Credit: Amanda Cotton / Ocean Image Bank
Some of the most exciting moments underwater take place in the face of sharks. Whether it’s scuba diving with hundreds of hammerheads in Indonesia, snorkeling with whale sharks in Mexico, cage diving with great whites in South Africa, or kneeling on a sandy bottom amongst cute baby reef sharks in the Bahamas – experiencing sharks in their natural habitat is an experience like no other.
Being at the top of the marine food chain, sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of our oceanic ecosystems. Without sharks, the entire marine ecosystem would cascade into destruction and imbalance. This why it is important to swim and dive with sharks – as this can help us see firsthand their beauty and brilliance, which can increase awareness of their importance in our environment, and support the conservation of sharks.
Of course, as these magnificent creatures are apex predators of the sea, it is important to know which species are safe to encounter and are not considered aggressive when it comes to human and shark interactions. This is why we have created the ultimate guide for friendly sharks to swim with, let’s dive in!
Understanding Sharks
Sharks that are considered ‘friendly’ or ‘docile’ are curious about humans, are comfortable sharing a space with us, and do not mistake us for prey. These generally include sharks that feed on smaller kinds of fish, or sharks that are filter feeders. In other words, species that have no interest in taking a bite of something as strange-looking as a human body!
Even though there is an understanding of shark species that are ‘less aggressive’, there is a wide misconception about sharks being dangerous. There are no species of sharks that have humans on their menu. The only reason unfortunate encounters have occurred is due to the fact that for some larger species of sharks, such as great whites and bull sharks, humans can sometimes resemble sea lions, penguins, or turtles – animals that fall prey to these species.
Even though these unfortunate incidents do occur, it is important to remember that they are very rare. If swimming with sharks is done with professionals and with respect towards the sharks in their natural habitat, then it can be an extremely safe, exciting, and life-changing experience!
Top Friendly Shark Species to Swim With
Most species of sharks are completely safe to swim and dive with. Here are a few of the friendliest shark species in the world, why they are considered ‘least aggressive’, and where to find them!
1. Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
The whale shark is a calm, majestic, and very docile shark species. Fully grown adults can reach lengths of up to 56 feet, making them the largest species of shark in existence. Even though they are impressive in size, they are one of the least dangerous sharks in the sea as they are peaceful filter feeders. With their diet consisting mostly of microscopic plankton, whale sharks are completely harmless to humans.
There are no locations in the United States where you can swim with whale sharks in the wild. Some of the most popular locations in the world for swimming and scuba diving with whale sharks include Isla Holbox and the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, Donsol in the Philippines, the Maldives, and the Ningaloo Reef in Australia.
2. Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
Are nurse sharks friendly? Yes, they are! Typically not aggressive if not threatened (as are most species of sharks), nurse sharks are perfectly safe to swim and dive with. They have been known to congregate in groups of up to 50 for mating, socializing, and even resting, due to their unique buccal pump. This physical feature makes them different from most shark species as it allows them to breathe without having to swim as they can pump water through their gills.
Popular locations for encountering nurse sharks include the Bahamas, Belize, the Florida Keys, and throughout various islands in the Caribbean.
3. Reef Shark (various species)
Black-tip, grey, and white-tip reef sharks are some of the most docile shark species in our oceans. They are some of the most important too! Feeding mostly on small reef fish, they hold direct responsibility for maintaining the balance and health of coral reef ecosystems. Growing up to about 7 feet long, these kinds of sharks are far from intimidating and are beautiful to see in their natural habitat!
French Polynesia, Fiji, The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Maldives, the Bahamas, and the Red Sea are some of the best places to swim and dive with various species of reef sharks!
4. Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris)
Lemon sharks are extremely mellow and very curious when it comes to interacting with divers. Though they can grow up to 12 feet long, due to their flat head and rounded short snout they are mainly foraging predators, feeding primarily on smaller fish, crustaceans, and rays. Their dusty yellow color is what gives them their name as well as their camouflage on sandy bottom sea beds.
It is in these environments where you will have the best chance of interacting and observing this non-aggressive species of shark. Locations consisting of shallow coral reefs, mangrove forests, and protected bays are ideal habitats for Lemon sharks, some of which include the waters of the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, and the Caribbean Islands.
5. Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
Enormous and prehistoric-looking, the basking shark is a slow-moving filter feeder that spends most of its time cruising peacefully between temperate regions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Similar to the whale shark, basking sharks also feed primarily on planktonic organisms making them completely harmless to humans, and very safe to dive with.
Swimming with basking sharks requires bravery in the face of cold temperatures as this species of shark is predominantly found in the waters of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Nova Scotia Canada, and off the coast of the Isle of Mann.
6. Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata)
With striking dorsal patterns giving them their name, the leopard shark is one of the most stunning underwater creatures in our seas.
Their small mouths are located on the underside of their head, making them bottom feeders, with a diet consisting of smaller fish and invertebrates. Along with the fact that they only grow up to approximately 7 feet long, they are generally shy and thus an extremely safe species of shark to dive with.
You can find them easily on the shores of California, especially in the kelp forests, in Mexico, and throughout the popular scuba diving islands of Thailand.
7. Angel Shark (Squatina)
This video demonstrates inappropriate behavior: touching the shark, pulling its tail, closely following it, and not allowing it adequate space.
Bearing a closer resemblance to skates and rays than other species of sharks, the angel shark is another docile species to swim with. They have flat bodies, are bottom feeders, and have wide pectoral fins that resemble wings, giving them an angelic appearance and thus, also their name.
