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Diving with Blacktip Reef Sharks
Blacktip Reef Shark 
Diving with Blacktip Reef Sharks
Blacktip reef sharks are a commonly spotted shark whilst diving on a lot of shallow reefs, although they don’t tend to get too close to divers due to the bubbles created, which scares them off. They are mostly found in shallow water a matter of metres deep and can most likely be found gracefully swimming over reefs and sandy flats. All of these points, especially the shallow depth makes this creature perfect to observe not just while diving, but snorkelling as well. The lack of bubbles means you can actually spend longer and get closer to the sharks than whilst scuba diving.
The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of Requiem Shark. It can easily be recognised from other sharks by the black tips on its fins and can reach the length of 1.6m. It is one of the most of the most abundant sharks which inhabit the coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and therefore are one of the sharks most frequently spotted whilst scuba diving and snorkelling.
These sharks feed on small bony fish and crustaceans so are not a threat to humans, although occasionally swimmers and snorkelers wading through shallow water can get their legs bitten when the sharks mistakes them for food, but none of these rare accidents have ever been fatal. In general unless they are roused by food they tend to be skittish and timid sharks which are difficult to get close to.
The shark is fished for its meat, oils and fins, but isn’t a commercially significant species. It has been classified as Near Threatened and although it is one of the most widespread and common shark species, substantial decline has been reported in local areas due to overfishing. Due to the blacktip reef sharks low reproductive rate the capacity for recovery of this loss is limited and will take a lot longer than other species.
More detailed information about Blacktip Reef Sharks can be found here.
Can be seen at these locations
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Andros, Bahamas
Set in a tropical scattering of islands, surrounded by the third largest coral reef and some of the clearest water in the world. Andros has a wide range of exciting and beautiful marine life making this an exciting scuba diving location. The...
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Berry Islands, Bahamas
A quiet group of islands with excellent less known reefs, the Berry Islands are great for those who want a quiet holiday but still have access to excellent reefs and large pelagic species. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a...
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Bimini, Bahamas
Dives to wrecks, reefs and what is thought to be the remains of the Fountain of Youth and the Lost city of Atlantis, Bimini is an excellent, easily reached diving destination. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700...
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Cairns, Australia
The only living thing on the Earth that is visible from Space, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef structure in the world. Swimming in its turquoise warm waters surrounded by hundreds of colourful tropical fish and admiring the coral habitats...
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Cancun, Mexico
A popular diving hotspot in Mexico, where you can see Whale Sharks, dive the spectacular cenotes and visit the famous underwater sculture museum. Cancun is great for tourists, within easy driving distance of the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, a jumping...
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Carriacou, Grenada
A gem among Caribbean islands; peaceful, quiet and unspoilt. Carriacou is volcanic in origin, with the island featuring rolling green hills, spectacular views of the surrounding sea and reefs and seemingly endless white sandy beaches. People are friendly and you can be...
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Cat Island, Bahamas
Home to the highest peak in the Bahamas, a huge 207 feet, Cat Island is a wonderful place to explore above and below the surface of the ocean. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands...
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Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Hundreds of Hammerhead Sharks, amazing marine life and blue open ocean, Cocos Island is a once in a lifetime diving destination that any shark lovers must dive. Cocos Island is an island approx 550km off the coast of Costa Rica of tectonic...
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Eleuthera, Bahamas
The pineapple capital of the Bahamas, Eleuthera has excellent diving on reefs and wrecks with the most natural wrecks of any other island. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the...
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A trip of a lifetime! The Galapagos is one of the last places in the world where you have the chance of diving with huge schools of Hammerhead Sharks. The Galapagos Islands consist of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles approx...
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Gili Islands, Lombok
Tropical Island Paradise’s off the beaten track; these overlooked islands offer excellent diving and Sea Turtles galore! With white sand beaches, clear blue water, the peaceful Gili Islands are perfect for a diver wishing to have a castaway experience. The Gili Islands are...
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Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Close up dolphin and shark encounters can be had in the waters around Grand Bahama, including dives at the famous Tiger Beach where you can get up close and personal with the amazing Tiger Shark! The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists...
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Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Home to a stunning protected coral reef that plunges to 8000 ft, Grand Turk has some great dive sites minutes from the shore. Grand Turk is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. With 8...
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Khao Lak, Thailand
An unspoilt environment on the beautiful Andaman coast, surrounded by National park forest, Khao Lak is ideally situated for diving in Thailand and trips to the Similan Islands and Surin Islands which are home to some of the best dive sites in...
