Epic Diving is a dive center in the Bahamas specializing in shark diving expeditions. Since 2009, the operators – founded by Debra and Vincent Canabal – have been offering safe, nature-focused encounters with tiger sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and great hammerhead sharks. Their goal is to share the fascination with 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 vessel that moves between the islands to provide the best shark encounters according to the season.
The program includes package options for 3 to 6 days, including tanks, weights, and snacks, as well as photo/video packages. Diving takes place in shallow water (approximately 6–20 m), often with good visibility (over 30 m), and water temperatures around 24–28 °C.
Special services & exclusive offers
Epic Diving also offers specialized courses such as the Shark Diving Masterclass course: an online training with 14 lessons on shark evolution, biology, behavior, and conservation. The goal is to better prepare divers and provide a deeper understanding of sharks.
They place great importance on safety and education: each week begins with a comprehensive safety and orientation briefing that explains how to interact respectfully with sharks in a natural way.
The operators Debra (PhD in biomedical science) and Vincent (emergency physician, licensed boat captain) are also involved in research, environmental education, and a scholarship program 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 bull and nurse sharks in shallow sandy bottoms (around 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, dusky sharks, and 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. Besides tiger sharks, also reef, lemon, hammerhead, and bull sharks in shallow, crystal-clear water with visibility over 30 m. The tiger sharks can grow over 5 m long and often show curious behavior 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 – mostly in shallow water over sandy bottoms. Tiger sharks take the leading role, accompanied by reef and lemon sharks; occasional encounters with hammerhead and bull sharks also occur.
Many guests report that these dives are life-changing – especially for photographers. The rare opportunity to experience up to six shark species displaying natural behavior in crystal-clear surroundings is unforgettable.
Safety & interaction with sharks
Epic Diving relies on a high level of safety: guides are always present, communicate clear rules for underwater interaction, and monitor behavior through briefings before each dive.
Photographers appreciate the close proximity to the animals – yet respectful interaction is always emphasized. Although feeding occurs in some places, Epic recommends maintaining a safe distance to avoid hand-feeding, even if such encounters have occasionally been documented – always under strict supervision by the team.
Experiences & reviews
Guests praise the professionalism, the personal care by Debra, Vincent, and the team, as well as the safe environment during shark dives. Many report having taken home a “life-changing experience” and vow to return.
