Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What About Sharks?
Sharks are a danger I've learned to put in the same category as rogue waves or out-of-con-
trol eighteen-wheelers on the highway - horrible to imagine but incredibly unlikely. The
two times I've come eye to eye with a shark, the shark was at least as spooked as I was and
immediately darted away.
Generally, you're safe swimming in shallow, reef-protected waters because the bigger,
more dangerous sharks are ocean dwellers. Reef sharks look intimidating but pose little
danger - unless you're spear-fishing, when it's prudent to get out of the water or switch to a
different location as soon as you land a fish.
We swam worry-free in anchorages throughout the Pacific with only two exceptions. In the
Marquesas, where there are no fringing reefs, we couldn't resist the water, but swam with
caution - especially after the time a large shark fin appeared off the beach, stalking the
children wading in ankle-deep water. Having said that, we swam in the same bay dozens of
times to see the manta rays; sharks seem to be rare visitors. In Australia, we rarely ventured
in the water - as much out of deference to the jellyfish as the sharks. Otherwise, we made
the most of our South Pacific experience - swimming, snorkeling, and playing in the water
to our hearts' delight.
Shark warning on Suwarrow
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