Are Holidays with Sharks safe?

Yes. All reputable shark-swimming operators follow strict safety rules and work with experienced guides.

Do I need to be a certified diver?

Not necessarily. Many Holidays with Sharks offer snorkelling options, especially for whale shark encounters.

What’s the best time of year for shark holidays?

It depends on the species. Whale sharks peak in the Maldives from November–April and in Mexico from June–September.

Are shark dives ethical?

Yes, when managed responsibly. Jamie Wake Travel only works with conservation-minded partners.

Can families join Holidays with Sharks?

Yes! Gentle shark swims, like those in the Bahamas or Maldives, are family-friendly.

Do I need special insurance?

It’s wise to ensure your travel insurance covers marine activities. All Jamie Wake Travel packages include protection through ATOL and Supplier Failure Insurance.

How close will I get to the sharks?

Typically 2–5 metres when snorkelling or from within a secure cage for great whites.

Can I bring my own GoPro?

Absolutely — underwater cameras are welcome. Some resorts even offer rentals.

What should I pack for a shark-swimming holiday?

Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, water shoes, underwater camera, and travel insurance documents.

Holidays with Sharks: Best Places to Swim Safely

For many travellers, swimming alongside one of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures is the ultimate thrill. Yet what if we told you that Holidays with Sharks aren’t just for seasoned divers — they can be peaceful, breathtaking, and even luxurious? From shimmering Bahamian waters to the turquoise lagoons of the Maldives, this is your guide to the most inspiring, responsible, and truly unforgettable places on Earth to swim with sharks.

What to Expect on Holidays with Sharks

The phrase Holidays with Sharks may sound daring, but most shark-swimming experiences are designed to be completely safe and carefully managed by licensed operators. Depending on where you travel, you might:

Snorkel beside gentle whale sharks (the largest fish in the sea, and totally harmless).
Dive with reef sharks, hammerheads, or nurse sharks under professional supervision.
Experience the adrenaline rush of a great white cage dive off the South African coast.

Each destination offers something unique, and the key to a perfect shark-swimming holiday is understanding the species, the setting, and the season. Some encounters feel tranquil and meditative; others will get your heart racing. Either way, you’ll walk away with a new respect for these incredible animals.

Few destinations rival the Bahamas for its combination of luxury and adventure. Warm turquoise seas, sugar-white beaches, and some of the friendliest shark encounters on the planet make this Caribbean paradise ideal for Holidays with Sharks

Where to Swim with Sharks in the Bahamas

Compass Cay, Exuma – Known for its docile nurse sharks, this small marina offers shallow-water encounters where you can swim or snorkel alongside these curious creatures. They’re used to human presence and are completely harmless when treated respectfully.
Tiger Beach, Grand Bahama – For a more adrenaline-filled dive, this world-famous site attracts lemon, tiger, and reef sharks to its crystal-clear shallows. Visibility is extraordinary, making it a favourite for underwater photographers.
Bimini Islands – Come between December and April to see the great hammerheads, known for their distinctive wide heads and graceful swimming patterns.

Where to Stay

🏝 Grand Isle Resort, Great Exuma – Spacious villas with full kitchens, a private beach, and direct boat access to Compass Cay.
🌴 Hilton at Resorts World Bimini – Ideal for combining shark swims with chic island nightlife, offering infinity pools and an on-site marina.

Jamie Wake Travel Tip:

Combine a few nights in Nassau with a private boat charter through the Exumas for a truly bespoke shark-swimming itinerary. Our travel specialists can arrange guided excursions with reputable conservation-minded operators.

If you imagine gliding through warm, gin-clear waters alongside a gentle giant, Holidays with Sharks in the Maldives might be your dream come true. Here, whale sharks – measuring up to 12 metres long – cruise the plankton-rich waters year-round, especially around South Ari Atoll.

Why the Maldives Are Ideal for Shark Encounters

Unlike thrill-based shark diving, Maldives experiences are serene and awe-inspiring. Whale sharks feed near the surface, so even non-divers can join snorkelling tours to see them up close. These encounters are strictly non-invasive and part of the region’s protected marine ecosystem.

📅 Best time to go: November to April offers calm seas and the highest chance of clear sightings.

Where to Stay

🌅 LUX South Ari Atoll* – A luxury resort built for eco-conscious travellers. Its on-site marine biologists lead guided whale shark excursions, and overwater villas make every sunrise magical.

🌴 Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa – Mid-range, family-friendly, and steps from a house reef alive with reef sharks and rays.

For a full seasonal guide and conservation insight, read the PADI Travel Blog’s “Best Places to Swim & Dive with Whale Sharks”.

Jamie Wake Travel Tip:

Pair your Maldivian adventure with a stopover in Dubai for a dose of city luxury before drifting off to your private overwater villa. Jamie Wake Travel can tailor the entire journey — flights, transfers, and shark tours — all under one ATOL-protected package.

For travellers seeking the ultimate rush, South Africa delivers. Around Gansbaai, often called the “Great White Shark Capital of the World,” cage diving has become an iconic experience for thrill-seekers on Holidays with Sharks.

What to Expect

You’ll board a small boat off the Western Cape, don a wetsuit, and lower yourself into a sturdy steel cage. Then comes the moment you’ll never forget — a great white glides past, sleek and powerful, just feet away. Operators here use strict safety protocols and sustainable practices to ensure minimal disturbance to the animals.

📍 Best time to go: April to October for cooler waters and the highest visibility.

