Marine life profile
Grey Nurse Sharks
Recorded at 10 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Grey Nurse Sharks around the world
Sharks are a group of elasmobranch cartilaginous fishes characterized by a ribless endoskeleton, dermal denticles, five to seven gill slits on each side, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. 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
Modern sharks are classified within the division Selachii and are the sister group to the Batomorphi (rays and skates).
Where to Find
Look along reef drop-offs, channels, sandy ledges and blue-water edges where currents concentrate food.
Known countries
Sightings map
Grey Nurse Sharks locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Magic Point
Australia
Magic Point is synonymous with shark scuba diving! It is best known for its grey nurse sharks, as well as Port Jackson sharks, crested horn sharks and wobbegong sharks. The dive site itself can start as shallow as 8 metres depending on where the boat drops its anchor. From there you cruise east and drop down to 15 metres with the aid of a wall. Along here you will find a larger and a smaller cave where Grey Nurse Sharks hang about. Continue east and the seafloor becomes covered with small boulders, large schools of various fish can be found cruising through and around the various rock formations, at a depth of 24 metres the sand line starts.
Exmouth Navy Pier
Australia
The Navy Pier is situated just 15 minutes outside Exmouth. It only can be accessed by granted company’s from the Australian Military as this is a base. ID must be shown before hand and fee payed to enter.
Fish Soup N/W Rock
Australia
Just north of North Solitary island this rock outcrop offers an amazing fish dive. Max. depth of about 15mtr and average of 10mtr, it is best to dive in lower swell conditions. Swim through a split in the rock to reveal large boulders with swim through’s and an abundance of fish life.
Flat Rock - The Pinnacles
Australia
Located on the western side of Flat Rock, with depths ranging from 12m to 35m, The Pinnacles is suitable for Advanced divers only. It is a good spot for turtles, rays, and migrating humpback whales.
Hendersons Rock
Australia
Cherubs Cave is named after a cave system located under a large circular shaped bommie on the north-west side of the main bommie. The cave has four entrances that are difficult to find as they are covered with kelp. Once in the cave, light penetrates through the other entrances, aiding navigation.
Shelly’s Wide
Australia
There are soft corals, sponges, nudibranchs, wobbegong sharks, PJ sharks, grey nurse sharks, and a wide variety of other marine life
Wave Break Island
Australia
Wave Break Island offers the perfect location and conditions with around 450 species of fish to encounter! Whether you are a qualified diver or it is your first time in the water, your experienced guide guarantees a professional, safe, and fun experience.
Wobby Rock, Gneering Shoals
Australia
A scattering of boulders appear to have formed a reef (tops with depth of approx 13 metres and a sea floor sitting between 15 and 18 metres). There are plenty of gaps and holes for marine life to hide, including a small cave.
Flat Rock
Australia
Flat Rock is one of Brisbane's most popular scuba diving sites, mainly because of the natural rocky environment and the diverse range of coral and fish that you are likely to encounter. You can see anything from tiny clown fish to the docile giants of the sea, the grey nurse sharks.
Wolf Rock
Australia
Wolf Rock is one of the most exciting dives in Australia and will perhaps be one of the most exciting dives you ever do. For this reason, all daily dive charters are to Wolf Rock. Consistently rated as a World-Class dive site and a must do dive for travellers up the East Coast of Australia it will not disappoint. If you like to see big animals this is the dive for you. Not only is it home to the critically endangered grey nurse sharks but you will also see a myriad of other marine animals such as Giant Queensland Groper – (these guys grow as big as the sharks), eagle rays, bull rays, manta rays, leopard sharks, 3 different species of turtle – loggerhead, green and hawksbill. During winter we witness the annual migration of the humpback whales. Not only do you see the whales on the surface breaching, tail slapping and waving their pectoral fins around but you will also be able to listen to their whale song under the water. Sometimes their song is so loud that the sound starts to reverberate through your chest – this means they must be very close by! The four volcanic pinnacles that make the site of Wolf Rock are also covered by hard and soft corals providing homes to all the small animals that are the lifeblood of any reef. Nudibranchs, octopus, sub-tropical and temperate species of fish, crabs, sea stars, wobbegong sharks etc etc.