The 7 Best Places in the World to Dive with Sharks (and Be Blown Away)

The first time you dive with sharks, you never forget it. It’s not fear—well, maybe a little—but the kind that makes your heart race in the best way. It’s pure adrenaline. The kind of nerves that make you feel alive.

There’s something about the way they move, how they glide past you without even noticing, leaving you speechless.

That’s why I’ve put together 8 incredible destinations across the globe where scuba diving with sharks isn’t just a promise…it’s a real possibility.

Some will feel like once-in-a-lifetime adventures, others might surprise you by being closer than you think. But all of them share one thing: encounters so unforgettable you’ll carry them with you forever.

Diving with Sharks: More Than Adrenaline, a Life-Changing Experience

My story with sharks started early… too early, some might say. I was four years old when my mother decided it was a good idea to take me to an open-air summer cinema to watch Jaws—yes, Spielberg’s classic, in all its glory.

No cartoons. No gentle bedtime stories. Just a massive screen, shaky loudspeakers in a town square, and a bloodthirsty shark making its grand entrance. 😱

But instead of scaring me off, it sparked something else: fascination. From that night on, I knew I wanted to see one for myself. Not on TV. Not behind glass in an aquarium. I wanted to dive with sharks in their world, under their rules.

The first time I finally did (excluding a small angel shark in the Canary Islands), I surfaced with my mask filled—not with water, but with tears. Tears of pure emotion. Because no matter how much you prepare, the moment that shark glides into view—calm, powerful, undeniably real—it flips something inside you. And it feels amazing.

I can’t predict how you’ll react the first time. Maybe you’ll keep your cool, as if spotting a shark was your usual Tuesday. Or maybe your heart will hammer so hard you’ll swear your wetsuit is about to split.

But here’s the truth: that moment—the shark gliding by, unbothered, majestic—brands itself into your memory. And it’s not just a memory you keep… it’s one you’ll crave to relive.

7 Jaw-Dropping Destinations to Dive with Sharks

Some destinations offer peaceful dives, with colorful reefs and schools of playful little fish.

And then there are these. Wild places where you know sharks are waiting—because you’ve heard the stories, seen the videos, and spent months dreaming of that moment—and yet, when they finally show up, they leave you speechless.

There’s no ranking here from best to worst. Each destination has its own magic: rare species, raw natural settings, rich cultures, and unique travel vibes. But they all share one unforgettable promise—the chance to dive with sharks.

Dive with Sharks in the Galápagos: Hammerheads, Wild Encounters, and a World Like No Other

If there’s one place on Earth where seeing sharks is almost guaranteed, it’s the Galápagos Islands. Here, diving with sharks is part of the daily routine.
On a single dive, you can find schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, whitetips, whale sharks, and even curious sea lions dropping in to check out the action. It’s like the ocean’s most incredible creatures all agreed to meet here—and you’re lucky enough to join.

The legendary dive sites of Darwin and Wolf, accessible only by liveaboard, host some of the most breathtaking shark encounters in the world. Imagine dozens of hammerheads sweeping past like fighter jets in formation, silky sharks cruising through the blue, and, if you’re lucky, a whale shark gliding by , making you feel smaller than your GoPro.

But the magic isn’t limited to sharks—manta rays, dolphins, tuna, playful sea lions, and even marine iguanas make every dive feel like an underwater festival.

What makes the Galápagos truly unforgettable is its unmatched biodiversity. Drifting in the current surrounded by so much life feels almost spiritual, a reminder of how wild and alive the ocean really is.

Technical info for diving with sharks in the Galápagos:

Fuvahmulah, Maldives — Where Tiger Sharks Are Practically Locals

In many places, spotting a shark is pure luck. But not in Fuvahmulah.

On this remote island in the southern Maldives, the unusual thing would be not to see one. Here, tiger sharks are permanent residents. They cruise past the harbor like they own the place, and you’ll encounter them on almost every dive—like spotting lizards in a garden.

That’s where you’ll find the now-famous “Tiger Zoo” or “Tiger Point,” a dive site where, without any big setups, you can watch these sharks up close in a controlled environment with experienced guides who know exactly how to move around them.

But Fuvahmulah isn’t just tiger territory. Threshers, hammerheads, grey sharks, and, in season, whale sharks and oceanic mantas make every dive here an adventure.

All of this comes with stunning visibility, an island free of flashy resorts, and a welcoming local vibe that makes you feel at home from day one.

Technical info for diving with sharks in Fuvahmulah (Maldives):

👉 If just reading this gave you a rush, check out the trip to Rasdhoo and Fuvahmulah we’ve got planned. See the full itinerary here.

Malapascua, Philippines — Dive with Thresher Sharks at Sunrise

There are early wake-ups you’ll never forget. And in Malapascua, this is one of them.
For years, thresher sharks were the stars of Monad Shoal, but since the pandemic, they’ve moved the show.

Today, the real action is at Kimud Shoal, an underwater plateau where diving with sharks feels even more special: encounters are closer, visibility is clearer, and the depth is far more comfortable.

