- Animal
- Time of year
- Area, Country or Location
- Type
- Experience
- Can see
Whitetip reef sharks are a commonly spotted shark whilst diving a lot of coral reefs. They aren’t bothered by the presence of scuba divers so you can tend to get quite close as they rest on the bottom or in their caves. This allows for excellent photographic opportunities.
They are most active at night and in some dive locations, especially in the Maldives, you can night dive on reefs and witness the sharks hunting and feeding. Diving these events is an exhilarating experience as the sharks are fast moving, in hunting mode, aren’t bothered about getting very close and its dark so you can’t see where all the sharks are meaning that you can turn and find one right next to you! This heart racing experience is a must do, watching a shark catch a fish in front of you is amazing, and you shouldn’t be worried about the sharks or getting mistakenly bitten, even though the sharks will be curious about you, they do not see you as a source of food and will leave you alone to hunt the small fish which are.
Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) is a species of requim shark and is easily identified by its white tipped fins, tubular skin flaps by its nose and oval eyes with vertical pupils. It is a small, slender shark and only grows to 1.6m. They are unique amongst requiem sharks which all need to constantly swim to breathe, but the Whitetip Reef sharks do not. They can pump water over their gills which allow them to sit still on the bottom.
It is one of the three most common sharks found on indo-pacific reefs, the others being Blacktip reef sharks and grey reef sharks, and can be found as far west as South Africa and east as central America. Lots of Whitetips stay in the same reef area for months or years and also return to the same shelter. They are most commonly found at depths of 8-40m.
These sharks are most active during the night, which is when they feed. As they do not need to constantly swim to breathe, they spend much of the day resting under rocks, coral or in caves. They are not territorial and commonly share their caves with many other whitetips.
They feed on bony fish, crustaceans and octopus and their elongated bodies allow them to force their way into crevasses and holes to catch hiding prey.
Whitetips are very rarely aggressive towards humans but are curious so may investigate swimmers quite closely. The only danger is if provoked or if you are spearfishing as the whitetips may attempt to steal the catch and therefore putting the fisherman in danger of being bitten themselves. In some places WHitetips have learnt to associate the sound of a speargun going off as meaning food and can appear to steal the catch very quickly.
Whitetip reef sharks are hunted and are classified as near threatened as their numbers have dropped. Its restricted habitat and slow reproduction means that it is slow to recover from overfishing.
More detailed information about Whitetip Reef Sharks can be found here.
Aliwal Shoal, South Africa
Aliwal Shoal is a reef unlike any other reef you have seen before. It is a fossilized sand dune reef, rather than the coral reefs common on Sodwana Bay or the Red Sea. This creates an area with huge swim throughs,...
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Alor Island, Indonesia
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...
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Apo Reef and Pandan Islands, Philippines
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...
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Ari Atoll, Maldives
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...
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Baa Atoll & Raa Atoll, Maldives
Home to the famous Hanifaru Lagoon where huge numbers Manta Rays and Whale Sharks congregate to mass feed! Baa and Raa Atolls are also known as North Maalhosmadulu and South Maalhosmadulu are based in the north west of the Maldives. Diving the...
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Bali, Indonesia
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...
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Bora Bora, French Polynesia
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...
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Boracay Island, Philippines
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...
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Bunaken National Marine Park, Indonesia
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...
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The diving is great here, there's no debate, and many sites can be visited year round. Cabo San Lucas has also long been renowned as a playground for the rich and famous and also those looking for sea and spa fun....
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Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Cairns is located in Northern Queensland, Australia, and tourists flock to this tropical city to dive the Great Barrier Reef - the largest coral reef in the world, and the only single living structure on Earth that’s visible from space (not that...
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Cano Island, Costa Rica
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...
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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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Dauin, Philippines
University town Dumaguete is locally referred to as the city of gentle people. Many different bars and restaurants in town, live music at different locations most nights. With modern facilities such as hospitals, doctors, dentists, supermarkets and immigration office, Dumaguete is an...
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Drake Bay, Cano Island, Costa Rica
Drake Bay is tucked away between rainforests, beaches and rocky cliffs. Isolated in Costa Rica’s less-traveled southern half, this is a favourite destination among people looking to get away from it all. It also has some of the best diving off of...
