The cool, blue waters of the north Atlantic are home to many pelagic species. These deep dwellers populate the waters off the mid-Atlantic coast, attracting a more adventurous breed of scuba diver, those who are looking to swim with sharks and other large fish. One such spot is Rhode Island, where species like the blue and mako are often found.
The smallest state in the union was the last of the original 13 colonies and boasts a wealth of pre-Revolutionary history. It’s also known as the “Ocean State” thanks to its 400 miles of coastline. Rhode Island is a prime spot to have an encounter with one of the most beautiful of the pelagic species: the blue shark.
Named for its distinctive coloring, the blue shark is a deep water migratory species that spends much of its life in the open ocean. During their annual travels, blue sharks do venture closer to shore in places like Rhode Island. These sharks are highly curious in nature, which can make diving with them an interactive experience. They are also some of the fastest swimmers in the sea, shooting their long, torpedo shaped bodies through the water at remarkable speeds. Blue sharks are fairly even tempered (for sharks) and very rarely bite humans.
Another species you may encounter when shark diving in Rhode Island is the shortfin mako. They too are speedy swimmers, dining primarily on other fast fish like tuna and swordfish. They are a rare sight for scuba divers, and are usually only spotted during migrations when warmer Gulf Stream waters push along the Eastern seaboard. The mako is more aggressive than the blue shark and should be treated with respect and caution. Seeing one swimming freely in the open ocean is a remarkable sight, one which few of your scuba diving pals will likely have experienced.
There are several guided tours to choose from when going shark diving in Rhode Island. Many groups offer cage dives, while others allow you to swim freely in the water with cages standing by. There are some tours open to snorkelers, where guides will lay a scent line in order to bring the sharks closer to the surface.
As with any shark dive, make sure the company you are signing on with is reputable and known to treat these animals with the respect they deserve. Safety of both divers and sharks should always be the priority of a good shark dive operation.
