What It's Like to Go on a Shark-Feeding Dive in Florida

Shark-feed dives can be a bit of a controversial topic in Florida. Some locals think feeding sharks makes them associate humans with food and that the practice should be banned. Others feel it’s a great way to educate people about sharks and how truly misunderstood they are. Others contend that there could be negative effects, but the value of shark-diving tourism lessens the need for locals to participate in shark fishing and finning, keeping more sharks alive. In this month’s adventure, I booked a spot on a shark dive trip out of Jupiter, Florida, to learn more about it for myself.

OPINION: Why Shark Feeding Shouldn't Be Banned in the United States

As we made our descent, the handler began his routine of making clanking noises and chumming the waters to bring in the sharks. First on the scene were a couple of bull sharks that cautiously inspected our group. As the dive progressed, we were soon surrounded by a dozen lemon sharks and a beautiful sandbar shark. The action you see out here is truly mind-blowing!

Regardless of where you stand on this topic, you can’t deny that these animals are beautiful and should be protected. Sharks are not mindless killing machines as they are depicted in the movies however, they are still wild animals and certain species can be dangerous when feeding. Shark dives are not for everyone but they do help raise the public’s awareness about these marine animals and the need to protect them.

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Can't get enough? Check out this video of sailfish hunting off Isla Mujeres and manatees in Florida's Crystal River.