Epic Diving is a dive centre in the Bahamas specialising in shark diving excursions. Since 2009, as operators founded by Debra and Vincent Canabal, they have been offering safe, natural encounters with tiger sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and great hammerhead sharks. Their goal is to share the fascination of sharks while raising awareness for their protection.
Offers from Epic Diving
The offer includes multi-day shark diving safaris in the Bahamas, including diving, accommodation, meals, and transfers. They use the M/V Thresher, a comfortable dive boat that moves between the islands to provide the best shark encounters according to the season.
The programme includes package options for 3 to 6 days, including tanks, weights, and snacks, as well as photo/video packages. Diving is possible in shallow water (approx. 6–20 m), often with good visibility (over 30 m), and water temperatures of about 24–28°C.
Special Services & Unique Offers
Epic Diving also offers specialised courses such as the Shark Diving Masterclass: an online training with 14 lessons on the evolution, biology, behaviour, and protection of sharks. The aim is to better prepare divers and foster a deeper understanding of sharks.
They place great emphasis on safety and education: Each week begins with a comprehensive safety and orientation briefing, explaining how to interact with sharks in a natural and respectful way.
The operators, Debra (PhD, Biomedicine) and Vincent (Emergency Medic, licensed boat captain), are also involved in research, environmental education, and a scholarship programme for local students—all in the spirit of eco-tourism and shark conservation.
Shark Diving with Epic Diving
General Overview
Epic Diving offers three main shark diving seasons in different regions of the Bahamas:
- Great Hammerhead Shark Diving – January to April in Bimini. Encounters with rare great hammerhead sharks, as well as nurse and lemon sharks in shallow sandy areas (approx. 6 m).
- Oceanic Whitetip Shark Diving – March to June at Cat Island. Drift dives in deep blue water with oceanic whitetip sharks, often accompanied by silky and dusky sharks, even marlin or blue marlin—perfect conditions for underwater photographers.
- Tiger Shark Diving – October to June at Tiger Beach on the west end of Grand Bahama. Alongside tiger sharks, also reef, lemon, hammerhead, and nurse sharks in shallow, crystal-clear water with visibility over 30 m. The tiger sharks can grow over 5 m long and often show curious behaviour towards divers.
The Main Focus: Diving with Tiger Sharks
The special focus is on the Tiger Beach Expedition. Here, divers encounter several shark species in a single dive—in predominantly shallow water with a sandy bottom. Tiger sharks take centre stage, accompanied by reef and lemon sharks; there are also occasional encounters with hammerhead and nurse sharks.
Many guests report that these dives are life-changing—especially for photographers. The rare opportunity to experience up to six shark species in their natural behaviour in crystal-clear surroundings is unforgettable.
Safety & Interaction with Sharks
Epic Diving maintains a high level of safety: Guides are always present, provide clear rules for underwater interaction, and monitor behaviour through briefings before each dive.
Photographers appreciate the proximity to the animals—yet respectful interaction is always emphasised. While feeding occurs in some locations, Epic recommends maintaining a safe distance to avoid hand-feeding, even if such encounters have occasionally been documented—always under strict control by the team.
Experiences & Reviews
Guests praise the professionalism, personal care from Debra, Vincent, and the team, as well as the safe environment during shark dives. Many report taking home a “life-changing experience” and vow to return.
