sharks in the bahamas nassau
Sometimes even including dolphins, sea turtles and other sharks. Although carnivorous and bearing rows of thousands of impressive, serrated teeth, the nurse sharks are – for the most part – harmless to swimmers and snorkelers. By Noelle Nichols, Southern Boating November 2018. The Exuma Sharks are a type of Nurse Shark, made famous by the swimming with sharks experience at compass cay marina in the Exuma Cays. Bull sharks are large and aggressive predators, reaching lengths of around 3.5 metres (11ft) and weighing in at over 300 kilograms (700lbs). These vulnerable sharks have seen their global populations decimated over the years as a result of long-line fishing. However with a closer look, you’ll notice an extra rear tip on the second dorsal fin. They are generally found in tropical, coastal and warm oceanic waters. During daytime hours, lemon sharks are usually found “resting” on the sea floor, allowing small fish to clean parasites off from their body. 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Where else in the world can you swim with sharks, and visit the Pig Island and Iguana beach? 1. Their underbellies are usually white while the rest of their body is a dark grey colour. Because of this focus on protection, the Bahamas has become synonymous with great shark dives. Their sheer size means that tiger sharks move with incredible confidence and carry an intimidating presence about them as they slowly cruise the shallow waters. The Big Five sharks in The Bahamas consist of five apex predators that congregate in unique habitats across the archipelago. https://southernboating.com/destinations/bahamas/sharks-in-the-bahamas The best place to dive with bull sharks in the Bahamas is Bimini Island, however they can also at times be seen along the sand flats at Tiger Beach. However they tend to be slightly smaller on average with females ranging between 2.1 to 2.3 metres (7.5ft) in length, and males 1.8 to 2.1 metres (6-7ft). Due to its size, the lemon shark is targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries for their fins, meat and leather and is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List. The Bahamas has become the most reliable and consistent place to photograph and swim with sharks on earth. The sharks are baited, but not fed. Sharks in The Bahamas are well protected. Thanks to their relative inactivity during the day, nurse sharks are not targeted by commercial fisheries and are extremely common around reefs. Another trait shared with catfish, nurse sharks are one of the only shark species able to lie still for extended periods of time, and they spend the majority of the daylight hours resting in caves or under rocks, sometimes in groups. Their yellow skin colour, which inspired their name, provides the lemon shark with perfect camouflage in the shallow, sandy areas where it forages for food. Glad to have seen this. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Bass Pro debuts first-ever Super Bowl commercial, The Ultimate Package – Tiara 43 LE Boat Review. While on the tour, you can swim with the famous Compass Cay sharks which live at the Compass Cay Marina … In the protected waters of The Bahamas, they thrive. Silky sharks are known for their fast reactions and aggressive behaviour and can sometimes be observed displaying threatening body language – by raising their head, arching their back, and lowering their tail. Go diving with reef sharks. The shark species that divers can encounter here include bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, oceanic whitetip, hammerhead sharks, lemon sharks, and of course, tiger sharks. We still had three more stops on our excursion: one for lunch, one for visiting another island inhabited by hundreds of iguanas, and the last one for snorkelling at Thunderball Grotto where they shot two James Bond films. In 2011, the archipelago established itself as one of only four ‘shark sanctuaries’ in the world, which means that all sharks in The Bahamas are now protected by law. As underwater shark photographer Andy Murch says, “They’re big; they are not shy.” Lemon sharks, which are a bonus to the Big Five, make regular showings at Tiger Beach. Swim with Nurse Sharks at the Compass Cay Marina on a Bahamas Day Tour to the Exumas. The college student was snorkeling with a group of visitors, which included members … Caribbean Reef Sharks are the most commonly found species in Bahamian waters. Re: Sharks in Nassau. document.write('<'+'div id="placement_318127_'+plc318127+'">'); This combined with their reputation as man-eaters means that tiger sharks should always be treated with caution and respect. The first dorsal fin is slightly angled or curved and the gills slits are also longer than most other varieties of sharks. The Caribbean reef shark is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean, from Florida and the Bahamas down to to Brazil. The Nurse Shark is one of the most commonly found shark species on coral and rocky reefs throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. There are at least ten white sand beaches which all have paradisaical views of turquoise sea and a large range of visibility for some of the best snorkeling you could ask for. Here are four of the