Want to Dive with Sharks? Here’s How to Stay Safe.

Calling all adventure seekers. Has diving with sharks always been on the top of your bucket list? If so, you probably know that it’s not as scary as the movies make it out to be. But, it’s still important to treat them (and their home) with respect. Here are a few tips to keep you safe, calm, and ready to take the plunge.

YOU’RE NOT ON THE MENU

Forget what you saw watching Jaws.

Sharks don’t hunt for human flesh. When accidents happen, it’s most often because of mistaken identity. The shark probably thought a surfer (or diver) resembled their favorite tasty entrée: seals.

STAY ALERT

If deep diving, you’re less likely to encounter sharks, as most sharks hunt at the surface. However, if you spot one in the distance, don’t panic. Let them go on their way. They’re just looking for injured fish (read: lunch), not divers.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable, swim away in a calm manner. Flailing and rushing to get away will only incite chase. During this time, aborting the dive may be necessary—especially if the shark shows interest in you. Continuing may increase your panic or anxiety, which can put you at risk.

Diving with sharks is an exciting adventure. But, be that excitement shouldn’t cloud your judgment. Common sense is crucial when knowing whether to continue with your dive or not.

AVOID CERTAIN DIVING CONDITIONS

Diving in low visibility settings and swimming at dawn or dusk are prime times for sharks to hunt. When swimming in open waters where sharks hunt, make your way to the nearest seabed or reef wall. This will lessen the chance that the shark feels threatened. And it will keep you protected, as the shark won’t be able to sneak up behind you.

Encroaching on their territory may cause the shark to feel threatened. An arched back and downward facing fins are signs that it’s time to slowly exit the area. Staying put will only provoke the shark.

ENTER AND EXIT WATERS QUIETLY

Crashing onto the surface isn’t a good idea, especially in shark territory. Unnecessary noise and splashes mimic hurt or scared animals—a signal for a shark to attack. When entering the dive area, do so as quietly as possible.

At the end of your dive, don’t stay at the surface – where sharks hunt – for too long. It’s best to swim to the boat or shore immediately and in a calm manner.

POWER IN NUMBERS

Seals often travel waters in groups called rafts. They do so for defensive reasons. Sharks attack individual prey rather than those in groups. When swimming near sharks, keep your diving buddy close.

However, avoid swimming in large groups. While it makes for a good defensive strategy, too many divers close together can resemble one large creature. That puts you and everyone else in a bad position.

And speaking of seals, avoid swimming in the middle of a raft. Seals are sharks’ main food source, so unless you want to be mistaken for one, stay away from these cute creatures in the water.

BE RESPECTFUL

Remember, you’re there to observe sharks in their natural habitat. So be respectful. Flashing your camera at the shark may cause it to come closer—it thinks it’s shiny prey. Creating vibrations or humming make the sharks more curious, and more likely to swim by.

When it comes to your choice of a wetsuit, don’t wear ones with bright colors. Standing out in the water makes you more appetizing to the sharks. Yellow is known as the “yum yum” color, as sharks seem to be more attracted to it.

DIVERS ARE FRIENDS, NOT FOOD

Don’t worry, the chances of you being attacked by a shark during a dive are very slim. But, it’s still important to be cautious, calm, and most importantly respectful when your diving into their territory.