If you ever want to dive with sharks but are scared of them, hear me out. I was in the same boat, but this journey completely changed me.
Freedive with Tiger Sharks in the Bahamas
One month before our journey to The Bahamas, we received an email from Marcel, our trip organizer at Behind The Mask. The email detailed a tragic incident: a 47-year-old German woman had gone missing during a shark diving excursion in The Bahamas. The news was both tragic and terrifying, especially since we were scheduled to fly there in a month to dive with those same ocean predators. Anxiety started to creep in as my departure date approached.
Despite the unsettling news, no one on our boat canceled the trip, and we continued as planned.
Photo by @titusfilms
Our journey began in Frankfurt, Germany. We flew to Charlotte, then to Miami, and finally landed at Freeport Airport in The Bahamas. From there, we boarded our boat, the Master Liveaboards. It had been a long and crazy journey, but the smiles on everyone’s faces were a relief. The boat was clean, comfortable, and well-organized. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making it feel almost like a school trip, as our group consisted entirely of young divers.
With that, my first shark diving adventure began.
The first two days in open water with the tiger sharks were the hardest. The currents were strong, and the waves were high. Even though the dive site was shallow (around 10-12 meters), I almost didn’t dive down at all. The anxiety gnawed at the back of my mind, especially after hearing more details about the recent incident on this very boat. Yet, the curiosity of seeing those giant sharks kept pushing me to confront my fears. I attempted my first dive, descending to the ocean floor, holding onto weights placed next to one of the safety divers, and simply watching the sharks. There were at least three tiger sharks around, along with many bull sharks. They swam calmly and gently around us.
I could hear my own heartbeat, pounding loudly and rapidly, indicating just how nervous I was. After a short while, the urge to breathe forced me to resurface. I repeated this process, diving down again and again. Gradually, the insecurity faded. I started to truly enjoy and appreciate the experience of sharing the ocean with these magnificent predators.
This journey had transformed my fear into a deep appreciation for these incredible creatures, and it became one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Sharks are often unpredictable and dangerous; and they can kill you. But it’s important to remember that humans aren’t their natural prey. Most incidents happen because of human error or not following the right procedures when we’re in their territory. Yes, sharks can smell blood, but they don’t see human blood as food. Studies have shown they’re generally uninterested in it.
During our liveaboard trip, dive leader Ashley held several detailed meetings to review safety instructions and procedures for diving with tiger sharks. We even learned the names and personalities of the sharks we might encounter. By understanding shark behavior, such as their activity patterns and environmental preferences, we can significantly reduce the risk of shark attacks and alleviate some of the fear caused by misunderstandings.
Photo by @titusfilms
You may wonder, how to behave in the water with sharks
It’s crucial to always maintain a healthy respect for sharks and never fall into the trap of thinking you can control them – you can’t. The best way to prepare for a potential shark encounter is to educate yourself on how to avoid an attack, know the steps to take if bitten, and understand how to assist victims of shark attacks.
1. Keep eye contact on the shark and stay calm
When you come face to face with a shark, keeping eye contact is a must. It shows the shark you know it’s there and that you’re not an easy target. Sharks are curious by nature, so looking them in the eye can make them less likely to see you as prey.
Staying calm is equally important. If you panic and start moving erratically, you might actually attract the shark. Staying calm helps you avoid looking like prey and keeps things under control.
2. Wear dark colors, avoid strong contrast colors
Sharks are really good at seeing contrast, so if you’re in the water with them, wearing high-contrast or brightly colored gear can make you stand out. To avoid attracting too much attention, it’s best to skip the flashy or fluorescent clothing and steer clear of anything shiny or reflective.
3. Always listen to your guide
Your guide knows the area and the behavior of the sharks where you’ll be diving. For your safety and theirs, it’s crucial to trust them and strictly follow their procedures.
Over all, Is it worth it?
Well, it turned out to be one of my best diving adventures. The shark dives were simply epic, encountering great hammerheads, tiger sharks, bull sharks, lemon sharks, and nurse sharks. Each dive brought new excitement and awe, making this journey unforgettable. It wasn’t just about the shark diving itself but also the journey of overcoming my fear of sharks. Being in the water with top ocean predators like tiger sharks and learning to appreciate them is truly a special feeling. You only understand it when you experience it. Trust me, you’re going to create lifelong memories with these giants.
Our trip was organized by the German travel agency Behind The Mask, with the boat from Master Liveaboards.
Photo by @titusfilms
