best practices for shark snorkeling & freediving in South Florida

Snorkeling with sharks in Palm Beach County and South Florida is an unforgettable experience, providing an up-close encounter with these bold creatures in their natural habitat. You may hear this activity referred to as “Diving with Sharks” or “Freediving with Sharks” as well, but whatever you call it, you are definitely swimming with sharks. This makes safety—for both the sharks and yourself—absolutely essential!

“There are no shortcuts if you want to shark dive correctly! This knowledge comes from years of experience and time spent in the water—something many operators claim to possess, but only a few truly do,” says Alexandre Carrier, the Owner and Founder of XELA Expeditions. Known as “Alex” in most shark diving circles in South Florida, he brings over a decade of experience with more than 8,000 successful shark diving trips. He is also a Molchanov Certified Freedive Instructor and a licensed Boat Captain. With all of this experience, Alex is certainly someone you can trust when it comes to shark snorkeling.

Before entering the water, it’s crucial to follow proper safety practices. Any shark activity should be guided by passionate and experienced professionals. XELA Expeditions, located in Palm Beach County, FL, is known for having some of the best dive guides in the industry. They prioritize quality dives over the quantity of sharks you may see and are dedicated to upholding the highest safety standards for both guests and the sharks. If an operator isn’t adhering to industry best practices, it’s wise to exercise caution. Follow these guidelines for a safe and enjoyable shark snorkeling or freediving adventure in South Florida:

Choose a Reputable Organization to Adventure With

If you’re looking to snorkel or dive with sharks, it’s essential to seek out the best and safest experience. When selecting an operator, look for one with experienced guides, a commitment to safety, and a genuine respect for the sharks and the environment. XELA Expeditions checks all these boxes, offering memorable and safe adventures!

Wear a Full Wetsuit and Gloves

A full wetsuit is important for warmth and protection, and it helps reduce the electrical pulses emitted from your body, which can affect shark behavior. Additionally, a wetsuit aids buoyancy, allowing you to remain comfortable and secure while observing these incredible animals.

Establish an Organized Snorkel Zone

Once in the water, it’s important for everyone to stay within a designated spot. We use a line drifting off the side of the boat, with a buoy at the end. This setup keeps the group together, reducing the risk of individuals drifting too close to other boats or hazards. The buoy and dive flag also alert other boats to your presence. By remaining in one area, you increase the chances of encountering rare, shy sharks and reduce the likelihood of over-curious species becoming too interested. This controlled environment also allows for easy re-entry to the boat.

Diving Deeper than the Surface

While snorkeling trips are open to all, only certified freedivers are allowed to dive deeper. Although sharks are often best observed from the surface, some may want a closer encounter, guided by a dive instructor. Limiting deeper dives to certified freedivers ensures proper techniques are used, keeping interactions calm and safe. Depending on the conditions, deeper diving may not always be possible, as factors like currents or shark activity will be evaluated by the guide.

Minimize Feeding

Feeding and chumming are different practices, both essential for attracting sharks. Chumming, which involves releasing ground-up fish, draws sharks in a natural scavenging state without altering their behavior significantly. Feeding, however, shifts them into a feeding mode. Minimizing direct feeding helps maintain a balanced environment, allowing shyer species and other ocean wildlife, like marlin, sea turtles, and various hammerhead species, to approach. If feeding is necessary, it’s done in a way that prevents sharks from associating human hands with food. The focus remains on observing sharks in their natural state, keeping their behavior as undisturbed as possible.

Keep the Experience Focused on the Sharks

Ultimately, shark snorkeling and diving should center on respecting and learning about these incredible creatures. By following best practices and adventuring with responsible operators, you’ll help protect both the sharks and yourself. Enjoy an awe-inspiring adventure that showcases the beauty of the ocean!

Let’s Get Real!

Any shark experience carries inherent risks, but the thrill of encountering these remarkable animals up close is unmatched. Only a rare few dedicate their lives to studying sharks and sharing that passion with others. The best thing you can do for yourself is to find an operator you trust, listen closely to their guidance, and embrace the process.