This includes two species of reef sharks which are the Caribbean reef shark and the Grey reef shark. Normally shy or indifferent to the presence of divers, the Caribbean reef shark has been known to become aggressive in the presence of food. Grey reef sharks are often curious about divers when they first enter the water and may approach quite closely, though they lose interest on repeat dives. Like the Caribbean reef shark, they can become dangerous in the presence of food, and tend to be more aggressive if encountered in open water rather than on the reef.
The Caribbean reef shark is difficult to distinguish from other large requiem shark species. It usually measures 2–2.5 m long and the maximum reported weight is 70 kg. Most Grey reef sharks are less than 1.9 m long but the maximum reported length is 2.6 m and the maximum reported weight is 33.7 kg. Caribbean reef sharks and grey reef sharks feed on a wide variety of reef-dwelling bony fishes and cephalopods, as well as some eagle rays.
The Caribbean shark is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Brazil, and is the most commonly encountered reef shark in the Caribbean Sea. The grey reef shark is one of the most common reef sharks in the Indo-Pacific, it is found as far east as Easter Island and as far west as South Africa. This species is most often seen in shallow water near the drop-offs of coral reefs.
The IUCN has assessed both the Caribbean reef shark and the grey reef shark as Near Threatened; its populations have declined from overfishing and exploitation continues in other regions.
More detailed information about reef sharks can be found here.
Alor is the last island furthest east and north in the East Nusa Tenggara province, more commonly know in Bahasa Indonesia as Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT. NTT as a province is most famous for Komodo Island and it’s aboriginal inhabitants the...
Go>The most popular of Belize’s diving destinations, with access to the second largest barrier reef in the World and one of the most famous Blue Holes! Ambergris Caye has some great relaxed, fun diving to match its peoples laid back relaxed attitude. Ambergris...
Go>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...
Go>Anguilla is one of Caribbean’s island treasures also worth exploring. Located east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, north of Saint Martin, this beautiful island is surrounded by white sand beaches and great views of the green-blue sea. Climate Anguilla has...
Go>Apo Reef is the largest atoll in the Philippines and the world's second largest single coral reef; clearly this represents a significant attraction to tourists and divers alike. The Apo Reef Natural Park was given Protected Area status in 1996. The park is famous for...
Go>Manta Rays elegantly swim through the warm clear waters surrounding the many tranquil atolls and islands. With waters packed full of life and plenty of large pelagic species the Maldives is one of the most exciting places in the underwater world to...
Go>A high chance of Sharks and Mola Mola’s, shallow coral reefs and steep wall dives, Bali has some spectacular dive sites which cater for everyone. Bali, which is Indonesia’s top tourist destination, is an excellent base to explore all the ocean has...
Go>Bangka (Pulau Bangka), North Sulawesi, Indonesia is located in between Bunaken and Lembeh and people come here for the white sand beaches, quiet resorts with plenty of space to relax. Bangka offers a variety of dive sites, from underwater pinnacles to shallow reefs,...
Go>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...
Go>Bimini lays 81km (53 miles) due east of Miami, just on the other side of the gulf stream. The close proximity to the United States made it the ideal spot for an offshore speakeasy during prohibition. One of the most popular shipwrecks...
Go>Bora Bora sounds exotic, and it is. It's also home to some spectacular dive sites populated with some of the ocean's top predators. Blacktip Reef, Lemon, Whitetip and Hammerhead sharks are a few of the 16 species that are regularly spotted in...
Go>Boracay is a small island located in Aklan Province of the Philippines, roughly 315km south of Manila. It has been ranked as one of the best islands in the world for relaxation, tranquility and nightlife – in addition to having great scuba...
Go>Bunaken is a tiny island, located just off the northern tip of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It falls within the 900 square kilometer Bunaken National Marine Park, which makes this remote corner of the world absolutely sensational for diving. The region is famed...
Go>Cano Island is a marine reserve located off of the south central pacific coast of Costa Rica. It has clear water as it is offshore and famous for many reef sharks. Wonderfully suited to divers and snorkelers alike, a visit here...
Go>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...
Go>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...
Go>Steeped in history the floor of Chuuk lagoon is a wreck divers dream and by far the top wreck diving destination in the world. Chuuk, which used to be known as Truk is without question the top wreck diving location in...
Go>Diani Beach is a major beach resort[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_resort] on the Indian Ocean[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean] coast of Kenya[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenya] in eastern Africa located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mombasa], in the nearby Kwale County[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwale_County]. The white sands of Diani Beach offer facilities and equipment for a holistic water sports holiday, above, on or below the water. The reefs are home to...
