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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
I had the chance to spend a week at Tiger Beach 10 years ago, but wanted a fresh perspective on this incredible dive and interviewed Floridian and underwater photographer, Tom Poff on his recent experience of diving Tiger Beach. Listen to the episode above to get the full experience!
What is Tiger Beach?
Tiger Beach is one of the top places to dive with sharks in the world! It’s in a class of its own because the water is shallow and warm, and the currents aren’t strong.
Tiger beach is not actually a beach. It is an area of shallow water 26 miles west of Grand Bahama. This amazing area quickly attracts lemon sharks and one of the most feared sharks, Tiger Sharks. As terrifying as these animals are and might appear, they are quite docile.
What type of Certifications do you need to dive Tiger Beach?
You need at least an open water dive certification and you need to be comfortable with many sharks in the water. The minimum age for an open water certification is 10.
How long is a trip to Tiger Beach
It really depends on who you go with. Some go on a diving liveaboard and stay for a week, however, Tom went on a quick trip in December that was only 2 days!
Tom and other divers left out of Riviera Beach, Florida, and headed for Grand Bahama early in the morning. They checked in at customs, then immediately went to Tiger Beach had 2 dives. At the end of the day, they checked into the resort, Blue Martin Cove on Grand Bahama, and had dinner and drinks. The next day, they did 2 more dives then headed back to Florida. How’s that for 2 days of adventure?
How was the diving at Tiger Beach?
They do not use cages at tiger beach, so you if you want to swim with tiger sharks without a cage, this a great place to do it. In their two days there, they saw seven tiger sharks both days, all-female.
These are apex predators, so they know when you’re looking at them, and when you’re not, so you need teamwork underwater to help each other keep your eyes on the tigers in the water. In addition to the tigers, there were a plethora of lemon sharks in the water and can be considered a nuisance.
While at tiger beach they saw a large hammerhead in addition to the tiger sharks.
What are the Dive Conditions and Depth at Tiger Beach?
The dive itself isn’t difficult, at a maximum of about 25 feet of water with 100 feet of visibility. You need to be comfortable in the water and follow directions.
Top Tip when diving at Tiger Beach
Do not become too complacent, this is when accidents can happen. You start taking chances and you stop being careful. Remember, you are in their environment and anything can happen.
How much did a 2-day trip to Tiger Beach Cost?
A 2-day trip with 4 dives at tiger beach cost about $850, but you will want to budget additional money for dinner, a one night stay on Grand Bahama, tip, and gear rental if needed. Check out upcoming trips with Shark Diver Travels.
How Much is a week long liveaboard to Tiger Beach?
A week long liveaboard to Tiger Beach on a liveaboard like the Shear Water costs about $3,300, but note that doesn’t include tip or additional gear rental.
When is the best time to Dive Tiger Beach
Late fall and Winter time is the best time to dive tiger beach. There’s a greater likelihood of hammerheads and other sharks as they enjoy the cooler water.
Recommended Gear to Bring to Tiger Beach
- 3 mm wetsuit
- Hood
- Dark gear
- Gloves
- BCD and Regulator
- Fins/Mask
- Camera gear (see below)
- Reef safe sunscreen
Underwater Photography Tips at Tiger Beach
- Use a wide-angle lens (Tom uses Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II)
- Use a fisheye lens and strobes
- Don’t use a red filter, as this dive is too shallow for the red filter.
Feeling Anxious about Diving Tiger Beach?
If you’re feeling uneasy, remember that tiger sharks’ personalities are a lot different from land animals. They don’t view you as food and they behave much differently than those of us from the Jaws generation think.
Tiger Beach is definitely one of the best shark dives on earth! Great pics!