The Best Places for Diving with Hammerhead Sharks and the Top Liveaboards
Looking for the best places for diving with hammerhead sharks? You’re in the right place!
Every diver dreams of diving with hammerhead sharks. While it is true that hammerheads are found all over the world in coastal waters, there are certain areas where you are most likely to see them.
Going on a liveaboard that has specialized trips for diving with hammerhead sharks will increase your chance of seeing them to 100%.
In this post, we will guide you through the best places to swim with these mighty animals of the sea and share the best liveaboard available for the ultimate hammerhead shark experience.
Keep reading to learn about the best places for diving with a hammerhead shark and the top liveaboards at these destinations.
Diving with Hammerhead Sharks at a Glance
Hammerhead sharks live in relatively warm, coastal waters all over the world- but that doesn’t mean spotting one while diving is an easy task.
In many areas, hammerhead sharks lurk not too far from where scuba divers visit but encounters with them are still rare.
If you want the best chance to swim with a hammerhead, there are certain areas in the world including the Galapagos Islands, Cocos Island, French Polynesia, and the Bahamas where you can encounter large schools of them.
Scientists are still studying the intricacies of hammerhead sharks but it appears some species gather together during the day and separate at night to hunt, while others are always more solitary.
There are 9 different species of hammerhead sharks. In general, they live between 20-30 years and can be anywhere from 3 feet to an astonishing 20 feet long!
💡 Are Hammerhead Sharks Dangerous to Divers?
As you plan a dive trip in search of hammerhead sharks, you are probably wondering, “Is it safe to dive with hammerhead sharks?”.
Despite their size and position as top predators, hammerhead sharks are not dangerous to dive with.
There are no reported fatal hammerhead attacks on humans, and the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File shows there have only been 16 reported times a hammerhead has bitten a human.
There are a few reasons for this including the amazing vision hammerheads get from their head shape and eyes- they have amazing vision and will not mistake a human for prey.
On top of that, hammerheads do not eat mammals, so a human does not look like food to them at all.
The database credits many shark attacks on humans due to sharks mistaking humans for their prey.
Despite the safety of diving with hammerhead sharks, it is always good to remember good diving practices.
Never try to chase or touch a shark (or any other animal underwater for that matter) and if you ever find yourself near a bait ball or where sharks hunt, make sure to give them plenty of space.
💡 What Do Hammerheads Use Their Heads for?
Hammerhead sharks are famous for their distinctive hammer-like shaped head which is called a cephalofoil.
Scientists believe that their heads evolved into this interesting shape to improve their vision and hunting.
Today, hammerhead sharks have great depth perception and can see 360 degrees around them!
Scientists believe their cephalofoil has more electroreceptors in it than other shark species have, which helps them with navigation and finding prey.
Once hammerheads find their prey, they use their hammer head to ram their prey. They are able to pin down animals, making it easier to eat them!
💡 Where Can I Dive with Hammerhead Sharks?
Hammerhead sharks are found all over the world in coastal water. If you are planning a dive trip with the goal of seeing a hammerhead shark, you have plenty of options.
From shark-filled itineraries to areas with a rich variety of pelagic animals, there are many great dive destinations where you can dive with a hammerhead shark.
Top Destinations for Diving with Hammerhead Sharks
Whether you want to go on a liveaboard to remote islands or stay a bit closer to land, here are the best areas for diving with a hammerhead shark:
1. Hammerhead Shark Diving Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are a mecca for scuba divers. This archipelago is made up of 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets.
The islands are located at the meeting point of three ocean currents and warm water mixes with cool mineral-rich currents and cold deep water currents.
This mixing attracts an exciting variety of marine life to the area, including schools of hammerhead sharks.
The Galapagos Islands are located about 900 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. To get there you will take a flight from the mainland to either Balta or San Cristobal islands.
You can do land-based diving in the Galapagos.
This is a good option for visitors who want time to explore land-based activities, or are new divers.
On land-based excursions, you will not see the large pelagics that make the Galapagos Islands famous for scuba diving, but you will get to see a variety of turtles, sharks, and sea lions.
If you want to experience the best of the Galapagos Islands vacation, experienced divers will want to go on a liveaboard to visit the further islands.
The conditions at the Galapagos Islands can be challenging, and divers should be prepared for cool water and the possibility of strong currents.
