Dive sites1
Marine life profile
Port Jackson Sharks
Recorded at 1 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Port Jackson Sharks around the world
Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.
Countries1
Animal groupSharks
Safety profilePotentially Dangerous
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
Port Jackson Sharks is closely adapted to its habitat, and patient observation reveals details that a quick swim-by misses.
Where to Find
Look along reef drop-offs, channels, sandy ledges and blue-water edges where currents concentrate food.
Known countries
Australia
Sightings map
Port Jackson Sharks locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Osborn Shoals
Australia
The top of the reef is covered in kelp as you drop over the wall to the 24m mark you will see a variety of soft sponges. The site is easy to navigate as you just keep the reef on one side on the way out and the other side on the way back. A great array of macro underwater creatures and the usual cool Sydney marine life can be observed at this site. Here you will see a variety of Sydney's native marine life, including blue groper, red morwong, cuttlefish, mado, striped wrasse, silver sweep, sergeant baker, old wife, striped sea pike, white ear, black reef leatherjacket, yellow-striped leatherjacket, Port Jackson shark and many more.