Hammerhead Sharks

There are 9 different types of sharks referred to as hammerhead sharks. For example, there is the scalloped hammerhead, the great hammerhead, and the smooth hammerhead, just to name a few.

Ranging in size from 5 feet up to 15 feet long, there are rare appearances of individuals (in the case of the great hammerhead) of up to 20 feet long!  These sharks get their name from the two projections that protrude from the sides of the head, each featuring an eye and a nostril at the end, giving the head the appearance of a flattened hammer.   The diet of the Hammerhead consists mainly of fish, rays, other sharks, as well as a number of crustaceans and bottom-dwelling organisms.

The Shape of the Head

Several different theories exist for explaining the unusual shape the hammerhead shark's head.   Some researchers believe that the head serves as a heightened "electro-magnetic" sensor:  it seems likely that hammerheads, like most fish, have the ability to sense small electro-magnetic currents (and this is not considered unusual).  But in the case of hammerheads, it is believed possible that since they are primarily bottom hunters, they can detect the minute electrical impulses, perhaps even as faint as the electrical impulse emitted by the beating of the tiny hearts of skates and rays hidden beneath the sand.  The extend of this ability of the hammerhead is not known, but it may be one of the most sensitive electro-magnetic sensors in all of nature.  Another theory is that the hammer heightens their sense of sight and smell.  With longer nostrils, (an opportunity for larger number of nerve endings), and eyes further apart, with their sense of smell and their sense of sight the hammerheads may be the true bloodhounds and hawks of the ocean, all wrapped into one!  And lastly, another theory is that the primary function of the hammer-shaped head is related to locomotion and superior manoeuvrability.  As with many opposing scientific theories, the truth ultimately may be found to lie somewhere between, and that all of these theories may contain an element of the truth in their own way.  Why the mystery?  Because hammerheads, like all sharks, are extremely difficult to observe in the wild.  They spend much of their time in the open ocean, they tend to shy away from divers, and their behavior in the presence of divers when food bait or a shark cage is involved is different than their natural behavior.  In captivity, in direct scientific observation in aquariums, it is even speculated that these animals can detect the minute electrical currents in the walls of the tanks.  As with many sharks, what we know about them relies heavily upon rare chance encounters in the wild, and modern shark-tagging programs.  We need years of additional study to accumulate observations about these beautiful and mysterious animals.

Diving with Hammerhead Sharks

Hammerheads are known to school together during the day, and break up as solitary hunters during the night.  Some theories suggest that hammerheads school for mating purposes, others for migration purposes, or both.  Since during seasonal migrations these schools can reach many hundreds of individuals, the experience of watching one of these schools pass by lazily overhead can be one of the most spectacular experiences scuba diving has to offer.   In places such as the Galapagos Islands, these schools can be occasionally predicted, maximizing the opportunities for the encounter of a lifetime and amazing photo opportunities.  Encounters with solitary individuals relies mostly upon chance, and are most likely to occur on reefs where divers are seeking out encounters with other kinds of sharks when a hammerhead makes a surprise, and unforgettable, appearance.

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.

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.

Galapagos Sharks

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 off-white belly.  Although they have been implicated in attacks on swimmers, like many sharks, these sharks are not normally dangerous to humans. 
Click here for more
on Galapagos 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

888.328.7449