What is a great hammerhead shark?

The great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) is the largest species of hammerhead and one of the most recognisable sharks in the world.

Its wide, flattened head, known as a cephalofoil, helps it detect prey with incredible precision. Found in tropical and warm temperate seas, the great hammerhead shark species is a true apex predator.

Despite its size and strength, it is often shy around divers and prefers to cruise gracefully through open water rather than approach closely.

Where do great hammerhead sharks live?

Great hammerhead sharks inhabit tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including the Caribbean, Maldives, Bahamas, and the Great Barrier Reef.

They favour continental shelves, lagoons, and deep coral reef drop-offs. During colder months, they often migrate toward the equator in search of warmer waters.

Divers are most likely to see them in the Bahamas, particularly around Bimini, where their seasonal gatherings attract shark enthusiasts from all over the world.

How big can a great hammerhead shark grow?

The great hammerhead shark can reach lengths of up to six metres, although most individuals measure between three and four metres.

Adults can weigh more than 450 kilograms. Their tall, curved dorsal fin and broad head give them a striking appearance. The unique shape of their head not only improves vision and sensory detection, but it also enhances agility when hunting fast-moving prey.

What do great hammerhead sharks eat?

Great hammerhead sharks are skilled hunters that feed primarily on rays, smaller sharks, and bony fish.

They use their wide heads to pin stingrays to the seabed before delivering a swift bite. Their electroreceptors, located across the cephalofoil, allow them to detect even the faintest electric signals from hidden prey.

This advanced hunting ability makes them one of the most efficient predators in the ocean.

Are great hammerhead sharks dangerous to humans?

Despite their size and power, great hammerhead sharks are rarely a threat to humans. They are generally solitary and cautious.

Most encounters with great hammerheads occur in clear, open water where divers can observe them safely.

Professional shark-diving operations, such as those in Bimini, Tiger Beach and French Polynesia, provide controlled experiences that allow divers to witness these magnificent sharks up close while supporting conservation research.

Why are great hammerhead sharks important to the ocean?

As apex predators, great hammerhead sharks help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems.

They regulate populations of rays and smaller sharks, which in turn prevents the over-predation of reef fish.

Unfortunately, the great hammerhead shark is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to overfishing and fin trade. Conservation projects now focus on protecting key habitats and migration routes. Educating divers and travellers about their ecological importance plays a vital role in ensuring their survival.

Where can you dive with great hammerhead sharks?

The best places to dive with great hammerhead sharks are the Bahamas, Maldives, and Cocos Islands.

Bimini in the Bahamas is particular is famous for encounters with great hammerhead sharks during the winter months, when these large sharks congregate in shallow waters.

Experienced operators run ethical, non-feeding dives, allowing divers to experience the awe of seeing these majestic animals glide silently through the blue. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that leaves a lasting impression on anyone passionate about the ocean.