Adventure Travel: How to Stay Safe When Swimming with Sharks

If you love a rush of adrenaline, swimming with sharks is probably on your bucket list. The idea of gliding alongside these powerful predators can feel like a movie scene, but the real question is – is it safe? The short answer is yes, as long as you plan smart, pick the right operator, and respect the ocean’s rules. Below we break down what you need to know before you book that unforgettable dive.

First, think about why you want to do it. Are you after the pure thrill, a chance to learn about shark behaviour, or a photo for your Instagram feed? Knowing your goal helps you pick the right experience – some tours focus on education, others on pure excitement. Both can be safe, but the level of guidance you receive will differ.

Choosing a Trustworthy Tour Operator

The most important decision you’ll make is the company you sail with. Look for operators that have clear safety records, certified dive masters, and a transparent set of guidelines. A reputable business will publish their safety protocol on the website, require a brief before the dive, and provide life jackets or wetsuits that fit well.

Don’t be shy about asking questions. A good guide will explain how they keep the sharks calm, how they react if a shark shows aggressive behaviour, and what steps they take if the weather turns bad. If the answers feel vague or the staff can’t give you details, it’s a red flag – move on to another provider.

Key Safety Practices in the Water

Once you’re on the boat, follow the brief to the letter. Most tours ask swimmers to stay calm, move slowly, and avoid splashing. Sharks, like many wild animals, can mistake frantic movement for prey. Keep your eyes on the animals, but don’t stare them down – a relaxed gaze shows you’re not a threat.

Wear a properly fitting wetsuit or dive skin. It provides buoyancy, protects you from cold, and adds a thin barrier between you and the shark’s teeth. If you’re using a snorkel, keep your mouth closed when you surface to avoid accidental inhalation of water.

Avoid wearing shiny jewellery or bright colours that can attract attention. Stick to neutral tones that blend with the water. Also, leave any food, scented lotions, or strong-smelling products on the shore – sharks have an incredible sense of smell and can be drawn to those cues.

Remember the group rule: never swim alone. Staying with the guide and the rest of the group means you’re visible and can react quickly if something unexpected happens. Guides are trained to read shark body language and will signal you to move or stay still as needed.

Finally, respect the ocean’s mood. If the sea is choppy, visibility low, or the wind picks up, most operators will cancel or postpone the dive. It’s better to miss one day than to push into unsafe conditions.

By doing your homework, picking a solid operator, and following basic safety steps, you can turn a potentially risky adventure into a thrilling, unforgettable memory. Swimming with sharks isn’t a stunt – it’s a chance to see one of nature’s most impressive creatures up close, responsibly.

Ready to book? Check local listings, read reviews, and ask fellow paddlers at Wyre Forest Paddlers for recommendations. With the right preparation, your adventure travel story will be one you’ll want to tell over and over.