What you must always bear in mind when diving with sharks

Sharks are among the most fascinating marine creatures: powerful, elegant—and unfairly feared. For many divers, an encounter with them is the highlight of every diving adventure. However, anyone wanting to dive with sharks should follow some important rules. This article explains what beginners and professionals must always pay attention to in order to make this extraordinary experience safe, respectful, and unforgettable.

Choosing the Right Dive Center

The first step to a safe and successful shark dive is selecting a professional dive school. Consider the following criteria when choosing:

Certifications and Experience: International standards like PADI or CMAS indicate professional instruction. Good reviews and experienced guides are additional quality indicators.
Safety Standards: Inquire about emergency plans, the condition of rental equipment, and its maintenance intervals.
Group Size: Small groups offer more personalized attention and increase safety—especially for beginners.
Beginner Programs: Choose programs that match your experience level. Avoid challenging dive sites with strong currents or great depths.
Prior Research: Check videos and photos (on the website or social media channels) of the dive center in advance and read reviews from other divers.

Before the Dive: The Safety Briefing

Every shark dive begins with a comprehensive briefing—a mandatory step that must never be skipped. It should cover the following aspects:

Joint equipment check with your dive buddy.
Dive plan (route, depth, duration).
Emergency procedures, e.g., low air or currents.
Hand signals for underwater communication.
Specific behavioral rules for dealing with sharks: maintain distance, eye contact, behavior during approach.

Behavior Underwater: Calmness Is Key

Your behavior while diving significantly affects how sharks perceive you. Basic rules for safe conduct:

Stay Calm: Avoid frantic movements. Dive in a controlled manner and glide smoothly through the water.
Follow the Buddy System: Always stay within sight of your buddy, never dive alone.
Communicate Regularly: Use hand signals to avoid misunderstandings.
Eye Contact with Sharks: Always maintain eye contact with the shark during the dive. This signals confidence.
Vertical Position: Stay upright in the water to appear larger.

Correct Behavior: Stay calm, stand vertically, keep the shark in sight, hold the camera toward it.

Protection Through Equipment

Complete and well-chosen equipment not only protects against cold and injuries but can also prevent misunderstandings with sharks:

Full Coverage: Wear a hood, gloves, and booties. Exposed skin—such as on hands or the neck—can look like a wound underwater, as injured fish reveal their white flesh.
Subtle Colors: Dark wetsuits are less conspicuous. Ideally, use entirely black equipment. Avoid shiny or bright gear. Remove shiny jewelry before the dive.
Hoses: All hoses should fit snugly to prevent entanglement with a shark.
Additional Equipment: A surface marker buoy, underwater whistle, and possibly a knife increase safety.
Photo Equipment: Secure the camera, handle it calmly, and avoid using flash.

The diver does not keep this blue shark in sight; after an initial bump, he does not react, and the bite area is lighter than the rest of the suit.

Understanding Shark Behavior

Knowing shark behavior helps you better assess their movements and react appropriately:

Sharks are curious but usually shy. They generally avoid direct contact with humans.
Avoid shiny objects or bright colors like yellow, as they can attract attention.
Always keep sharks in sight; do not turn your back on them.
Avoid loud noises or rapid movements—they could be perceived as a threat.

If Sharks Get Too Close

Although aggressive encounters with sharks are extremely rare, it’s helpful to be prepared for anything:

Stay calm and gently guide the animal away with your hand, camera, or an object—like a barrier. This should NOT be done near the shark’s mouth.
Last Resort: A controlled push (not a strike!) on the sensitive gill area can deter the shark—but only in an absolute emergency. The gills are one of the shark’s most vulnerable points. It will understand that you know its weakness and be cautious.
An agitated shark often shows clear warning signs that may indicate potential aggression or an impending attack. These include lowered pectoral fins, a hunched or tense body posture with an arched back, and rapid, unpredictable movements. An open mouth, rhythmic gill flaring, and a slightly raised snout are also typical signs of unease. This so-called agonistic behavior is often displayed by sharks when they feel threatened or want to defend their territory. In such moments, it’s crucial to stay calm, maintain distance, and closely observe the shark to assess the situation and respond de-escalatingly. In such a case, you should leave the water as quickly as possible.

If sharks display clearly aggressive behavior, you should leave the water as quickly as possible.

Dos and Don’ts of Shark Diving

✅ Dos

Maintain a distance of at least 2–3 meters.
Stay calm and keep the sharks in sight at all times.
Never dive alone—always stick with your buddy.
Listen to the dive guide—they know the animals and the area.

❌ Don’ts

Do not touch or feed sharks.
Do not wear jewelry or bright colors.
Do not swim away frantically—this can resemble prey behavior.
Do not act provocatively.

Fascination with Responsibility

Diving with sharks is a unique experience—if you prepare properly and behave respectfully. With the right equipment, calm behavior, and a basic understanding of the animals’ behavior, every dive becomes safe and memorable. By approaching sharks with respect, you help improve their image and honor their role in the marine ecosystem—as fascinating, indispensable creatures of our oceans.