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Efate (Port Vila), Vanuatu
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...
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El Quseir, Egypt
El Quseir is an ancient Egyptian town, located on the edge of the Red Sea. Today, it is a quiet resort town that draws in guests with its stunning beaches, clear waters, coral reefs and the remnants of the Ottoman Empire....
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Exmouth, Australia
Whale Sharks! The Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Exmouth, in Western Australia, is one of the few places left in the World where you can dive and swim with these majestic giants. Exmouth is a small town on the Coral...
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Faafu Atoll & Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Abundant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks and excellent channel dives, Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls are quickly becoming a top diving hotspot. Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls are also known as North and South Nilandhe. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either...
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Flamingo, Costa Rica
Flamingo is a stunning and small getaway on south of Gulf of Papagayo. It is famed for its stunning white sand beaches, its vibrant marine life and the variety of on-land activities. With idyllic weather and plenty of lavish amenities, it is...
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Gaafu Atoll, Maldives
The second largest atoll in the Maldives contains caves, steep drop offs and pristine reefs all waiting to be explored. Gaafu Atoll is also known as Huvadhoo Atoll and is one of the Southern Atolls in the Maldives. Diving the Maldives can be...
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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, Indonesia
Coming alive in the diving community, the Gili Islands are a huge highlight of any scuba addict’s trip through Indonesia. Boasting abundance of sea turtles and coral life, the crystal clear water and shallow white beaches offer the castaway experience many built...
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Honiara, Solomon Islands
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...
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Hurghada, Egypt
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...
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Ibo Island, Quirimba’s Archipelago, Mozambique
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...
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Inhambane, Mozambique
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...
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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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Komodo and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
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...
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Kupang, Indonesia
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...
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Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
A very popular atoll with picturesque resort islands, Lhaviyani is as beautiful underwater with a variety of dive site sites, including shipwrecks, channel diving and pretty reefs. Lhaviyani Atoll is also known as Faadhippolhu Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in...
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Lissenung Island, Kavieng, Papua New Guinea
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...
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Mafia Island, Tanzania
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...
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Mahé, Seychelles
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...
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Malapascua, Philippines
A small exotic island famed for being the only place in the World with daily Thresher Shark sightings! This along with the Pygmy Seahorses and other cute critters makes the waters around Malapascua a diver’s paradise. Malapascua is a small island in...
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Marsa Alam, Egypt
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...
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Maui, USA
There are main reasons why visitor come, relaxation, sun, and beaches and of Scuba Diving. When the rest of the world is freezing, if asked where they would rather be, the answer is, the Hawaiian Islands. Maui is two connected mountains with...
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Meemu Atoll, Maldives
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...
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Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania
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...
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Okinawa, Japan
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...
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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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Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
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...
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Ponta D’Ouro, Mozambique
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...
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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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Raja Ampat, Indonesia
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...
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Rangiroa, French Polynesia
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...
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Ranong, Thailand
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...
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Saipan, USA
Saipan is a part of the Commonwealth of the United States, and the largest island in the North Mariana Islands Chain. Saipan has a unique island ecosystem, and many opportunities to experience a variety of dive environments. There are underwater caves...
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Semporna, Malaysia
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...
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Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
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...
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Sipadan, Malaysia
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...
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Socorro Island, Mexico
The Socorro Islands are a diver’s paradise offering once in a life time encounters with the oceans largest creatures, and is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with Humpback Whales! The Socorro Islands, or the Revillagigedo...
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Sodwana Bay, South Africa
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...
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Tahiti, French Polynesia
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...
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Tambor, Costa Rica
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...
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Taveuni, Fiji
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...
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Thaa Atoll, Maldives
Abundant marine life and great channel diving; Thaa Atoll is also known as Kolhumadulu Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or by a liveaboard. This choice entirely depends on the type of holiday you are after,...
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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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Tofo Beach, Mozambique
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...
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Tortola, British Virgin Islands
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...
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Vaavu Atoll, Maldives
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...
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Vanua Levu, Fiji
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...
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Watamu, Kenya
A small peaceful beach resort, Watamu has some of Kenya’s finest diving in its nearby protected waters of Watamu Marine Reserve. Watamu is home to 20 prime diving locations, all within less than 35 minutes from the main beach town. Dives...
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