Is It Safe to Scuba Dive with Sharks?
Sharks are probably the most feared marine life due to the many myths spread about these beautiful creatures. Sighting a shark is any diver’s dream come true and many divers have gone scuba diving with sharks. If you are new to scuba diving you may wonder is it safe to scuba dive with sharks?
Scuba diving with sharks is safe provided you don’t disturb, pet, or chase the sharks. Scuba diving is a very calm activity and doesn’t disturb marine life through vigorous paddling or fast swimming. Sharks rarely attack scuba divers as they blend in with the environment and marine life. Divers have to be aware of their surroundings and look out for any marine life that could be a potential risk.
According to statistics, humans cause more harm to sharks than sharks do to humans. Humans are said to kill over 100 million sharks each year which is very depressing and sad.
On the contrary, there is a 1 in 4.3 million chance of a human getting killed by a shark in a year. It’s clear that we are more dangerous to sharks than they are to us. We spend so much time and energy worrying about a shark attack yet plays a big role in risking their existence.
Shark attacks are due to provocation such as spearfishing near sharks, and fast movements among other vigorous activities. Sharks see you as a threat when performing any of these activities and will most likely attack you.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into diving with sharks, safety tips, what to avoid and so much more.
Keep reading to find out more!!
READ MORE: Is Scuba Diving Scary
What Are the Chances of Seeing A Shark While Scuba Diving
Unless diving in a dive spot specifically known to have sharks the chances of seeing a shark while scuba diving are very slim.
Sharks hunt early morning and at night. During these times their visibility is poor which makes scuba diving at night dangerous for those lacking night diving skills.
The sharks can easily mistake divers for prey at night and attack compared to during the day.
The chances of spotting a shark while diving is also slim due to the fact that humans continue to kill many sharks each year.
Human activities are likely to lead to shark extinction in the near future. Looking at the high numbers of shark killings reported each year, the chances of spotting a shark will continue to decrease each year.
Luckily many marine conservation organizations and groups are working hard each year to protect sharks, and break myths and stereotypes. These organizations help many people overcome the fear of diving with sharks and educate them on how to properly behave around them to avoid attacks.
You and I can contribute and support this noble cause by supporting the organizations and educating ourselves about sharks.
Why Don’t Sharks Attacks Scuba Divers
Scuba divers explore underwater environments calmly without fast-moving or other vigorous activities. Sharks see the divers as just another marine life and don’t really bother with them.
If divers provoke, try to pet, or chase the sharks away then the sharks will attack you. In such a scenario the shark sees you as a threat to them and the best way to protect themselves is by attacking.
Among the few cases of shark attacks and deaths reported each year, only a few are on scuba divers.
Many of the shark attacks reported are from surfers, swimmers, spearfishing, and other people exploring the waters. Scuba divers rarely contribute to the statistic on shark attacks or deaths.
Surfing and swimming involve fast movement which easily provokes sharks. When surfing near sharks it’s very easy for them to attack those nearby for the disturbance caused.
Surfing for instance involves paddling the water, falling into the water, and other many activities. Compared to scuba diving which is a very calm and low-activity water sport.
Once a diver is underwater, there is little movement facilitated by the fins and feet. A diver can stay for an hour underwater without causing any disturbance to the marine life.
However, it’s important for divers to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Yes, the chances of an attack are very small but still possible.
Look out for agitated sharks or other marine life around you. The sharks could have been provoked elsewhere and pose danger to everyone around. In such a case it’s best not to get in its way, stay calm, and don’t swim towards it or in its direction as the shark could think you are chasing it away.
Is It Safe to Scuba Dive with Sharks on Your Period
Yes, it’s safe to scuba dive with sharks on your period.
In this article, I discussed diving on your period, and if it’s safe among other important tips and things to do.
Contrary to most people’s opinion sharks are not attracted to human blood and neither do they attack you when on your period.
In fact, it’s safe to scuba dive even without any feminine products during this period.
Click here to read more on this topic here on my blog.
What to Do If You Encounter A Shark While Scuba Diving
Encountering a shark while scuba diving is any scuba diver’s dream come true.
Stay calm, don’t try to pet it, don’t try to chase it away, don’t try to swim away vigorously, and don’t panic.
It can be difficult to stay calm especially if it’s your first time coming face to face with a shark. Panicking or restlessness can provoke a shark resulting in an attack. A shark can also sense if you panic when you see it and will probably s this as a threat.
Simply enjoy the view and take a picture if you have an underwater camera with you.
(Find the best camera for underwater photography available on Amazon. As a beginner, you’ll love it, very affordable and simple to use.)
Sharks have no intention of attacking you unless you provoke them. Just let them swim along and go on with their adventures in the water.
When scuba diving with your team or buddy stay together and stay calm when you encounter sharks. If your buddy panics or seems uneasy try your best to keep them calm by holding their hand and keeping them close to you.
Also, remember to keep distance between yourself and the shark. Avoid getting too close to sharks since you could end up brushing on their body which can seem like a provocation.
Most Dangerous Sharks for Divers
Most of the sharks scuba divers encounter are harmless unless provoked. However, some shark spices should be avoided altogether.
These include the Great White sharks, Tiger, and Bull sharks.
Diving agencies usually offer cag diving when in arras with these kinds of sharks.
When scuba diving in the Bahamas you may come across a tiger shark. Bull sharks are quite common all over the world.
Bull sharks tend to be very aggressive posing risks to humans and other marine life.
If you are lucky to encounter any of these sharks which are very rare remember to stay calm and maintain eye contact with the shark.
Maintaining eye contact helps you monitor the shark. Without eye contact, the shark can easily turn on you. In most cases, the shark will swim away after some time. Sharks are generally curious, especially about foreign objects which include scuba divers. This however doesn’t mean they want to attack you the shark is simply trying to figure you out.
Final Take
It’s true to say that there are higher chances of you dying on your way to scuba dive than chances of you actually dying from a shark attack while scuba diving.
Diving with sharks is safe and they rarely attack scuba divers unless provoked. Most of the attacks and deaths reported from sharks are mostly among surfers, snorkelers, and spearfishing.
If you’ve always wanted to go diving with sharks, it’s time to make the arrangements. Many diving agencies offer diving trips with sharks.
For extra caution always go with agencies with good reputations and reviews. While it’s safe to dive with sharks I would rather go diving with a reputable instructor who knows how to respond in case we come across an angry shark.
I hope this article provided useful information on whether it’s safe to go scuba diving with sharks.
