The shark that walks. Tide-pool specialists with pectoral fins they use as legs.
Walking sharks (epaulette sharks, Hemiscyllium spp.) are tropical bamboo sharks endemic to a small slice of the Indo-Pacific: eastern Indonesia, PNG and northern Australia. The 9 known species 'walk' across the reef on their pectoral and pelvic fins, including out of water across exposed reef flats at low tide.
They survive low-oxygen conditions that would kill most fish, slowing heart rate and metabolism dramatically. Each species has a distinctive spot pattern, and the 'epaulette' marking near the gill is a giveaway.
Raja Ampat is the world walking-shark hotspot, with multiple endemic species (the Triton Bay and Raja walking sharks were both described as new species in the 2000s). Night dives and tidal-pool snorkels in shallow lagoons are the encounter setting.
Tap a month to highlight it across destinations, or hover any cell for details.
2 destinations across SE Asia, peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
Tier 3Walking Sharks (Epaulette) here: Apr–Nov · 40 sites
Tier 4Coming soonWalking Sharks (Epaulette) here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 50 sites
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