How to spot the Great White Shark when scuba diving
Carcharodon carcharias
Distributed worldwide in temperate and subtropical coastal and offshore waters. Major concentrations are found near the US (California, Northeast), South Africa, Australia (South), New Zealand, Japan, Chile, and the Mediterranean.
Go to observation map
Encounters are often seasonal, coinciding with seal breeding seasons or migrations. Key locations include South Australia (May-Oct), South Africa (June-Sep recommended for visibility), and historically Guadalupe, Mexico (July-Nov - Note: Guadalupe operations were suspended indefinitely in 2022). Sightings are possible year-round in some areas but peak seasons offer higher probability.
They tolerate a range, roughly 12-24°C (54-75°F), depending on the region and season.
Encounters for divers are almost exclusively via cage diving operations in specific known aggregation zones, often near seal or sea lion colonies (e.g., Neptune Islands, SA; Gansbaai, ZA).
Hey, planning your next dive trip?
Start logging your dives on Depthlog! You will regret not starting sooner 😉
for free!
Worldwide observation of the Great White Shark
Pan around to see all the observations
Data sources
- Photos: Wikimedia Commons
- Distribution and specie data: GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
Click to explore other marine creatures, their distribution and the guide on how to spot them.
Still on dry land? Join fellow dive enthusiasts who've already discovered the easiest way to track their underwater adventures and their diving analytics!