Sharks: Bahamas or Belize ?

[luiscb]

I'm planning on going on a scuba trip in April (9-17) with my wife to the Caribbean and we would be very interested for divings where we could observe sharks.

I've heard that the Grand Bahama is great and that they have several shark dives (diving center UNEXSO).

But I've been told that in Belize we could get the chance of seeing sharks in almost every dive we make. There are also some dives (Blue Hole) where we would have a strong probability of seeing some big sharks.

In Belize somebody told me about Ramon's Village as being a great place to stay and to dive with.

Can somebody help on this shark issue?

Thanks

 

[diversteve]

I'm planning on going on a scuba trip in April (9-17) with my wife to the Caribbean and we would be very interested for divings where we could observe sharks.

I've heard that the Grand Bahama is great and that they have several shark dives (diving center UNEXSO).

But I've been told that in Belize we could get the chance of seeing sharks in almost every dive we make. There are also some dives (Blue Hole) where we would have a strong probability of seeing some big sharks.

In Belize somebody told me about Ramon's Village as being a great place to stay and to dive with.

Can somebody help on this shark issue?

Thanks

I think you'll be better off at Stuart Cove's or one of the other shark dive specialty ops on Nassau/New Providence. They have daily feedings so it's pretty much guaranteed. And one of the wrecks there is/was used as a feeding site so when you dive it you'll be escorted by the locals looking for a handout.

Unexso is more known for their Dolphin dives and encounter.

There are resident sharks in the Blue Hole, but I've read the dive itself is not great unless you're into underwater rock formations. The bottom is way too deep(350' or so) for recreational divers. There are also regular spottings of Whale Sharks off Belize at certain times of year. Also at Utila in Honduras and further up the West Caribbean coast. I think they're seen in the spring so it might work in well with your plans.

 

[D_O_H]

We never actively went looking for them, but over about 15 dives the only time we saw sharks up close was when the guide would chum the water. We saw a few at shark ray alley, though they were very skittish - not interested in being near divers at all. The sharks at the Blue Hole were cooler, especially with a healthy dose of narcosis, but I wouldn't say it was a world class shark experience or anything even near that.

I haven't had a ton of experience in Belize, but if sharks are really important to you, you may want to explore other options.

 

[Pettifogger]

I'm planning on going on a scuba trip in April (9-17) with my wife to the Caribbean and we would be very interested for divings where we could observe sharks.

I've heard that the Grand Bahama is great and that they have several shark dives (diving center UNEXSO).

But I've been told that in Belize we could get the chance of seeing sharks in almost every dive we make. There are also some dives (Blue Hole) where we would have a strong probability of seeing some big sharks.

In Belize somebody told me about Ramon's Village as being a great place to stay and to dive with.

Can somebody help on this shark issue?

Thanks

When we were in the Bahamas, we dove "pretender wreck" and had 5 or so 7-8 foot sharks escort us around. There were also some monstrous groupers, too. Pretty neat.

 

[Scuba65]

Go with Stuart Cove's they are really good...and you will see sharks in every dive..we just came back from there and did 2 shark dives...well, worth it.

 

[Hank49]

There are also regular spottings of Whale Sharks off Belize at certain times of year.

Your arrival date is 9 April to 17? The whale sharks are happening that time of year but the best action is the week after the full moon so you'll miss that. I haven't been to the Bahamas but when they feed the sharks in the Blue Hole (Hustler Dive Shop out of San Pedro used to) they come close.....a little too close... with a mean look in their eye.

 

[drbill]

Spent two months diving in Belize last year. The only sharks I saw were nurse sharks. Of course I usually have my eye glued to the camcorder viewfinder, but the other divers only saw one unidentified shark that quickly slipped away. Although we dove Lighthouse Reef frequently, none of us dove (or wanted to dive) the Blue Hole.

Dr. Bill

 

[Tavi]

The resident Shark population off of Grand Bahama has gone way down. 5 years ago more than 20 sharks would show up when we dove Shark Junction. The last time I was there there were 5 (they were being fished for a couple of years). You can Dive with Grand Bahama Scuba for a lot less money than what UNEXSO charges, and see the same Sharks.

If I was going just to see the Sharks I'd go to the Nassau and dive with Stuart's Cove.

 

[moneysavr]

GrandBahama is Great!
see Carribean Divers @ Bell Chanel Motel
www.bellchannelinn.com/#diving
stay at,
www.ourlucaya.com
Stuarts is ok,
UNEXO Im not sure if they do the shark feed now any way with the problem back several years ago,They are more the Dolphin thing,big crowds on boats and to me no fun at all !
Also-GrandBahama has BueHoles and its strange with the tide the right way, the small fish come ,and you got it ! also the sharks! SO COOL! But you have to book thru a private tour, too far to run out to the East End with a dive boat,We book with a Bone fisherman for the day.

 

[GlennJ]

The "shark" dives, where they chum/feed, are probably the only way to guarantee you will see them (outside an aquarium). However, I don't know how 'natural' the presentation is, if you know what I mean.

Just returned from a week in Belize in late January - out of 14 divers, all saw sharks on at least 1 dive. One boat saw 15 or so hammerheads at 90' - pretty shallow as I understand they like it colder (it was ~77F). The week prior there were also a number of hammerhead sightings. Also sighted a number of bull and reef sharks.

This was diving primarily around the Elbow at Turneffe.

The only times I've dove the Blue Hole there was precious little sea life, and no sharks. Did see a large spotted drum, but that was at 145'.