🦈 Best Liveaboards for Diving Galapagos
There are several different boats that run dive trips to the Galapagos, offering different options based on your itinerary length preferences and budget. Here are the best Galapagos Liveaboards:
⛴ Tiburon Explorer, Galapagos
This modern boat was built in 2020 and designed with diver comfort in mind. It has 9 suites with private bathrooms that can accommodate up to 16 divers.
There are plenty of social areas to enjoy on the boat, including the top-level sundeck and hot tub.
The boat offers 8-day / 7-night itineraries and visits the famous Wolf and Darwin islands where you can see large aquatic animals such as hammerheads, whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally Mola mola!
Divers who went on the Tiburon Explorer loved the comfortable dive deck, helpful staff, and amazing dive sites. Many itineraries with the Tiburon Explorer include a land-based excursion!
What previous divers say:
Exceptional! Exceptional week. High end diving.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Paul P
⛴ Galapagos Sky, Galapagos
The Galapagos Sky is a luxury yacht that has 8 private ensuite cabins and can accommodate up to 16 divers.
The boat has plenty of air-conditioned space for socializing as well as a sky deck and offers great servicing, including fine-dining plated meals.
The boat offers 7-night itineraries where you can dive up to 4 times a day, for a total of 19 dives.
As long as the weather allows, the boat will spend 3 days at Darwin and Wolf Islands.
There is a spacious dive deck with hot showers on the Galapagos Sky and you are greeted after the dive with a hot towel.
What previous divers say:
This trip was a wonderful experience from an awesome crew that took care of all our needs by going well above what is expected from a crew and dive guides.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ michelle b
⛴ Calipso Dive Liveaboard, Galapagos
The Calipso was renovated in 2019 and offers guests a comfortable, modern boat to travel to the Galapagos Islands.
There are 8 cabins and the boat can accommodate up to 16 guests and there is a large upper deck for socializing with a BBQ and hot tub.
The boat offers 7-night or 11-night itineraries with visits to Wolf and Darwin islands, as well as other exploratory sites such as Marchena island.
The comfortable dive deck has hot showers, camera stations, and rinse areas.
Guests on the Capilso loved the helpful dive guides, who helped put people in a position to see the most marine life possible.
What previous divers say:
Once in a lifetime dive experience. Both the diversity & amount of wildlife is unmatched. Amazing staff & facilities on board, all aimed at giving you the best diving experience possible.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ STIJN F
🗓 Best Time of the Year to Dive in Galapagos
Liveaboards run trips in the Galapagos all year round, and you always have a good chance of seeing hammerhead sharks.
If you want to see the large schools of hammerheads, the best time of the year to go is between June and November.
This is when large schools of scalloped hammerheads go to the areas near Wolf and Darwin islands.
During this time you can sometimes spot schools of over 300 hammerheads.
🐠 Other Galapagos Diving Highlights
There is a lot of marine life that attracts divers to the Galapagos. You can see a variety of sharks including hammerheads, Galapagos, whitetip reef sharks, and whale sharks.
You can also see marine iguanas, manta rays, eagle rays, and large schools of fish.
2. Hammerhead Shark Diving Bahamas
Many divers know that the Bahamas are famous for shipwreck diving, but they are also a great spot for shark enthusiasts.
The Bahamas are an archipelago made up of over 700 coral islands, with around 30 of those being inhibited. The Bahamas are located about 100 kilometers to the southeast of Florida.
You can do land-based diving in the Bahamas, and the area offers a bit of everything.
You can do wreck diving, snorkeling, cavern diving, and drift diving all in warm, clear water.
The advantage of choosing a liveaboard to dive in the Bahamas is that it will let you explore more areas than a land-based dive vacation will.
The best places to dive with hammerhead sharks in the Bahamas are off of Bimini Island or off of Tiger Beach off the west end of Grand Bahama Island, some of the best beaches on the island.
🦈 Best Liveaboards for Diving the Bahamas
There are several liveaboards to choose from in the Bahamas. If your focus is on finding hammerheads, you want to make sure you choose an itinerary that will take you to Bimini.
Here are the best options for seeing sharks:
⛴ Bahamas Aggressor, Bahamas
The Bahamas Aggressor is a luxury 100 foot that can accommodate up to 14 guests.
The boat has ample space for socializing including an air-conditioned salon and sundeck with loungers and a hot tub.
The comfortable dive deck has individual lockers, showers with hot water, and a camera station.
The Bahamas Aggressor offers several different itineraries during the year, with most trips being 8-day itineraries, including trips to Bimini and Tiger Beach.