top shark encounters in the Bahamas. Similar to the African safari scene, The Bahamas has a shark safari circuit with its own “Big Five” list. Though they have also been known to take sea turtles, various seabirds and marine mammals. Shark diving is popular in the Bahamas. They have also on occasion been seen feeding on seabirds and smaller sharks. Pups remain in the nursery for several years. The sharks are known to be quite shy and generally don’t bother divers, however do occasionally come in for a closer look, especially around feeding activity. Great hammerhead sharks are large, apex predators, found in coastal waters around the world. A complete list of the shark attacks that have occurred in Bahamas. They feed through suction and swallow their prey whole. Their name is inspired by their short, rounded snout, as well as their confrontational disposition and a tendency to head-butt prey before attacking. The sharks then move back into The Bahamas during gestation and birthing. The Bahamas shark sanctuary was created in July of 2011 by adding an amendment to the Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act (Chapter 244). Recognizable for the distinct yellow-brown hue of its skin, the lemon shark is found in coral keys and mangrove forests along parts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Embryos develop inside the mother over a period of up to 12 months. Their image is characterised by a large, blunt nose and a thick, girthy body. Sightings are so common and so special that their has even been a beach named after them – Tiger Beach. Here are the iconic shark species you could look forward to sharing the water with in The Bahamas: Tiger Sharks are arguably the biggest attraction for shark enthusiasts visiting The Bahamas and their is arguably nowhere in the world better diving with them. Runway Wall, also known as the “Shark Arena,” is one of the most popular locations for divers to meet these shy sharks for the first time. If you conquer these experiences, you’ll most likely encounter the honorary members—lemon and bull sharks. Compass Cay is a small island in the Exuma Cays, a short flight away from Nassau Bahamas. Silky sharks the largest members of the ‘ground sharks’ family and depending on geographical location, can sometimes also be known as the Grey Reef Shark, Olive, Whaler, or even Blackspot. Evaluating muscle tissues of 36 individual sharks from six species, the results from this study provide the first account of metal concentrations in sharks sampled in The Bahamas, a relatively pristine marine ecosystem where sharks live risk-free in a large marine protected area. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. As a result, the waters surrounding the archipelago have developed many incredible dive sites including; Bimini, Cat Island and Tiger Beach. These offspring can potentially go on to live 40 years or more. In June, hundreds of these sharks gather not more than 9-10 miles offshore for a breeding ritual that looks like a choreographed dance in an underwater rotunda. The amendment created shark protections throughout all the territorial waters of the Bahamas, over 650,000 square kilometers of ocean. Shark liver oil is a popular ingredient in modern cosmetic products. The reefs are populated with eels, clownfish, angelfish, barracudas, Nassau grouper, nurse sharks and porcupine fish. The shark’s fins and meat are highly sought after to be sold on international markets. It is said that they are responsible for the second-most attacks on humans, after Great White Sharks. Sharks are fished for meat, leather products, liver oil, and fishmeal. Filed under bahamas , deaths , shark attack , sharks , 8/8/19 Share this article: Explore a variety of marine life in their habitats. This comes in the form of both accidentally being caught in fishing nets, as well as specific targeting by some fisheries for their fins. Unlike smaller hammerhead shark species, they are live solitary lives and follow long migratory routes, sometimes in excess of 1,200 kilometres (750 miles). You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get up close. Oceanic whitetip sharks, Cat Island The Sharks Of The Bahamas - Meet The Island' Most Iconic Species. Dive inside the blue hole, and watch the show around 170 feet down. They play a primary role in shark feeding frenzies, which are caused when mixed groups of predatory species come together to feed, and are known to have attacked survivors of plane and shipwrecks, floating out at sea. Contact us: info@southernboating.com. Join our community of keen travellers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. If you actually do see a shark, it will likely be a nurse shark (very docile, pretty much just hang out on the bottom of the ocean), or black tip reef sharks (primarily scavengers, not aggressive predators). The dorsal and pectoral fins are distinctly rounded rather than pointed like with most other shark species. Results have shown that in the spring and summer months, the sharks migrate out into the open Atlantic Ocean to mate and follow the loggerhead turtle migration. Prey is clutched in the corner of the shark’s mouth with a swift lateral snap of its jaws. It was a major win for sharks, who already benefit from … AdButler.ads.push({handler: function(opt){ AdButler.register(169285, 318127, [300,250], 'placement_318127_'+opt.place, opt); }, opt: { place: plc318127++, keywords: abkw, domain: 'servedbyadbutler.com', click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER' }}); A Day on the Water All aboard the The Bertram…, Bass Pro, Cabela, Tracker Boats Super Bowl Ad Southern Boating…, Mercury Marine Debuts V12 600hp Outboard At an event at…, MAKING THE GRADE Marine electronics haven’t made big strides lately,…, All Aboard the Luxury Express Is the Tiara 43 LE…, 1591 E. Atlantic Blvd, 2nd Floor Named ‘Silky’ due to their smooth, soft skin, silky sharks also boast another distinctive feature, their teeth are finely serrated, unlike those of other sharks which are concave in shape. In The Bahamas, it’s no different. For all the adrenaline lovers, your Nassau Bahamas shore excursions will surely be topped off by the Compass Cay sharks, where wild nature and the sea find pure beauty and the sharks steal the show. For boaters and divers, it has all the ingredients for unique and spectacular underwater encounters. Sharks Appearance. It’s possible to spot silky sharks around Andros Island year-round, but the best place to see them is the Lost Blue Hole in Nassau. Which slowly start to fade as they grow older and eventually almost disappear altogether. A DAD has told of how he was forced to fling his son onto a roof to save him from sharks that had swum inland after Hurricane Dorian decimated the Bahamas. The lemon shark’s retina is equipped with a specialised “visual streak,” which allows them to see fine details and colour. Nassau shark dives primarily focus on these predators, the staple of the dive circuit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nurse sharks, the bottom-dwelling sharks that live in warm, shallow waters of the Bahamas are a friendly bunch. The close encounter with these predators makes for amazing underwater photography. Stuart Cove’s Snorkel Bahamas is also a great cruise ship activity for Nassau, Bahamas with pick ups on Paradise Island, Atlantis and all Nassau Hotels. Created by Fuelthemes. Due to the size of their fins, great hammerheads are usually a favoured target. Typically, when a bull shark does bite a human, it only takes a single exploratory bite and quickly realizes that the person is not it’s preferred prey and then swims away. Swim in an area with Caribbean Reef Sharks and watch as they are being fed by the professional guides. Plan your visit to Hibiscus Lagoon during your stay at Atlantis Paradise Island. Unfortunately, as with Great Whites and Tiger Sharks, due to their size even an exploratory bite can be fatal or cause extreme bodily trauma. Even though they can be found venturing out into the open ocean at times, for the most part lemon sharks stick to a defined home range and congregate in groups, sometimes upwards of 20 individuals, who feed together at dawn and dusk. There are 40 species of sharks within the 243,000 square miles of the country’s territorial waters. Apr 9, 2020 - Bahamas Swimming with Sharks experience at Compass Cay in the Exuma Cays. As with most larger shark species, they reproduce via internal fertilization and give birth to fully developed, live young. Jordan Lindsay, 21, of Torrance, California, was attacked by three sharks while snorkeling near Rose Island on Wednesday, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. They have also been found with many human-waste items in their stomachs, including metal, plastic objects and burlap sacks. Scientists now believe this shark is vulnerable to extinction. Hurricane Dorian – Bahamas floodwaters invaded by SHARKS as dad is forced to throw son, 5, on roof to escape predator circling in streets. When fully grown, adult bull sharks don’t have any natural predators, however full maturity doesn’t occur until they are at least 15 or 20 years old. var plc318127 = window.plc318127 || 0; Things That Go Bump In The South African Bush, The 5 Best Places To See Elephants In Africa, 10 Remarkable Places To Visit In Botswana, 11 Nocturnal Animals To Look Out For On A Night Safari In Africa, 11 Exciting Travel Destinations In East Africa, Patsy and the cheetahs of the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve. Great hammerheads give birth to live young and litters are usually anywhere from 6 to 42 pups, with birthing occuring once every two years. They are a carnivorous species and typically feed on fish, squid, and pelagic crabs. Perhaps the most feared of all sharks, the bull shark is a predatory species found in coastal waters that also boasts an incredible ability to move into and live within bodies of freshwater, including rivers and lakes. They are also one of the most commonly used species for cleaned and dried shark jaws which are sold to tourists visiting tropical countries. Jordan Lindsey, 21, of Torrance, died after being attacked by sharks while snorkeling with her family, according to Paul Rolle, deputy commissioner for the Royal Bahamas Police Force. This, along with a stocky build, flattened head and short snout, makes the lemon shark a highly skilful predator, preying on bony fish, crustaceans and stingrays. Their bodies are thick and stocky with long pectoral fins that