Shortfin Mako Sharks

Shortfin makos are the cheetahs of the ocean — capable of bursts to 70 km/h, the only sharks that routinely breach clear of the water, and one of the few partially warm-blooded fish on the planet. Their muscles run several degrees above ambient water temperature for explosive acceleration.

They're pelagic — rarely seen by divers. The reliable encounter is off Cape Point (South Africa) and the Pacific coast of Mexico, on blue-water charters that chum offshore. Red Sea liveaboards occasionally encounter makos during open-water transits.

Listed Endangered since 2019 — populations have crashed from longline fishing and trophy game-fishing. Atlantic catch limits were tightened in 2022. Diving with makos at managed sites helps fund population research.