Swim With Sharks: Five Vacation Destinations to Experience the Fear
For the thrill-seekers, there are few things more exciting (and terrifying) than swimming with sharks. The rush you get when they pass inches away from you, the tips of their fins brushing your skin. Being that close to sharks is electrifying, something you experience once in a lifetime.
There are a few places that are great for swimming with sharks. Some are for the more experienced SCUBA divers, and some are kid-friendly. No matter what level you’re at, there is a destination for you to experience sharks close up and personal.
Bahamas, Caribbean
Long Island’s Stella Maris Shark Reef is a place where you can see bull sharks, hammerheads, makos, and reef sharks. Settling down on the sand and watching the sharks feed is strangely peaceful. The dive is a 25-year-old tradition, thriving to this day. This is a relatively safe dive, as you line up against a coral bluff to watch the animals feed, rather than swim free among them. Stay in a beautiful rental place and relax on the beach after your harrowing encounter with the sharks.
Farallon Island, US
In the fall, the world’s biggest Great White sharks gather at South East Farallon Island to feed on elephant seals before beginning their voyage across the Pacific to warmer waters. Since these are Great Whites, cage diving is mandatory. This does not diminish the awe factor, though: breach attacks, where the shark leaps out of the water to catch their prey, often occur right in front of the cages.
Maldives, Indian Ocean
Whale sharks, the world’s biggest animal, can be found in the waters around the Maldives throughout the year. This titanic sea creature is surprisingly gentle and presents no threats to humans. You can snorkel alongside the whale shark, making this tour more accessible to non-divers. It’s kid-friendly, and not many tourists go there.
Florida, US
Florida offers some of the safest and most accessible shark diving, as several aquariums offer tank diving. If you aren’t brave enough for open water shark dives, you can experience tamer sharks. Stay in vacation homes in Clearwater , along beautiful beaches, and watch out for sharks in the ocean! Kids can enjoy a less-scary aquarium dive, and also get a look at other fish in giant tanks.
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
In this world-renowned spot for shark diving, swim amongst extraordinary scalloped hammerheads, traveling in groups sometimes up to hundreds! Since the Island is a national park, there are many other species to encounter, as well. The island itself is home to lush rainforests, features in the movie Jurassic Park. Stay on the beautiful island and experience it all.
Test your bravery and face your fears by diving with sharks! Select a location you are comfortable with, and at your diving level. Have the time of your life swimming with sharks.
Sara Stricker is part of a team of dedicated writers who contribute hundreds of quality articles to blogs and sites. Ask her about swimming with sharks, Clearwater vacation homes, and follow her @StrickerSara for more articles.
