Diving with Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
The Widest Travelers
The oceanic whitetip shark is well recognizable by its long fins, which are rounded off in contrast to the pointed tips of many other sharks. Its name comes from the white colored tips of its fins. With a length of about 3 meters, he is one of the larger sharks in the oceans. If you want to dive with oceanic whitetip sharks, then you’ll have to travel to tropical and subtropical regions, as they do not like cooler waters.
Oceanic whitetip sharks are both diurnal and nocturnal, usually found using their large pectoral fins to cruise comfortably through the water. They are, however, capable of surprising bursts of speed when the opportunity to rush in to a feeding frenzy presents itself. These animals are very curious, historically know to follow ships at sea, and will swim within just a few meters of scuba divers. When done with respect and caution, diving with oceanic whitetip sharks is an unforgettable and humbling experience. Click here to find the most reliable locations around the world to encounter these majestic predators.
Dive Sites with this Animal View more on map
★★★★☆ Catalinas Island, Clásico
11 km west of Potrero and Flamingo is the famous site of Clasico. This dive is done on the western side of the islands, from the south towards the north. There are successive ripraps. Several ways to dive possible, depending on certification level. From 10m to more than 30m.
★★★★☆ Kandooma Thila
This “Thila” is in the middle of the kandooma kandu. From 2000 to 2009 this dive site was ranked world 10th place of shark diving. The top of the reef is full of hard corals. The sides of the “Thila” are covered with soft corals. The currents are strong here and highly recommend for Advanced and Nitrox divers.
★★★★★ Manta Point , Makassar Reef
Makasar Reef also called Karang Makasar or Manta Point is one of the best meeting sites for manta rays. Beginner divers and snorkelers can navigate this dive spot, offering a gentle drift dive at a depth of 10-15 m. You can dive at Manta Point all year around.
★★★★☆ Monad Shoal
Monad Shoal is considered the best dive site in the world to see the rare and timid Thresher Sharks. These sharks normally live in the deep but regularly come here early in the morning for the cleaning station.
★★★★★ Roca Partida
Roca Partida may seem like it is out in the middle of nowhere, sitting approximately 70 miles west of Socorro and 85 miles from San Benedicto, but it is thriving with life. Accessible only by liveaboard, this is an advanced dive on a pinnacle that rises from hundreds of feet of water.
★★★★★ Kimud Shoal
After the tresher sharks disappeared from Monad Shoal for unknown reasons and moved to the Kimud Shoal, this is now one of the best dive sites in the world to see the rare and elusive tresher sharks. These sharks normally live in the deep but regularly come here for the cleaning stations at shallower depths.