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Shark Encounters for Your Next Vacation: Swim, Feed or Watch Sharks

Shark Encounters for Your Next Vacation Swim, Feed or Watch Sharks[Image: Photo by Sebastien Filion / Stuart Cove’s]

It’s the time of year when JAWS fans glue themselves to the Discovery Channel for Shark Week. On Sunday, August 10, 2014 those fascinated by the fierce fish for a fresh round of tales of survival. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and marine biologist and shark researcher Dr. Greg Skomal have joined the network in a new feature, ‘Jaws Strikes Back’.

For years, sharks have sparked intrigue, curiosity and research has helped mankind understand that humans aren’t on their typical menu. Now, thrill seekers can swim with sharks, feed them and come face-to-face with some of the biggest beasts like great white sharks. There are even amazing shark encounter options for those who don’t want to brave getting into the water with them.

If you are looking for family-friendly facts, National Geographic Kids has some fantastic shark fun that doesn’t tip the terror scale into nightmare territory.

DIVE

Baa Atoll, Maldives – Swim with whale sharks in the stunning and shrinking islands. Sea Explorer will take you out to explore the gorgeous reefs and “bumping into” sharks isn’t uncommon. You will most likely find juvenile reef sharks, stingrays, guitar sharks, lionfish, moray-eels and barracudas depending on where you dive.

Oahu, Hawaii – If you are a fan of reef, sandbar, and hammerhead sharks, go to Hawaii’s third largest island. North Shore Shark Adventures will give a money-back assurance of a sighting. Swimmers can jump in a cage about 3 miles out from the island and spend 20 minutes in the water with sharks and other creatures you are lucky enough to come across. This is a great option for those with little to no diving experience.

Isla Holbox, Mexico – Whale sharks pose very little threat compared to its toothy relatives. These gentle giants eat plankton and don’t have the razor-sharp teeth. If you want to immerse yourself in their world, try Natural Habitat Adventures.

FEED

Bali, Indonesia – Don’t worry. You aren’t the bait. Bali Sharks will take you to Shark Island to feed and even high-five black and whitetip reef sharks. Visitors will also get to spend time with some reef pups and swim in stainless steel cage with the sharks.

Nassau, Bahamas – If you rather watching a feeding than brave actually holding out you own hand, Stuart Cove’s Aqua Adventures offers something for you. Forming a large circle, the group surrounds a professional feeder who will take care of all the bait. A swarm of hungry shark ensues, while you watch from a safer distance.

WATCH

Cayman Trench, Honduras – If you don’t want to get wet, you can still have an amazing shark adventure. Dive thousands of feet under sea level to get a peek at the prehistoric Six-Gill Shark. Nestled safely away from teeth and water exposure, tamer-thrill seekers dive in specialized submarine for an unforgettable experience.

GREAT WHITE SHARK EXPERIENCE

Cape Town, South Africa – No list is complete with a great white shark encounter. Cape Town is the classic choice for getting face-to-face with the ultimate predator. Enter a cage in Shark Alley, and see for yourself the beauty of these beasts. Try followme2AFRICA for some of the best spots.