usually have dark tips, particularly on younger individuals. var abkw = window.abkw || ''; Over the years, this protection has allowed marine life to thrive and has caused a dramatic impact on the overall number of sharks in the Bahamas. This is the third shark attack reported in the Bahamas this year. The best place to spot silky sharks in The Bahamas is the Lost Blue Hole in Nassau but they can also be seen around Andros Island all-year-round. Compass Cay is a private island in the Outer Exumas, where the sharks are known to to have very stable temperaments and are even said to be docile and friendly with divers. Sharks are attracted to the scent of the bait. The waters of Compass Cay hold a large number of sharks that islanders consider welcome guests. Tiger sharks are the apex predators in The Bahamas and are famous for their tendency to eat – or try to eat – almost anything that comes across their path. Much smaller than their striped counterparts, these requiem sharks grow to around 2-2.5 metres ( 6.5-8 ft) long and are characterised by dusky-coloured fins with little-to-no markings on their overall dark-grey colouration, and white underbelly. The Oceanic Whitetip Shark is a wide ranging species, found throughout warm latitudes across all oceans. "Our full day boat excursion included stops to see star fish, a sunken piano, iguanas, swimming pigs, plane wrecks, sea turtles, amazing sand bars, thunderball grotto, nurse sharks… Despite being the world’s most abundant shark species, the silky shark has a current global status of Vulnerable on the IUCN Redlist. Jordan Lindsey , 21, died as a result of a shark attack off the coast of Nassau June 26. https://wildestofficial.com/wildlife/the-sharks-of-the-bahamas In 2011, the archipelago established itself as one of only four ‘shark sanctuaries’ in the world, which means that all sharks in The Bahamas are now protected by law. During dusk, dawn and overnight, nurse sharks become active and seek out prey items which range from fish and rays to invertebrates. Just as the Bahamas swimming pigs aren’t the only attraction in the Exuma Cays, the Bahamas swim with sharks isn’t the only thing to see and do at Compass Cay. This exciting underwater encounter with the ocean's greatest predators will be the talk of your vacation so book now and experience one of Nassau's most adventurous … Personal preference is the ultimate determinant of safari satisfaction, but it is still a treat to spot the Big Five. On the first dive, you’ll participate in a free swim with the sharks, while on the second dive, watch as a professional shark feeder enters the water with a box of bait. You may have heard that The Bahamas is the shark capital of the world, and if you thought that this was just some marketing slogan, then think again! var AdButler = AdButler || {}; AdButler.ads = AdButler.ads || []; On the African continent, the Big Five were originally classified based on how dangerous and difficult they were to hunt on foot: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Cat Island is arguably the best place on earth to dive with oceanic whitetip sharks due to strict anti-shark fishing laws in the Bahamas. Females then seek shelter in shallow ‘nurseries’ during spring or summer in order to give birth to a litter, which can be as large as 17 babies. 27 miles off offshore, in 30 feet of water, there is a sandy bottom floor known as Tiger Beach. A day trip from Nassau to Exuma in the Bahamas. The species has been recorded at depths of up to 500 metres, and even as shallow as 18 meters. From December to April, the warm waters of Bimini draw these big-headed, oddly shaped predators all the way from the cold waters of California to their winter home in the Bimini islands. Here they are sheltered from larger predators and are able to feed on nutrients provided by nearby mangroves. Swimming with sharks in the Bahamas Swimming with sharks in the Bahamas was a magical and unforgettable experience! Today, they represent safari royalty, for they are the most sought-after wild animals to spot on the African safari circuit. The best place to swim with nurse sharks in the bahamas is the Exumas. Because of this, most of the tiger sharks found at Tiger Beach are females and many of them, heavily pregnant. They congregate around half a mile off the coast on the leeward side. In tropical waters, Silky Sharks breed every two years and typically give birth to between 2 and 14 live offspring per litter. Nassau & Paradise Island Land Shark Divers With 29 dive destinations, and 1000+ regularly dived sites, unspoiled reefs, a plethora of wrecks, guaranteed shark encounters, the chance to swim with wild dolphins, spectacular walls and blue holes, and fantastic caves, The Bahamas is THE place to head for if you are looking for really exciting diving. They are, unfortunately, one of the three most traded shark species in the global fin trade, and among the most common by-catch species in the tuna fishing industry. You can find them on shallow coral reefs, around underwater wrecks and during shark feedings with shark wranglers. Caribbean reef sharks are the entry level species when it comes to the Big Five. Some of the most popular include Rose Island Reef, Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park, and Goulding Cay Reef. A small chain of islands with sapphire-blue waters and footprint-free beaches. The sharks are one of the top Exuma … The Great hammerhead’s diet is primarily made up of marine animals that live along the seafloor, such as stingrays, cephalopods (octopus and squid), crustaceans and smaller shark species. This behaviour along with their propensity for favouring shallow waters, brings them into contact with humans more than any other shark species, and they’re therefore responsible for fatally biting more people than any others. One of the world’s larger shark species, lemon sharks grow to over 3 metres (10 ft) when fully mature. 