I won't deny that its thrilling to see sharks while diving near our Maui shores- I'll be the first to sign up for a dive when we're going to a place that they are more likely to be seen! I have had the passing joy of scootering with a Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) on the way out to the St. Anthony, but while diving in Maui, I usually only see sharks when I go looking for them.

Whitetip Reef Sharks are by far the most common shark that we see near shore. These sharks tend to eat things much smaller than the average scuba diver, mostly small bony fishes, crustaceans and octopus. While not aggressive, these sharks sure can be camera shy! Two good spots to attempt a portrait of our graceful friends are the caves at Makena Landing and on the sand under the rubble at Mala Warf.

Our sharky friends tend to rest during the daytime, which makes them easier for us divers tofind (and much easier to get a good head-shot photo than when they swim by us!). I know how hard it is to resist getting close to them in hopes of that perfect close-up, but please, give our sharks their space! They need their beauty rest ;) We need to let sleeping sharks lie so that they can do their jobs in keeping our reefs in top shape!

Want to learn more about sharks? Well you're in luck, because August is Shark Month at Maui Dreams!  Come on in and sign up for our Project AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty for only $129!  Learn how to help protect (and not harass!) the sharks and they will continue to care for the reefs that we all enjoy diving so much.

Aloha, Sara