Your Guide to Diving with Leopard Sharks in Thailand

By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 21 May 2025

Picture this: you’re underwater, gliding through crystal-clear Thai waters, and there it is—a leopard shark chilling on the sandy bottom like it owns the place. My first time seeing one? Total game-changer! These graceful creatures, just lounging or cruising around, are pure magic. If you’re a diver, spotting a leopard shark in Thailand is like hitting the marine jackpot. It’s rare, it’s thrilling, and it’s something you’ll brag about forever. In this post, I’m spilling all the tea on these awesome sharks—where to find them, when to dive, how they act, and what to do when you’re face-to-face with one. Trust me, by the end, you’ll be itching to jump in and meet these underwater rockstars!

Leopard sharks aren’t your everyday dive buddies. They’re sneaky, often hiding out on the ocean floor, blending in like pros. Seeing one in its natural habitat, whether it’s napping on the sand or swimming around Thailand’s reefs, is a vibe. Stick with me, and I’ll hook you up with the best spots, tips, and tricks to make your leopard shark dreams come true.

Leopard Shark Facts

Alright, let’s geek out for a sec. The leopard shark we’re talking about here is actually a zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum), not the Triakis semifasciata you’d find off California. Confusing, I know, but in Thailand, “leopard shark” means zebra shark, and they’re the ones stealing the show. These guys hang out in the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Australia, and love Thailand’s Andaman Sea. You’ll spot them in shallow waters—think 5 to 30 meters—around coral reefs and sandy flats.

What’s on their menu? Snails, crabs, shrimp, and small fish, which they suck up like a vacuum cleaner from the sand. They’re night owls, chilling during the day and hunting when the sun’s down. Zebra sharks lay funky egg cases called “mermaid’s purses” that stick to the seabed. Cool, right? Sadly, they’re listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN because of overfishing and habitat loss. Thailand’s marine parks are helping, but we gotta keep the oceans clean for these creatures. Size-wise, they can hit 3.5 meters, but most are around 2.5 meters.

Leopard Shark - How They Look Like

Leopard sharks are straight-up gorgeous. Adults have this sleek, snake-like body with dark spots and saddle-like patches on a yellowish or grayish background. It’s like they’re rocking a leopard print swimsuit! They’ve got a flat head, tiny eyes, and a super-long tail that helps them weave through reefs like nobody’s business. Their dorsal fins add some flair, and they can stretch up to 3.5 meters, though most are a bit shorter.

Here’s the wild part: baby leopard sharks look totally different. They’re born with black-and-white stripes, looking more like zebras (hence the name). As they grow, those stripes morph into the spotty pattern we love. If you spot a stripy juvenile, you’re in for a rare treat. It’s like catching a Pokémon before it evolves!

Is Leopard Shark Dangerous?

Spoiler alert: leopard sharks are about as dangerous as a sleepy puppy. These bottom-feeders are chill and have zero interest in chomping on humans. No bites have ever been reported in the wild. Their tiny mouths are built for slurping up critters from the sand, not for mid-water battles. When you see one, they’re usually just vibing on the ocean floor or slowly swimming away if you get too close. Keep your distance, respect their space, and you’re golden. It’s all about good vibes underwater!

Where to Scuba Dive with Leopard Sharks in Thailand

Thailand’s Andaman Sea is leopard shark central, and I’ve got the top three dive spots to maximize your chances. Pro tip: scan the sandy bottom—that’s where these sneaky sharks love to nap.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a diver’s paradise, with epic reefs and tons of marine life. Dive sites like Garang Heng and Bida Nok are your best bet for leopard sharks. The sandy patches between corals are their favorite hangout spots. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might catch one lounging like it’s on a beach vacation.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are next-level. This marine park has crystal waters and dive sites like Boulder City and Shark Fin Reef where leopard sharks love to chill. The sandy flats and rocky boulders are perfect for spotting them. Plus, the viz here is insane—perfect for shark-spotting!

Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock is the crown jewel of Thai diving. This pinnacle is bursting with soft corals, fish, and, yup, leopard sharks. Check the sandy areas around the rock—they’re prime napping spots. It’s a bit of a trek, but the payoff is worth it. Trust me, this place is a bucket-list dive.

When to Find Leopard Sharks

You can hunt for leopard sharks year-round in Thailand, but the sweet spot is October to May. That’s when the Andaman Sea is calm, the viz is top-notch, and the weather’s perfect for diving. Early morning dives are clutch—leopard sharks are more active at dawn or dusk. Chat with local dive shops like Giant Stride for the latest sightings to boost your odds. Timing is everything!

My Personal Experience with Leopard Sharks

I’ve had two leopard shark encounters in Thailand, and both were straight-up epic. First up was Boulder City in the Similan Islands. I’m descending, minding my own business, when BAM—a leopard shark is just chilling between two rocks, looking like it’s meditating. I hovered above, keeping my distance, and just soaked in the view. Its spots were popping against the sand, and it didn’t care one bit about me. Pure serenity.

Then there was Garang Heng in Phi Phi. This time, the current was cranking, and I spot a leopard shark parked among coral and sea urchins. Sea urchins! This dude was unbothered—current, urchins, divers, whatever. I hung out for almost the whole dive, watching it rest like a king. That shark was living its best life, and I was just happy to be there. Moments like these? They’re why I dive.

Final Thoughts

Leopard sharks are the coolest, and Thailand’s the place to meet them. Their chill vibes, epic patterns, and sneaky hideouts make every sighting a story worth telling. Wanna dive with these legends? Hit up Giant Stride for the hookup. They’ve got liveaboard trips to the South Andaman or day trips to Similan or Phi Phi that’ll get you in the water with leopard sharks. Whether you’re cruising over Richelieu Rock or chilling in Phi Phi, respect their space, keep your eyes on the sand, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget. Let’s go diving!

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