Marine life profile
Blacktip Reef Shark
Recorded at 899 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Blacktip Reef Shark around the world
The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, which can be easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins (especially on the first dorsal fin and its caudal fin). Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
Look for a streamlined shark profile, visible gill slits and the fin shape or markings that distinguish this species.
How It Behaves
Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.
Special Ability
Highly tuned senses help it read vibration, scent and tiny electrical signals hidden in the water.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Stay calm, keep the animal in view and let it choose the distance. Never chase, surround or block its route.
Safety
Treat every shark as a powerful wild animal. Keep hands close, avoid baited activity and follow the local guide's instructions.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
Among the most abundant sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this species prefers shallow, inshore waters.
Where to Find
Look along reef drop-offs, channels, sandy ledges and blue-water edges where currents concentrate food.
Known countries
Sightings map
Blacktip Reef Shark locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Casa Blanca
Mexico
This is a gorgeous reef named after Casa Gordon, a beachfront house which used to white. The reef very similar in composition and marine life to Paso del Cedral, with a constant drift which helps travel over the reef. A favorite of Cozumel's repeat divers, this dive site is often thriving with sharks, green morays and turtles.
Cow Rock
United States
Cow Rock, often mentioned with its counterpart Calf Rock, is one of the most popular sites on the South side. Consisting of a rocky bottom topography that is covered in colorful growth, these natural formations create several swim through’s that attract many divers. In addition, this site and others in the area fall within the protected waters of a marine preserve. An abundance of fish, turtles, lobsters, rays, and sharks can be seen here.
Johnny's Gorge
India
Johnny's Gorge is a bed of low-lying rocky outcrops emerging from the bottom at 26metres / 85 feet. Surrounded by sand in every direction, these rocks have become an oasis of security and food for everything from small angelfish and anemonefish to spectacular schools of mackerels, barracudas, trevallies, bumphead parrotfish, surgeonfish, and snappers. And if this isn't enough, this world-class dive site is also home to reef sharks, giant groupers, large stingrays, and visiting manta and eagle rays. There is very rarely a quiet moment at Johnny's Gorge.
Kandooma Thila
Maldives
Kandooma Thila, or also called Cocoa Thila, is one of the most exciting dives in South Male’ Atoll with great scenery as well as prolific fish life. The west and north side are the most spectacular, with the top at 16m. These are a focal point for schools of Bluefin Trevallies, eagle rays, dogtooth tunas and loose groups of gray reef sharks (50+ in the right current). Cleaning station for grey reef , you can see them going in a vertical position while small wrasses are cleaning them. Currents can be very strong making it a challenging dive. For experienced divers only.
Rasdhoo Beyru
Maldives
A beautiful wall on the south side of the island of Rasdhoo with three small pinnacles (thila) that are on the lower edge a little further from the island wall. Thilas Top starts at 18-20 meters and is suitable for beginners and experts alike but the current can be medium to strong. Napoleon, white tip sharks and gray reef sharks can be sighted here regularly. Sometimes stingrays resting on the sandy bottom between 25 and 30 meters deep between the wall and the thilas. If you are lucky eagle rays, and on very lucky days manta rays! It is also a great diving spot for macro enthusiasts as so many small creatures can be found here!
Abwonderdive House Reef
Indonesia
This shore dive ranges from 5m to 30m, featuring a coral reef starting at 3m with soft and hard corals. Artificial reef structures lie between 15m and 18m. The current is usually mild to moderate, making for a manageable dive. The surface is generally calm but can be choppy from May to October.
Abyss’ Triggerfish
Solomon Islands
An incredible site we recently re-discovered. With our Abyss dive group we were searching for new sites during a lull with a cyclone, we found calm waters and great visibility and re-named the site in honour of the dive group! Macro heaven on this stunning sea mount!
adam faru
Maldives
Very nice landscape with beautiful coral rock formations between 5 and 20 meters. In between the rock formations are sandy plateaus with leather and soft corals. Torch and camera recommended.
