Galapagos Sharks

The Galapagos shark is a large, potentially dangerous shark, sometimes known to approach boats or swim up to divers out of a sense of curiosity.

Few sharks can rival the beauty and classic shark form of the Galapagos Shark. Getting it's name from it's original discovery in waters off of the Galapagos Islands, this shark can grow up to 10 feet long, and has a dark gray top with an off-white belly. Although they have been implicated in attacks on swimmers, like many sharks, these sharks are not normally dangerous to humans. You can go scuba diving with them safely, if you simply follow a few common sense rules, such as observing them from a distance, and not chasing, harassing, or teasing them with food.

How do you know when you've got yourself
on the bad side of a Galapagos shark?

When provoked or threatened, this shark will exhibit a "hunched back" posture, bowing itself up as if it was hunched at the shoulders. Then it will swim at you in a classic figure 8. pattern.  Imagine a fish pressed up against the glass of an aquarium, swimming in little figure 8's as if it was trying to press its nose through the glass. This is the display of a Galapagos shark when it is trying to warn you to leave it's territory. So if you see this display and the shark is moving in your direction, vacate the area!

Where can you find Galapagos sharks?

Galapagos sharks, as with so many sharks, can occur in the waters of virtually all oceans, but they are most likely to be found in the waters of the tropical seas along Mexico, South America, Africa,  and the Pacific Islands. They have a preference for clear, tropical waters. A coastal species, they prefer a rocky or coral bottom to a sandy one, and will cross open waters between islands.

More Interesting Things About Galapagos Sharks

Galapagos sharks eat prey taken from the ocean floor including bottom-dwelling squid, fish and octopus, and they are comfortable in water anywhere from 15 to 200 feet deep. Their  pups will flee to shallow water shortly after birth, which act as nursery grounds to avoid being eaten by their own parents! Check with your dive operator to determine the best chances for viewing within the local area.

Many sharks have a global habitat
range and predictable migration patterns. These patterns are vital in
predicting the locations and times
for the best viewing and shark diving opportunities.  Explore the links below for basic facts and information about the species
most commonly encountered
by shark diving enthusiasts.

Great White Sharks

It is possible that no other living creature on the earth has been
the subject of as much undeserved
fear and hysteria as the Great White Shark. Growing massive in size,
(the great white is a solitary predator that can reach 20 feet or longer), the natural food source of
a great white consists primarily of harbour seals, northern elephant seals, sea lions, as well as dolphin, porpoise, and even the carcasses
of dead whales.  
Click here for more
on Great Whites.

Hammerhead Sharks

There are several different types of sharks referred to as hammerheads, for example, there is the Winghead Shark, the Scalloped Hammerhead, the Great Hammerhead, and the Smooth Hammerhead, ranging in size from 5 feet up to 15 feet long, with rare appearances of individuals (in the case of the Great Hammerhead) of up to 20 feet long! 
Click here for more
on Hammerheads.

Sand Tiger Sharks

The Sand Tiger is yet another species with an undeserved bad  reputation. It's ferocious reputation is based on the fact that this shark is frequently guilty of attacks
against surfers and swimmers
in the surf zone.
Click here for more
on Sand Tiger sharks.

Reef Sharks

There are several sharks shark
divers are likely to encounter that
go by the name "reef sharks," such as the Blacktip Reef Shark,
Caribbean Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Silvertip Reef Shark, & Whitetip Reef Shark- just to name
a few! 
Click here for more
on reef sharks.

Whale Sharks

The whale shark is the largest known fish in the sea, reaching a massive size in excess of 40 feet in length!  It can weigh as much as ten tons!  Since they frequently feed in relatively shallow waters around reefs, free diving or scuba diving with this fish is possible. 
The incredible size of this animal  makes a dive with a whale shark unforgettable!  
Click here for more
on Whale sharks.

This is your year to meet "Mystery" at Isla Guadalupe
Book your adventure with us today!

Email us at staff@divingwithsharks.com or call us anytime
to book your Great White shark adventure at

619.565.0208