Go>Vanuatu is made up of 83 Island. Vanuatu has been voted the friendless country in the world, it is only a short flight from New Zealand and Australia with many interesting sites to visit and things to do. Efata is the most...
Go>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...
Go>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...
Go>Grand Cayman is known for it's fantastic wall diving, healthy reefs, world class shore diving, excellent macro marine life and often with cobalt calm seas! There are 270 named dive sites with warm water and generally great visibility year round. Grand Cayman is...
Go>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...
Go>The most northerly point on the Vietnamese Coast where you can scuba dive, Hoi An is a beautiful town rich in culture with the old town listed as a World Heritage Site. Hoi An has a tropical climate with a dry...
Go>Remote and truly beautiful the Solomon Islands is a diver’s dream destination. Part of the coral triangle with a staggering diversity of marine species, coral and dive sites, it somehow remains one of the least dived areas of the world. A number of...
Go>A gateway to some of the most exciting and diverse diving for all levels of divers, Hurghada is a good place to base yourself or to board a Liveaboard to explore the best that the Red Sea offers. It is set...
Go>Ibo Island is one of the stunning islands within the remote and pristine Quirimba’s Archipelago. Great diving exists alongside a number of nature-based activities and fascinating remnants from the slave trade and colonial rule. Ibo Island is the only developed island within the...
Go>Inhambane is the capital city of Inhambane Province in southern Mozambique. It is a small laid back town, and a source of great Mozambican pride. It is a very popular destination for those who love nature, adventure, architecture and beachside relaxation. Inhambane is...
Go>Kalpitiya is a newly emerging tourism destination in northwestern Sri Lanka. Where diving here is just as sensational as the on land beauty. With minimal developments thus far, it is a stunning coastal escape. The main attraction in Kalpitiya, are the whales...
Go>Koh Chang, albeit one of the lesser known Thai islands is also one of the largest and most easily accessible from Thailands capital city and travel hub, Bangkok. The island of Chang has so much to offer from the quiet fishing village...
Go>Koh Haa, more of a large dive site than a 'destination' is often dived from Koh Lanta. Koh Haa is also dived from Koh Phi Phi and Phuket (Phuket is significantly further away so these tend to be livaboards). Typically the best visibility...
Go>Koh Kood is an island of peace, tranquillity and relaxation that happens to have some pretty diving. It’s a late developer and feels like the Thailand of yesteryear complete with wide sandy deserted beaches and authentic fishing villages. Tourism hasn’t yet become...
Go>A small, relatively unknown island on the Thai tourist circuit, Koh Lipe is still considered off the beaten path. There are no cars, you can walk everywhere and the stunning beaches with fine powdery sand are surrounded by numerous, even more stunning...
Go>The second biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan is ideally placed close to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park and main dive sites of the area. Quieter and more remote than the...
Go>Komodo, located in the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesia islands, is home to the famous Komodo Dragon, notably the largest lizard on earth. Oh, and there is some pretty spectacular diving too! This island also contains one of only seven worldwide pink sandy...
Go>Kupang is located on Timor Island and is the capital city of the East Nusa Tenggara province (more commonly know in Bahasa Indonesia as Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT) which consists of over 550 islands. NTT province is most famous for Komodo...
Go>Lissenung Island is a tiny exclusive tropical island in Papua New Guinea. Located within the Coral Triangle, the dives on the doorstep of the island exist amidst one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The only means of visiting this island is...
Go>Little Corn Island is a beautiful and unspoiled with no cars and no roads. It’s a reminder of how other Caribbean islands used to be before big tourism took over. It's one of the most friendly islands you will ever visit,...
Go>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...
Go>Lord Howe Island is one of seven world heritage listed islands in the world. It is often referred to as “the last paradise”. With no mobile phone reception and limited internet access it offers visitors a chance to get away from their...
Go>Mafia Island is a relatively unknown and unexplored destination. The marine park was opened in 1996 and is in fact the biggest marine protected area in East Africa. Mafia boasts some of the best biodiversity with over 42 genera of corals and...
Go>Set into the beautiful blue sea along with another 114 islands, Mahe is a perfect divers destination. The Seychelles is made up of 115 islands in two distinct groups, the Outer Islands and the Inner Islands. Mahe is part of the Inner islands...
