Reef Sharks

In this section we have lumped together a number of sharks commonly refereed to as reef sharks. These group comprises several sharks that are actually separate kinds of 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!

Blacktip Reef Shark

The Blacktip reef shark is a common reef shark with distinctive black markings on the ends of its fins and a blunt snout, usually a small shark less than a meter and a half.  A fast and active reef shark that favors tropical and sub-tropical waters.  This shark favors shallow areas on the Red Sea and on Indo-Pacific reefs, as well as the east coast of Africa.  Reaching a maximum size of about 7 feet, It is frequently encountered by divers and is generally considered not dangerous to humans.  It has been implicated in some accidental attacks against swimmers.  The Blacktip Reef Shark is also common in aquariums.

Caribbean Reef Shark

This is a common reef shark in the Bahamas and Caribbean, and is also known in the Florida Keys.  Growing to approximately nine feet in length, larger specimens of Caribbean reef sharks are considered dangerous, and have been implicated in several attacks.  Divers should use standard practices of "respecting" these sharks, and they should not be provoked, harassed, or followed.  With a range from Florida to Brazil, their numbers have been depleted by fishing in some areas,- abundant in the Bahamas.  These Caribbean Reef Sharks are safe enough for diving, but they provide a good reason for divers on shark feeding dives to keep hands their hands safely tucked away!

Grey Reef Shark

Usually found in the Red Sea, these sharks are considered more  aggressive than most, and when provoked, have been known to take the "hunched back" display.  Grey Reef Sharks should never be harassed or followed, because provoking them may activate what seems to be their territorial instinct.

Silvertip Reef Shark

In the western Indian Ocean region, the silvertip shark is found in the Red Sea and off East Africa,  including but not limited to Madagascar, the Chagos Archipelago, and the Seychelles. Its range is from the western Pacific Ocean including southern Japan to northern Australia, as well as French Polynesia.  It is also known to occur in the central Pacific, and from southern Baja, California, Mexico to Colombia,  including the Galapagos Islands.  This shark is made conspicuous by the white edges on all of its fins, and it is considered dangerous as well as a powerful and active predator, constantly patrolling the Red Sea and on Indo-Pacific coral reefs.

Whitetip Reef Shark

As its name would suggest, this shark is known by the white tips on its fins.  Also common in the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific, this shark is smaller than the silver-tip, and is very listless during the daytime, hiding in crevices and under the reefs.  This shark is generally not considered dangerous.  With a maximum length of about nine feet, this shark is more active at night. 

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.

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.

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