Sharks are top of the list of things most divers want to see. Some travel the world looking for new experiences with different species. There is much to chose from; perhaps Hammerheads in the Cocos islands, Grey reef and Silver tip sharks in the Red sea, Sand tigers and Lemon sharks in America, Whale sharks and Wobbegongs in Australia or Great whites and Bronze whalers in South Africa. Nearly all will have dived with coastal or reef species but few will have ever seen a Blue shark or Mako. These are animals of the deep ocean and for many shark aficionados the most elusive and hard to see. Blue sharks and Makos are synonymous with the open ocean, the deep blue. A dive with them is very special.
A Blue shark (Jan Reyniers).
Both species are ethereal creatures, drifters capable of extensive ocean-wide migrations, they effortlessly cruise the world's temperate and tropical seas. For me the Blue shark is the most beautiful. In the water their supine beauty is hypnotic and suppresses all your fear. I for one find them mesmerising. Makos in contrast seem more edgy, like highly strung race horses they are the muscular athletes of the sea. As one of the fastest of all fish they are highly sought by big game fishermen. An apex predator and less abundant than the Blue shark they are the most elusive.
Blue sharks (Jan Reyniers)
If you join us on the island of Pico we can take you into the realm of these sharks. Here you will meet the Blues for sure but if you are lucky maybe a Mako too.
A Blue shark takes the bait
This unique opportunity for divers in Europe arose from a successful project carried out in collaboration with professional underwater photographer Jan Reyniers.Together we have been exploring these waters for the last 2 years looking for ways to photograph these elusive animals. Through our efforts we have now established how and where to find the sharks with repeated success. We have also fine tuned the techniques and safety procedures needed to make the experience largely acceptable for both sharks and humans. Nonetheless be prepared; these dives are not for the faint of heart. As our photos illustrate the Blues are curious animals and like to come close.
Blue sharks are curious and approach closely (Jan Reyniers).
The experience is sublime; blue water diving at its best. Drifting just a few metres below the surface in deep water (with the boat close to hand) waiting for the sharks to approach. Few dives can offer the kind thrill you feel as you watch a Blue shark tentatively approach from the depths or a Mako drift in and out of view in the periphery of your vision.
Try it.
A Mako (Jan Reyniers)
A Blue shark rising from the depths (Justin Hart)