What previous divers say:
The variety of marine life, fun and professional crew, meeting new friends from all over the world.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ nicole p
⛴ Bahamas Master, Bahamas
The Bahamas Master is a luxury yacht that can accommodate up to 16 divers in 8 cabins.
The boat has a large sun deck and air-conditioned indoor lounge. The boat has a large dive deck with individual storage lockers, a camera station, and rinse tanks.
The Bahamas Master offers shark itineraries that travel to Tiger Beach where you have the chance to see lemon sharks, hammerhads, bull sharks, and nurse sharks.
It also offers a cruise to Bimini where divers can have up close encounters with bull sharks and hammerheads.
What previous divers say:
We really enjoyed the friendliness and professionalisms of the crew members and dive teams. We had a very nice stay on Bahamas Master.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HUBERT F
🗓 Best Time of the Year to See Hammerheads in the Bahamas
You can see sharks all year in the Bahamas but for the most hammerhead action go between December and February.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Will See in the Bahamas
In addition to sharks, the Bahamas is a great place to see turtles, dolphins, rays, and a huge variety of fish.
The Bahamas is also a great place to see shipwrecks, with over 40 different wrecks in less than 100 feet of water to visit!
3. Hammerhead Shark Diving French Polynesia
French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is located over 6,000 kilometers east of Australia and 7,500 kilometers west of Chile!
These remote islands are surrounded by clear water that is filled with marine life, including hammerhead sharks!
Two of the best areas for seeing hammerhead sharks in French Polynesia are Fakarava Atoll and Rangiroa.
Both areas are known for fast currents that attract hammerhead sharks.
At Fakarava Atoll you will have the best luck seeing sharks at Garave Pass and at Rangiroa, you will want to check out Tiputa Pass for large pelagic action.
🦈 Best Liveaboards for Diving French Polynesia
You can choose between land-based diving or a liveaboard in French Polynesia, with Tahiti being one of the most famous spots for diving.
The advantage of choosing a liveaboard is that you will get to experience even more remote dive sites. There are two main liveaboards in French Polynesia they are:
⛴ French Polynesia Master, Polynesia
Newly built in 2016, the French Polynesia Master can comfortably accommodate up to 25 guests.
All 13 of the cabins have ensuite bathrooms, and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor common areas for socializing.
The French Polynesia Master has individual storage spaces, shower hoses, and a dedicated area for cameras.
What previous divers say:
The friendly mantas were awesome. The south pass of Fakarava dives were truly great! The crew and dive crew were great as well.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ THOMAS W
⛴ Aqua Tiki II, Polynesia
The Aqua Tiki II is a luxury catamaran that can accommodate up to 8 guests for an intimate experience.
In addition to diving, you will get the experience of sailing the clear waters of French Polynesia, doing land excursions, and enjoying water sports.
The boat offers a variety of different charters and is available for private charters.
Guests who went on the Aqua Tiki II loved the helpful staff and the amazing dive sites they visited.
What previous divers say:
Everything we hoped for and more. This is a great expedition with some exceptional diving.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ NICHOLAS A
🗓 Best Time of the Year to Dive French Polynesia for Hammerheads
You can dive in French Polynesia all year round, but the best time of the year for seeing hammerhead sharks is from December to April.
During this time the hammerheads gather in large groups to hunt breeding eagle rays that are congregated.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Will See in French Polynesia
There is a variety of impressive marine life to see in French Polynesia.
There are 16 known shark species that visit the islands of French Polynesia, so in addition to hammerhead sharks, you can see grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, lemon sharks, and blacktip sharks.
You can also see manta rays, turtles, and large schools of jacks and barracuda!
4. Hammerhead Shark Diving Cocos Island
Cocos Island is located 500 kilometers off the coast of Costa Rica. Cocos Island was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and has been protected by the Costa Rican government for over 20 years.
The island itself is the only humid tropical forest in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, and the waters off the coast are the meeting point of several ocean currents- attracting large pelagics.
Cocos Island is a top choice for divers who want to see large marine life- especially sharks.
There is a resident group of hammerhead sharks, as well as Galapagos, Silky, and even Tiger sharks.
🦈 Best Liveaboards for Diving Cocos Island
Due to its location far off the coast of Costa Rica, the only way to dive Cocos Island is on a liveaboard.
Most trips to Cocos Island last at least 10 days, giving you plenty of time to explore the different dive sites, and some liveaboards even offer hiking excursions on the island.
