Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and Lemon Sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), Bahamas

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are always a favorite subject on our Bahamas shark expeditions. They have a really nasty reputation, but during our encounters here, we almost never feel threatened. For the most part, the tiger sharks we encounter move around slowly and deliberately.

The most memorable of tiger shark experiences (probably worldwide) is at a location aptly named, "Tiger Beach." Beware of competing operations advertising Tiger Beach; this experience is entirely different! Tiger Beach is a shallow, sandy area in about 14 feet of water. It is not uncommon to have multiple large, tiger sharks (up to 16' in length) cruising around slowly while 25+ lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) mill around underfoot. Sometimes, you actually have to push lemon sharks out of the way in order to keep an eye on the larger tiger sharks. And if you're lucky, a small school of bottlenose dolphins will buzz through while you're underwater.

I shot video for the entire week, and only took a still camera down on my last dive at Tiger Beach. Thanks, Al, for the use of your lovely Subal-housed Nikon D2x!