If the thought of being surrounded by one of man’s most feared water predator does not send chills through our spine, then you will love the idea of seeing a wide variety of sharks swimming from one side to the next in Saint Martin’s inviting waters. You will come face to face with these large mouth creatures looking for food or curiously examining the new comers to the underwater world. You will have the chance to sit in a semi-circle while a trained diver feeds the sharks or you can choose to have a closer contact with them without the cage. If you really think you can embrace the thought of seeing 20-30 of these large predators near you, then hold your breath while you learn about the many sharks that you can see in Saint Martin along with the ways in which they are fed.
Shark species in St. Martin
Black Tip Reef Sharks
Black tip reef sharks are easily identified by the prominent black marks that are on their fins. They are abundant in numbers and are often found in shallow, inshore water. They are known to remain in a specific area for a long period of time and are often considered to be timid when approached by humans. However, the invasion of their natural habitat by humans has caused it to become less skittish towards humans.
Caribbean Reef Sharks
These are popular sharks in the Caribbean Sea and are often found in tropical waters. They do not have prominent markings on their fins and display rather dusky-colored fins rather than a defined color. They are considered to be night predators and are often caught on camera resting motionless at the bottom of the water. They are not considered aggressive; however, in the presence of food they become very hyperactive demonstrating some degree of aggressiveness.
Gray Reef Sharks
Gray sharks have large eyes and broad snouts. They are often found in shallow water and are different from the black tip reef sharks due to the white tip that is present on its first dorsal fin. They are aggressive sharks and perform a particular display when they are going to attack.
Black Nose Sharks
These sharks are found in both tropical and sub-tropical waters and have a large snout and large eyes. It is not dangerous to humans, but great care should be taken when an attack display is being performed.
What to Expect While Shark Diving in St Martin
When diving in St. Martin you will have the chance to come in contact with the species mentioned above and a few others. It is not advisable to do shark diving by yourself, because there are a lot of precautions that should be taken when swimming among these large predators. If you decide to go with a diving company then you will be taken to a shark site and from there operators will perform what is known as ‘shark feeding’. This is a dangerous activity and all care should be taken to not find yourself on the shark’s buffet table. Different operators will perform their operations differently. You may be given weights to hold you firmly in place while the shark feeding is taking place or may be instructed to remain a certain distance from the feeding spot. In some cases there is a rope that you will cling to as well.
It is important that you have enough air while you are shark diving. This is because you will not be forced to leave the diving site in the middle of the sharks being fed only to find yourself being cornered by the hungry animals.
A qualified shark feeder will lure the sharks with small bits of food that usually consists of small fish. Once the sharks sense that food is near, then expect to see them coming out in their numbers and competing for food. During this period they will demonstrate some degree of aggressiveness and it will be important to remain motionless while the feeding is being conducted. Camera flashes are known to disturb these animals along with certain types of power sources. For this reason it is advisable not to use flash of power supplies that send off waves. During feeding they can advance at the source and if they feel threatened, the attack can prove to be fatal.
If you are looking for an underwater diving thrill with man’s most feared water predator then Saint Martin may be the place for you.