GREAT WHITE SHARKS
Carcharodon carcharias, an awesome name for an awesome fish!
SPECIES DETAILS
Scientific name:
Carcharodon carcharias
Habitat:
Temperate & subtropical coastal open ocean, inshore near rocky reefs, islands & seal colonies
Population:
Eastern Australia – 5,500, Southwestern Australia – 1,500 (Estimated 10,000 worldwide)
Conservation status:
Vulnerable (Protected in Australia)
Australian distribution:
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS & WA
INFORMATION
Great whites are probably the most feared animal in the world, a reputation certainly enhanced by movies such as “Jaws”!
They are the largest predatory fish in the oceans.
There are less than 10,000 individuals worldwide and they are mostly observed in coastal temperate and subtropical regions in countries such as South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
Tagged great white sharks have been known to travel around 10,000 kilometres (6,000 mi) in a 10-year period and are capable of speeds up to 24 kilometres per hour (15 mph),
The average adult is 4.6 metres (15’) long and 1,100 kilograms (0.55 tn) in weight, and can grow to 6 metres (20‘), and can live for 40 years.
Their powerful jaws have over 300 triangular serrated teeth and natural prey includes seals, small whales, dolphins, rays, turtles and carrion (dead carcasses) NOT humans.
Witnessing these apex predators in the wild is an experience no diver should miss!
Great White Sharks is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Special thanks to Andrew Wright of Calypso Star Charters.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
No qualification needed (On-site training provided)
Snorkelling:
Yes, awesome!
Access:
Boat only (all-day expedition)
Depth:
2 metres (6’), surface only
Visibility:
10 – 20 metres (30-65’)
Water temperature:
14 – 20°C (57-68°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
CALYPSO STAR SHARK CAGE DIVING
3/10 South Quay Boulevard
Port Lincoln SA 5606
+61 (8) 8682 3939
info@sharkcagediving.com.au
www.sharkcagediving.com.au
OTHER SERVICES
PORT LINCOLN HOTEL
1 Lincoln Highway
Port Lincoln SA 5606
+61 (8) 8621 2000
reservations@portlincolnhotel.com.au
www.portlincolnhotel.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
