Diving with Tiger Sharks – Galeocerdo cuvier
Below is a rough guide and overview designed to give a better understanding of what to expect when on a tiger shark dive on Aliwal Shoal, and some additional advice on how to photograph them.
Its based on my experience of diving with Mark and Gail Addision of Blue Wilderness and these amazing animals. an experience that will banish any perceptions you may have of these incredible animals as simple killing machines forever.
For to view more images of tiger sharks, click here.
For a photo essay on what its like to do a tiger shark dive on Aliwal Shoal, click here.
Distribution and Viewing
Tiger Sharks can be found worldwide in the temperate and tropical seas of the world, and with the assistance of the right dive operator make for fantastic subjects and willing models. With their famous ‘tiger’ stripes, beautiful big eyes and slow swimming natures, they are arguably the most lovable of sharks, and a prolonged encounter with a Tiger Shark will invariably turn you into a Shark Conservationist for life.
In South Africa there are a limited number of operators who run professional day experiences with Tigers, using a small amount of chum and sardines to keep the animals in view. My pick of the bunch is Blue Wilderness, who operate out of Umkomaas on the Natal South Coast.
Subject Behaviour
Human fatalities have been attributed to this shark, and it is possible although highly unlikely to get bitten while diving with this animal. Tiger sharks appear to be particularly tuned into underwater photographic equipment, perhaps attracted to the electronics, and will repeatedly swim into camera housings and dome ports if given the opportunity. In addition they appear to be attracted to bright colours such as yellow and lime green.
In a baited scenario, Tigers do not appear to be disturbed by scuba bubbles and will approach both freedivers and scuba divers in the same manner. Tigers move slowly and deliberately through all quadrants of the water column, often executing sudden but slow ‘bounce’ dives in search of food. They will readily take fish carcasses tied to a drum line into their mouths, and then roll in characteristic fashion in order to ‘saw’ through the flesh.
Photographic and Stalking Advice
Tigers are extremely inquisitive and you should have no problem getting close to them in a baited scenario. Hold your position and they will approach from all angles for a better look.
Tigers move slowly so one can get away with using a shutter speed as low as 1/125s – if you want to ensure a crisp image limit yourself to no less than 1/180s, with 1/250s being my preferred default for sharks, at f8. Their bellies are extremely reflective, so its critical to get the right power setting when shooting up, especially when deep. Near the surface the ambient light tends to drown out your flash guns so there is more room for error. Try shooting the animals up near the surface, as combination of natural and strobe light can generate excellent results.
Because Tigers move so deliberately, it is very possible to shoot on full manual, especially when you have a specific shot in mind and the time and patience to wait for it to actualize. Start on 1/250s at f8, and work from there.
A great shot to aim for is one with a Tiger Shark inbetween the camera and a diver. Assuming you are using a wide angle lens (16mm to 20mm), the scale effect is quite stunning,
In terms of lenses for the Tiger Shark, I would recommend working within the 16mm to 20mm range.
Interesting Observed Behaviour
- When two Tigers get onto a collision path, it would appear that a game of chicken sometimes ensues, with each Tiger waiting for the other to break off first. This would appear to be some form of dominance test, although this is highly speculative. Invariably one animal will break off their chosen line, but in those instances where both chose to continue, the end result is what Mark Addison has termed a “high five” – the animals collide and then both break sharply away from each other. This behaviour makes for a great photo.