What hasn’t changed is the magic of the moment: the silence of dawn, the water still dark, and then… suddenly, there they are. With that long tail that gives them their name, swimming with an elegance that leaves your eyes wide open and your heart racing.

Diving with thresher sharks in Malapascua isn’t like other dives. Here, you don’t chase the shark or turn it into a show. Wait. respect. keep your buoyancy steady and appreciate every second the animal chooses to stay.

Sometimes it’s one. Sometimes three. And sometimes you lose count. And while there’s never a 100% guarantee—this is the wild ocean, not an aquarium—the chances of an encounter are close to 99%.

But Malapascua isn’t only about threshers. If you’re lucky (or perfectly timed), you might also spot hammerheads, tiger sharks at Monad Shoal, or even baby blacktips snorkeling right by the shore.

All of this on an island with a laid-back vibe, postcard sunsets, and excursions worth their weight in gold—like the trip to Kalanggaman Island.

Technical info for diving with sharks in the Philippines:

Bahamas — Dive with Tiger Sharks at the Legendary Tiger Beach

If there’s one place in the world that’s become legendary for shark diving, it’s Tiger Beach in the Bahamas.

Just an hour by boat from Grand Bahama, this shallow sandbank with crystal-clear waters has earned its reputation as one of the best places in the world to dive with tiger sharks. Seeing 5 to 15 huge sharks circling with an intimidating calm is enough to impress even the most relaxed diver.

What sets Tiger Beach apart isn’t only the number of sharks but also the water clarity. With depths of just 7–8 meters and a bright white sandy bottom that feels like an underwater photo studio, conditions are perfect for both observing and photographing these incredible animals in stunning detail.

It’s not just tiger sharks either. Lemon sharks, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional hammerhead also make appearances. Every shark encounter here feels straight out of a wildlife documentary.

Diving at Tiger Beach is controlled but never staged. Yes, baiting is used, but always ethically, with strict protocols and expert guides who know exactly how to keep interactions respectful and safe.

Technical info for diving with sharks in Bahamas:

South Africa — Diving with Great Whites, Bull Sharks, and Hammerheads. All in One Country

South Africa is the ultimate theme park for shark diving.

Here you don’t need to choose: cage dives with great whites, reef dives with bull sharks, and, if you’re an early riser, hammerheads cruising through open water. It’s a complete destination—intense, raw, and unforgettable.

For those who prefer to skip the cage and dive straight into the action, two names matter most: Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. Both lie on the east coast near Durban, offering powerful shark encounters with bull sharks (locals call them “raggies”), tiger sharks, and in the right season, oceanic blacktips and hammerheads.

But make no mistake: diving here isn’t for the faint-hearted. Expect strong currents, fast descents, and an adrenaline rush from the second you roll off the boat.

This isn’t a beginner’s destination, but if you have experience and crave adventure, South Africa will blow your mind. No tricks here—just open ocean and encounters you’ll never forget.

Technical info for diving with sharks in South Africa:

Key areas: Gansbaai (great white cage diving), Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks (wild dives without cages).

Cocos Island — Where Hammerhead Sharks Steal the Show

Some dive sites feel mythical, and Cocos Island is one of them. Located more than 500 kilometers off the coast of Costa Rica, this remote island in the middle of the Pacific is not a casual visit.

Reaching it takes a 36-hour liveaboard crossing, but what’s waiting for you makes every wave along the way worth it.

Here, you won’t just spot a shark or two. You’ll witness encounters with sharks by the dozens—sometimes hundreds—all sweeping by in perfect formation, like an underwater parade.

The undisputed stars are scalloped hammerheads, patrolling the island’s cleaning stations in massive groups. It’s a spectacle that’s hard to describe without goosebumps. And they don’t come alone. Whitetip reef sharks, silky sharks, Galápagos sharks, tiger sharks, eagle rays, oceanic mantas, and occasionally even whale sharks share the stage.

For those who love drift diving, this is the ultimate playground: strong currents, deep dives, and shifting visibility. It’s challenging, yes, but the adrenaline rush is second to none.

Cocos Island is a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it shows. Marine life here feels untouched, operators strictly respect the rules, and there’s an undeniable sense of diving in a sacred place.

This isn’t a site for beginners. You’ll need solid buoyancy, good fitness, and advanced experience. But if you’ve dreamed of the ultimate dive with sharks, Cocos Island is one of those rare destinations that will change the way you see the ocean forever.

Technical info for diving with sharks in Cocos Island:

Dive with Sharks in the Red Sea (Egypt) — Elegance in Warm Waters

For shark lovers, the Red Sea is a treasure chest of surprises. Warm waters, crystal-clear visibility, and over 20 shark species gliding effortlessly among reefs, walls, and cleaning stations.

From my very first plunge here, I understood why divers return to Egypt year after year.

This isn’t just one dive site—it’s a legendary circuit. The Brothers Islands, Elphinstone, and Daedalus form a golden triangle for shark diving: oceanic whitetips (longimanus), threshers, grey reef sharks, and, if luck is on your side, even schools of hammerheads sweeping through like a perfectly choreographed ballet.

