Top 5 shark species encountered by scuba divers in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is famous for thriving coral reefs, plunging walls, shipwrecks, blue holes, and underwater Hollywood history. But, all these attractions combined don't draw as many divers as the region's incredible marine life. In fact, Bahamas shark diving is the number one ocean attraction in the islands - with both baited and natural encounters on offer and some sites delivering powerful pelagic action all year round.

In this article, we'll share five of our favourite shark species in the Bahamas, plus a few more for the full-on shark-fanatics. We've also included details on the best dive sites and experiences, as well as tips on when to visit if you want to up your odds of an encounter. 

• Top sites: Tiger Beach – an offshore area northwest of Grand Bahama comprising sand flats, coral reef, and seagrass beds.
• Seasons: October through January is peak tiger shark season.
• Pro tips: Remain motionless during shark dives for the most intimate encounters – these curious predators will approach calm divers for a closer look.
• Conservation status: Near Threatened.

Believe it or not, this powerful predator is one of the most common shark species spotted in the Bahamas – so long as you know when and where to find them! Tiger sharks are typically solitary nomadic animals, but in the Bahamas, they are often seen in groups. They can grow to an astounding five metres in length and weigh in at over a tonne – making them the Bahama’s largest shark species. Tiger sharks are easy to identify thanks to the distinctive striped pattern running along their back and sides, serving as natural camouflage for hunting and avoiding predators alike.

Scientists are still studying tiger shark behaviour to learn why they gather here. But, as a large number of pregnant females are spotted, it is thought there could be a breeding or pupping ground nearby.

• Top sites: Runway Wall, also known as the "Shark Arena," off Nassau's coast, is famous for its everyday encounters.
• Seasons: No matter when you dive in this region, you're nearly guaranteed to spot Caribbean reef sharks!
• Pro tips: This species can be highly curious, especially during baited dives and hand feeding. Opt for an action camera to capture their high-speed hunting.
• Conservation status: Endangered.

This is the most common shark species in the Bahamas, likely to turn up in large groups at feeding dives. But don't be surprised if you bump into them during normal dives as well. Caribbean reef sharks prefer to patrol in the shallows, often cruising near drop-offs at the reefs' outer edges. They also spend time resting motionless on the bottom and inside caves, allowing the current to pull water through their gills and helping them to breathe while stationary.

While Caribbean reef sharks are a relatively small species, reaching a maximum length of three metres and a top weight of 70 kilos, they are still among the region's apex predators. This species hunts cooperatively in groups, preferring to feed on bony fish like snapper and bottom dwellers such as stingrays. 

• Top sites: Great hammerheads appear at several shallow sand flats around Bimini in response to frequent food being offered.
• Seasons: Plan your trip between December and April, but be aware that sightings peak during January and February.
• Pro tips: In hammerhead season, water temperatures plummet – pack a 5mm wetsuit to stay warm! 
• Conservation status: Critically Endangered.

This is the largest species of hammerhead shark, reaching four metres in length and weighing in at over 200 kilos. It’s easily identified by its flat-fronted cephalofoil, or hammer, towering dorsal fin, and elongated tail. Each year, the waters off Bimini's coast are home to aggregations of these sharks, with nearly-guaranteed encounters during baited dives. However, chance sightings can take place in the Bahamas all year round.

While great hammerheads make a powerful first impression, they are actually one of the safest sharks to dive with. Their downward-facing mouths are intended for scooping prey from the bottom, presenting less of a risk than the powerful open jaws of other predators its size. And, even while being fed, this species tends to keep its distance. That said, the hammerheads in the Bahamas are about as curious as they come.

• Top sites: Several areas around Cat Island host reliable encounters in blue water.
• Seasons: April and May are the most reliable months for encounters.
• Pro tips: This species can be highly curious, even giving a gentle bump or rub as it approaches divers – be sure to follow your guide's instructions for a safe experience. 
• Conservation status: Threatened.

Each year, the Bahamas' Cat Island hosts the largest aggregation of oceanic whitetip sharks in the world. This vulnerable species has seen its global populations decimated over the years as a result of unsustainable fishing, but they still thrive in the protected waters of the Bahamas. Topping out at over four metres and nearly 200 kilos, these powerful pelagic predators are outgoing and inquisitive, often making several close passes at lucky dive groups. 

Unlike shark dives that take place on the sandy bottom, divers at Cat Island drift in deep water during baited shark encounters. While the group hovers close to the ocean's surface, the actual seafloor might be hundreds of metres below.

• Top sites: Cat Island, Andros, Lost Blue Hole in Nassau.
• Seasons: It's possible to spot silkies year-round, but their biggest aggregation takes place in June.
• Pro tips: This species is fast-moving and hard to photograph. Bring a quality action camera along for the best results!
• Conservation status: Vulnerable.

It's possible to spot silky sharks patrolling the open ocean around Andros and Cat Island in the Bahamas all year-round, especially during baited shark dives. But, the very best place to see them is the Lost Blue Hole in Nassau. During June, hundreds of silkies gather here to breed, performing intricate courtship displays that bring large groups together in a swirling vortex of fins and flashing teeth, with lucky dive groups looking on. These pelagic predators often gather deeper than 30 metres, so you'll need advanced certification to take in the show. 

Silkies are powerful open-ocean predators, with lean muscular bodies often reaching lengths over three metres and weights above 300 kilos. Female silky sharks are typically larger than males, making them easier to identify during mating rituals.

While the "Big Five" are clearly the most sought after sharks in the Bahamas, they aren't the only species that you're likely to encounter. You never know what marine megafauna could be lured in from the open ocean during baited shark dives. And, this region is home to sharks of all kinds, sometimes spotted patrolling the reef's edge or cruising the shallows in search of their next meal. 

Far less ferocious than the other sharks found in the Bahamas, this docile bottom feeder is likely to turn up at every baited or fed shark experience in the region. They're also commonly found napping in caves and sand channels throughout the archipelago, aerating their gills while they sleep. At Compass Cay in the Exumas, nurse sharks gather in large groups at the marina, where visitors can swim and snorkel alongside them.

Named for their unique yellow-tinted skin, lemon sharks are one of the Bahamas' most common sharks – though they generate less attention than other species. This is a social shark, often appearing in groups at feeding events. They are commonly spotted in the shallows around Bimini, as well, where researchers believe they gather to give birth.

Easily the most exciting bonus to the Big Five, bull sharks are opportunistic predators easily attracted to feeding events. They can also be seen off the coast of Bimini, close to the region's mangrove forests. This species prefers brackish water and low visibility, so they often enter the local marina – where the legendary "bull run" takes place. This is one of the few opportunities for caged shark diving in the Bahamas.