Are Bull Sharks Dangerous to Divers?

Bull sharks are considered dangerous because they are responsible for some shark bite incidents, as are tiger and great white sharks. It is worth remembering that sharks rarely bite humans, though, and the risk of being bitten by a bull shark is extremely low. Bull sharks are not an immediate threat to divers, though they should be treated respectfully. They are relaxed and confident around divers, passing by at close range.

Where Can I Dive with Bull Sharks?

Bull sharks are found at a handful of top shark diving destinations around the world, where you can get up close and personal with these large and fascinating sharks.

Bull Shark Diving Bahamas

The Bahamas is famous as a shark diving destination and has been declared a shark sanctuary. It is one of the best places to visit to experience bull shark diving and encounter great hammerheads, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and more. Bull sharks are found at Tiger Beach and are more commonly seen in February and March. Scuba diving at Tiger Beach is suitable for all experience levels. The shark dives are conducted at relatively shallow dive sites, with divers kneeling on the sandy bottom and watching the sharks swim around them.

Bull Shark Diving in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a top dive destination for shark fans, offering bull shark diving, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, and more. The Bat Islands are famous for their large number of resident bull sharks and are accessed by visiting Guanacaste Island. Liveaboard trips to this isolated area take in various dive sites, but the real highlight is the Big Scare, where you can view numerous bull sharks. Whales, dolphins, and manta rays are also found at this dive site. The current can be strong at the Big Scare, and the dive depth is up to 30 meters, making this bull shark dive best suited to advanced divers.

Bull Shark Diving in Fiji

Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world and offers exceptionally colorful coral diving and a variety of large pelagic species. Shark encounters are almost guaranteed in some areas of Fiji. Divers can spend time underwater with tiger and bull sharks, lemon sharks, zebra, and silky sharks. There is also the chance to see hammerheads and whale sharks. Gau Island has some of the best shark diving opportunities, as does the Nigali Passage and Makongi Island. Fans of bull sharks should ensure they dive Beqa Lagoon before or after their Fiji liveaboard safari. Beqa shark diving is known for numerous bull sharks and occasional visiting tiger sharks. Fiji diving is possible all year, and there is something suitable for all experience levels within Fiji’s broad range of dive areas.

Bull Shark Diving in Micronesia

The remote islands of Micronesia offer pristine diving for adventurous divers and plenty of shark action. Palau is one of the most popular Micronesia dive areas known for WWII wrecks and diverse marine life brought to the area by three major ocean currents. At Palau, divers can enjoy encounters with grey reef sharks, whitetips, nurse sharks, and zebra sharks. Peleliu in Palau is the place to visit for the best chance of seeing bull and tiger sharks. Peleliu Wall and Cut offers wall and reef diving with schools of grey reef sharks and whitetip sharks and the chance to find these larger shark species. Lucky divers may also see orcas and whales there. Micronesia has something for all dive experience levels, though Peleliu is suited to experienced divers only due to the strong current there. There are a variety of Micronesia liveaboards that visit Palau and Peleliu.

Bull Shark Diving in Australia

The S.S. Yongala is one of Australia’s premier wreck dives and is home to bull sharks. This unique wreck is a huge 109 meters long, lies at a depth of 28 meters, and has a staggering array of marine life, including bull sharks and bull rays. Townsville is the nearest port to the S.S. Yongala and the most common point of departure for Australian liveaboard diving trips to the wreck.

Where Are the Best Places to Dive with Sharks?

Are you looking for other top shark diving destinations or different species to dive with? Check out our Best Places To Dive With Sharks and Where To Cage Dive With Sharks.