaCaliforniaTo beIt is home to many species of fish.h: Discovery channel
Just a short swim from shore, you can find plenty of sharks during the summer months in La Jolla, California. In the fall, leopard sharks, top sharks, horn sharks, and angel sharks can also be seen here. For a more challenging experience, take a boat out about 10 miles (16 km) to play with blue sharks and mako sharks – the fastest sharks in the ocean.
6. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Sharks in the waters off Mexico. Photo: Discovery Channel
The largest shark in the ocean is the whale shark, and the best place to dive and see them is Isla Mujeres. Hundreds of these massive whale sharks migrate here every year to find food and "mate." This allows visitors to simply jump into the blue water and encounter these rare whale sharks. You'll feel their ever-present readiness to devour you with their large, wide-open mouths.
7. Rhode Island, USA
Sharks in Rhole Island. Photo: Discovery Channel
Throughout the summer and fall, blue sharks and shortfin mako sharks can be found migrating along the Gulf Stream all the way to the New England coast (including Rhode Island). This is one of the few destinations in the world where you'll regularly encounter these lords of the ocean.
8. Nassau, Bahamas
Sharks in Nassau. Photo: Discovery Channel
If you're new to swimming with sharks, Nassau is the perfect place to experience it, especially with its Caribbean reef sharks. For decades, Nassau has been a popular destination for shark-watching enthusiasts and film crews alike.Shark WeekYou can dive among shipwrecks and shark habitats to watch professional hand-feeders. They wear chain-bound diving suits, much like medieval gladiators.
9. North Shore, Hawaii, USA
Sharks in the waters off Hawaii. Photo: Discovery Channel
Hawaii is famous for its many beautiful beaches, powerful high waves, and also for diving to see Galapagos sharks. These aggressive sharks congregate in the turquoise waters off the North Shore of Oahu and can be seen alongside tiger sharks and sandbar sharks. Visitors are safely enclosed in a protective cage while watching them glide menacingly 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 still experience it by swimming with sharks in the coral reefs of the Florida City Aquarium.
