Watch A Group Of Divers Encounter A Hammerhead Shark So Big It Blocks Out The Sun

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Most divers hope to get a better look at the marine life and underwater ecosystems close to shore when diving in the ocean. Yet, a group took diving to another level in a recent video that has now gone viral. 

During a routine outing at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas, the divers were excited to partake in their first shark dive with a group of tiger sharks. However, what started as a fun outing with the spunky shark species quickly became an unforgettable experience when a hammerhead appeared.

Let’s explore more about the hammerhead sharks and what to do if they make an appearance in your next ocean dive. 

Where do Hammerhead Sharks Typically Live?

While there are several key locations to find hammerhead sharks, they are highly migratory and exhibit seasonal patterns based on:

• Water temperature
• Breeding cycles
• Prey availability

The best places to locate a hammerhead in the summer are Costa Rica, Florida, or the Galapagos Islands.

However, as the weather grows colder, many hammerhead species inhabit regions further offshore and have been known to gather in large schools.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to experience a sighting, the best place to look is one of the following destinations:

• Cocos Island, Costa Rica
• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
• Maldives
• Bahamas
• Egypt’s Red Sea

Do Hammerheads Prefer Shallow or Deep Sea Water?

Surprisingly, hammerhead sharks have a wide range of living spaces they can inhabit and prefer both the shallow and deep sea. There have even been some instances of these sharks thriving in reef ranges and brackish estuaries. 

How Aggressive Are Hammerhead Sharks Towards Humans?

As with many shark species, people often assume that hammerheads are aggressive and will attack humans at will. However, this is far from the truth.

Hammerhead sharks are extremely shy creatures that prefer to avoid human contact. In fact, several hammerhead species have small mouths designed to consume marine prey, not attack large mammals.

While the chances of being bitten by a hammerhead are low, there have been a few attacks over the last century, but none have been fatal. 

Can Divers and Hammerhead Sharks Harmoniously Share the Same Space?

Even though hammerhead sharks are a large species, they are generally not a threat to divers. As of 2025, there have only been 18 attacks ever reported, and none were fatal. 

While they typically try to avoid human interaction, giving these animals space and treating them with respect is important. Sharks of all species will often charge or attack if they feel threatened. 

5 Tips for Divers Who Unintentionally Encounter a Hammerhead Shark

Diving in the ocean is an experience unlike anything else, with the opportunity to see various sea life. However, there is always a chance you may get an unexpected visitor. 

Below are five tips for divers who unintentionally stumble upon a hammerhead shark during an outing.

Tip #1: Don’t Touch the Shark

It goes without saying, but don’t try to touch a hammerhead shark if you come across it in the wild. While these creatures are often timid, they can attack if they feel threatened.

Don’t put yourself in a situation where you cause a defensive reaction from an apex predator.  

Tip #2: Try Not to Panic or Swim Away

It’s natural to feel panic set in if you run into a shark underwater that you weren’t looking for. However, in most instances, the shark will want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid it. 

Instead of quickly trying to get away from the animal, remain calm, keep still, and slowly swim backward to keep a safe distance between you and the shark. 

The worst possible thing you can do in this scenario is to swim away quickly. The panicky thrashing can resemble prey in distress and cause the shark’s predatory instincts to kick in. 

Tip #3: Avoid Getting Too Cose to the Hammerhead

Seeing a shark while diving is a breathtaking event that can create lasting memories. Although, it’s best to enjoy these animals from afar. Getting too close to a hammerhead can make it feel threatened and cause it to lash out in defense. 

Tip #4: Keep Shiny Jewelry or Items in the Boat

Many experts associate a good portion of shark attacks with the attraction of shiny objects. Underwater, the glint from metal jewelry like necklaces, earrings, or watches may resemble a fish and attract unwanted attention from sharks.

Tip #5: Pay Close Attention to Warning Signs

While there are rare occasions where sharks attack unprovoked, there are signs that a potential strike could occur in most instances. 

If you experience a “bump” from the shark or notice that its pectoral fins are pointed down, it’s best to distance yourself from the creature.