Here are some of the best options:
⛴ Sea Hunter Liveaboard, Costa Rica
The Sea Hunter was built for stability, making it a great choice for a trip out to Cocos Island.
The ship also has ‘zero speed stabilizers’ which are lowered into the water when the boat is not moving to promote stability and comfort.
It has 10 suites, all with private bathrooms and plenty of common areas for socializing.
Each diver will have their own gear storage space and camera locker, and nitrox is free for certified divers.
Guests who went on the Sea Hunter enjoyed the helpful staff, comfortable boat, and amazing diving.
What previous divers say:
We had really great dives at Cocos, full of hammerheads and other species!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ YANNICK P
⛴ Okeanos Aggressor II, Costa Rica
The Okeanos Aggressor II has 12 cabins and can accommodate up to 24 guests.
Guests will enjoy their meals on the main deck, where breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is plated and presented by the chef.
The Okeanos Aggressor II offers guests the chance to make up to 21 dives and offers 10 or 12-night itineraries.
With the Okeanos Aggressor II, you will also have the opportunity to get off the boat, visit Cocos Island, hike through the jungle, and swim at waterfalls.
What previous divers say:
The diving was great! So many shark encounters on every dive.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ERIC S
⛴ Cocos Island Aggressor, Costa Rica
The Cocos Island Aggressor is a 38-meter ship that was designed for diver comfort. The boat has a spacious indoor salon and outdoor sundeck to relax on.
The Cocos Island Aggressor can accommodate up to 22 guests and has 11 cabins all with private bathrooms.
The chef prepares delicious meals, and there is a limited selection of wine and beer available.
Guests are usually able to make 21 dives on a 10-night itinerary on the Cocos Island Aggressor and will have the chance to go ashore on Cocos Island to hike and swim in waterfalls.
What previous divers say:
An amazing experience, diving in one of the more remote places in the world.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ TOM M
🗓 Best Time of the Year to Dive to Cocos Island
Liveaboards make the crossing to Cocos Island all year round.
You always have a great chance to see hammerheads at Cocos Island; however, there are usually more sharks present in the rainy season months from June to November.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Can See on Cocos Island
Shark lovers flock to Cocos Island- in addition to schools of hammerhead sharks, you can see Galapagos, silky, and white tip and black tip sharks.
You will also have the possibility to see other large pelagics such as manta rays, dolphins, and even whales!
5. Hammerhead Shark Diving Maldives
The Maldives are composed of 26 atolls that are located in the Indian Ocean, over 750 kilometers from mainland Asia.
The Maldives have long been a dream destination for scuba divers, and the northern atolls have coral reefs that are made up of colorful soft coral, and the southern atolls are home to several large shark species, including hammerheads.
All of the Maldives are known for having nutrient-rich, and incredibly clear, warm water.
🦈 Best Liveaboards for Divers in the Maldives
There are many different liveaboards you can take to explore the Maldives.
If you want to see hammerhead sharks, the best area to visit is Rasdhoo Atoll. This area is known for attracting large schools of fish in the morning, which in turn attract the hammerhead sharks.
There is a channel filled with fast-moving water between Rasdhoo and Madivaru Island.
This area is famous for attracting large shark species, including hammerheads.
Here are some of the best liveaboards to visit in this area:
⛴ Scubaspa Yang, Maldives
The Scubaspa Yang is a 50-meter ship that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Unlike many liveaboards, the Scubaspa Yang is great for divers and non-divers. It offers snorkeling, yoga, and spa treatments on board.
Divers will use the 20-meter, fully equipped dhoni for all their diving needs, including gear storage.
The Scubaspa Yang visits Rasdhoo and Vaavu Atolls all year, except for February and March when it caters its itinerary to more advanced diving.
Guests on the Scubaspa Yang loved the comfortable boat and amazing service.
What previous divers say:
Best liveaboard experience!! Do not think twice about choosing ScubaSpa as your provider for a live aboard trip in the Maldives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ RYAN C
⛴ Emperor Serenity, Maldives
This stylish and comfortable liveaboard can accommodate up to 26 divers with 13 cabins that each have their own private bathroom.
The indoor dining room offers a variety of local and international dishes and guests can relax on the sun deck between dives.
All diving takes place off of the spacious dhoni.
