Diving with the Sharks – An Enthralling Ride Under Water

“I find it somewhat liberating to jump, to dive into things that are the opposite of me”

- Lupe Fiasco (An American Rapper and entrepreneur)

Does a shark appear to be a creature that only instills fear and nothing else? How would you feel about diving into the blue waters to experience the adrenaline rush of swimming beside a shark? Well even if you’re not a big fan of extreme adventure sports or a bad swimmer, an underwater dive in the realms of aquatic roamers would be among the most cherished moments of your life. We bring you the four most amazing places where you could go diving with the sharks. Go ahead, scare yourself…

1. SEA LIFE Aquarium (Melbourne)

The famous SEA LIFE Aquarium (SLA) in Melbourne unlike islands and oceanic zones is a manmade diving sight and has emerged as a major attraction for aquatic lovers from all over the world. The 2.2 million litre Oceanarium in Melbourne is the best way you can come face-to-face with sharks, giant stingrays, sea turtles and other exotic fish. What makes SLA even more exciting is that there is no above 18 rule here, even a 15 year old can take a dive in! The management offers the best guidance and safety precautions to divers.

Best Time to Visit: The aquarium is open almost all year on weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. (Advance bookings advised)

Cost: Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 20,000 or US $ 300

 

2. Guadalupe Island (Mexico)

With a visibility of over a 100 feet guaranteed under the blue waters, Guadalupe Island in Mexico will give you a clean view of the most fascinating white sharks. Open decks of the submersible cages will give you a clearer view underwater and experience the thrill without any hindrance. Guadalupe has White Sharks in abundance so sighting one is not a problem. Trust us when we tell you that the sight of one is truly breathtaking.

Best Time to Visit: August to November

Cost: Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 200,000 or US $ 3000 – 3500 which includes the complete package of more than two dives and training

 

3. Placencia, (Belize)

The small town of Placencia in Belize along the Caribbean Sea compels divers to try something extremely adventurous, ‘the whale shark dive’. The region is regularly frequented by whale sharks, which are categorically believed to be quite dangerous. These sharks can be spotted in a region called Gladden Split in the months of March to June, around full moon. There is one important thing that you need to keep in mind- you have to be an expert diver to dive here. The two-day dive tour takes you deep into the oceanic reefs and will be an experience to last a lifetime.

Best Time to Visit: March –June, around full moon

Cost: Rs. 100,000 – Rs. 150,000 or US $ 2000 – $ 2500 covering the two day long dive tour with training

 

4. Grand Bahamas Island, (Bahamas)

To get close to one of the most daunting yet appealing species under water such as a Tiger Shark, without even a cage to protect you is scary, isn’t it?  Tiger Beach in Bahamas offers exactly that. The visuals of the most thrilling cage-free dive with Tiger Sharks playing your underwater companion, does it give you goose bumps already? This one is for adventurers who are driven by diving. The dive is executed with all necessary safety measures and there are several operators at the Grand Bahamas Island that offer amazing packages lasting as long as 7 days. Be prepared to invest both time and money when you come to the Bahamas. At the end of the long tour, nothing would captivate you more than the sight of large sharks just feet away from you.

Best Time to Visit: April – November

Cost: Rs. 250,000 – Rs. 350,000 or US $ 3500 – $ 4000 covering seven days long tour with more than five dives, also includes training

Safety Guidelines to be Kept in Mind

While you would obviously be made to run through the necessary safety drill before your dive, we advise you to take away these crucial pointers before diving:

#1 Wear the proper gear – The last thing you’d want is the sharks confusing you with an aquatic creature. Dress in dark costumes so the sharks don’t think you’re a meal being served on platter

#2 Maintain distance – No improvisation if you’re an amateur diver

#3 Avoid alcohol – Don’t drink the night before you take a dive. The body doesn’t need any amount of alcohol when it goes under water

#4 Stay fit – Try and avoid taking a dive if you’re not feeling 100 percent fit. People with high blood pressure, breathing issues are not advised to go for the dive

So what’s keeping you from taking the dive of your life?