Some might think we are crazy for looking for the ocean’s apex predator but sharks are an important part of the marine ecosystem. In Bali there are 3 different types of sharks that are quite common – blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks.

All 3 are generally harmless and let divers be as long as they aren’t bothered. We’re going to talk about where can you see sharks around Bali and give you some tips for diving safely with them.

Etiquette for Diving with Reef Sharks

Reef sharks are usually uninterested in divers and stay away. However, grey reef sharks are sometimes curious when divers enter the water and will get quite close at first. They also don’t like to be followed so keep your distance and watch for signs of them feeling threatened. When they find neither threat nor food they usually go back to their business.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are diving with reef sharks is to not take any food or chum into the water with you. Reef sharks can get very excitable around food, which can lead to aggression.

Where to Find Reef Sharks

USAT Liberty Wreck

The Kubu – Tulamben area is a very popular area for diving thanks to healthy reefs and the USAT Liberty shipwreck. Blacktip sharks are plentiful here thanks to the large numbers of squid, octopus, cuttlefish and other marine life that they love to feed on. The currents here are gentle and make for a great dive for any level of diver looking to get up close and person with some beautiful reef sharks.

Shark Point Tulamben

Another option in the Tulamben area is Shark Point. This is a favorite spot for blacktips and whitetips, with the more reclusive grey reef sharks also being spotted here quite often. This is a dive with a depth of 20-30 metres so you will need to be certified for these depths. Visibility is generally excellent in this area and you will be able to see sharks from around 30 metres away.

Gili Biaha

Gili Biaha is a small island a short boat ride from Candidasa. This is the realm of the whitetips with an underwater cave that the sharks rest in during the day and hunt in at night. This can be a very difficult dive with medium to strong currents to content with so some experience is definitely necessary. It is worth the effort though to see the sharks peacefully resting.

Diving with reef sharks can be intimidating at first but is a real pleasure once you settle into the dive. Reef sharks are to be respected but not feared as they are very rarely aggressive.