Where to Stay

🏡 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – A luxurious eco-lodge set between mountains and sea, known for five-star dining and conservation projects.
🌾 The Roundhouse Guesthouse, Gansbaai – Comfortable, owner-run accommodation close to the harbour for early-morning departures.

Jamie Wake Travel Tip:

Extend your stay with a safari in Kruger National Park or an urban break in Cape Town. Jamie Wake Travel can coordinate both adventure and indulgence in one seamless itinerary.

Mexico offers the best of both worlds: gentle encounters and exhilarating dives. From the whale sharks of Isla Holbox to the great white cage dives off Guadalupe, it’s a top destination for Holidays with Sharks.

Whale Sharks in Isla Holbox

Each summer, hundreds of whale sharks gather off Holbox, near Cancún. Local guides take small groups to snorkel beside these plankton-feeding giants. The experience is calm, magical, and perfect for families or first-timers.

Great Whites at Guadalupe Island

Off Baja California, advanced divers can cage dive with great whites in some of the clearest shark waters on Earth. Operators here are highly regulated, and many trips include marine-biologist briefings to promote education and conservation.

Where to Stay

🏖 Las Nubes de Holbox – Boutique beachfront hotel with rustic charm and sustainability credentials.
🛥 Nautilus Explorer Liveaboard – Ideal for Guadalupe expeditions, combining luxury accommodation with state-of-the-art dive facilities.

Jamie Wake Travel Tip:

Ask us to combine Mexico’s Caribbean coast with the Pacific for a twin-centre shark-swimming adventure. From whale sharks to white sharks, we’ll help design the perfect mix of thrill and tranquillity.

📸 Underwater Photography Tips

Capturing your Holidays with Sharks on camera can be almost as exciting as the dive itself. Whether you’re snorkelling in shallow turquoise lagoons or diving deep near reef walls, keep these photography tips in mind:

Use natural light – Stay shallow when possible; the first 5 metres of water capture the most colour.
Go wide – A wide-angle lens or GoPro helps you include both shark and seascape in your frame.
Stay calm – Sudden movement clouds the water and startles wildlife.
Respect distance – Always let the shark approach you, not the other way around.
Protect your gear – Rinse equipment with fresh water immediately after dives.

For those serious about underwater photography, many resorts (like LUX* South Ari Atoll) offer on-site photo workshops with marine experts.

🧭 Planning Safe and Responsible Holidays with Sharks

A successful shark-swimming trip blends excitement with responsibility. Here’s what to consider before you go:

Operator reputation – Book only with licensed, conservation-minded providers.
Season & species – Each shark has its season. Check timings for optimal sightings.
Certification – Divers should hold PADI Open Water or equivalent. Non-divers can join snorkelling tours.
Insurance – Ensure your policy covers diving or marine excursions. Jamie Wake Travel’s packages come with Supplier Failure Insurance for added peace of mind.
Environmental awareness – Never touch or chase wildlife. Follow local marine park rules.

🛡 Booking Protections & Peace of Mind

When you book Holidays with Sharks through Jamie Wake Travel, you’re covered by:

ATOL Protection, ensuring your money is safe and your trip is protected.
Supplier Failure Insurance, giving peace of mind even if a provider ceases trading.
Expert advice from a UK-based, independent travel agency that prioritises personal service and ethical travel.

Our specialists vet all operators for safety, conservation, and guest experience, ensuring every shark encounter supports sustainable marine tourism.

✈️ Why Book Holidays with Sharks with Jamie Wake Travel

Your Holidays with Sharks should be more than a dive — it should be a story you’ll tell for years. When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, you get:

Tailor-made itineraries – From flight upgrades to bespoke tours.
Hand-picked hotels and resorts – Chosen for quality, comfort, and proximity to the best shark sites.
Transparent pricing – No hidden extras.
Expert support – Real humans, reachable on 01495 400005 or via our online enquiry form.

Our online holiday search tool helps you find or build a break that’s as unique as you are.

🌍 Share the Wonder

If you’ve ever dreamt of facing the ocean’s most iconic creature — and coming away inspired, not afraid — Holidays with Sharks are your next great adventure.

Share this post with your fellow travellers and start planning the story you’ll never forget.

Are Holidays with Sharks safe?
Yes. All reputable shark-swimming operators follow strict safety rules and work with experienced guides.
Do I need to be a certified diver?
Not necessarily. Many Holidays with Sharks offer snorkelling options, especially for whale shark encounters.
What’s the best time of year for shark holidays?
It depends on the species. Whale sharks peak in the Maldives from November–April and in Mexico from June–September.
Are shark dives ethical?
Yes, when managed responsibly. Jamie Wake Travel only works with conservation-minded partners.
Can families join Holidays with Sharks?
Yes! Gentle shark swims, like those in the Bahamas or Maldives, are family-friendly.
Do I need special insurance?
It’s wise to ensure your travel insurance covers marine activities. All Jamie Wake Travel packages include protection through ATOL and Supplier Failure Insurance.
How close will I get to the sharks?
Typically 2–5 metres when snorkelling or from within a secure cage for great whites.
Can I bring my own GoPro?
Absolutely — underwater cameras are welcome. Some resorts even offer rentals.
What should I pack for a shark-swimming holiday?
Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, water shoes, underwater camera, and travel insurance documents.
Why book Holidays with Sharks through Jamie Wake Travel?
Because we combine safety, sustainability, and personal service to craft experiences you’ll remember forever.