Each site has its own kind of magic:

• In Brothers, oceanic whitetips patrol with that unnerving calm that commands respect.
• Over at Elphinstone, they sometimes come so close you can see every detail of their fins.
• Come sunrise in Daedalus, hammerheads may rise out of the current—majestic, unpredictable, unforgettable.

And the real bonus? Egypt makes shark diving easy. Direct flights, reasonably priced liveaboards, and a community of passionate divers who make every trip more than just another logbook entry.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your very first dive with sharks or your 200th—every encounter in the Red Sea feels extraordinary.

Technical info for diving with sharks in the Red Sea (Egypt):

What It Really Feels Like to Dive with Sharks (Spoiler: It’s Not Fear)

Your first dive with sharks is unforgettable. It doesn’t matter if the animal glides past two meters away or twenty—you’ll never erase that moment from your mind.

What you feel isn’t fear. Sure, your heart might be pounding against your wetsuit, but it’s something much deeper. A mix of respect, wonder, and an almost unexplainable calm.

Maybe your body freezes while your mind shouts, “This is really happening!” Or maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself crying behind your mask. Not from terror, but from joy—because after dreaming of it for so long, the reality is even more powerful than you imagined.

No cages. No dramatic soundtrack. Just you, the sound of your breathing, and a creature that has ruled the oceans for millions of years, moving with a grace no ballet dancer could ever imitate.

Sometimes the shark drifts so close you could count its scars. Sometimes it disappears into the blue. Either way, you’re left suspended between two worlds, knowing something inside you has shifted forever.

Because here’s the truth: scuba diving with sharks isn’t about adrenaline. It’s about connection— with marine life, with the fragile balance of our oceans, and with yourself.

And above all, it’s about the privilege of sharing even a fleeting moment with them.

How to Stay Safe (and Have an Incredible Time) When You Dive with Sharks

Whether it’s the Galápagos, the Maldives, or the Red Sea, every chance to dive with sharks is unforgettable. But it’s also a powerful reminder: we’re guests in their world.

The ocean belongs to them, not us. And if we want every shark encounter to be amazing—in the best possible way—we need to dive with respect and a clear head.

Here are the rules I live by whenever I know I’ll be sharing the water with sharks:

Follow your guide’s lead.

Not all guides know the dive sites or shark behavior equally well. In a new place, make sure your guide really knows the area—and how to handle shark dives.

Skip the splashy entrance.

Don’t jump in like you’re at a pool party showing off a new GoPro. Enter quietly and smoothly. Sharks dislike chaos, and you don’t want to stand out.

Keep eye contact.

Spot a shark? Look at it—not to challenge, but to acknowledge. Sharks are curious, and if you ignore them or turn your back, they might come closer than you’d like.

Stay calm and controlled.

No wild arm movements, no frantic kicks. The calmer you are, the more natural the encounter. Use good buoyancy and, if possible, steady yourself against a wall or seabed.

Hands off. Always.

Even if the shark drifts close, don’t touch. Contact can be seen as a threat, and you don’t want a shark mistaking you for something to push away.

Never block their path.

Sharks can’t reverse. Cutting them off stresses them out. Give them space and let them choose the distance.

Stick with the group.

Like many predators, sharks notice the one who falls behind. Stay close to your buddy—it’s safer and far more fun.

Know when to call it.

If a shark starts moving erratically—sudden turns, lowered dorsal fin—it’s time to leave calmly. Better to tell the story later from the deck.

The truth is, most shark encounters are peaceful, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable. Stay calm, respectful, and aware, and everything will go right.

Sharks aren’t out to attack you—they’re just living their lives. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to witness their raw elegance without disturbing the balance of their world.

The Ocean Explorers: Why Diving with Sharks with Us Is a Whole New Story

We’re not here to tick boxes or brag about achievements.

At Ocean Explorers, shark diving isn’t just another number in your logbook. It’s a mix of incredible animals, laughter underwater (yes, it’s possible), great company, and moments you’ll carry with you forever.

We don’t do tourism. We create stories.

Because the dives don’t end when you get out of the water. They continue on the boat, over coffee after the dive, at dinner when everyone shares the exact moment they saw the shark pass by… and in the WhatsApp group that never dies.

That’s what this is about. Living it together.

Sharks + good people = the perfect mix

Sure, you could go see sharks alone. But trust me, it’s not the same.

When you share the excitement with people who get just as hyped as you, who celebrate every sighting (and every silly buoy mistake) with you, everything goes up a level. That’s when the magic happens.

No filters. Real diving. No pretenses.

There are no promises of catalog-perfect visibility or guaranteed animals. This is the real ocean—the one that changes every day and never warns you. Sometimes there are currents, sometimes early wake-ups. But what never fails is the good vibes, the energy, and that amazing feeling of being exactly where you want to be.

Can you see yourself down there?

If while reading this you already imagined floating face to face with a shark, adrenaline pumping and a grin hidden behind your regulator… well, there you go. You’re already in.

In the end, diving with sharks isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about collecting unforgettable memories.

See you in the water!!!