Sharks: Fun Facts and Diving Adventures in Bali
Sharks have been patrolling our oceans for over 400 million years. These incredible creatures survived all five mass extinctions on Earth, including the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. Over time, sharks have evolved into efficient hunters, making them vital to the health of marine ecosystems.
At Southern Dreams Diving Club, we love diving with sharks and learning about their unique characteristics. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about sharks and explore the best places to see them in Bali.
Video by Ludovic Amevor
Where Do Sharks Live?
Sharks inhabit oceans all around the world. Their location often depends on factors like water temperature, depth, and the availability of food. Some sharks, like the bull shark, are even capable of swimming in both saltwater and freshwater, including lakes and rivers.
In Bali, sharks can be found in various habitats, from shallow coastal waters to the depths of the open sea. However, they mostly prefer tropical and temperate zones, making Bali a perfect home for several species.
How Big Are Sharks?
Sharks come in all shapes and sizes. The pygmy shark measures just a few centimeters, while the whale shark, the largest fish in the world, can grow up to 12 meters long.
The megalodon, a prehistoric shark that lived 20 million years ago, was the largest shark ever. It reached a staggering 13 to 15 meters in length—imagine coming across one while diving!
How Do Sharks Sleep?
Sharks have a unique way of resting. Some species need to keep swimming to breathe through their gills. These sharks can rest while swimming by turning off parts of their brain, allowing them to stay semi-conscious while on the move.
Other species, like the white-tip reef shark, can stop swimming completely thanks to special structures called spiracles. These allow sharks to rest motionless on the ocean floor, conserving energy without constantly swimming.
Amazing Shark Facts
- Shark Skin: Sharks have rough, thick skin made of dermal denticles, which are the same material as teeth. This design helps them move smoothly through water.
- Teeth for Days: Sharks have multiple rows of teeth that continuously grow and replace themselves. A shark can lose and replace up to 1,000 teeth a year!
- Speed Demon: The fastest shark is the mako shark, which can swim at speeds of up to 74 km per hour.
- Super Senses: Sharks have a powerful sense of smell, detecting a single drop of blood from as far as 100 meters away. They also use their snouts to sense electrical signals in the water, helping them track down prey.
- Crucial role in the ecosystems: They are at the top of the food chain and are essential for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
What Do Sharks Eat?
Most sharks are carnivores and feed on fish, marine mammals, and even other sharks. Larger species like the great white shark are apex predators, while filter-feeders like the whale shark and basking shark prefer plankton and small fish.
Sharks are also known for their ability to go long periods without eating. The Greenland shark, which lives in the cold Arctic waters and can live for more than 400 years, moves slowly to conserve energy, allowing it to survive with minimal food.
Are Sharks Dangerous?
Contrary to popular belief, most sharks are not dangerous to humans. Of the nearly 500 known species of sharks, only 12 are considered potentially harmful to humans, and just three—the great white, tiger, and bull shark—are responsible for most human-related incidents.
Shark attacks are rare and often occur by mistake when the shark confuses a swimmer or surfer with a seal. Humans are not part of a shark’s diet.
Unfortunately, humans pose a far greater threat to sharks. Every year, over 100 million sharks are killed due to overfishing and the shark fin trade, placing many species at risk of extinction.
Best Places to Dive with Sharks in Bali
If you’re eager to dive with sharks, Candidasa is the best place in Bali. Here, you’ll encounter white-tip reef sharks that frequent the volcanic islands in the area. During certain seasons, you might also see the rare wobbegong shark or even the majestic whale shark during the plankton season.
At Southern Dreams Diving Club, we specialize in shark diving experiences. Explore Bali’s incredible underwater world with us and get up close to these magnificent creatures.
Be a Responsible Diver
When diving with sharks, it’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the sharks:
- Stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Never block a shark’s path.
- Don’t turn your back on the shark as you move.
- Always respect the sharks and their environment.
Diving with sharks is a thrilling experience, and by following these tips, you can enjoy it safely while protecting these incredible animals.
Ready to Dive with Sharks?
If you’re excited about exploring Bali’s waters and diving with sharks, Southern Dreams Diving Club is here to make it happen! Contact us today to book your next adventure.
👉 Learn more about marine life in Bali on our blog
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