Admiral 1
Maldives
It is one of the channels on the Western side of the atoll that can be crossed with mild current or entered with medium/strong current. Usually found on the outer side: stingrays, grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasses, fusiliers and many more reef fish.
Aiyabe Thila (Hollywood)
Maldives
One of the best dive sites in this area, it offers almost everything. Top Reef 5 Meters , excellent for safety stop. Big overhangs with fantastic coral life, schooling fishes and predators wich hunt for them . Negative decent needed if there is current
Ajoy
Malaysia
Location: 7 minutes boat ride south of Juara Bay; Depth: 18m+; Current: Sometimes Medium current which could offer drift dive; Site: A sloping coral reef which move into boulder formations full of macro life, moving through a riverscape along the island edge onto a shallow reef with huge rock features.
Alupat Island
Guam
Just off Alupat Island, numerous Hard and soft corals with am abundance of reef fish. Great visibility and an occasional Manta Ray.this is an excellent night dive location and is always done by boat.
Amilla Fushi
Maldives
A pleasant reef to snorkel or dive to explore. A vertical hole in the reef creates a blue hole like swim through allows scuba divers to descend down and exit from a cave at the bottom.
Anas Reef
Saudi Arabia
Anas Reef is a coral island located in the general vicinity of Abu Tair area, the reef is healthy and has plenty to offer, sponges in the reef makes for clear waters year round for excellent visibility. sharks and rays are common site as well as all the typical fishes you expect to see in the red sea
Anchor Wreck
Indonesia
This dive site is a flat area with soft coral at a depth of 5 meters, followed by a wall that reaches approximately 35 meters. This site is covered by large sea fans and several other types of coral.
Anemone Thila
Maldives
Anemone Thila is a classic Maldivian submerged pinnacle with a shallow top reef at just 4–5m, making it ideal for all experience levels. Vibrant coral formations, abundant sea anemones and thriving marine life make this one of the region’s most picturesque and rewarding dive sites.
Angels Window Bukabuka Isl.
Indonesia
The drop-off wall is stunning, with a small hole in the reef leading directly to 6 meters below. When sunlight shines through, it creates a beautiful “Angel’s Window“ effect. The warm temperatures make for an easy and enjoyable dive.
ANZAC
Fiji
A single coral head starting at 3msw with a highly decorated swim-through in the middle & dropping down to over 30msw. This site can be dived at anytime however strong running current brings out the best for divers to see. Also suitable for snorklers with some experience.
Apo Island - Aladin
Philippines
Aladin is a wall dive on the northeast corner of Apo Island, Mindoro Occidental. The dive site is accessible by boat from Pandan Island Resort (www.pandan.com).
Aquarium
Fiji
12 minutes boat ride from Natadola Beach. Great dive site to do deep diving, able to go up to 30 mts. Sand patch at the bottom. Days with strong current or waves, hard access to the water, need experience.
Aquarium
Maldives
Protected bay area with beautiful reef structures and coral structures for every level. From beginners to advanced divers, perfect for an easy enjoyable dive and an abundance of reef fishes.
Aquarium / Lhohifushi Corner
Maldives
This dive site is located right next to the island. The long reef ends into a corner of the canal. Here you can see several highlights. A very nice dive site for beginners as well as experienced divers.
Aquaventure Ship Wreck
Philippines
Opposite Aquaventure Reef Club. A blue buoy shows the line. Huge amount of fish living inside the wreck. The wreck sits at 35 mts. 2 other wreck heading back to the shore. One is an SUV and the other is an old helicopter. Follow the white buoy. The staff at Aquaventure are really helpful.
The ARC Sebastián de Belalcázar is a 68-meter WWII veteran warship sunk in 2004 as an artificial reef in Bahía Solano. Resting on a sandy bed at 40m, this historic wreck offers multiple penetration points for advanced divers, including the engine room and an onboard prison. An iconic Pacific dive.