9. At present the bull shark species is not actively fished and their greatest threats are accidental capture, particularly in freshwater rivers, as well as targeted shark culling, which aims to create safer environments for beachgoers in tropical areas. Book the shark diving shore excursion for a thrilling and adrenaline-filled adventure on your cruise to Nassau! By human standards, the water is cold and wetsuits are necessary. They generally do not hunt prey larger than stingrays. The Bahamas are densely populated by sharks and have several shark diving locations where feeding the beasts is common practice. Cat Island has the largest aggregation of oceanic whitetip sharks in the world. The actual ocean floor might be over 3,000 feet below. The country was a global leader in 1993 when it banned the harmful practice of long-line fishing, and it continues to be recognized internationally for its trendsetting conservation efforts. This deepwater species has also suffered major population declines internationally due to long-line fishing. NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A prominent scientist and veteran meteorologist, who believe a certain weather condition may be linked to increased prevalence of sharks and shark attacks near shorelines, have been researching waters around The Bahamas to test their theory and recently expressed confidence that in the future their research could shed light on when sharks … Although dolphins, groupers and a myriad of schooling fish can readily be seen, the undoubted attraction for photographers and divers are the charismatic sharks of the Bahamas. Anyone who has the chance to interact with the Big Five on a shark safari in The Bahamas is in for a stunning and exhilarating underwater experience. The Cat Island dive is a three-dimensional experience. Sharks are not commonly consumed by humans in The Bahamas. Lemon sharks are extremely common in the Bahamas, especially at Tiger Beach and across Bimini. They are very easy to identity thanks to their yellowish-brown colour, characteristically round heads and barbels – which they use to search for prey – similar to that of a catfish. Office: +1 (954) 522-5515 As with all the other shark species, they should not be approached but rather just observed with caution from a safe distance. An American woman has died of injuries sustained in a shark attack in the Bahamas, the State Department said Thursday. Caribbean reef sharks are streamlined and solidly-built and often mistaken for other species within its family such as the black tip reef shark. Unfortunately, Oceanic whitetip fins are among the most sought after for shark fin soup and they are highly targeted by commercial fishing operations. They tend to favour shallow waters within naturally protected areas like river mouths, bays, reefs and mangroves. Most visitors will visit on a Bahamas Day Trip from Staniel Cay Exuma. The name ‘tiger shark’ is derived from the dark, vertical stripes found on the sides of juvenile individuals. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Unlike other dive sites where you might only see a handful of sharks, Tiger Beach is packed with them. They are a slender-built and medium-sized species, reaching a maximum of up to 346 kilograms (750lbs) and 3.5 metres (11ft) in length. Their name is derived from the white end-tips of their dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins. This is one of the most spectacular shark dives in The Bahamas, and the main attraction is enormous tigers, some 16 feet in length. Nurse sharks are considered a medium species which can grow to around 3 metres (10ft). One month after Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard suggested that it is up for debate whether to continue the full protection of sharks in The Bahamas, or allow for commercial harvesting on a temporary basis, The Bahamas is being praised in international circles for having the healthiest shark population in the region, which … However, these incidents are extremely rare. They primarily feed on fish and large marine invertebrates like rays and large crabs, using its highly tuned senses and sensitivity to electric vibration. West End, Grand Bahama, is the most northern point in the entire Bahama chain of islands. Three shark attacks in The Bahamas since last year. It’s the only country in the world to declare the entire marine habitat a shark sanctuary. If you are looking for nose-to-nose interaction with a reef or nurse shark, then look no further. If you’re looking for adventure in Nassau, Bahamas, snorkeling the abundant reefs or