Mako Shark: Where and when to dive with them

Encountering a Shortfin Mako shark is a rare and privileged experience due to their oceanic nature and speed. Divers should always prioritize safety and respect, as Makos are powerful apex predators. If encounter opportunities are organized, always choose reputable and experienced dive operators specializing in shark encounters. Divers should remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and maintain a slow, steady breathing pattern. Never attempt to touch, feed, or provoke a mako shark, as this can lead to unpredictable behavior and is both unethical and dangerous. Maintain a safe and respectful distance, allowing the shark to control the interaction. Spotting cues typically involve observing changes in fish behavior or the presence of specific pelagic baitfish schools. Divers should carry cameras but avoid using flash photography directly at the shark's eyes. It is also crucial to be aware of and adhere to all local regulations regarding shark interactions, as many mako populations face conservation challenges and are protected. By being a responsible and educated diver, you can maximize your chances of a safe and awe-inspiring encounter while contributing to their conservation.

While Shortfin Mako sharks are oceanic and can be encountered year-round in suitable warm waters, certain seasons offer peak opportunities for divers, often correlating with feeding aggregations. Off Southern California, particularly around San Diego, the late summer and early autumn (August to October) are considered prime for mako encounters, as warmer waters bring baitfish closer to the coast. In the Azores, the season typically runs from late spring through early autumn (May to October), coinciding with calmer seas and the arrival of migratory prey species like tuna and billfish. Off the coast of New Zealand's North Island, particularly around areas like the Bay of Plenty, summer and early autumn (December to March) are often productive, benefiting from warmer currents and abundant fish populations. These seasonal peaks are directly tied to ocean temperatures and the migration patterns of their prey, which gather in specific locations during these months, making them more predictable for interactions.

The Shortfin Mako shark, *Isurus oxyrinchus*, is a highly migratory oceanic species found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, typically far offshore in the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones. They prefer waters with temperatures between 16 and 22 degrees Celsius (61-72°F) and are often associated with areas of oceanic fronts and upwellings, which concentrate their prey. While they are pelagic, they can occasionally be found closer to shore, particularly around oceanic islands and deepwater reefs that serve as hunting grounds. Prime locations for potential encounters include the rich waters off the coast of Southern California (USA), the vibrant open ocean surrounding the Azores Archipelago (Portugal), and the deep blue seas off New Zealand, particularly around the North Island. Their extensive range means they are not tied to a single small geographic area, and their presence in any given location is often linked to the availability of food and prevailing oceanographic conditions, making them a truly cosmopolitan predator of the open ocean.

Shortfin Mako sharks are apex predators with a diverse and voracious diet, primarily consisting of fast-swimming bony fishes. Their favored prey includes various species of mackerel, tuna, swordfish, and bonitos, but they will also opportunistically hunt other sharks, squid, and even seabirds. Their hunting strategy is characterized by incredible bursts of speed, allowing them to rapidly close distances and ambush prey. They are known for their remarkable agility and strength, often leaping clear of the water when pursuing or hooked, a behavior known as 'breaching.' Makos utilize their sharp, backward-pointing teeth to grasp and tear flesh, making quick work of their meals. Their metabolism is high, requiring them to constantly hunt to sustain their energy, and they are excellent navigators of the open ocean in search of nutrient-rich waters that support large schools of their preferred prey.