Are There Sharks in Phuket? Are they dangerous?
Yes, there are sharks in Phuket, but this shouldn’t deter you from scuba diving in Phuket or enjoying the many tropical beaches around the island. Phuket is home to some of the most docile and gentle sharks you can encounter. From the teddy bear-like Leopard Shark to the gigantic and graceful Whale Shark, there is no better place in the world to fall in love with these incredible creatures. While it is normal to have a fear of sharks, this shouldn’t stop you from learning to dive and getting your PADI Open Water Certification or trying a PADI Discover Scuba Diving introductory dive while in Phuket.
Shark attacks on scuba divers are extremely rare worldwide, accounting for less than 4% of all attacks, according to a recent article by Forbes (Dive In To The 2020 Global Shark Attack Summary). In fact, Phuket and the rest of Thailand have never recorded a documented case of an attack on a scuba diver. Shark attacks, in general, are not common, and you are statistically more likely to be injured or killed by a falling coconut, with about 10 deaths attributable to shark attacks compared to approximately 150 deaths worldwide caused by falling coconuts, according to AIMS Research.
Interestingly, llamas are also statistically responsible for more deaths than sharks.
With over 500 different species of sharks and only a very small handful known for accidental attacks the vast majority of sharks are just like puppy dogs, be it a little less fluffy.
We love our sharks, and you should too!
Commonly Found Sharks, Phuket
Leopard Shark
Also known as a Zebra Shark, depending on where in the world you are from. The Leopard shark along with the Black Tip Reef Shark are probably the two most common sharks you will find whilst scuba diving in the Phuket area.
They can grow to 3.0 metres in length and the largest ever was recorded at 3.5 metres.
Definitely the most photogenic of all of the sharks we have here in Phuket. Leopard sharks are bottom feeders and we often see them lounging around in the sand. If they are approached carefully they are more than happy to pose for a pic or two. If scuba diving here in Phuket Leopard sharks can be found at some dive sites on our 3-dive day trip to Racha Noi/Yai, also at Shark Point on the 3-dive Phi Phi/Shark Point day trip or 3-dive King Cruiser/Shark Point day trips.
With the ferocity of a field mouse, there has only ever been one recorded unprovoked attack (2008 and not in Thailand). Importantly the diver was reportedly not injured.
Black Tip Reef Shark
Phuket’s most common traditional ‘shark-looking’ shark would be the Black Tip reef shark. Which can be found in good numbers on a dive trip from Phuket to dive sites around Phi Phi, particularly Phi Phi Ley. They too can be found at a lot of dive sites around the Andaman Sea, and there have even been unconfirmed sightings in the shallows at our local Kata Beach dive site.
Their typical length is around 1.6 metres when they are fully grown.
They can be found swimming individually or in groups, sometimes as many as 30 – 40 together. Black Tip reef sharks are most commonly seen in Phuket on dives at Phi Phi Ley and also Koh Bida Nok on our Phi Phi/Shark Point 3-dive day trips.
Phuket has only ever had one report of an attack by a Black Tip Reef shark and that was non-fatal in 2015. Under most circumstances, the blacktip reef shark has a timid demeanour and is easily frightened away by swimmers. There has been no recorded attack on a scuba diver in Thailand.
Because of its timid nature, the Blacktip Reef Shark is very difficult to get close to and photograph.
Bamboo Shark
The Bamboo shark is very difficult to find. Often hiding under rocks or in crevasses. Most scuba divers have never seen them out swimming around. Koh Doc Mai is probably the easiest place to find them.
They are small slender sharks and grow to no more than 1.2 metres in length.
They are considered harmless to humans and there has never been a recorded attack on a human. The best day trip to find the Bamboo sharks would have to be the 3-dive King Cruiser, Shark Point and Koh Doc Mai day trip.
The More Difficult-to-Find Species
Whale Shark
The daddy of all sharks and by far the most popular of all sharks on the scuba diving circuit, and most sought after in Phuket. They have the best bragging rights of all the sharks you will see in the Phuket area.
They are the largest fish in the sea and can grow to 18 metres in length. The largest ever recorded was 18.8 metres long.
They are not common in Phuket however they are not rare either, there is a chance (a very slim chance our instructor’s average would be around 1/1,000 dives, and took Darren 14 years to see his first). They have a habit of turning up at any of the dive sites however seem to be more prevalent on Similan Islands Liveaboard adventures and particularly at Richelieu Rock.
Generally considered harmless. However, there have been a few unconfirmed cases of whale sharks ramming sportfishing boats, possibly after being provoked (or more likely the boats accidentally hitting the whale shark). Usually, the sharks are more at risk of being struck accidentally by vessels whilst basking in the sun or feeding on the surface.
White Tip Reef Shark
Quite a rare find by scuba divers in Phuket although they are out there. The most common sightings are on the Similan Island liveaboard adventures, particularly Koh Bon.
This shark rarely shows aggression. The shark has a naturally placid nature.
A lucky day if you were to see one here.
Guitar Shark
Not really a shark and is technically is a Sharkfin guitarfish. Mistakenly called a guitar shark and a ray. It looks to be a cross between a shark and a ray.
It looks like a shark and is very cool so we have placed them in here.
There are five different species and the largest, the Bowmouth gets up to 2.7 metres in length.
They usually rest in the sand and it is rare to see them swimming.
Quite a rare find in Phuket and they are quite timid when divers are around and are considered harmless to humans.
Myths Or Real…..
Bull Shark
Rumours have been around for years that Bull Sharks are present in Phuket and the Andaman Sea.
However, the rule of scuba diving is, “no photo no evidence” and to this day, personally I have not heard any realistic evidence of a scuba diver seeing them in the area. This is a good thing as they are considered the grumpiest of sharks.
Local fishermen claim that they are in the deep water off the south tip of Racha Noi however there has yet to be any firm proof in the scuba diving industry.
Bull Sharks often like murky, muddy, freshwater run-off areas like mangroves and river systems.
Hammerhead sharks
Another shark that has not been seen by divers in the area for many years.
However sadly, the evidence that they are still around keeps showing up at the local fish markets. Small hammerheads are often presented at the local markets and one would think that they are bycatch caught in fishing nets.
They are probably out there in deeper waters.
Interested in learning more about the Sharks of Phuket? Our instructors are passionate about wildlife and always willing to chat with you about the Sharks of Phuket on one of our Aussie Divers day trips or whilst doing your PADI Open water course here in Phuket.
