1. Fakarava (South Pass, French Polynesia)
Fakarava is a remote atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. At the famous "South Pass," strong ocean currents attract many pelagic predator fish, making it a spectacular shark diving spot. Divers at this drift site need a lot of experience and calm to use the current’s lift just like the grey reef sharks themselves. The location is especially suitable for experienced divers undertaking multi-day liveaboard tours.
In Fakarava’s South Pass, large schools of grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) can be regularly observed. Besides these dominant animals, whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), as well as occasional tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) also inhabit the pass area. During the day, the grey reef sharks "sort" themselves along the current like on an endless conveyor belt that carries them forward with little energy effort. Sharks have been strictly protected in Fakarava since 2006, which is why very healthy populations can be found here today.
Visibility is often exceptionally good, and Fakarava is generally suitable for diving year-round. The best weather conditions usually prevail during the calmer dry season (April to November). Nevertheless, grey reef sharks and many other species can be seen throughout the year. Water temperatures typically range between a pleasant 25–28 °C, allowing even beginners to enjoy impressive shark encounters with proper preparation.
2. Tiger Beach (West End, Grand Bahama, Bahamas)
Tiger Beach off Grand Bahama is a shallow sandy bottom (about 10–15 m deep) with unusually clear water and very calm conditions. It is considered the world’s most famous spot to dive directly and without a cage with tiger sharks. Divers – from ambitious amateurs to professionals – can perform tricks and take close-up shots with sharks up to 4 m long in the shallow water. The gentle current constantly brings fresh plankton, attracting the sharks close to shore.
Typical shark species here include the namesake tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), which can be seen year-round. In addition, lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi), nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran), and bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) regularly visit. According to experience reports, all these species have been observed, with tiger sharks always in the foreground. These animals are mostly curious but generally not aggressive toward the relaxed divers.
The diving season is from October to June. During these months, conditions are ideal, and the colder winter months offer the highest presence and sightings of tiger sharks. Since Tiger Beach is very calm, snorkelers and beginners can also watch – while the actual scuba dives are reserved for advanced divers who have experience with open oceans.
3. Bimini (Bahamas)
The Bimini island group (West Bahamas) has been world-famous for years for encounters with hammerhead sharks. Every winter, large schools of great hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran) stay there, patrolling shallow reefs and open waters. Divers set out at sunrise into the open sea to observe these gentle giants in clear water. The appeal of Bimini lies in the countless sharks of various species that are often present simultaneously.
In addition to hammerhead sharks, divers can encounter bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) year-round. Free snorkeling with these species is especially popular. The best time for hammerhead encounters is from January to March, according to diver experiences. During these months, seasonally migrating hammerheads pass through the waters of Bimini. Other reef shark species, such as blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, can be seen there all year round.
Visibility is usually very good (over 30 m) and the water is warm (24–27 °C). However, a strong trade wind often blows here in winter (late year to spring), creating waves. Therefore, anyone wanting to dive in Bimini should have some experience and wear cold-water wetsuits (about 5 mm).
Playa del Carmen (Yucatán, Mexico)
Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is a special place for shark encounters that are unique worldwide. In the winter half-year, there is a natural “meeting point” for large bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas). From about November, pregnant bull sharks gather at night on a sandbank near the coast to rest. This makes it possible to encounter the otherwise shy animals directly with dive lights in the dark.
The season is strictly limited: especially December to February are the best months to spot the sharks. Then the chance of seeing the large bull sharks is highest. They often appear close to the shore when local plankton concentrates the small organisms the sharks feed on. Visibility is usually good during this time, and water temperatures are a pleasant 26–27 °C.
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Although this spot is mostly known for bull sharks, occasionally some reef sharks (such as Caribbean reef sharks) also appear. Due to the depth (around 25 m) and strong currents, this dive is considered challenging – therefore an advanced license (Advanced Open Water) is recommended. The tour is not very suitable for beginners but is a remarkable experience for experienced divers.
5. Isla Guadalupe (Baja California, Mexico)
Guadalupe, a remote island in the Pacific off Mexico's west coast, is one of the few places on Earth where you can experience great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) up close. Several liveaboards operate here annually to dive with these impressive predators. Encounters are usually conducted inside a cage for safety reasons, but there are also experienced guides who occasionally dive in open water.
The main season for great white sharks is late summer to early autumn (August to October), when the sea is calm. Then the water temperature drops to about 19–22 °C, making the animals even more active. Although Guadalupe is notoriously cold, it offers unique insights into the behavior of these sharks in good weather. Apart from the great white, there are hardly any other sharks at Guadalupe; the clear attraction here is the Carcharodon carcharias (great white shark). Diving trips are strictly regulated and only suitable for very experienced divers.
