Scuba Diving with Sharks

Peter Letts   Jul 10, 2025

Essential Safety Tips for Scuba Diving with Sharks and Divers

Sharks often evoke strong reactions in beginner scuba divers, especially in Australia, where species like the iconic Grey Nurse Shark are commonly seen off the coast. However, the truth is that scuba diving with sharks is much safer than many people imagine. Shark attacks on scuba divers are extremely rare. Over a 57-year span in Australia, only 62 scuba divers were recorded as having been attacked by sharks, with just 8 of those attacks being fatal. This accounts for only 3% of all diving-related fatalities. Worldwide, divers represent less than 5% of unprovoked shark bite incidents each year. Most shark encounters actually involve surfers or swimmers at the water’s surface, not divers underwater.

Key Takeaways

• Shark attacks on divers are extremely rare, with less than 60 unprovoked bites reported annually worldwide, highlighting the overall safety of scuba diving compared to other water activities.

• Understanding specific shark species' behaviour, such as the Grey Nurse Shark’s non-aggressive nature and the misunderstood Great White Shark, can help reduce fear and promote safe diving practices.

• Implementing practical dive practices, including diving in groups, avoiding shiny objects, and remaining calm, enhances safety and minimises the risk of shark encounters.

Understanding Shark Attacks on Divers

While shark attacks on scuba divers do occur, they are exceptionally rare. Globally, scuba divers account for only about 4.5% of unprovoked shark bites, with most incidents involving surfers or swimmers at the surface rather than divers underwater. Sharks generally do not view divers as appealing prey, which significantly lowers the risk of attack. In Australia, between 1960 and 2017, only 62 shark attacks on scuba divers were recorded, with just eight fatal shark attacks, averaging roughly one fatal shark attacks every seven years. This low incidence offers reassurance to those interested in scuba diving alongside these fascinating marine creatures.

Most sharks show little interest in divers compared to their natural prey like fish and seals. The presence of scuba diving gear, bubbles, and the slow, deliberate movements of divers further reduce their attractiveness to sharks, often failing to capture a shark’s attention.

Understanding these facts helps alleviate fears about shark encounters and underscores the importance of informed, cautious diving practices.

Historical Data and Trends

Shark attack records date back to the 16th century, but systematic global data collection began in the 1950s with efforts from institutions like the International Shark Attack File. Over the past two decades, the global average has remained steady at 70–80 unprovoked attacks annually, with fatalities typically ranging from 5 to 10 per year. When adjusted for population growth and increased ocean activity, these incidents remain exceedingly rare.

For instance, in 2022, Australia recorded just nine cases of both unprovoked and provoked shark interactions. Historically, shark attacks make up a tiny fraction of diving-related fatalities in the country, with most incidents involving species like the great white, tiger, and bull sharks. Despite the fearsome reputation of these predators, dangerous encounters with humans remain exceptionally uncommon.

Comparing Risks: Divers vs. Surfers

When comparing the risks of scuba diving to other surface supply activities like surfing, it’s evident that surfers face a higher risk of shark attacks. This is largely due to the nature of surface activities, which can mimic the appearance of a shark’s natural prey. Physical contact or harassment of a shark can provoke an attack, as can hunger or mistaken identity.

In contrast, scuba divers, with their gear and underwater presence, do not resemble typical prey. The bubbles and slow movements associated with diving and swimming make divers less attractive targets for sharks. This distinction emphasizes the relative safety of scuba diving compared to other water activities.

Common Shark Species Encountered by Divers

Divers frequently encounter a variety of shark species, each with unique behaviors and characteristics. Understanding these species and their habits is crucial for safe and enjoyable diving experiences. In Australian waters, common species include the Port Jackson Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, Great White Shark, and Tiger Shark. Additionally, Hammerhead Sharks are known for their distinctive shape and hunting strategies.

Researching the specific sharks in an area before diving helps divers prepare for safe encounters, promoting both safety and appreciation for these marine animals. Knowing what to expect can transform a potentially nerve-wracking experience into a fascinating adventure.

