The "starter shark". Reliable, photogenic, harmless to divers.
Blacktip reef sharks are the easiest shark sighting in the tropical Indo-Pacific. They patrol shallow reef flats in schools, often visible from above when snorkelling. The black-tipped dorsal fin breaking the surface is the iconic image.
They're essentially harmless to divers despite their classic shark profile; the only recorded incidents are rare nips on waders in very shallow water. Most divers have their first shark encounter with blacktips. Andaman's North Bay, the Maldives' reef edges, Bali's Nusa Lembongan and Sipadan are reliable.
They tolerate close approach if you're calm. A school of 10+ blacktips crossing a reef channel on the incoming tide is a beginner-friendly shark experience that hooks people on shark diving for life.
Tap a month to highlight it across destinations, or hover any cell for details.
14 destinations across Andamans, SE Asia, Indian Ocean, East Africa, peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 1Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Nov · 35 sites
Tier 1Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Sep · 25 sites
Tier 1Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 40 sites
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 15 sites
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Nov · 25 sites
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 25 sites
Tier 3Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Nov · 40 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Feb, Jul–Dec · 22 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Oct · 12 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–May, Nov–Dec · 20 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Mar–Oct · 18 sites
Tier 4Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–May, Sep–Nov · 30 sites
Tier 4Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 50 sites
Real, curated expeditions, or a custom trip built around the best season and destination to encounter blacktip reef sharks.
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Tell us when you can travel and your certification level, we'll match the right destination, the right season, and the right trip for diving with blacktip reef sharks.
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