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Blog: Tips & Info

Swim with Sharks

Young woman swimming underwater in clear tropical sea

Fearless & Free: 5 Shark Swims for Bold Solo Travelers

There’s something about staring into the eyes of a shark, or just being near one, that flips a switch in you. It’s bold. It’s raw. And it reminds you: You are braver than you think.

Whether you’re swimming with whale sharks in warm turquoise waters or locking eyes with a great white from behind a cage, these are some of the most empowering, unforgettable experiences you can have as a solo traveler.

So grab your fins, pack that underwater GoPro, and let’s dive into five shark encounters for the bold and curious.

1. Go Cage-Free with Sharks in Oahu, Hawaii

Sharks: Galapagos & Sandbar
Fearless Factor: High — no cage!
Why You’ll Love It: You float at the surface while curious sharks glide below in deep blue water. It’s meditative, not scary. These aren’t aggressive sharks — just wild, intelligent, powerful beings. Go with a female-owned eco-tour like One Ocean Diving to learn and connect.

2. Swim with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Sharks: Whale sharks (aka gentle giants)
Fearless Factor: Beginner-friendly
Why You’ll Love It: Swimming next to a 30-foot fish might sound intimidating, but these filter-feeders are calm and slow-moving. The experience is magical, and you’ll be surrounded by fellow travelers — many of them going solo just like you.

3. Face a Great White in Gansbaai, South Africa

Sharks: Great white
Fearless Factor: Total badass
Why You’ll Love It: For the woman who wants to stare fear in the face — from inside a safe cage, of course. Being up close with a great white in the wild is the kind of story that makes you feel unstoppable forever. Bonus: pair it with a wine tour after to unwind.

4. Swim with Sharks in the Maldives

Sharks: Nurse, reef, and sometimes whale sharks

Fearless Factor: Tranquil bravery
Why You’ll Love It: This is solo luxury meets soft adventure. Whether you’re snorkeling with sleepy nurse sharks or freediving among sleek reef sharks, the Maldives offers a dreamy, low-pressure way to step out of your comfort zone.

5. Dive with Reef or Tiger Sharks in the Bahamas

Sharks: Reef, tiger, hammerhead
Fearless Factor: Thrill-seeker heaven
Why You’ll Love It: Cage-free dives are available for all experience levels — and solo travelers are welcomed with open arms. Whether you go bold with tiger sharks or start small with reef sharks, you’ll come away with a new level of respect (and bragging rights).

Tips for the Fearless Solo Female Shark Swimmer:

Write about it after. Bravery multiplies when shared.

Book tours with strong safety records and conservation ethics.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen + motion sickness meds.

Trust your instincts, but don’t let fear call the shots!

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”