Dive with Reef Sharks in the Grand Bahamas

Diving in Bahamas

When I am not working my favourite dive is in Grand Bahamas with the Caribbean reef sharks. The dive operators here do hand feed the sharks which in some peoples view as controversial. But I believe that the diver’s positive experiences out weigh any possible negative effects of the sharks coming into close contact with food and people. Christina Zenato of UNEXSO divers has a remarkable relationship with these sharks. Often in situations where the food stimulus is strong the sharks will ignore it in preference to Christina’s touch! She can often be seen stroking the nose of large sharks as they relax lying in the lap. In no way are the animals restrained and they are free to swim away at any time which would strongly suggest that the shark is finding the experience pleasurable. Christina is as comfortable with these sharks as you are with your pet dog!

Diving with Great whites in Gansbaai

Extreme Challenge in Western Cape, South Africa

I have spent many years free diving with great white sharks and have had countless requests from divers to take them with me. Although my expertise allows me some freedom to interact with them I am not driven by money and will not take paying clients to freedive with great white sharks. Rather I create images that are broadcast worldwide and speak a thousand words. But I do host an exclusive PADI Great White Shark Specialty course for shark enthusiasts eager to learn about great white shark biology, ecology, behaviour and conservation. For qualified divers we will take you cage diving with great whites and scuba diving with the Cape fur seals in the infamously named ‘Shark Alley’! Once you complete the course you are invited to sign up for Shark Diving Unlimited’s Advanced Cage Dive. I shall escort you in the cage as it is submerged below the surface. Experience the exposure of freediving and the thrill of sharks passing over your head whilst remaining safe in the cage. For those who are less adventurous but none the less fascinated by these magnificent predators we run daily great white shark cage diving and surface viewing tours. For this you do not need to be a qualified diver as the cage remains secured at the surface and clients use a simple and relaxing breath holding technique to observe the sharks. If you prefer to stay dry you won’t miss out on the action as the sharks come to the surface and often jump clear out the water in a heart stopping dramatic breach!

Tiger sharks at Umkomaas

Extreme Challenge in Kwazulu, South Africa

Tiger sharks are considered the second most dangerous shark to man and it is true that they are indiscriminate predators. But after diving with them I’m convinced that we are not on their menu! Diving with tigers is a mesmerising experience and some reach up to 5m in length. Tigers move around you in a calm deliberate fashion and to the delight of photographers will closely investigate your camera!

What I’ve learnt from diving with these sharks was that they are very tolerant of other predators as we often see them with 30 or more black tip sharks. Presumably this is why the tiger shark is so tolerant of divers. The tiger sharks are attracted using bait so they will stay around the divers, but they are not fed. There are a number of operators in the area using this technique which enables you to dive with tiger sharks on snorkel or scuba.

Bull Sharks at Protea Banks

Extreme Challenge in Port Shepstone, South Africa

This beautiful rocky reef supports a healthy population of bull sharks. The sharks are more often seen in the summer months between November and March when the water temperature ranges from around 19 to 24 degrees C. They are impressive animals with a huge girth and snubbed snout. Often given a bad reputation bull sharks sometimes come into contact with humans and when the visibility is the result could be a bite.

However it is a joy to observe these sharks in the relatively clear water of Protea Banks. The best way to attract bull sharks is to ditch your scuba gear and free dive with a spear gun! The bull sharks can’t resist the ‘twang’ of the rubber and the exhilaration of loosing your prize to a 3m shark is something you’ll never forget!