6. Socorro Archipelago (Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico)
The Socorro Islands (also called Revillagigedo) lie far off the coast of Mexico and are considered the "Galápagos of the West." The volcanic islands rise as isolated peaks from the deep sea and attract an incredible variety of large fish. Worldwide, friendly manta rays and curious dolphins are well known here, but especially the shark community draws attention.
Among the sharks regularly found here, besides reef sharks, are whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), Galápagos sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis), and oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus). Even large fish species like hammerhead sharks are occasionally spotted here, although they are not always mentioned. Particularly impressive are the scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini), which swim nearby in the warmer months (northern winter, approx. November–March).
The dive season runs from November to May, as only during these months are the sea routes and weather conditions calm enough for liveaboard ships. Visibility often exceeds 30 m. Currents are strong, so the diving level is high, but those who commit will be rewarded with encounters with shark swarms. The famous “Pelagic Big 5” – rays, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and whale sharks – often appear side by side, but the most frequent subjects for cameras are the large sharks in the clear water.
7. Cocos Island (Costa Rica)
The tropical volcanic island of Cocos lies remote about 550 km from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and is only accessible by dive safari. It is part of the "Hammerhead Triangle" (Cocos – Galápagos – Malpelo) and one of the legendary treasure islands for sharks. The reason: huge schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks gather at the steep walls and cleaning stations around the island. Among the most common species are white-tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), and silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis).
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The best sightings occur in the rainy season, especially during the summer half-year: Cocos is traditionally visited from May to November. During this time, the trade winds are weaker, the sea is clear, and sharks are often seen during deep dives along the current edges (e.g., Manuelita, Alcyone, Dirty Rock). Although Cocos water is warmer than Revillagigedo, ranging from 75–29 °C, the currents are powerful. Therefore, good sport diving experience is recommended for diving at Cocos – the reward is dozens to hundreds of sharks patrolling the reef structure or open water.
8. Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
The Galápagos Archipelago is world-famous for wildlife encounters, including sharks. Wolf and Darwin Islands in the far northwest are especially notorious, mainly for large schools of hammerhead sharks. There, divers can experience hundreds of small hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) swimming through the clear, cool water, overshadowed by adult schools. Additionally, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), Galápagos sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis), and occasionally great hammerhead sharks (S. mokarran) can be seen.
The best time is the cool dry season from June to October, when nutrients from southern currents bring abundant plankton into the water. During these months, the large animals often swim near the surface—especially whale sharks and hammerhead sharks. Divers report seeing several hammerhead sharks and sometimes whale sharks on each dive. Outside this period, it is warmer and calmer (December–May), but the classic "big scenarios" are less likely. Galápagos requires at least an advanced level due to currents and isolation; for many, it is still worth the trip because the encounters are considered unique in the world.
9. Sipadan (Malaysia)
Sipadan, a small island off Borneo, is known for its diversity of species. There are no beaches here, but reefs and drop-offs right from the shore. A special attraction are the white-tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), which often patrol in groups along the steep reefs. Popular dive sites like Barracuda Point or White Tip Avenue offer spectacular encounters: while observing pelagic fish like barracudas and snappers, sharks patrol in the background. Occasionally, hammerhead sharks swim by, but the focus mostly remains on the reef sharks.
The conditions are relatively easy, yet the more challenging spots are recommended for experienced divers. The best time to dive here is in the main season from July to August, when the water is calmest and visibility is clearest. During these summer months, currents are weaker, often revealing an exciting, calm blue-water equivalent with countless white-tip reef sharks. Water temperatures remain between 28–30 °C year-round. Simple sites like Turtle Cavern are ideal for beginners, while experienced divers find plenty of adventure at the wall with sharks.
10. South Ari Atoll (Maldives)
The South Ari Atoll in the northwest of the Maldives is world-famous for its whale shark encounters. In this protected area, whale sharks regularly pass by and can be seen year-round. Especially around the Maldives, with some luck, you can dive directly when the huge animals filter near the surface in plankton swarms. Most dive boats offer observation trips where snorkelers can swim alongside the whale sharks. However, scuba divers can also meet these peaceful giants – there are special "whale shark dive sites" at certain spots.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the stars here, often sighted near the surface and present year-round. However, the chances of seeing them vary with the monsoons: during the northeast monsoon (Dec–Apr) they tend to stay west of the atolls, while in the southwest monsoon (May–Nov) they are more on the eastern side. Besides the giants, grey reef sharks (C. amblyrhynchos) and white-tip reef sharks (T. obesus) are frequently seen, especially in the channel passages of Vaavu and Rasdhoo. The best time to visit for whale sharks is mostly year-round, with possible advantages during the drier months (January–April) due to calmer water. Water temperature is about 27–30 °C, and currents are usually moderate.
11. Malapascua (Philippines)
Malapascua is a small island north of Cebu, famous for its unique thresher shark encounters. At the so-called Monad Shoal, a rocky plateau, thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus) gather early in the morning to visit the local cleaning station. These rare sharks are otherwise only seen from boats in most other places. During dives around the shoal, they suddenly emerge from the depths – a fascinating experience.