This friendly shark species is typically found cruising along sandy bottoms, shallow reefs, and estuaries that line the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean Sea, and the West African coastline.
Best Diving Hotspots in the US and Beyond For Swimming With Sharks
Now that you know some of the most docile, friendliest, and safest sharks to swim and scuba dive with, what are the best places in and around the United States where you can experience them in the wild, and who should you dive with when you’re there? Let’s find out!
1. Florida
Famous for its lemon shark and nurse shark populations and encounters, Florida and its many shallow reefs, mangrove forests, and protected estuaries are the best places to visit if these are the sharks that you want to swim with!
Location: Jupiter, Florida
2. Hawaii
If you’re seeking to swim and dive with black tip, white tip, and grey reef sharks, or lemon sharks, Hawaii is the place for you. With many dive shops offering curated shark dives and swims, below are two of the best operators in Oahu.
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
3. Bahamas
The Bahamas is a shark swimming and diving paradise. With an abundance of Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and lemon sharks, the Bahamas is the ideal holiday destination if you’re in search of shark encounters. With crystal clear waters, this is the best place to experience sharks up close and personal!
- Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas
- Location: Nassau, Bahamas
- Shark Species: Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Lemon Sharks
- Unexso (Underwater Explorers Society):
- Location: Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
- Shark Species: Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks
- Bahamas Scuba Center
- Location: Nassau, Bahamas
- Shark Species: Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks
- Epic Diving
- Location: West End, Grand Bahama Island
- Shark Species: Caribbean Reef Sharks, Lemon Sharks
Tips for Swimming with Sharks
Specifically when diving with sharks, remember that even though there are species considered ‘less aggressive’, sharks are still wild animals, and always have the potential to become aggressive if provoked or threatened. Listen to your dive guide and follow their instructions – in any situation they are the professional in charge and listening to them is vital to ensuring your safety in the water.
Here are general guidelines for when diving with sharks:
- Always face the shark: Maintain eye contact to keep the shark in sight.
- Avoid splashing: Smooth movements prevent triggering a predatory response.
- Swim with a buddy: Groups appear larger and more intimidating to sharks.
- Redirect close sharks: Gently push away approaching sharks with a straight arm.
- Stay calm: Slow, deliberate movements maintain a calm environment.
- Maintain a safe distance: Give sharks space and let them approach on their terms.
- Avoid high-risk times and conditions: Steer clear of dusk, dawn, and murky waters.
- Stay vertical in the water: Appear larger and more dominant to deter sharks.
The Role of Dive Centers in Ensuring Safe Shark Encounters
Dive centers play a crucial role in ensuring safe shark encounters and creating an enjoyable shark diving experience. This is done by having trained and knowledgeable dive professionals working together to keep you safe, the sharks safe, and protect the marine environment.
Many dive operators offer dives and experiences that focus on and are specific to shark encounters. From the list above, these include Florida Shark Diving, North Shore Shark Adventures, Hawaii Shark Encounters, Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, Unexso, and Epic Diving. Diving with certified operators who prioritize safety and responsibility is crucial to ensuring a safe shark encounter.
By offering shark dives, dive centers not only provide you with the experience of a lifetime, but also contribute to spreading awareness about the importance of sharks in maintaining our marine ecosystem, and raise understanding about the threats that sharks face as a result of exploitative fishing and the effects of climate change. Being in the water with sharks and trained professionals can add to debunking the myth that sharks should be feared, and can aid in increasing empathy towards this apex predator and contribute to their conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are nurse sharks friendly?
Nurse sharks are friendly! Even though they are quite large, they are very docile and safe to swim and dive with.
What are the least dangerous sharks to swim with?
The least dangerous sharks to swim with are whale sharks, nurse sharks, various reef sharks, lemon sharks, basking sharks, leopard sharks, and angel sharks.
Where can I find the least aggressive sharks?
The least aggressive shark is the whale shark. You can find this magnificent species of shark in lots of tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world, but they are most commonly found in Mexico, Australia, the Philippines, and the Maldives.
What are some docile sharks that are safe for diving?
Docile shark species that are safe for diving include whale sharks, nurse sharks, various reef sharks such as the white tip, black tip, and grey reef sharks, lemon sharks, basking sharks, leopard sharks, and angel sharks.
How can I ensure a safe shark diving experience?
You can ensure a safe shark diving experience by respecting marine life, this consists of not touching anything, not chasing anything, practicing good buoyancy, and being aware of your surroundings. These practices, along with following and listening to your dive guide will ensure a safe and fun shark diving experience!
Final Thoughts
To sum up, if not provoked, sharks are generally peaceful animals, much like most wild animals. There are however, species of sharks that are considered ‘less aggressive’ or more docile and friendly than other species, and these are the best sharks to dive and swim with when looking to experience your first shark encounter. These include whale sharks, nurse sharks, various species of reef sharks, lemon sharks, basking sharks, leopard sharks, and angel sharks.
Always remember to dive with certified operators, listen to your dive professionals, and respect the wildlife to ensure a safe and magical experience when swimming or diving with sharks.
Sharks are beautiful creatures whose populations are vital to maintaining a healthy balance in our marine ecosystems.
By swimming and scuba diving with sharks, we can witness their beauty up close, thus forging a closer bond with these amazing animals, and ultimately aiding us in further understanding them, increasing empathy towards them, and contributing to efforts for their conservation. So why not join us in a shark dive today?
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