The Emperor Serenity offers free nitrox for certified divers. The ship usually offers 7-night itineraries that travel to southern atolls so you have a good chance of seeing large animals, including hammerheads.
What previous divers say:
Five stars for everything, had a wonderful liveaboard.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ MICHELLE T
🗓 Best Time of the Year to Dive in the Maldives for Hammerhead Sharks
You have a good chance of seeing hammerhead sharks in the southern atolls of the Maldives all year round.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Can See in the Maldives
The colorful soft corals of the Maldives are home to countless fish species. You can also spot whales, turtles, lobsters, eels, and tuna.
6. Hammerhead Shark Diving in Mexico
While lucky divers occasionally spot a hammerhead shark while diving off of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, if you are serious about seeing hammerheads, you need to travel to the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is visited by schools of hammerhead sharks in late fall and early winter.
The Revillagigedo Islands, often referred to as Socorro Islands, are also visited by hammerhead sharks from April to June.
🦈 Best Liveaboards to Hammerhead Shark Diving in Mexico
If you visit La Paz in the winter, you can do land-based diving and visit the schooling hammerheads in the Sea of Cortez.
Boat ride lengths will depend, and if you want the chance to explore more of the Sea of Cortez, you can book a liveaboard.
The Sea of Cortez offers amazing biodiversity, with over 900 species of fish living there, as well as 43 species of marine mammals.
The Socorro Islands are a group of 4 main islands that are 600 kilometers off Mexico’s western coast.
Liveaboards to Socorro leave from Los Cabos and offer 7 or 9-night itineraries.
In addition to hammerhead sharks, Socorro Islands are known for large pelagic animal sightings.
Here are the best liveaboard options in Mexico:
⛴ Valentina Liveaboard, Mexico
This 38-meter ship was completely remodeled in 2013 for diver comfort. It offers itineraries exploring the Sea of Cortez from August to November where divers have the chance to see sea lions, sardines, and hammerhead sharks.
From November until May, it will take divers to the Socorro Islands, where they will have the chance to see large pelagic animals such as manta rays, whale sharks, and hammerheads.
The ship has 10 cabins with private bathrooms, and the boat has a large partially shaded sun deck to enjoy between dives.
What previous divers say:
The diving! I don’t have comments on the food or the boat because the diving was great and that’s what I was there for. The crew was great though. Always very helpful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ JANE L
⛴ Nautilus Belle Amie, Mexico
The Nautilus Belle Amie is the largest ship in the Nautilus fleet and offers guests 5-star service and amenities.
The Belle Amie has 17 staterooms and suites that all have private bathrooms.
All meals are served on the main deck and the ship has two fully stocked bars on board.
The ship was designed to stay stable during open ocean crossings and offers trips to Socorro Islands from November to June and trips to Magdelena Bay in the Sea of Cortez in the fall.
The Nautilus Belle Amie has three large dive tenders that you will use to make getting in and out of the water easy at dive sites.
What previous divers say:
The fun crew, professional guides and the amazing dive spots were spectacular! No single dive without sharks or Mantas.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ GERALD F
🗓 Best Time of the Year to Dive in Mexico to See Hammerhead Sharks
You will increase your chance of seeing hammerhead sharks in Mexico by carefully planning when you go.
If you are doing land-based diving from La Paz or planning to go on a liveaboard in the Sea of Cortez, you should plan to go in the fall or early winter months.
If you are lucky enough to go on a liveaboard to Socorro Islands, you will have the best chance of seeing schools of hammerheads from April to June.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Will See in Mexico
In addition to hammerhead sharks, the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Islands are filled with amazing marine life.
The Sea of Cortez has incredible biodiversity with an amazing number of fish and sea mammals.
There are many marine animals that migrate to the Sea of Cortez and depending on the time of year you visit you can see whales, manta rays, leatherback turtles, as well as squid.
Socorro Islands are famous for their large pelagic animal encounters and you can see sharks- including whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, and manta rays there.
7. Malapascua, the Philippines
The Philippines is an island nation made up of over 7,000 islands. It is located in Southeast Asia in the ‘coral triangle’ which is the most diverse marine area in the world.
Malapascua is part of the Visayas, which is the central region of the Philippines. This area is known for great scuba diving, and the small island of Malapascua stands out for having great scuba diving.
Many consider it the best place in the world to encounter thresher sharks, and you can also find large marine pelagics such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks there.
