This month we are celebrating the approval of one of the most important pieces of legislation for the protection of the waters around the Bahamas and one of its key habitants—sharks.
The Islands of the Bahamas are known as the shark diving capital of the world. Sharks are now safer than ever with new legislation which prevents commercial fishing, landing,killing, importing and exporting of any shark or shark related product.
On Grand Bahama we celebrate with our wonderful shark dive. In just less than a mile off shore, in 45 feet of water, divers have amazing shark encounters with Caribbean Reef sharks on most occasions and sometimes with hammerheads and nurse sharks. With more than 20 years of experience and a clean record, UNEXSO offers guests the opportunity to swim freely among sharks, watch them as they are fed by the dive professionals and even learn to do it themselves. Starting as a regular shark feeding dive, it has, in the last 10 years, evolved into a learning encounter and an amazing new experience for those divers who still harbor a fear of sharks.
Free of cages, divers are surrounded by the animals that eat out of the hand of the feeder and swim right over the heads of the divers, understanding the difference between the feeder and the observing divers. Divers are amazed as a shark is laid in front of them and put to asleep. They can then touch it and realize that it’s not a monster at all, but an animal that requires understanding, appreciation and protection. At UNEXSO, divers can join the Shark Feeder course and through personal instruction learn and understand what it takes to be one with sharks, to pet them, feed them, and learn to love and protect them.
Protecting sharks can only lead to a healthier environment and more abundant marine life to enjoy. It takes a strong and courageous government to take such a stance and decide to protect an animal so vilified. Our celebration will go on for a very long time and there is no wrong season to dive with our sharks.
FORECAST BY:
Cristina Zenato, Dive Department Supervisor
The International Underwater Explorer’s Society, Ltd. (UNEXSO)
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
(242) 373-1244 or (800) 992-DIVE
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