“Will we be diving with sharks?” is a question asked all too often by people new to the sport. Since most of us choose the beauty of the seas as our desired dive locations the answer is simple…YES! The truth is that while many have never seen a shark while diving you have been diving with sharks all along. In most locations around the world you would be lucky to catch even a glimpse of these awesome creatures. They are truly an honor and privilege to observe and in most cases allow themselves to be seen only when they want to. Surely you have heard before that you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bitten by a shark. Of course our mind seems to tell us differently each time we enter the water.

Palau however, is unique, a rare place in the world where divers come to observe these magnificent animals in a natural environment. Around the globe there are various opportunities to dive with sharks, whether it is cage diving with great whites or a shark feed in the Bahamas, but Palau is different. In most cases organized viewing of sharks requires a “baiting” mechanism of some sort. Whether it is a chum slick or fish from a feeder tube most shark dive operators need something to bring the sharks to their customers. This is what makes diving with sharks in Palau special; no “baiting” is needed. Palau has done a remarkable job in conserving the marine environment and keeping it as natural as possible. Shark feeding, handling of sharks or chumming are not allowed as they would change the sharks natural behavior. For shark divers from novice to expert, Palau offers a natural experience unmatched.

The nutrient rich waters and the heavy currents along the outer walls of the barrier reef allow for large congregations of sharks. At many sites gray reef sharks and whitetips are abundant. Many large pelagic species also can be seen including whale sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, oceanic white tips, silver sharks, bull and silky sharks. Some spots there are too many to count. Palau offers the opportunity to see any shark on any dive free of baiting. Of course natural predation happens frequently and this amazing hunt is often witnessed by divers. You might be asking yourself…”is this safe?” There has never been an attack on a diver here in Palau. This is another reason we do not feed or chum for shark interaction. Sharks are wild animals, while beautiful and amazing they must be respected. By allowing them act naturally it helps to provide a safer environment to those diving with the sharks of Palau!

Reef Hook

While diving in Palau you will have the unique experience of using a reef hook. The reef hook was developed (it's a Palauan invention allegedly invented by a photographer) to assist divers where strong currents made it difficult to stay in one place. Virtually all shark diving, here in Palau, is on the outer walls of the barrier reef where currents can be strong. These stronger currents provide the nutrients and prey sources necessary to attract large numbers of sharks. The reef hook made it possible and much easier to stay put when “hanging” over a drop off or at the edge of the wall when the currents are ripping providing a better experience observing sharks and other pelagic species. It is a very simple design that is far more environmentally friendly and safer than having diver try to hold onto the reef. At the “hook” end there is a stainless steel hook. It looks much like a giant fish hook without the sharp edge. A nylon rope is attached through an eyelet and extends about 3-4 feet up to a handle of BC clasp. Each dive site where reef hooks are used has a specific area designated for “hooking in”. These are rocky areas or rubble patches as we do not want to hook into live coral concentrations. This area will be explained by the dive master during the pre-dive briefing.

When approaching the “hook in” point the dive master will signal it is time to hook in. It is at that point that the reef hook can be removed from the BC pocket and undone. Upon reaching the “hook in” point the hook is secured in the rocky area. The BC clasp is attached and the BC is inflated just enough to keep tension on the line. The awesome feeling of “stationary flying” allows for an unbelievable visual experience! Reef hooks are especially liked by photographers, allowing the use of both hands while remaining stationary in strong currents. This is an experience you will talk about for years!