Where to dive with sharks

Shark diving is certainly not for the faint of heart, but it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with different species of sharks. Who knows, you may even come out of the dive with a whole new perspective on these creatures from the deep.

Great white, hammerhead, and whitetip reef sharks are just some of the species you will spot at these top-rated shark diving destinations.

Gansbaai, South Africa

Known as the great white shark capital of the world, visitors to Gansbaai, South Africa have the opportunity to take daily boat tours from the Kleinbaai Harbour to the great white hotspots where you can catch a glimpse of the sharks from the comfort of a boat. For those feeling particularly brave, the nearby Walker Bay Nature Reserve has tours where you can dive into the depths in a cage fitting five people.

Located across the road from a popular cage-diving departure point, the White Shark Guest House is a favourite among shark divers.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Fernando de Noronha is an ecological wonderland on Brazil’s eastern coast, that’s also home to 15 different species of sharks. Baía do Sueste, a bay on the Southeastern part of the island, is particularly popular as the sharks here are known to be more approachable than those on the mainland coast. This is because their population hasn’t been impacted by the environmental disruption that the coastal sharks have.

Just 300 metres from Baía do Sueste, Pousada Solar Dos Ventos offers panoramic sea views.

Port Lincoln, Australia

With easy access to the Spencer Gulf and the Great Australian Bight, Port Lincoln is a popular destination with shark divers. Great white, hammerhead, and bronze whaler sharks come to the nearby Neptune Island Conservation Park to feed, making it the perfect spot for cage-diving. If you’re not so keen on plunging into the depths in a cage, there is another option: The Aqua Sub. Organized by Adventure Bay Charters, this six-person compartment descends alongside the traditional shark cage, getting you as close as you can get to the action without getting wet.

Only 12 minutes from the beach, Marina Hotel offers both suites and self-service apartments. With on-site parking, it’s easy to get to Neptune Island Conservation Park or any other diving location.

Ko Tao, Thailand

This island may be small, but there’s no shortage of locations to dive. A favourite amongst visitors is the Southwest Pinnacle, an open-water dive site where you can see whale sharks between March and May. Advanced divers can also make a trip to Shark Island, named for it’s dorsal fin-shape. It’s not uncommon to see black tip sharks amongst the array of sea creatures that call the island’s waters home.

Just 2.9km from Shark Bay, a popular spot for black tip sharks, Koh Tao Beach Club offers guests a private beach with a beachfront bar.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

One of the best things about Sharm El Sheikh is the sheer number of diving locations. Novice divers, in particular, will enjoy spending time in Ras Ghamila, a site famous for its crystal clear watersand ample sealife. If you have a few dives under your belt, be sure to check out Gordon Reef, easily recognized by the sunken Panamanian cargo ship, where white tip reef sharks glide around the wreckage.

Located along the seafront of Gordon Reef, Rixos Sharm El Sheikh offers all the amenities you need for before and after your drive. Private butler services and seven à-la-carte restaurants are just some of the things that await you at this all-inclusive resort.