🦈 Best Liveaboards for Diving Malapascua, Philippines
Many resorts in the Philippines offer land-based diving; however, in a country made up of so many different islands, booking a liveaboard will let you explore so much more than if you are land-based.
There are many different liveaboards to choose from, here are the best ones to book to travel to Malapascua:
⛴ Infiniti Liveaboard, Philippines
This 39-meter, newly renovated dive yacht has 11 comfortable cabins with private bathrooms.
There is a spacious indoor lounge and outdoor sundeck with hammocks and loungers.
The Infiniti has state-of-the-art dive amenities including a spacious dive deck with charging stations, camera stations, and rinse tanks.
The Infiniti limits the number of divers on each cruise to guarantee personalized service. The Infiniti offers different itineraries, including one to Malapascua.
What previous divers say:
The boat was spacious and well taken care of. The crew knew what they were doing and always there to help. The dives were great as well.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ CAMERON B
⛴ Philippine Siren, Philippines
The Philippine Siren is a 40-meter sailing yacht that offers luxury accommodations for 16 guests.
On the Philippine Siren, you can enjoy plenty of social areas, including an air-conditioned lounge with a cocktail bar and sundeck.
The Siren was designed for the diver’s comfort and has a shaded dive platform with individual stations and personal storage lockers.
The Philippine Siren offers different itineraries throughout the year to Malapascua, Cebu, Dauin, and other areas.
What previous divers say:
Finally seeing the whale sharks up close after chasing them in the last 5 years I finally had them so close.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HENRY L
🗓 Best Time of Year to Dive Malapascua
You can dive in Malapascua all year, but go between January and April for the best weather. The weather can be rough in November and December.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Will See in Malapascua
Malapascua is famous for its thresher sharks; however, you can also find hammerheads and white-tip sharks there.
The area around Malapascua is filled with colorful soft corals and you can find a variety of nudibranchs living there.
8. Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are made up of over 1,000 islands that sit in the southwest Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 kilometers to the northeast of Australia.
Very few divers get the chance to visit the remote Solomon Islands, and the area is filled with soft corals, fans, and a wide range of tropical dive attractions.
There you can dive on several WWII shipwrecks, enjoy impressive walls, and even do muck diving.
In general, the Solomon Islands are not known for hammerhead encounters, except for the Marovo Lagoon- the largest saltwater lagoon in the world!
There you can find resident hammerhead sharks!
🦈 Best Liveaboards in the Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
You can dive from resorts in the Solomon Islands, but going on a liveaboard will let you visit dive sites that are largely untouched.
These remote areas are pristine and will let you see the best the area has to offer. Here are the best liveaboards for visiting the Marovo Lagoon:
⛴ Bilikiki, Solomon Islands
The Bilikiki was the first luxury liveaboard in the Solomons and offers guests 10 deluxe cabins, a spacious sun deck, and a lounge.
The Bilikiki offers guests 10 or 11-night itineraries with trips that go to the 3 main island groups of Florida Island, Russel Island, and Marovo Lagoon.
The crew also arrange excursions onto different islands where you can meet locals, and visit floating markets. The Bilikiki offers dive excursions from March to December.
What previous divers say:
What a great trip! Bilikik offered two great adventures on land to visit the WWll memorial and a day hike to the waterfall with lunch in a jungle lodge.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LESLEE Z
⛴ Solomons Master, Solomon Islands
The Solomons Master is a 37-meter liveaboard that can accommodate 16 guests in 8 cabins.
The boat is designed to accommodate everyone from novice divers to technical divers and has a camera station.
The Solomons Master offers different 7 and 10-night itineraries including ones focused on WWII wrecks and others that visit the Florida and Russel island groups.
🗓 The Best Time of Year to Dive in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
You can visit the Solomon Islands all year, but the best weather is during the dry season from July to September.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Will See in the Solomon Islands
In addition to the thresher sharks and hammerheads in the Marovo Lagoon, you can also see a huge variety of fish, manta rays, and turtles.
9. The Brothers & Elphinstone, Egypt
Scuba divers love to visit the Red Sea because of its colorful and healthy corals, abundant marine life, and shipwrecks.
There is no shortage of areas to visit in the Red Sea, but if you are searching for hammerhead sharks the best areas to visit are The Brothers and Elphinstone.
The Brothers are two islands, named Little Brother and Big Brother.
These remote volcanic islands are cone-shaped, with most of the island being underwater.
There you can find steep drop-offs, amazing soft corals, and sharks! It is possible to see oceanic whitetip sharks as well as hammerheads!
