Diving with Zebra Sharks
From Stripes to Spots
Zebra sharks are a nocturnal shark species belonging to the family of “carpet sharks” that prefer to lay sedentary along the ocean floor during daylight hours. This shark has a very distinctive body shape and coloration, trading the vertical stripes it has as a juvenile, giving its name, for dark spots set against pale skin as an adult. These graceful animals boast five distinct ridges longways down their bodies, ending in a uniquely long caudal fin. It is one of the more beautiful species and a favorite sighting amongst scuba divers.
Because he belongs to the small group of sharks that do not have to swim continuously to breath, it is often found resting in the sand under reef ridges facing the current so they can effectively pump water over their gills. They are found living on coral and rocky reefs in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. If diving with zebra sharks is on your bucket list, explore the map below to find the best dive sites in the world where they live.
Dive Sites with this Animal View more on map
★★★★★ Koh Bida Nok
This is one our favourite dive sites since it has the widest range of wildlife. The reef gently slopes down from the island apart from the wall at the south west which drops 22-26 meters.
★★★★☆ Shark Point
Shark Point is one of Phuket’s most popular dive sites. The three pinnacles of the Shark Point break the surface in a small area. The rest is submerged and covered in soft and hard corals. This is a great drift dive. You can frequently spot leopard sharks and bamboo sharks here, hence the name.
★★★★☆ Faille de Poe
Located in the middle of the Poe Lagoon, the rift is a really atypical site. It is an old river bed with limited visibility, often with a lot of current and an exceptional fauna. Minimum requirement is 20 dives.
★★★★☆ Julian Rocks - Nursery
The perfect site for new divers, old divers, and snorkelers alike, with a protected shallow haven of 5-12m, this area is a very popular dive site.
★★★★☆ Julian Rocks - Hugos Trench
Macro heaven! With sheer walls on either side of you, expect to come across a range of small and wonderful creatures such as nudibranchs, Spanish dancers, crayfish and mantis shrimp.
★★★★☆ Julian Rocks - Split Bommie
Large scattered bombies with a unique crevice, this site is suitable for most diving levels and reaches up to 15m depth. This site provides great diving year-round with plenty of critters both large and small.