Grey Nurse Sharks: Gentle Giants

If there’s one shark that embodies the gap between perception and reality, it’s the Grey Nurse Shark (or Sand Tiger Shark outside Australia). On first glance, their rows of razor-sharp teeth and protruding jaws might make them look ferocious. But in reality? They’re as placid as a sleepy goldfish—slow-moving, docile, and uninterested in humans.

Decades ago, Grey Nurse Sharks gained a fearsome reputation as deadly “man-eaters.” This misconception led to tragic consequences, with thousands hunted to near extinction. Today, they’re classified as critically endangered on Australia’s east coast, with fewer than 1,500 remaining in the wild.

Despite their fearsome history, there has never been a recorded fatal sharattack involving Grey Nurse Sharks in Australian waters. These majestic creatures are frequently seen near the shore, adding to their accessibility for divers. Their non-aggressive nature makes them a favourite among those looking to experience shark encounters without the associated risks.

The most common feedback from divers encountering them? Admiration and awe at their gentle nature.

Great White Sharks: Misunderstood Predators

The Great White Shark, or Carcharodon carcharias, is one of the most misunderstood predators in the ocean. Often found in the pelagic zone, these great whites are known for their ‘sampling bite’ behavior, where they bite to explore potential prey. Interestingly, after biting a human, Great White Sharks usually release their victims, indicating that they do not consider humans as regular prey.

Despite being responsible for the majority of human attacks, Great White Sharks do not actively hunt humans. Misconceptions about their aggressive nature contribute to their negative reputation, but in reality, these sharks exhibit complex behaviors that are often misinterpreted and attacked.

Understanding the behavior of Great White Sharks can help debunk myths and reduce unnecessary fear. These predators are curious and cautious, often observing divers from a distance rather than engaging aggressively.

Practical Dive Practices to Avoid Shark Encounters

Implementing practical dive practices is essential for minimising the risk of shark encounters and ensuring diver safety. These practices include:

• Diving in groups reduces the likelihood of attracting sharks, as they tend to target individuals.

• Choosing subdued colours for dive gear.

• Avoid wearing reflective items that may attract sharks’ attention.

These practices, when collectively implemented, enhance the safety of scuba diving experiences and reduce the risk of negative encounters with sharks.

Staying Calm and Moving Slowly

Staying calm and moving slowly is crucial when diving with sharks. Panic can trigger a shark’s predatory instincts, making it essential to remain composed and maintain slow, deliberate movements. Sharks can detect quick movements and sounds, which may startle them and provoke a defensive reaction.

Quick movements can be perceived as a threat, so it is important to move gently and avoid startling, sudden movements. This calm behaviour helps in ensuring a peaceful interaction with these marine animals in the sea, allowing you to remain calm.

Avoiding Shiny Objects and Blood

Avoiding shiny objects and blood is another key practice for safe diving. Sharks are drawn to bright or reflective items, so divers should refrain from wearing jewellery or any reflective gear. Additionally, while it is a myth that sharks are attracted to menstrual blood, they do prefer the scent of amino acids from marine animals.

Using slow and deliberate movements near sharks minimises the likelihood of provoking defensive behaviour, further ensuring a safe diving experience.

The Role of Shark Diving in Conservation Efforts

Engaging in shark diving not only offers an exhilarating experience but also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. Shark dives help raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and the crucial role of shark populations. These experiences foster appreciation for shark species and encourage conservation initiatives.

Responsible scuba diving practices can also contribute to the financial support of conservation efforts, helping to protect critical habitats and promote sustainable marine practices.

PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Course

The PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Course is a prime example of how education can lead to conservation. This course educates divers on the vulnerabilities of sharks and encourages proactive measures to protect them. Participants learn about shark biology, behaviour, and the threats they face, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for these species.

Such educational initiatives empower divers to advocate for shark conservation and practice responsible diving to minimize human impact on shark populations.

Supporting Marine Life Protection

Supporting marine life protection through responsible shark diving is vital for preserving natural habitats. Grey Nurse Sharks, for instance, are apex predators that play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Dive operators at popular locations like Bushrangers Bay implement guidelines to minimize human impact on shark habitats.

Shark diving promotes awareness among divers, encouraging them to advocate for marine protection initiatives and policy changes. This collective effort is essential for the long-term sustainability of marine environments.

Why Bushrangers Bay is a Top Destination for Shark Diving