What Divers Should Know About Grey Nurse Shark

Encountering a Grey Nurse Shark, known globally as the Sand Tiger Shark, offers a truly memorable dive experience. Despite their formidable appearance, characterized by a sharp, pointy head and rows of visible teeth, these are relatively placid and slow-moving animals. Adults typically measure 2.2–2.5 meters in length, though some individuals can reach up to 3.2 meters. Their bulky bodies are a distinctive grey, often marked with reddish-brown spots along their backs.

Divers typically encounter Grey Nurse Sharks along the continental shelf, ranging from sandy shorelines to submerged reefs, down to depths of around 191 meters. They inhabit subtropical and temperate waters worldwide, including the coasts of Australia, South Africa, and the Americas. Their calm demeanor is notable; these sharks have no confirmed human fatalities, allowing for respectful observation. A unique behavior relevant to divers is their ability to gulp air from the surface, which allows them to maintain buoyancy and suspend effortlessly in the water column. Unfortunately, the Grey Nurse Shark is currently categorized as critically endangered, making every sighting a special privilege.