The only sharks you will see while diving or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef are our very timid reef sharks, very at home amongst the coral, these very impressive small sharks are often seen cruising around the shallow waters of the Whitsunday Islands and reefs. Mike Keyte the manager of Islandive, said "swimming with sharks is one of lifes best experiences". To see these sharks cruising the reefs will be the highlight of your time underwater and a truly memorable experience.

The Whitetip reef shark, The whitetip reef shark is one of the most common sharks found in shallow tropical and warm temperate water around coral reefs on the Great Barrier reef. look for them during the day as they lay to rest from the nights feeding on sandy patches in the reef. usually found in 8 meters or deeper. when disturbed they will swim away very quickly. reef sharks are scared of you much more then you are of them.
The tips of the shark's first dorsal fin and upper caudal fin are white hence the name Whitetip reef shark. The upper body is grey/brownish. Their average length is about 140 to 160 cm and the maximum reported length is 2.1 m (7 ft).
Diet The whitetip reef shark feeds primarily on crustaceans, octopuses, and fish. This bottom dwelling shark is nocturnal and is often seen resting on the bottom during the day, sometimes in small groups. It is not aggressive and will generally swim away if disturbed, although it may bite if harassed. At night it hunts among crevices in the reef. It is estimated that this shark can live for about 25 years and it reaches maturity after about five years.
Black Tip reef Shark
One of the most common sharks found in shallow (sometimes as shallow as 30cm) water around coral reefs . As its name suggests, the tips of the shark's pectoral fins and dorsal fin are black, with a white underside. Its skin is brownish in color on the top half of its body. It has been recorded at up to 2 m (6.5 ft) in length and over 99 lbs (45 kg) in weight. Its snout is blunt and rounded.