The Best Shark Diving Sites in the World

Bajo Alcyone – Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Far removed from the Costa Rican mainland, Cocos Island is consistently ranked one of the top destinations in the world for hammerhead shark diving. Only accessible by liveaboard, you’ll undoubtedly dive several world-class sites during a trip to Cocos Island, but the sharkiest dive of them all is Bajo Alcyone. This seamount rises to 82 feet (25 meters) and attracts seasonal schooling hammerhead sharks (see when to go below). All you have to do is dive to the top of the mount, wedge into a protected area and take in the action all around you!  

Monad Shoal – Malapascua, Philippines

With over seven thousand islands, the Philippines has hundreds of shark dives, showcasing whale sharks, reef sharks, and zebra sharks. However, shark enthusiasts will know the Philippines for one dive in particular – Monad Shoal off the tiny island of Malapascua. This site is the most consistent in the world for thresher shark sightings. At 100 feet (30 meters), divers wait for the thresher sharks to come for their daily cleaning sessions. So, if you’d like to see this wild-tailed shark, escape to this Philipino tropical island paradise.  

Gordon Rocks – Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands is one of three destinations that make up the legendary “Shark Triangle.” The other two are Cocos Island and Malpelo. Much like the other destinations, the Galapagos are home to schools of hammerhead sharks, and one site, in particular, is known as a shark diving mecca. Strong currents at Gordon Rocks, an eroded crater near Santa Cruz Island, attract dozens of hammerheads into a confined area. The currents bring plankton, which in turn results in high fish numbers, attracting the hammerheads! Divers can safely get fairly close to the sharks, but this dive site should only be attempted by divers with experience in diving in currents.

Tiger Beach – Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

The Bahamas is known as the world’s best shark diving destination. It’s true that you can swim with reef sharks, hammerheads, and oceanic whitetips around these gorgeous islands. However, one of the best sites is Tiger Beach, where you’re nearly guaranteed a safe encounter with tiger sharks. Several of these fierce sharks appear every day to be seen by local divers. Divers wait in groups on the sandy bottom as the sharks circle around for several minutes. As an added bonus, you might also see nurse, lemon, and Caribbean reef sharks while diving at Tiger Beach.

Pipín – Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

The Gardens of the Queen (a.k.a. Jardines de la Reina) in Cuba is quickly becoming one of the best shark diving destinations in the world. Only accessible by liveaboard, this protected area boasts several incredible sharky dive sites. At Pipín, divers can swim alongside up to 30 silkies and Caribbean reef sharks in just one dive! After years of protection (which is clearly evident underwater) by the Cuban government, these sharks are more curious than fearful of divers approaching them at will.  

Shark Dive – Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Billed locally as the ‘best shark dive in the world,’ this part of Beqa Lagoon near the southern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji has been the site of shark diving for nearly a decade. On an average day, about 50 sharks show up. Bull sharks are the main attraction, but you’ll also see nurse, lemon, white-tip, black-tip, silvertip, gray, and maybe even tiger sharks – the variety is part of the attraction!  

Gladden Spit Whale Shark Dive – Placencia, Belize

If you’re looking for a slightly gentler shark, try diving with the mighty whale sharks in Belize. Gladden Spit near Placencia is known for encounters with these gentle, filter-feeding giants, who are attracted to the area for the delicious fish eggs produced by spawning snappers. The best chance of seeing a whale shark during a dive occurs just before and after the full moon when there are higher plankton levels in the water.

The Canyons – Rangiroa, French Polynesia

Inside Tiputa Pass, the Canyons is one of many great shark dive sites in French Polynesia. During an incoming current, divers begin in the mouth of the pass, finding shelter in an underwater cavern and waiting for gray reef sharks to appear. The dive continues through the pass, pausing in several canyons along the way for shark observation. Strong current attracts upwards of 200 gray reef sharks from June to July and a smaller number of great hammerheads at the beginning of the year.  

Open Water – San Diego, California, USA

Southern California is one of the best spots in the world to catch a glimpse of lightning-fast shortfin mako sharks. These sharks are open-ocean hunters and follow their prey to the San Diego coast from June to November. They are often spotted alongside sleek blue sharks, so divers can go diving without a cage with both of these beautiful pelagic predators simultaneously.

Osprey Reef – North Queensland, Australia

This world-renowned reef is globally recognized. One of the best shark spots on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is Osprey Reef, where you can spot gray reef sharks, silvertips, wobbegongs (also known as carpet sharks), and so much more. Liveaboards are a great way to make the most of your time in this spectacularly busy reef ecosystem. Prime season is any time from June to August.  

Lemon Drops – Jupiter, Florida, USA

Jupiter has become world-famous for the annual migration of lemon sharks during the winter months. The yellow-tinged sharks congregate around wrecks and deeper ledges from Jupiter to Palm Beach. Every year from December to late March, these lemon sharks, which can grow to over 13 feet (4 m), follow the nutrient-rich Gulf Stream. Year-round shark encounters, including Bull Sharks, makes Jupiter a top pick for exciting encounters!