This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.com
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Your Ultimate Guide to Shark Diving
In celebration of SHARK WEEK, here is your Ultimate Guide to Shark Diving…
Shark encounters are high on the list for many divers and rightly so. Nothing beats the thrill of seeing a shark during your dive or joining a dedicated shark diving safari.
Thankfully there is a variety of excellent shark diving destinations to choose from these days. Pick your preferred type of shark and read on to find out where you can swim with them.
Great white sharks
Renowned for its relatively warm water compared to other great white shark diving destinations, Guadalupe is the premier destination for encounters with these iconic sharks.
Calm waters make it easy to spend time in the cage, be that at the surface or at depth, and being crystal-clear, the water is also ideal for photographers wanting to capture that perfect shark shot.
When is go: Visit in July and August to see numerous energetic male sharks, or October and November to see the huge female sharks Guadalupe is famed for.
Our liveaboard top pick: The MV Horizon is a great budget-friendly option for divers and non-divers to go cage diving.
Whale sharks
If you’re a fan of whale sharks, you have plenty of world-class dive destinations to choose from where you can swim with these spotty giants.
An ever-popular dive choice, the Maldives has numerous whale sharks to encounter. Try scuba diving Ari Atoll, Huvadhoo or Thaa atolls for your best chance of seeing whale sharks there.
The wild and remote Galapagos Islands are another top dive destination for whale shark encounters, as is Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.
For somewhere more off the beaten path, take a liveaboard diving trip to Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia, Djibouti or Madagascar.
All three destinations are known for the whale shark swims and are becoming more popular as word gets out.
When is go:
- Ari Atoll: December to April
- Galapagos: June to December
- Ningaloo Reef: March to June
- Cenderawasih Bay: July to September
- Djibouti: November and December
- Madagascar: September to December
Our liveaboard top pick:
- The Deli, a beautiful Turkish schooner, is a great option for sailing and diving Djibouti’s pristine reefs with just 12 other guests.
Great hammerhead sharks
Another popular shark diving choice, great hammerheads are a fantastic species to dive with.
Go liveaboard diving at Bimini, Bahamas to dive with these large sharks over white sands and in clear blue waters.
Rasdhoo Atoll in the Maldives and French Polynesia’s Rangiroa and Fakarava atolls are also both excellent options for swimming with these well-known sharks.
Whilst diving French Polynesia, you’ll also likely see the huge schools of grey reef sharks this idyllic destination is known for.
When is go:
- Bahamas: December to February
- Rasdhoo Atoll: October to March
- Tuamotu Archipelago: December to March
Our liveaboard top pick:
- The Bahamas Master offers Tiger Beach and Bimini combo-safaris, allowing you to dive with numerous species of sharks in one dive trip.
Schooling Scalloped Hammerheads
To dive with hammerhead sharks in large numbers, choose scalloped hammerheads. They are known for schooling in huge numbers at some of the world’s best dive destinations.
Cocos Island in Costa Rica is the best-known destination for schooling hammerheads, closely followed by scuba diving the Galapagos.
You can also spot scalloped hammerheads at Malapascua’s Kimud Shoal.
When is go:
- Cocos Island: May to November
- Galapagos: January to May
- Kimud Shoal: March & April
Our liveaboard top pick:
- The Nortada is a great choice for intimate Galapagos dive safaris, catering to 12 guests maximum.
Nurse sharks
Nurse sharks are a great dive choice for less confident shark divers.
These easy-going sharks can be found in large numbers at the Maldives’ Felidhoo Atoll, especially at Alimatha house reef; where you can go night diving with nurse sharks and numerous stingrays.
Nurse sharks are also commonly seen at Turks and Caicos dive sites, as well as at Ambergris Caye in Belize.
When is go:
- Felidhoo Atoll: January to May
- Turks & Caicos: December to March
- Ambergris Caye: All year
Our liveaboard top pick:
- The Ari Queen offers safaris that include Felidhoo, Ari and Rasdhoo atolls; where you can see whale sharks plus nurse sharks and hammerheads.
Tiger sharks
Easy to recognise, these large sharks are curious, photogenic and graceful as they pass by at close range.
Tiger Beach at the Bahamas is the top destination for dedicated tiger shark dives, where the diving is easy and shallow – plus filled with numerous sharks.
You can also find tiger sharks in the Maldives relatively-unexplored deep south; especially at Fuvahmulah Atoll.
When is go:
- Tiger Beach: October to January for peak shark season
- Fuvahmulah Atoll: December to March
Our liveaboard top pick:
- The Princess Haleema offers unique tiger shark expeditions to Fuvahmulah Atoll in the Maldives.
Bull sharks
Thought of as aggressive sharks by some, bull sharks are actually relaxed and rewarding to dive with, as well as not being intimidating.
Guanacaste and the Bat Islands in Costa Rica are famed for their large number of resident bull sharks and are accessed by Guanacaste Island liveaboard diving.
You can also see bull sharks at Tiger Beach, the Bahamas during certain months of the year.
When is go:
- Guanacaste & Bat Islands: June to August
- Tiger Beach: February to March
Our liveaboard top pick:
- The Okeanos Aggressor and Okeanos Aggressor II both offer Guanacaste and Bat Island safari during June to August each year.
Thresher Sharks
The elusive thresher shark can only be dived with reliably at one destination in the world; Malapascua in the Philippines.
These sleek sharks with their huge tails are easy to recognise and are usually shy masters of the deep. However, they come up to the shallow waters of Monad Shoal in Malapascua during dawn most days, offering a perfect start to your shark diving day.
When is go:
- Monad Shoal: All year
Our liveaboard top pick:
- You’ll want to be on a liveaboard to make the most of diving with thresher sharks given the early starts. The Infiniti offers Malapascua safaris that include both Monad and Kimud shoals.
Got time for one more shark dive?…Explore this shark diving hidden gem
Whilst Caribbean scuba diving is popular and well-known, Cuba has remained a relatively unknown shark diving destination within the Caribbean.
Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina is a haven for sharks, hosting numerous species of sharks, including lemon, nurse, bull, silky, blacktip reef, Caribbean reef and whale sharks.
It’s thanks to local conservation efforts that Cuba’s sharks and reefs are thriving, making this an excellent choice for both reef and shark dives.
When is go:
- All year for sharks, except whale sharks
- Visit in November for whale shark encounters
Our liveaboard top pick:
- The Avalon I & Avalon II are the flagship Cuba liveaboards.
Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
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