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Maptlantis

Shark encounters

Where to see sharks: seasons and ways to meet them

Operators 172Countries 15Published prices 112Encounter formats 8
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see sharks around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the shark as a target species, 172 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Ari & Rasdhoo, Anda, Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Hurghada, Bazaruto Archipelago and Overstrand Local Municipality. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and land-based watching. Two "shark tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 112 of the 172 operators (65%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Mar–May, Jun–Nov and Mar–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

172 listed operatorsShowing the top 60

All 112 other listings

Operators not shown in the cards above. Select a name to open its page.

Shark season

How to meet sharks

Sharks by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see sharks?

172 operators name the shark as a target species. Main regions: Ari & Rasdhoo, Anda, Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Hurghada, Bazaruto Archipelago and Overstrand Local Municipality.

Do you have to get in the water to see sharks?

Formats on record: boat-based watching, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and land-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is shark season?

Operators list different seasons, Mar–May, Jun–Nov and Mar–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Sharks are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.

How much do shark tours cost?

112 of the 172 operators (65%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.