Things you should know about sharks: Shark diving spots!

Everything You Should Know About Sharks | The Schengen Countries To Spot Them!

Sharks– The terrible inhabitants of the amazing sea and ocean. So, reader are you excited about knowing them deeply? From where they came, what are the spots you can see in Schengen countries, are they harmful to humans….and more? In this article, we will talk about things you should know about sharks so that you will never be afraid of them again!

So, are you ready to be amazed by the facts regarding these creatures who appeared not only before dinosaurs but even before trees? Here you go!!

Historical Fact: Trees on the planet appeared about 350 million years ago. And interestingly that was the time when sharks already existed for about 50-70 million years.

Things You Should Know About Sharks

Whether it’s Discovery or History TV, you might have caught a glimpse of aquatic life, where sharks are highlighted. Aren’t these creatures fascinating? Hence, this blog has covered everything to calm your curiosity, mentioned Interesting facts about different shark species, and enhanced your aquatic information.

What is a shark and what is it eaten with being in Schengen countries?

Sharks are family members of cartilaginous fish with over 500 species. They differ in size, color, and even adaptability. Sharks are both small and giant. The most popular sharks are whites which can grow up to 6 and even 8 meters.

Most of the sharks have elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies, which are well-known for speed and hunting techniques, whereas some have flattened bodies. It’s an interesting fact about sharks that their entire skeleton consists of soft cartilage.

And do you know what do sharks eat in the ocean? Interestingly they also differ in their diets. Whale sharks generally feed on plankton only, whereas other sharks may have tuna, sea lions, sea turtles, etc. Generally, cannibalism is found common among sharks.

Predatory fishes are counted at the top of the food chain of the entire marine ecosystem. Undoubtedly, Sharks play a crucial role in balancing the aquatic ecosystem.

Also see, First-Time Solo Travelers Guide – Best Schengen Countries!

Revealing The Fact – Sharks Are Perfect Predator

It is generally believed that sharks are imprisoned exclusively for hunting and only hunts. So, readers, it isn’t true and these are things you should know about sharks! In recent studies, it is shown that sharks are capable of not only solving some problems but also have social and emotional intelligence.

Sharks are really a community and always play a role for their groups. In 1987, in South Africa, a group of sharks showed a unique trait by pulling a beached whale together to a deeper spot and continued eating.

Apart from this, sharks have great sensory organs and their outstanding brain is of size identical to mammals. The shark’s brain processes a huge amount of information incredibly.

Sharks Facts and Information

• Do you know how many species of sharks are there? There are around 500 species of shark among which 143 are under threat, declared by IUCN.
• Sharks are apex predators, who play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Many of these species have rows of teeth and they can even replace and lose thousands of teeth in their lifetime.
• They vary in size from dwarf to large which can be up to 12 metres long (Whale shark).
• Sharks are found in tropical coral reefs, deep sea, and even under Arctic sea ice.
• Most of the sharks are cold-blooded and have cold body temperatures, whereas great white sharks are partially warm-blooded, which helps them move faster.
• The basking shark is Britain’s largest fish, which can grow up to 11 meters long and weigh up to 7 tonnes.
• When it comes to the behavioral traits of the sharks, they have a great “sixth sense” which helps them during the situation of attack.
• Sharks are creatures of around 400 million years old which means long before dinosaurs.

Best Diving In Europe – Sharks Diving

From Greece to France, the Schengen region is such an amazing scuba diving destination. The best diving in Europe means the thrilling dive sites: historical shipwrecks from WWII, submerged ancient villages from the Antiquity, or the Middle Ages. If you are interested in seeing the top most dangerous sharks in the world, then these are the destinations.

The excellent program of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) allows the development of dive sites in France, Greece, and Italy. Schengen countries are not just great spots to enjoy marine fauna but also you can dive with basking sharks. Here are some featured destinations if you are searching, “Where to find the big five sharks”.

France

Diving in France is always a bucket list activity as this country is full of diving spots including Calanques National Parks, Port-Cros, and famous shipwrecks like the Rubis. France is a great destination for divers, especially in the Var Prefecture. Here you can also try diving in Thau Lagoon.

The marine life in France is about octopuses, moray eel, nudibranchs, seahorses, groupers, etc. It is a perfect spot for experienced divers. And yes, the best time to try this activity is from July to September.

The best diving in France:

• Port-Cros & Porquerolles National Park
• Marseille & the Calanques National Park
• Nice & Cap Ferrat
• Saint-Raphaël & Esterel
• Golfe-Juan
• Thau Lagoon

Iceland

Diving in Iceland can be a great experience for the divers. The famous shore diving spots in the country include Thingvellie National Park. Iceland is a great spot for scuba divers and you can definitely try diving at Strytan Geothermal lake.