Go>The best coral reefs in the Maldives are in Male’s brilliant blue waters. The most explored of all the atolls by divers due to its variety of dive sites, abundance of marine life and easy accessibility, Male is an excellent choice of...
Go>One of Egypt’s fastest growing holiday destinations, until recently Marsa Alam was just a small fishing village, then since the introduction of the new international airport in 2001 its popularity is growing, and is soon expected to rival the larger resorts in...
Go>Providing many diving opportunities, Meemu Atoll has Thilas, Channels, inner atoll reefs, caves and drop offs which is enough to excite any diver! Meemu Atoll is also known as Mulaku Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or...
Go>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...
Go>Mikindani is a historic coastal trading town with a blend of Swahili, Arabic and colonial influence. It has a rich and colourful past having once been the regional capital of German East Africa, and was also where Dr David Livingstone based himself...
Go>Turquoise water, soft powdery white sand beaches, world-class casinos, duty free shopping, and succulent seafood draw hundreds of thousands to Nassau, Bahamas every year. The Bahamian capital and tourist hot spot is located on New Providence Island, 290km (156 miles) southeast of Miami,...
Go>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...
Go>Zanzibar is the chosen destination after climbing Kilimanjaro or as end of the trip after a dusty safari. Because of its beautiful beaches and its charming locals, Zanzibar is the right place to rest and enjoy some of the best diving the...
Go>The majority of Hawaiians live on Oahu, called “The Gathering Place”, and once you visit you’ll realize why. Visitors come here the first time and again, for a variety of reasons, but the mail ones are the weather, the beaches, the waters...
Go>The Okinawa Prefecture is an archipelago in southern Japan that covers the southern two thirds of the Ryukyu Islands. The islands are divided into three geographical archipelagos called the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands and the Yeyama Islands. The Kuroshio Current...
Go>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...
Go>Playas del Coco is a small beach town in the northern province of Guanacaste. It is known for its great diving and large marine life, along with frequent sightings of Bull Sharks. Set on the northern Pacific coast, Playas del Coco (El...
Go>Ponta D'Ouro is an unspoilt diving location that can be reached easily from South Africa’s main hubs (7hrs from JHB, 4.5hrs from DBN) making it a good location even, for South Africans, for a a weekend diving getaway. Visitors to Ponta can...
Go>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...
Go>The reefs of the Raja Ampat are specifically referred to as ‘species factories’, replenishing other reef ecosystems by sweeping coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans via their strong currents. Raja Ampat is an archipelago of 1,500 islands, cays and shoals located...
Go>Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus, and is also one of the biggest in the world. This magical island is made up of roughly 415 motus, islets and sandbars – with over 100 narrow passageways bisecting through. Along with stunning...
Go>Ranong is the most northerly province on Thailand's Andaman coast and best known for its mangrove forests and hot springs. It's also a gateway to Myanmar, with longboats ferrying people and produce over the narrow divide that separates Thailand and Myanmar. Ranong Province...
Go>Crystal clear waters, abundant tropical fish just 50ft from white sandy beaches, Redang Island is one of largest Island off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The visibility is 18 metre to 20 metre and the light can penetrated down to 30 metres where...
Go>The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatan has pristine white sand beaches, amazing tropical jungle covered hills and a unique coral reef close to the shore. Any visitors will easily see why these islands are said to be the “Caribbean’s Best Kept...
Go>Saba is a tiny volcanic island in the Caribbean that offers unspoilt diving opportunities with virtually no crowds. This 13 square kilometer island is officially part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – though English is the primary language – and has...
Go>Sal, which is Portuguese for salt, is one of the northern group of islands of the Cape Verde archipelago and is home to the area’s main airport. At 35 kilometres long by 12 kilometres wide, Sal it is geologically the oldest...
Go>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...
Go>Samoa is found within Polynesia and is located almost equidistant from Hawaii and Australia. It has a rich cultural history, colonised millennia ago by the Lapita. The earliest known evidence of human occupation are pottery shards of a Lapita village near Mulifanua,...
Go>San Andres is a stunning coral island located east of Nicaragua, though formally a part of Colombia. With warm waters and vibrant reefs of soft and hard corals, sponges and countless tropical fish, this is a lesser-visited Caribbean destination. The seahorse-shaped island...
Go>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...
Go>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...
Go>The islands off Semporna are world famous for its abundant marine life and tiny islands offering white sandy beaches shaded by lush tropical vegetation. The gateway to those islands is the small seaside town of Semporna where many small hotels and...