Another great area of the Red Sea to visit for hammerhead sightings is Elphinstone.
There the reef is only 30 kilometers from the shore and is long and narrow with a shallow top and dramatic drop-offs.
There are currents that bring nutrients to this area and attract large pelagic animals.
🦈 Best Liveaboards in the Red Sea
You can dive from a resort in the Red Sea, but booking a liveaboard will let you see so many more areas in one trip. Here are the best liveaboards for seeing hammerheads in the Red Sea:
⛴ Sea Serpent Grand, Egypt
The Sea Serpent is a luxury 45-meter liveaboard that can accommodate up to 28 divers.
This yacht has a newly designed hull for stability, comfort, and speed.
The Sea Serpent offers free WIFI onboard and has plenty of common areas for guests to socialize.
The Sea Serpent offers free nitrox to certified divers and can accommodate technical divers.
You can book trips year-round on this liveaboard and it offers 7-night itineraries including trips to The Brothers and Elphinstone.
What previous divers say:
The diving was amazing. The briefing was detailed and clear. But what stood out for me was the exceptional crew: from the captain, to the chef, wait staff and deck helpers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ JIHONG L
⛴ Blue Liveaboard, Egypt
The Blue Liveaboard has 12 cabins with modern amenities to accommodate up to 24 guests.
All cabins have private bathrooms, TVs, and individually controlled air conditioning.
The Blue Liveaboard offers guests a variety of itineraries to choose from, including 7-night trips to The Brothers and Elphinstone.
Blue has a spacious dive deck and tenders to get divers to and from dive sites. You can make up to 21 dives per trip.
What previous divers say:
Highest standard in all regards (cleanliness, food, dive guides, selection of dive spots, friendliness) leaves nothing to complain. Great team and crew.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ MARIE-LOUISE G
🗓 Best Time of Year to Dive the Red Sea
You can dive into the Red Sea all year round.
🐠 Other Marine Life You Will See in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is famous for its colorful soft corals that are filled with fish. You can also see dolphins, turtles, and sharks there.
Hammerhead Sharks Suggested Diving Gear
Hammerhead sharks are not aggressive to divers, and no special gear is needed when you dive in areas where they frequent.
Many shops that specialize in shark diving recommend that divers wear all dark wetsuits (and long wetsuits) to minimize highly contrasting colors that can distract sharks.
If you will be close to sharks, many people also recommend not wearing any shiny jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Snorkel with Hammerhead Sharks?
Yes, you can snorkel with hammerhead sharks. Hammerhead sharks have great vision and do not eat mammals, making it very unlikely they will mistake you for food and attack.
In general, shark attacks on humans are very rare (but get a lot of attention when they happen).
Can You Swim with Hammerhead Sharks in Hawaii?
Yes, you can snorkel with hammerheads in Molokai. It is common to see scalloped hammerheads there.
What Should You Do if You Encounter a Hammerhead Shark?
Anytime you encounter a shark underwater you should remain calm, avoid making rapid movements, and do not chase the shark.
Why Do Scuba Divers Not Get Attacked by Sharks?
In general, sharks avoid scuba divers underwater. Sharks do not see humans as food and tend to ignore them.
What to Do if a Shark Attacks You while Diving?
While shark attacks on humans, especially scuba divers, are rare, it is good to know what to do if it happens.
Experts agree that if a shark attacks you, you should try to hit it on its nose. This will make the shark retreat, giving you time to swim away.
Which Sharks are Safest to Dive with?
Whale sharks are the safest shark to dive with. They are referred to as gentle giants and have a huge mouth that is used to filter feed.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Dive with Hammerhead Sharks
Lots of scuba divers dream of seeing a hammerhead shark. The unique head of hammerhead sharks makes them irresistible to divers.
Luckily, there are places all over the world where you can see them.
To increase your odds of spotting a hammerhead, make sure to carefully pick your next dive destination, and plan your trip when you will have the best chance of seeing one.
The great news is, that most of the destinations that have hammerheads are full of other great marine life for divers to enjoy!
Before You Go…
Here are some useful posts that you may be interested in:
Meet the Author – Adrienne Banka
Adrienne Banka is a Michigander and fell in love with diving at 16 years old. Now she is living in Cozumel Mexico and works as a dive instructor turned brewmaster, turned mom (and awesome writer). When she is not in the water she enjoys riding her bike and chasing after her dog and her newborn daughter.
