If you're looking for an exciting and adrenaline-pumping activity to do with your friends or family during your next vacation, look no further than a shark dive.
Diving with sharks can be done in a number of different ways, enabling each person to take part the way they feel most comfortable.
In this article we take a look at four beautiful places around the world that offer amazing once-in-a-lifetime shark dives:
Dubai, UAE
Although not out in open waters, scuba diving at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai is an experience for divers who would prefer to see sharks (and rays) in a controlled environment. Those who prefer a tamer experience can take the plunge amongst the ruins of Atlantis and experience the beauty of the Ambassador Lagoon.
Offering shark night dives, divers can explore the depths of the Aquaventure Shark Lagoon in darkness when the sharks are in their most active state (accompanied by expert Atlantis divers, of course).
The resort also offers a predator dive, in which divers are able to descend into Ambassador Lagoon to hand-feed 14 different species of sharks and rays while swimming among 65,000 other marine animals.
Gansbaai in South Africa
Gansbaai is the original home of great-white shark-cage diving, and is one of the wildest corners of the ocean. A hotbed of shark activity, the southern sea of South Africa is filled with apex predators who like to cruise the temperate waters in search of local fur seals to devour.
An underwater safari in Gansbaai will give you a completely different perspective as you're slowly submerged in a cage while the sharp-toothed creatures (that are the size of school buses) swim past you.
If you prefer to stay dry and a safer distance from the action, you can choose to stay on the boat’s deck viewing the sharks from above.
Tiger Beach, Bahamas
If you’re a keen underwater photographer and adventurer, there is nothing like getting up close and personal with tiger sharks in the wild. One destination that is increasingly popular is Tiger Beach in the Bahamas.
Featuring shallow sand, divers can get within touching distance of the beautiful beasts, and experience Caribbean reefs, lemons, and even hammerhead sharks, who all tend to join the busy scrum.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is home to an abundance of unique and beautiful diving locations. These include turtle-laden reefs, breath-taking and dramatic Lanai lava formations, and lesser-known sites where hammerheads congregate called Fish Rain.
The dive site is located off the coast of nearby Molokai, and is only visited by few dive boats one day a week. The advanced drift dive offers divers the chance to see and swim with highly sought-after sharks, including grey reed and Galapagos. Exciting!
Looking to take the plunge? Strap on a tank, check the seals on your underwater camera housing and explore the waters these strong and majestic creatures call their home.