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Self-Induced Hysteria
Considering how many people enter shark-populated waters around the world, the number of shark-human incidents is extremely low. Yet for most of us, our perception of sharks has been shaped more by the media and movies than by knowledge or personal experience. As a result, we see sharks very differently from what they actually are.
Far too often, I hear people describe their natural habitat as “shark-infested waters,” with sharks themselves portrayed as “man-eaters” or “mindless killing machines” deliberately seeking the taste of human flesh and blood. But real shark characteristics don’t align with any of these descriptions. Still, the media’s influence continues to shape public opinion. We’re led to believe the mainstream narrative instead of forming our own understanding.
Image credit: Great White Shark by Mile Ribeiro – Pexels
Sharks don’t “infest” the water—it’s their natural habitat. They don’t kill for fun (as humans sometimes do), they’re not mindless, and they certainly don’t target every swimmer or diver they encounter. Yet, we often describe the ocean as “shark-infested,” a term loaded with fear and misunderstanding.
Imagine describing the Swiss Alps as being “infested” with sheep just because large numbers of them graze there. It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? We’d never call a meadow “sheep-infested”—because that’s exactly where sheep belong. In the same way, sharks belong in the ocean. But unlike sheep, sharks have been cast as villains by the media and popular culture, which only fuels our fear instead of encouraging understanding.
Are Sharks Really Dangerous to Dive With?
There’s no definitive answer—it depends on many factors.
First, you need to understand that you’ll be diving with wild animals in their own realm, where conditions can change quickly.
Second, there are more than 500 different shark species. So before we answer, we need to clarify which ones we’re talking about.
Diving with plankton-feeding species such as whale or basking sharks is considered quite safe—though even these giants pose risks due to their sheer size. They can grow as big as a bus, and while you might not consider a bus inherently dangerous, you wouldn’t want to be run over by one—especially underwater.
Carnivorous (meat-eating) sharks are often apex predators. Like any predator, whether on land or in the sea, they hunt prey to survive. They rely on instincts and senses refined through millions of years of evolution. That’s something we must respect when diving with them.
Image credit: Whale shark by Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash
So... What’s the Connection?
Because shark behavior is driven by their instincts and senses, the key to diving safely is understanding what triggers them—and avoiding it. No shark roams the ocean with the dream of eating a human. In fact, no species has been proven to deliberately target swimmers or divers as regular prey.
Sharks are naturally inquisitive. Combine that with their opportunistic nature, and it’s easy to see why they investigate anything they think might be food.
Knowledge Is the Key
Pre-Dive Briefing
Few people can call themselves true shark experts, so it’s important to learn the basics before jumping into the water. A good dive operator and guides will always provide a briefing before your first shark dive. These briefings cover safe diving procedures, depending on the type of sharks you’ll encounter. Topics typically include entry and exit procedures, dive organization, diver behavior, and a list of do’s and don’ts.
7 Rules to play it safe
There are places where cage diving is used—especially with great white sharks—but that’s a very different type of experience. Let’s focus on diving “unprotected.” Here are some example rules, especially relevant to Oceanic Whitetip sharks, though many apply to other species as well:
1. Limit Surface Time
No swimming or snorkeling with sharks. Minimize your time on the surface, both when entering and exiting the water and during the dive. Descend to at least 5 meters immediately after entry. When exiting, do so one by one—don’t linger together on the surface, as this unnecessarily prolongs exposure for the second diver.
Anything on the surface may be worth investigating for sharks.
Watch how it looks when a shark shows interest in people at the surface. The dive guide is forced to step in to ensure the divers’ safety. Instagram video by Michael Waffa
2. Don’t Act Like Prey
Avoid erratic movements. Stay calm but alert, and maintain eye contact. Erratic movements mimic wounded fish, creating pressure waves and low-frequency sounds that attract sharks and can trigger feeding instincts.
3. Plan and Stay Organized
Poor visibility benefits the shark—not you. Plan dives when conditions are in your favor. Stay close to your group. Sharks are more likely to investigate individuals who stray from the group. If a shark approaches closely, take a vertical position. This makes you appear larger and more difficult to take on. Always do your safety stop with a buddy—never alone.
4. Create a Buffer Zone
If needed, calmly create a buffer between you and the approaching shark using your camera, fins, or a shark stick. If necessary, gently guide the shark away—without being aggressive. Calmness is key.
5. Observe Shark Behavior
Pay close attention to the shark’s behavior. Specific actions or sudden changes can signal a shift in mood or conditions. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to calmly and safely end the dive.
Behavioral signs include:
- Agitation or excitement
- Jerky movements
- Body arching
- Stiff posture
- Head shaking
- Jaw gaping
- Pectoral fins pointed downward
- Erratic swimming
- Tail slapping
- Snout ramming
- Charging
Blue shark (Prionace_glauca) displaying jaw gaping with pectoral fins pointed downward. Image credit: Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
6. Control Your Own Behavior
Your behavior matters too. Maintain good buoyancy, secure your equipment, move calmly, and communicate clearly. Audible devices (like rattles) can help signal other divers. Never block a shark’s exit route. If cornered, any animal may act defensively. A relaxed shark is a safe shark—a stressed shark is not.
7. No Feeding
Never attempt to feed sharks. This can trigger a feeding frenzy—and that’s not something you want to be in the middle of.
Safe or Not?
So—is it safe to dive with sharks?
Shark diving can be conducted quite safely, as long as you act responsibly, have the right knowledge and follow the rules. Playing the hero just to get a good shot for social media is not the way to go. Respect the fact that you’re entering their world, not yours. Be calm and aware—and they’ll reward you with one of the most unforgettable experiences a diver can have.
The Reward
If your shark dives are conducted responsibly, the reward is absolutely worth it. Seeing wild animals in their natural environment—free from cages or barriers—is unlike anything else.
My first shark dive was at Daedalus Reef in the Red Sea in 2012.and I have to admit, I was nervous. But when I saw my first shark approach, I was mesmerized. It wasn’t aggressive or mindless. A beautiful creature glided gracefully toward me, came close to investigate, then calmly turned and swam away. It gave us a few magical moments in its presence.
The result? My fear was replaced with respect and admiration. That experience reshaped my view of sharks. From that moment on, I was hooked. Any time I have the opportunity to dive with them, I do.
Most recently, I returned to Daedalus Reef in November 2024 with JP Marine on their Pelagic Trail trip.
Post credits
Image credists: Main picture by Michael Worden on Usplash
Instagram post by Michael Waffa
