Shark Diving can be one of the very thrilling experiences individuals have underwater. There are loads of committed shark enthusiasts that travel the world in search of new encounters with particular shark species. There are several well-known hotspots, such as Cocos Island and the Galapagos Islands, but the Bahamas offers some of the finest up close encounters with a few of the larger shark species.
The Bahamas have been very proactive at protecting sharks and comprehending their value in ecotourism. In 1992, they set a ban on long-line fishing in place which had an enormous impact on protecting sharks. This was followed up in 2011 when a National Marine Sanctuary was put in place, protecting all sharks throughout the countries encircle waters from commercial fishing.
Epic Diving, based in the Bahamas, offers dedicated shark diving expeditions with a number of key species. From the ubiquitous reef shark, the tiger shark that is larger than life, to the ultra rare oceanic whitetip and great hammerhead, these trips offer nonstop heart-pounding excitement. They firm’s dive boat, M/V Thresher, goes between islands for the very best meetings with the various species during the proper seasons.
Bimini is now a world hotspot for this species, offering reliable close up meetings from January to March. During these trips, bull and nurse sharks, as well as stingray will be also consistently seen by divers.
In March, Thresher moves to Cat Island, one of the family islands of the Bahamas. Over the past few years, this little island has become world renowned for it’s unbelievable Oceanic Whitetip Shark diving. A pelagic species, the oceanic favors deep water and there is no better spot on earth than Cat. The island has a steep ledge with surprisingly clear and incredibly deep water offshore. Divers hold the opportunity to snorkel with the oceanics which provides safe and close interaction with the sharks. SCUBA diving is conducted as an effortless drift with an average depth to 20 – 30 feet. During these encounters in the open azure, guests will frequently see silky and dusky sharks, together with chance encounters with blue and white marlin. Closer to the unbelievable reefs and walls of the island, reef, nurse and lemon sharks are regulars, together with hammerhead sharks that are great and the occasional tiger making an appearance.
This location offers divers close, cage-free diving with big tiger sharks. These huge predators can reach lengths of 16 feet and have a larger than life existence underwater. Again, diving is done in shallow, clear, warm water, with depths that range from 15 feet up to 50 – 60 feet on some of the deeper reefs.
Epic Diving’s operation is top notch and safety is the upmost concern. The conservation-minded operation gives comprehensive shark diving briefings before guests get in the water and share their passion for sharks with everyone. Contact them to begin an unforgettable shark diving experience!
