Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas is world-renowned for offering incredible shark encounters to scuba divers of all skill levels. Shark diving in Nassau offers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to have close encounters with Caribbean reef sharks, nurse, sharks and even tiger sharks in a safe, controlled environment. The experience helps people to see the beauty of these often misunderstood creatures, and help raise awareness about the need to protect them.

There are many locations for shark diving with Stuart Cove’s including wall dives and shark feeds on the Ray of Hope shipwreck, but none is more popular than Shark Arena. The shallow site offers thrilling encounters in just 35 feet of crystal-clear water, but adventure-seekers can now experience the feeding frenzy as a night dive.

After the sun goes down, divers are positioned semi-circle before the professionally trained shark feeder descends with the baitbox. The sharks know the drill, and are acquainted with the “polite feeding” process. But at night, the experience packs a serious adrenaline boost when the stunning apex predators appear seemingly out of nowhere. It’s an incredible opportunity for underwater photography, and the expert feeders help to set up the perfect photo of open jaws against the black water.

Sometimes, the feeders will “pet” the sharks to put them in a hypnosis-like state called tonic immobility. The “petting” process is also used by shark researchers during shark tagging, and its thought to help keep the sharks relaxed. It takes less than a minute before the tonic state sets in, and it can last up to 15 minutes.

It’s one of the world’s most incredible dives, and it’s waiting at Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas.

FIND OUT MORE AT STUARTCOVE.COM

Dive Site Info: Shark Arena Night Dive

Depth: 15 Feet

Experience Required: Open Water Scuba Diver; it’s an excellent dive for beginners.

Water temperature: The average water temperature is 80 degrees F year-round. Temperatures warm from May through October, with the coldest temperatures in January.

Average visibility: 80 to 100 feet year-round

Scuba Gear to Bring: Dive lights for your underwater camera.

Recommended For: Divers of experience levels.

For more information on diving in Nassau, Bahamas, lists of scuba diving sites, and information on planning a perfect scuba diving vacation, contact Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas; stuartcove.com.