We had always heard that diving with sharks was safe, but convincing oneself of that fact is problematic considering the hits sharks have taken from the movies. Before you start dum-dum-dumming the Jaws theme, consider the scarcity of shark attacks against humans every year… and where they occur. According to the fish ID lecture we attended on our second night at AKR, one is more likely to die using a vending machine than diving with sharks. (Yes, he really said that, and had the stats to prove it.)

So… we were probably a bit more nervous than we might have been on our other dives when our divemaster, Sergio, was explaining the dive procedures for this dive. He told us that sharks are not interested in us, bleeding or otherwise. Then he put on his chain mail gloves and we got a little more anxious….

Really, we thought, this is might just be a photo op. Dive down to 70′-80′; form lines to watch the sharks as they smell the bucket of chum and circle around us; swim around with these creatures whose minds were entirely on that bucket; then reform our lines and watch the feeding frenzy once the lid of the bucket was removed. Oh yes…then buy the video.

Well, it was much more than that. It was really exciting. The dive started kind of slow. We saw a few Caribbean Reef Sharks swimming around and we did not feel threatened at all. Then Sergio moved the chum bucket closer and we saw about a dozen to 15 of these incredibly sleek sharks starting to circle. They ranged in size from 5′ to 10′ in length.

When given the signal some of us swam up to be with the sharks; others stayed kneeling to watch the spectacle. The sharks did not seem to pay any attention to us; some even rubbed against us as they went by, giving no indication that they cared. There mind was on the chum they could smell through the holes in the bucket lid. Our minds were on the strength and versatility on display by these wondrous fish.

After a few minutes of this co-mingling of species, we were signaled to return to our original spots. and Sergio removed the lid from the bucket. The effect on the sharks was immediate: they powered their way down to the sea floor, fighting for their share of the loot. The ferocity and strength of this attack inspired awe for the muscularity and power of these animals. It was a demonstration that would not soon be forgotten.

Finally we surfaced to our boat. During our safety stop and on the trip back to AKR we considered what we had just witnessed and expressed amazement to our fellow divers. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Roatán.

Oh yes, we did buy the video. Portions of it can be watched below. (Credit goes to the photo department at AKR.)

Click on a photo to enlarge and start slide show

Click on a thumbnail to play video