If you're like some of us at Just Gotta Dive (JGD), you like nothing quite so much as the idea of getting up close and personal with some of the world's biggest predators. Whether you're a seasoned shark diving aficionado, or if you're still on the fence regarding the wisdom or safety of entering the water with massive killers capable of tearing you limb from limb in the space of less than a minute, you probably agree that without sharks, our oceans would be lackluster - to say the least. We've got to admit it - we love sharks! Try visiting one of these top destinations for diving with sharks and you'll be likely to agree.
Gansbaai, South Africa
Located near Cape Town, Gansbaai is among the world's best places to encounter Great White Sharks. The sharks here like to lie in wait for penguins and seals which must inevitably enter the water to capture food of their own; the action takes place mostly in a shallow channel between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island. There are a number of excellent cage dive operators in the area; and as a bonus, the water in the channel is clear enough so that even divers still onboard the boat can see the sharks as they approach the cage.
Nassau, Bahamas
Not only is Nassau a great place to enjoy a relaxing dive along a lovely reef, it's a fantastic place to climb into a cage for a close encounter with tiger sharks - known second only to Great Whites for their tendency to attack when provoked. In addition to cage dives, dive operators at Nassau offer shark feeding trips outside cages. Though this sounds risky, chain mail is provided and less aggressive reef sharks are most often encountered. While diving in the Bahamas, whether on a shark specific dive or not, you're likely to encounter nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and even hammerheads. Despite the fact that these species are rarely involved in attacks - much less in attacks on divers - the thrill that comes as part of being surrounded by sharks competing for nibbles of chum is one that is certainly unforgettable.
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
The world's largest uninhabited island, and located 300 miles off Costa Rica, Cocos Island is best known for its hammerhead shark population. As this location is remote, it is only possible to visit via liveaboard; and in addition to schooling hammerheads, you're likely to encounter bull sharks and white tip sharks. If you're extra lucky, you may even encounter whale sharks! Other species commonly encountered here include silvertip, blacktip, and guitar sharks; eagle rays, mobula rays, marble rays, and manta rays are often seen as well; particularly around cleaning stations. The best time for shark diving at Cocos Island is during the rainy season, which lasts from June through December. During these months, hammerhead numbers are greatest.
Rhode Island, USA
Surprise! Did you think we would forget about Rhode Island? During the hottest months of summer, when you're dying for a dip in the Atlantic, you can enjoy some outstanding cage diving. In June, basking sharks are often encountered, sunning themselves just a few inches from the surface; between July and October, there are plenty of blue sharks hunting a short distance off the coast. In addition, keep an eye out for mako sharks; if you're fortunate, you may even see them leaping more than ten feet in the air.
Rocas Atoll, Brazil
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rocas Atoll is located 144 miles off mainland Brazil. While you won't find Great Whites here, you'll find plenty of other sharks - and you won't be required to dive in a cage to see them. Lemon sharks and reef sharks prowl the waters in search of fish for their lunch, while nurse sharks often rest under coral covered overhangs during daylight hours. For a look at undisturbed reef life at its best, Rocas Atoll is an excellent destination.
Neptune Island, Australia
Neptune Island is at its best during the cool months of May through October; it is then that Great Whites visit in search of the seals and sea lions that make their homes on the island's rocky shores. To experience Great White cage diving at its best, go with one of the liveaboards out of Port Lincoln; though day trips are available, you'll get a lot more time with the sharks if you elect to take an extended trip. All diving here is conducted from cages, for your safety; the sharks are in a feeding frenzy much of the time, and just about anything floating in the water is likely to be bitten. The action is spectacular; if you love sharks like we do, then this is one destination to add to your bucket list.
Guadalupe Island, Mexico
Mexico's Guadalupe Island is within fairly easy reach of Southern California and from the Baja Peninsula. As with other sites where Great Whites are feeding on seals and sea lions, the diving here is conducted from cages. As cage dives go, these are some of the very best; the water is clear here, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet, and the sharks are massive. In addition, some local dive operators have cages which can be lowered to a depth of about 30 feet, so certified divers can get an even better look at the predators. All excursions here are liveaboards, and operators focus on sharing the experience with small groups. Guadalupe Island is located just under 160 miles from Baja, and about 220 miles southwest of San Diego; it is quite a journey, but one you'll never regret having taken.
Whether you decide to enjoy the safety and protection cage diving affords, or if you decide to stick to exploring reefs where sharks roam, you are certain to come away with a whole new sense of wonder at these ancient predators - and with a new commitment to protecting them and the oceans, as well. At Scuba Divers Travel Network, we know it takes a committed community to make the changes our oceans need in order to survive - and with better knowledge of sharks, people like you can join us in our quest. So, dive with sharks, and share the experience with a friend. Together, we can make an important difference.