It’s the perfect place for the divers and water temperatures are really suitable for the divers. And yes, don’t forget to carry dry suit certification to scuba drive in Silfra. The best time to enjoy this is March to October.

The best diving in Iceland:

• Silfra Fissure
• Strytan Lake

Italy

Have you heard of famous diving spots like Portofino Marine Reserve, Baia Underwater Archeological Park, etc? They are in Italy, which is a great destination for scuba diving and archeological diving.

There are less known spots like Sardinia or Sixilia islands, especially the marine reserve of Ustica Island. The marine life of this beautiful country includes moray eels, barracudas, octopuses, groupers, and nudibranchs.

Not just experienced but also beginners can try diving here. So, if you are ready to go to this country, then get your Italy visa with reliable Schengen visa services in the UK. And yes, the best time to visit this place is from July to October.

The best diving in Italy:

• Portofino National Park
• Baia Underwater Archaeological Park
• Capo d’Acqua

Also see, Top Romantic Places to Visit in France for Couples

Switzerland

Incredible diving sites such as the Verzasca River, make Switzerland a worthy place for the divers. Switzerland is an amazing destination for scuba divers and you can even give it a try at Geneva or Lausanne in Leman Lake.

This is the perfect place for experienced divers, who are willing for ice diving and altitude diving. The best time to visit this country is from March to October. And you can easily reach the best sites from the shore.

The best diving in Switzerland:

• Verzasca River
• Lake Lioson (in winter)

Scotland

Diving in Scotland can be an unforgettable experience. Filled with famous diving spots such as Orkney, and Scapa Flow shipwrecks from WWI and WWII. If you love wreck diving and basking sharks, then this is the perfect destination. You can even try diving in the Sound of Mull, where you can experience swimming with basking sharks.

The marine life of this country is filled with grey seals, sun starfish, dogfish, or dahlia anemones. Scuba divers prefer wearing a dry suit during this activity. There are amazing things you should know about sharks, but all you have to do is be here for a vacation. The best time to try this activity is from May to August. And yes you can reach the best diving sites in this country whether by boat or from the shore.

The best diving in Scotland:

• Scapa Flow
• Sound of Mull
• St Abbs
• Farne Islands

Spain

One of the most important things you should know about sharks is the perfect diving sites. Without going to the exact spot, it is quite difficult to spot the sharks. Spain is also perfect for diving which has spots like the Canary Islands, but also the Costa Brava, from Barcelona to Cadaquès, and its famous Medes Islands marine reserve.

You will feel amazed trying diving in Costa Calida, which is in the province of Murcia, or the Balearic islands. The marine life of this country comprises barracudas, moray eels, octopuses, and nudibranchs. Beginners as well as experienced divers can easily declare this place perfect. It is most common for scuba divers to try it in a 7 mm wetsuit. The best time to try this activity is July to September.

The Best diving in Spain:

• Costa Brava
• Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, El Hierro – Canary Islands

Croatia

Are you excited to try diving in Europe? Then make sure to visit Croatia once as it boasts famous diving spots like Kornati and Mljet National Park. Although the Blue Cave of Bisevo Island, or Modra Spilja makes this country popular for diving, now they don’t allow this activity anymore. If you love deep-wreck diving, then you will definitely enjoy visiting this country.

Although a little less popular, you can dive at Hvar Island. The marine life in Croatia is filled with octopus, spiny lobsters, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs. This place is perfect for the experienced divers only. And make sure to visit from July to September.

The best diving in Croatia:

• Hvar & Pakleni Islands
• Vis & Bisevo Islands

Greece

And last but not least, Greece is surprisingly a great destination in Europe for diving. The Alonissos National Parks, Peristera shipwreck, etc, are not so confidential anymore.

Greece is an amazing destination and you will definitely love archeological diving. Being here you can try diving at the Greek islands of the Cyclades or Zakynthos and the marine national park.

The marine life in this vibrant country comprises turtles, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, etc. Doesn’t matter if you are an advanced diver or a beginner, you can enjoy a lot here. As per the temperature, divers dive in a 5 mm wetsuit. The best time to visit this country is from July to September.

The best diving in Greece:

• Alonissos National Park
• Zakynthos National Park

*** However, if you are also one of those travelers who want to explore marine life in any of these Schengen countries, then make sure to get a Schengen visa from the UK. This is the key to your dream vacation and amazing diving experience.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, being a curious traveler about aquatic life, this blog has answered every question. Our guide tried covering all the things you should know about sharks and revealed the best destinations for divers.

If you love the thrill and want to experience adventurous diving, then these Schengen countries are really a paradise. All you have to do is get a valid Schengen visa to see these incredible creatures closely in the deep sea.

Frequently Asked Questions