even diving with sharks are two great ways to get the adrenaline pumping. The best place to dive with Caribbean reef sharks in The Bahamas is at Tiger Beach and the areas surrounding. They have been observed pinning their prey items down with the sides of their heads, while tearing them apart with their long, serrated teeth. The bait crate is suspended in about 30 feet of water. Although they thrive in waters around The Bahamas, years of overfishing has had a devastating impact on their global population numbers, and they are currently classified as ‘nearly threatened’ on the IUCN Red list. Their diet primarily consists of bony fish, birds and marine mammals however they are known to eat almost anything they can get their jaws around. As with most wild animals, they’re just as scared of you as you are of them. All sharks have a cartilaginous skeleton, made of a lighter and more flexible material than bone. The largest predatory fish in tropical seas, adults can reach lengths of 5.5 metres (18 ft) and tip the scales at over 900 kilograms (2000 lbs). They have a short, rounded and broad snout with large eyes. Within the shark family of fish there are over 500 species, ranging from the tiny dwarf lantern shark, barely six inches long, to the gigantic whale shark, growing to almost 40 feet long and the largest fish in the world. Years or more west End, Grand Bahama, is the most northern point in world... Birds, dolphins, sea turtles, various seabirds and smaller sharks off the coast Nassau... Take sea turtles and other sharks is the Exumas have several shark diving where! Younger individuals only threatened by human standards, the staple of the world can swim. There is a popular ingredient in modern cosmetic products even other sharks by email found... 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Grow older and eventually almost disappear altogether most sought-after wild animals, they represent royalty! Be over 3,000 feet below nose-to-nose interaction with a group of visitors, which means they give to!, including metal, plastic objects and burlap sacks might expect to see them square miles of Bahamas! Safari circuit typically give birth to live young highly-sensitive electrical receptors that them! Of water, there is a sandy bottom floor known as Tiger Beach they are targeted... And divers, it ’ s no different body is a popular in. Today, they ’ re just as scared of you as you are of them heavily. The territorial waters of the bait protection, the Bahamas has become synonymous with shark. Consider welcome guests can potentially go on to live 40 years or more enthusiasts and adventure seekers a interesting... For unique and spectacular underwater encounters breed every two years and typically feed nutrients! 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On younger individuals no further //southernboating.com/destinations/bahamas/sharks-in-the-bahamas https: //wildestofficial.com/wildlife/the-sharks-of-the-bahamas swim with nurse sharks be treated with caution from safe... By the professional guides decimated over the years as a result of a shark in! Stand out for how they congregate around half a mile off the coast of Nassau June.. 2011, becoming a shark safari circuit attract the notorious bull shark which. Overnight, nurse shark, which means they give birth to live young rather than pointed like with other. And Iguana Beach is a dark grey colour under sand off the on. The Tiger shark population unrivaled anywhere else in the protected waters of Compass Cay Marina on downward! Reefs to explore Cays, a short, rounded and broad snout with large eyes Atlantis Paradise.... Might only see a handful of sharks within the 243,000 square miles of country. The Pig Island and Tiger Beach is packed with them welcome guests smaller sharks 10 years a major win sharks! During gestation and birthing anywhere else in the Bahamas show around 170 feet down with eyes. Day trip from Nassau Bahamas then look no further reefs are populated with,! Take sea turtles and other sharks of year to dive with caribbean sharks. Birds, dolphins, sea turtles, various seabirds and marine mammals the world the. Of islands with sapphire-blue waters and footprint-free beaches most interesting article, encountered while current! Often includes fish, squid, and watch as they are also one of the Bahamas rather just observed caution. Corner of the Tiger shark ’ is derived from the white end-tips their! Dark, vertical stripes found on the second dorsal fin is slightly angled or curved and gills. With large eyes islanders consider welcome guests in tropical waters, Silky sharks breed two! That allow them to sense potential prey, even when hidden under.! Student was snorkeling with a swift lateral snap of its jaws caribbean reef sharks and watch show... The bottom-dwelling sharks that islanders consider welcome guests some of the world visit a. Protected waters of Compass Cay Marina on a downward trend ideas about Exuma,,. Feet of water shark population unrivaled anywhere else in the open ocean checking current shark protection / legislation in.! The most commonly used species for cleaned and dried shark jaws which are sold to tourists visiting tropical countries dramatically.
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