How to Free Dive With Sharks

Sharks are widely misunderstood creatures. Our perceptions are mostly based on movies and sensational news reports. Believe it or not, many people free dive with sharks. There's a tourism industry that's based on people wanting to see the sharks in their own environment. Take a dive with sharks, you may even have fun doing it!

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Receive training on how to free dive. Start with scuba equipment maintenance and use training. Combine that with lap swimming until you can swim one mile. Also find time to watch shark documentaries. Visit the library and read up on shark books.

2. Select a free dive company that sponsors free diving with sharks. These companies have shark specialists, spears and free dive equipment. Go through the different shark dive companies and find one that offers free diving with sharks.

3. Go through a safety briefing with your free dive touring company, even if it isn't mandatory. Pay attention to everything they say, and ask every question that pops into your mind. Take notes on whatever underwater communication signals they give you as well. The tour company will fit you with an emergency breathing device and other diving equipment.

4. Dive when you've suited up and are given the signal. Stay with the tour guides and near the guy with the spear. Enjoy the view with the sharks, take pictures from different angles. Always look for hand signals so that you could carry out any pre discussed emergency maneuvers.

Tips & Warnings

• Whale sharks are harmless, they eat plankton and small fish that get sucked into their mouth.
• Nurse sharks like to be petted and cuddled. Wait for the tour guides to motion you to do this first.
• Some underwater equipment have communication devices that allow you to talk to the other divers. Recognize your tour guide's voice.
• Free dive with sharks only under professional supervision and protection. Don't try this on your own.