Looking for an international getaway to swim with the sharks? (In a cage of course)
In honor of the Discovery Channel's "Shark Week," CNN reported the best tropical destinations to visit paired with the top shark tourism companies to show divers the many wonders of sharks.
Shark tourism is growing rapidly and makes approximately $500 million per year, said Patric Douglas, founder of Shark Divers and a shark dive specialist based in California.
Swimming with sharks is a safe practice when accompanied by experts, but there are still many different companies in different locations that offer trips based on a diver's comfort level.
Here are the top five locations and shark tourism agencies.
Bimini Bull Run - Bahamas
Bimini Bull Run's shark-friendly habitat make sightings a daily occurrence, as well as a diverse population of 40 different species.
The park is closed to swimmers and is ideal for non-certified divers because the only shark encounters will be from inside a cage. Tourists are plunged underwater in the floating cage, which is attached to the end of a dock at the Bimini marina.
Aqua Trek Beqa Dive Center - Fiji
Many Fiji's waters have a rich population of sharks because of a ban placed on fishing in order to conserve their livelihood. Sharks are known to swim around the shallow lagoons and the steep drop-offs in the area.
Bull and tiger sharks are most common, but lemon, nurse and reef sharks are also known to roam the waters. On Aqua Trek Beqa dives, the dive master will start the feed 15 meters bellow the water while tourists stay on the perimeter of the reef.
"Divers will see at least seven shark species each time," says Mary-Ann Hines, a representative of the program.
Shark Divers - Guadalupe, Mexico
Guadalupe is known for its large population of great white sharks. The "Jaws" shark is one of the biggest, scariest and most recognizable of any shark species alive. Clear waters make cage diving ideal, but the waters are open for divers and non-divers.
The six-day aboard trip will provide guests with meals and accommodations, taking tourists from San Diego to the destination. The tour will also provide and beer and wine after the shark encounters.
Hawaii Shark Encounter - Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is another great destination to see a diverse population of sharks, with 40 species such as small pygmy sharks to ones the size of buses. The most common are sandbar, reef and hammerhead sharks.
No prior diving experience is needed, as divers can go underwater in a cage using a snorkel. The cage also features a polyglass pane, allowing divers to rub elbows with the sharks at no risk.
Undersea Hunter - Cocos Island, Costa Rica
The Cocos Island is among the best locations to see hammerhead sharks, as well as many other species. The island is located about 300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, but live-aboard trips are the only travel option. Overnight stays are banned on the island for vistors and the commute from the main island to the coast is too far.
"Diving on a live-aboard allows you to sit back, relax and focus on one thing, being awed by the incredible beauty above and below water," says Shira Katsir of Undersea Hunter.
Undersea Hunter's dive trips include everything from entertainment to diving and camera equipment.
A 10-day trip includes ground transfer from San Jose and all meals.