The "starter shark". Reliable, beautiful, completely harmless to divers.
Blacktip reef sharks are the easiest shark sighting in tropical Indo-Pacific — they patrol shallow reef flats in schools, often visible from above when snorkelling. The black-tipped dorsal fin breaking the surface is the iconic image.
They're essentially harmless to divers despite their classic shark profile — the only recorded incidents are rare nips on waders in very shallow water. Most divers have their first shark encounter with blacktips — Andaman's North Bay, Maldives's reef edges, Bali's Nusa Lembongan, and Sipadan are reliable.
They tolerate close approach if you're calm. Schools of 10+ blacktips crossing a reef channel on the incoming tide is a beginner-friendly shark experience that hooks people on shark diving for life.
Tap a month to highlight it across destinations, or hover any cell for details.
14 destinations across Andamans, SE Asia, Indian Ocean, East Africa — peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 1Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Nov · 35 sites
Tier 1Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Sep · 25 sites
Tier 1Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 40 sites
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 15 sites
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Nov · 25 sites
Tier 2Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 25 sites
Tier 3Blacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Nov · 40 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Feb, Jul–Dec · 22 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–Oct · 12 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–May, Nov–Dec · 20 sites
Tier 3Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Mar–Oct · 18 sites
Tier 4Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Apr–May, Sep–Nov · 30 sites
Tier 4Coming soonBlacktip Reef Sharks here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 50 sites
Real, curated expeditions — or a custom trip built around the best season and destination to encounter blacktip reef sharks.
Browse our curated, small-group dive trips — fixed dates, vetted partner operators, zero agency fee. Or tell us your dates and we'll build a custom trip around the best season and destinations to encounter blacktip reef sharks.
Tell us when you can travel and your certification level — we'll match the right destination, the right season, and the right trip for diving with blacktip reef sharks.
Chat With a Dive Pro
