Where and when to see sand tiger sharks (ragged-tooth and grey nurse)
Toothy but placid sharks that hover in gullies and caves, often in groups. South Africa calls them ragged-tooth sharks and Australia grey nurse sharks; the deep-living smalltooth sand tiger is a rare sight at Malpelo.
This guide documents sightings in 3 Good Dives regions. The most regions are in peak season in July–November.
Sand tiger sharks (ragged-tooth and grey nurse) sighting calendar
Calendar months, every year
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliwal ShoalSouth Africa | ● | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | ● | |||||
| Ningaloo ReefAustralia | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| MalpeloColombia | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
Peak = best odds · ● = regularly seen · blank = unlikely.
Calendars describe animal presence, not weather or site access; check each region’s dive season. For grouped animals, a marked month may apply to only one member of the group. Sightings vary by site and dive.