Thresher sharks can generally be seen year-round in Malapascua, but the best time is during the dry season from December to April. During these months, the sea is calmer and visibility is excellent. Between December and May, sightings increase significantly due to the high season's abundance of plankton, which attracts the threshers. Occasionally, other rare species such as hammerheads or makos are also seen, but the focus remains on the thresher shark. For beginners, diving at Monad Shoal—with depths of 25–30 m and strong thermoclines—is challenging, but it is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling shark diving destinations in the world.
12. Beqa Lagoon (Fiji)
Beqa Lagoon, south of Viti Levu (Fiji), is the setting for the famous "Shark Dives" by Beqa Adventure Divers. Dive boat expeditions offer a half-day experience where sharks are lured with fish bait – but completely outside of cages. The scene unfolds over a shipwreck, the “Cathedral,” at a depth of around 25 m. At sunset, hundreds of animals sometimes gather here.
Mainly tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are expected – hence the name of the dive – along with bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas). Also present are lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), grey reef sharks (C. amblyrhynchos), blacktip reef sharks (C. limbatus), and whitetip reef sharks (T. obesus). On some evenings, up to seven shark species can be seen at once. The animals remain calm at the feeding site and move slowly around the divers. Due to the artificial feeding, the encounters here are very close and somewhat staged, but the organizers follow strict rules.
The best time is during the drier season from May to November. During these months, the weather is stable and visibility is usually excellent (20–30 m). Water temperatures are warm year-round (around 26 °C), making dives very pleasant even for less experienced divers. For Fiji divers, Beqa is legendary for its shark-filled variety, although some view the “baited” approach critically.
13. Brother Islands (Egypt, Red Sea)
The Brother Islands (El Akhawein) lie south of Safaga and are considered a reef paradise with exotic marine life. They are famous for large schools of grey reef sharks that cruise around the surrounding pinnacles. In the clear blue depths around the Brothers, divers often encounter grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), as well as blacktip and whitetip reef sharks. The islands are also known for occasional sightings of great hammerhead sharks, especially during the cooler months.
Especially spectacular are the rare sightings of thresher sharks (sixgill sharks) (Alopias spp.) at the Brothers. These are mostly observed between September and February. During this time, the animals often migrate to more tropical waters, and divers report individual specimens appearing at the Blue Hole or the northern tip. Besides the reef sharks and threshers, tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) occasionally roam the area with some luck. The diver level should be advanced here, as the spots are challenging due to strong currents (both southward and northward).
The best travel time is from October to January, when the waters are cooler and currents predominantly flow southward. During this period, many reef sharks stay in the area, offering almost guaranteed sightings. In contrast, during the months dominated by northern currents, fewer sharks tend to be seen. Overall, the Brother Islands archipelago is a dream destination for ambitious divers who want to dive up close with reef sharks, thanks to coral gardens and visibility often between 30 and 40 m.
14. Christmas Island (Australia, Indian Ocean)
Christmas Island (Australia) is a tiny volcanic island about 350 km south of Java. Its nickname "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean" reveals that not only pure nature thrives on land, but also underwater. The steep walls drop immediately to 500 m depth – and large fish often patrol around them. The water divide is not famous for long, but especially because of the annual encounter with whale sharks (Rhincodon typus).
The season for whale shark encounters lasts from about November to April. During this "wet" season, seagrass croaking mackerels are in the water, attracting whale sharks. Especially in Lynch Bay, tours depart to snorkel or dive in the shallow water as soon as a whale shark is spotted. Visibility here is excellent (up to 50 m) and the water is usually 26–28 °C warm. Besides whale sharks, divers at Christmas Island often encounter grey reef sharks (C. amblyrhynchos) and white tip reef sharks (T. obesus). Schools of barracudas and rays are also common. Christmas Island is ideal for experienced adventure divers seeking remote spots—and it is expected that more shark species (e.g., tiger sharks) will be reported there in the future.
15. Jardines de la Reina (Cuba)
The Jardines de la Reina ("Gardens of the Queen") off Cuba's southern coast are a largely untouched marine national park. It is considered one of the best shark diving sites in the Caribbean. The coral reefs there are extremely healthy and provide food for many predatory fish. Especially Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) and silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) are numerous and often curious about divers. Nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) and whale sharks also pass through the area, with the latter appearing in the afternoon or evening.
The best months for diving are during the dry season from December to April, when the sea is calm and visibility is at its best. Although the water cools slightly to about 26–28 °C, divers can often experience dozens of sharks in open water encounters. In the main season from July to November, there is more plankton but also more rain – nevertheless, many whale sharks swim around during this time (with the most frequent sightings between July and November). Overall, Jardines de la Reina offers a mix of static coral landscapes and exciting shark activity underwater, ideal for divers of all levels.