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Koh Lanta, Thailand
A jewel in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is a laidback, relaxed island close to some of the coasts best dive sites. The Koh Lanta archipelago consists of over 50 islands, the two largest are Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta...
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Long Island, Bahamas
The most scenic island in the Bahamas, Long Island has amazing diving including the deepest Blue Hole in all the Bahamas. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above Cuba...
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Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos
The largest of the islands, Middle Caicos is an island of natural beauty, a more dramatic coastline than other islands and can reach some excellent dive sites. Middle Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and...
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Nassau, Bahamas
Everything you could want from a holiday Nassau provides. Sharks, wrecks as well as many on land activities, beaches and a fun nightlife. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the...
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North Caicos, Turks and Caicos
Boasting the largest flock of pink flamingos in the islands and access to brilliant dive sites, North Caicos is a nature lovers getaway. North Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. With 8...
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Padang Bai, Bali
A high chance of Sharks and Mola Mola’s, shallow coral reefs and steep wall dives, Padang Bai has some spectacular dive sites which cater for everyone. Based on the stunning island of Bali, which is Indonesia’s top tourist destination Padang Bai is...
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Palau, Micronesia
Well known for its marine bio-diversity, spectacular wall dives and vibrant colourful reefs, Palau is a top diving destination which attracts divers worldwide to experience one of the most unique holiday destinations on the Planet. Palau is a group of over 200...
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Pattaya, Thailand
Thailand’s wreck capital, with year round diving, Pattaya is full of life and along its 3km long beach that are a huge range of activities that can be found to occupy almost anyone, not just divers. Pattaya is a beach town located...
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Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
The islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil are one of Malaysia’s top tourist attractions. They are surrounded by turquoise blue sea and lined with palm trees and white sand beaches providing an idyllic tropical island getaway. The Perhentian Islands...
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Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
One of the most beautiful areas in Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands dramatic landscape is just as beautiful underwater as it is above. Perfectly placed to access all the best dive sites of the area, Koh Phi Phi is a very...
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Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s largest island and most popular tourist destination provides everything any holiday maker could want, exquisite white sand beaches, warm balmy turquoise sea, a busy nightlife, and more importantly access to the top Thailand diving. Phuket, also known as “The Pearl of...
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Port Douglas, Australia
Crystal-clear waters, beautiful corals and incredible fish-life can be found at Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, an easy day boat ride from Port Douglas and on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas is on the East coast of Australia...
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
A location that is still relatively unknown, The Turks and Caicos Islands have some excellent unspoilt dive sites, crystal clear water and abundant reef life making this a premier diving area. The best known of the Islands, Providenciales is one of the...
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Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos
The best kept secret of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Salt Cay is the ultimate getaway, total adventure and relaxation at its finest. No crowds, no cruise ships and no casinos and a diver’s paradise. Salt Cay is part of the group...
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San Salvador, Bahamas
World class wall diving, frequent visits by hammerheads and striking topography, San Salvador is a must for divers visiting the Bahamas. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above Cuba...
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Sapodilla Cayes, Belize
The Belize barrier reef, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the second largest barrier reef in the world and boasts an incredible spectacle of marine life. The Sapodilla Caye is made up of 8 small beautiful islands located 35 miles from mainland...
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Sekotong Tengah, Lombok
An unspoilt area of beauty and rich bio diversity, the Sekotong Peninsula in South Lombok has excellent diving with bright soft corals, plenty of reef life and Hammerhead Sharks! With over 3,500 species living in the Indonesian underwater world, it has one of...
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South Caicos, Turks and Caicos
The fishing capital of the islands, South Caicos attracts those interested in birdlife, fishing, diving, fresh seafood and history South Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. Located at the southern tip of the...
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The Abacos, Bahamas
A group of islands and small tranquil cays, The Abacos Islands are a perfect place to base a dive holiday, with beautiful intact staghorn and elkhorn coral structures and plentiful marine life. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of...
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The Exumas, Bahamas
Great Diving, easy reefs, blue holes and a peaceful scenic setting, the Exumas are a great location in the Bahamas to visit. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above...
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Tioman Island, Malaysia
The largest island on the East coast of the Malay Peninsula, Tioman is a wonderful holiday and diving destination offering a variety of underwater sites such as wrecks, sheltered bays and volcanic rocky pinnacles. The densely forested island is surrounded by numerous...
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Tulamben, Bali
Lying in the shadow of Bali’s highest volcano, Tulamben is Bali’s most popular diving area, home to an abundance of marine life and Bali’s most famous wreck, the USAT Liberty. Tulamben is the most famous diving area of Bali, a quiet village located...
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