Dive Site: Shark Close

About Shark Close

Shark Close is an exhilarating dive site in the Indonesian portion of Borneo, renowned for its strong currents and abundant marine life. This destination, nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, offers divers a chance to experience vibrant ecosystems and thrilling encounters. While specific topography details for "Shark Close" are not explicitly mentioned, the region generally features diverse underwater landscapes, from steep walls to vibrant reef systems, typical of a high-current environment. The area is globally recognized for its biodiversity, attracting a wide array of pelagic species and macro life. Diving at Shark Close is characterized by robust currents, making it an experience best suited for advanced divers. The site promises dynamic drift dives where you can witness large schools of fish and potentially encounter various shark species. The Celebes Sea, where this site is located, is part of a larger region known for its strong water movements, which contribute to the nutrient-rich waters supporting a thriving marine food web. Entry into such sites usually involves careful planning with experienced dive guides to ensure safety and maximize the diving experience. The marine life here is exceptional, reflecting Borneo's status as a top diving destination. While the name suggests frequent shark sightings, the strong currents and rich environment also attract other large pelagics, such as barracuda and possibly even whale sharks. Macro enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore, alongside the larger creatures. The best visibility in this region, sometimes up to 40 meters, typically occurs between April and October, offering optimal conditions for observing the spectacular underwater world.

Dive site facts: Shark Close

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 45–60 min

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced Open Water, current experience essential

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic encounters

Night dive

Possible (site-dependent)

Region / port

Banda Sea, Indonesia

Coordinates

-8.2612, 124.4234

Conditions & Currents

Shark Close is characterized by moderate to strong currents, which are a defining feature of the site and contribute significantly to its rich marine life. Divers should anticipate drift diving conditions, where the currents guide you along the reef structure. Entry and exit procedures are typically planned to accommodate these conditions, often involving negative entries or specific boat pickups down-current. Visibility at Shark Close is generally excellent, often exceeding 20 meters, though it can be influenced by plankton blooms during certain periods, especially when currents are particularly strong. These nutrient-rich upwellings, while potentially reducing visibility slightly, are precisely what attract the abundant pelagic life that makes this site famous. Divers should be proficient in current diving techniques and maintain excellent buoyancy control to fully enjoy this dynamic e

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef sharks

Year-round · common

Schools of jack

Year-round · common

Manta rays

October-April · occasional

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Tuna

Year-round · occasional

Wrasse

Year-round · common

Pygmy seahorses

Year-round · rare

Nudibranchs

Year-round · occasional

Groupers

Year-round · common

Snappers

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Shark Close typically begins with a negative entry from a liveaboard tender, descending quickly to the reef wall or slope to avoid being swept away by the current. The dive then becomes a drift, with divers moving passively with the current along the reef, observing the prolific marine life. Depths commonly range between 15 to 25 meters, where schooling fish and pelagic action are most prevalent, but the wall extends deeper for those with appropriate training and gas management. Your dive guide will lead the way, pointing out features and guiding the group's trajectory. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption and current strength, with the safety stop conducted in mid-water as the current dissipates or in a sheltered area if available, before the boat picks up the divers down-current.

Underwater photography

Shark Close offers incredible opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive reefscapes, large schools of fish, and pelagic encounters like reef sharks. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is ideal for these subjects. For capturing smaller, more detailed subjects such as nudibranchs or reef fish portraits, a macro lens can be effective, particularly in areas with less current. Dual strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, ensuring even lighting across your subjects. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially during drift dives, to avoid disturbing the delicate reef and to position yourself for optimal shots. Patience and situational awareness are key when photographing larger, fast-moving subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Manuk Island

  Manuk Island, known as "Snake Island", is an isolated, uninhabited volcanic island situated in the Banda Sea, approximately 100 miles from…

• Suanggi Island

  Suanggi Island, located in the remote Banda Sea, stands as a premier destination for advanced divers seeking adrenaline-pumping encounters…

• Banda Sea Seamounts

  The Banda Sea seamounts offer an unparalleled pelagic diving experience in Indonesia's remote Ring of Fire.

• Hatta Island Reef

  Hatta Island Reef is a premier dive destination in the Banda Sea, part of Indonesia's Moluccas province, celebrated for its dramatic…

• Nusa Laut

  Nusa Laut, a small island in Indonesia's Banda Sea, is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and vibrant, healthy reef systems.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Shark Close is primarily via liveaboard trips exploring the Banda Sea region of Indonesia. International flights typically arrive at major Indonesian airports like Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS), from where domestic connections to smaller regional airports such as Ambon (AMQ) are arranged. Liveaboards usually depart from ports like Ambon, offering itineraries that can range from 7 to 14 nights, often combining Shark Close with other remote sites in the Banda Sea or Forgotten Islands. Park fees and local dive permits are typically included in the liveaboard package. Due to the remote nature of the site, meticulous planning with your liveaboard operator is essential.

Safety & environment

Diving at Shark Close requires a good level of physical fitness and advanced dive training, particularly experience with strong currents. The nearest recompression chamber is often several hours away by boat and air, typically located in Ambon or Bali, underscoring the importance of conservative dive planning and strict adherence to dive profiles. Divers must carry valid dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and recompression treatment. Always dive with a qualified guide, maintain buddy contact, and carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and an audible signaling device. Due to the potential for strong currents, excellent buoyancy control and streamlining are critical to prevent uncontrolled ascents or contact with the reef. Follow all briefing instructions carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this dynamic environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shark Close FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shark Close

These liveaboards may visit Shark Close on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$482/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m