Go>The most popular diving destination in the Red Sea, the waters around Sharm El Sheikh offer some of the most stunning and famous dive sites not just in the Red Sea but also the World. Sharm el Sheikh is located on Egypt’s...
Go>Brought back from the ashes of the Khmer Rouge takeover and a subsequent attack from the United States military, Sihanoukville with its formerly famous beaches and deep sea port is once again becoming a Cambodian vacation hotspot. Often referred to as “Snooky”,...
Go>Turtles, Turtles and more Turtles everywhere! Pulau Sipadan is a dream dive location that is on every diver’s wish list! Sipadan is another island that was made famous by legendary Jacques Cousteau when he raved about the diving here and called it...
Go>Sodwana Bay has beautiful reefs on planet with huge diversity of marine life with good all year round diving. Located on the north east coastline of South Africa, Sodwana Bay has a rich natural biodiversity both on land and in...
Go>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...
Go>St. Barthelemy or St. Barth as it is often called is considered a playground for the rich and famous. That said St. Barth is a place that you will always want to come back to. It has a little something for...
Go>St. Croix is famous for being The Carribean's best kept secret! The an unheard of Gem of Caribbean diving, offering two dramatically different diving experiences only a 20min drive apart. The Wall brings a rich diversity of life, mixing the richness and nutrients...
Go>Small friendly island with no mass tourism less than 100 hotel rooms and only 3000 inhabitants. Sint Eustatius (“Statia”) is a tiny haven in the Caribbean for divers. Immediately off the dock of the island are 7 distinct eco systems, with walls,...
Go>Tahiti is the largest of the more than 100 islands spread over five archipelagos in the South Pacific, that make up French Polynesia. The landscape of the island is almost as spectacular above sea level, as the underwater paradise that lies below...
Go>The nutrient rich waters of the Tambor region bring large numbers of fish into the area to feed and breed. The result for divers is the ability to see huge bait balls of Sardines that attract large pelagic’s into the local...
Go>White Sand beaches lined with swaying Palm trees and beautiful blue water full of life, Fiji really is a tropical paradise. Known to many divers as “The Soft Coral Capital of the World” you can witness wondrous colourful displays when the coral...
Go>The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and this is no more evident than in the Abacos islands. Arranged along the eastern side of the little Bahamas bank, the Abacos islands cover over 263 square hectares (650 square miles) in the northern portion of...
Go>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...
Go>As the newest country in Asia, Timor Leste has an amazing natural beauty both above and below the water which is very much unspoilt. Located in the eastern end of the archipelago making up Indonesia and just north of Australia, the...
Go>Resident Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are what have put Tofo Beach on the map and along with the stretches of beautiful beaches, laid back vibe and lively atmosphere this location is becoming a top holiday destination for divers and travellers alike. Tofo...
Go>Although not as well known as Okinawa, Tokunoshima is the perfect place to get away from busy city life, with spectacular view points overlooking the coral coast line and a range of water sports available with good surfing, scuba diving, body boarding,...
Go>Tortola is renound for it pristine waters and friendly people and is know as Natures Little Secret. It is also know as the sailing capital of the world. Tortola is famous for the Wreck of the Rhone location of the movie...
Go>Unspoilt by the effects of mass tourism, with year round sunshine and a great close by reef, Zanzibar – locally known as Unguja – is an ideal scuba diving destination. Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consists of two large islands,...
Go>Wonderful Channel diving, Vaavu Atoll is a very popular choice with divers and liveaboard cruises. Vaavu Atoll is also known as Felidhe Atoll and is the atoll below South Male Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either...
Go>Once a wild colonial outpost known as Sandalwood Island, Vanua Levu is now one of Fiji’s more laid-back destinations. Travellers will find a range of accommodations from backpacker hostels to five-star resorts with world class dining and facilities. Vanua Levu offer visitors a...
Go>Weligama translates to mean “sandy village”, in reference to the town’s sand-swept bay. Located only 2.5 hours from the capital of Sri Lanka, this area is visited for its large number of nudibranches, pinnacles, blue whales, whale sharks and manta rays. The...
Go>Palm Beach County Florida is famous for it’s great year round weather, many golf courses, diving, shopping on Worth Avenue and City Place and an abundance of activities for all ages. As a tiny island located just north of Fort Lauderdale and...
Go>Mention Yap to a group of divers, and visions of Mantas will dance in their heads. There are some impressively large specimens in residence in the channels and bays around Yap. But Yap is about more than just Manta Rays. There...
Go>