Diving with sharks is an exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience. It allows us to witness these magnificent creatures with their natural behaviour and in their natural habitat.

From the graceful movements of hammerheads to the majestic presence of whale sharks, the world's oceans offer incredible opportunities for divers to encounter these apex predators up close.

In this piece, we'll explore the top five destinations around the world where you can dive with sharks. Whether you're a seasoned diver seeking new thrills or a beginner eager to embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure, these destinations promise unique moments with some of the ocean's most iconic inhabitants. So, grab your scuba gear and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of sharks!

Socorro Islands, Mexico - Hammerheads

Between the months of November and May, the Socorro Islands offer an ideal location for those interested in shark diving. With crystal-clear waters and a variety of marine life, this destination is a must-visit for divers. The islands are home to various sharks, including schooling hammerheads, Galapagos, silky, and silver tip sharks. If you want to see multiple shark species in their natural habitat, this is one of the best diving spots to visit. Apart from sharks, you're also likely to see other pelagic sea creatures like dolphins, manta rays, pilot whales, and even humpback whales.

Tiger Beach, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas - Tiger sharks

Imagine: crystal-clear blue waters with the softest white sandy bottom and a plethora of sharks swimming in and out of your frame of vision. Tiger Beach, named after its most notorious visitor, is one of the best places in the world to see tiger sharks. You can visit this spot from October to January when it is frequently visited by tiger sharks, as well as nurse, lemon, and Caribbean reef sharks.

Wolf and Darwin Islands, Galapagos - Whale sharks

The Wolf and Darwin Islands are the northernmost islands in the Galapagos, and thus the waters surrounding these islands are the warmest in the region. When the plankton blooms, it creates an ideal feeding ground for whale sharks. The whale sharks in the Galapagos are bigger than anywhere else in the world, growing up to 15 meters in length. If you’re wishing to see these magnificent creatures, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June to November.

Koh Lanta, Thailand - Zebra/leopard sharks

The zebra or leopard shark is known as one of the cutest sharks in the ocean. These curious creatures are super chill and relaxed, drawing attention from divers due to their beautiful dotted patterns on their dorsal side. While we can never guarantee sightings when dealing with wildlife, if you visit a dive spot called Hin Bida off the coast of the Phi Phi Islands between October and May, you will almost certainly see them.

Beqa Lagoon, Fiji - Bull sharks

The dry season of May to September in Beqa Lagoon, Fiji boasts some of the best shark diving the world has ever seen. Well known for its population of bull sharks, this time of year provides the best weather to be out on the ocean, and is also outside of the bull shark mating season, meaning they are more likely to be docile and available for observation. In addition to bull sharks, these dives also offer the amazing opportunity to observe nurse, tiger, lemon, grey, silver tip, white tip, and black tip reef sharks.

These dive spots offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will no doubt, leave you in awe. So, pack your bags, grab your scuba gear, and get ready to explore these top dive spots for an unforgettable shark diving adventure!

Written by Kayli Wouters

LinkedIn | Instagram