Three of the best places to swim with sharks

Best for getting up close

It’s revealing that the seafront promenade close to the port of La Paz – Baja California's capital – has a bronze statue of Jacques Cousteau, the underwater explorer, looking out to the Sea of Cortez, which he named ‘The Aquarium of the World’ due to its abundant sea-life. Some 900 fish species and 32 marine mammal species gather to feed and breed here, with whales, dolphins and turtles frequently spotted.

From giant manta rays to schools of rainbow-hued tropical fish, this Animal Planet-approved diving trip will see you swimming amid a diverse range of species, but you’ll witness none more spectacular than the whale shark. Growing to 40 ft long and weighing around 20 tonnes, the whale shark may look intimidating, but it's the ocean’s gentlest giant. Each year (from early winter until late spring), the animals migrate to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez in search of the plankton on which they feed. Posing little threat to humans, their sheer size means swimming with one is a deeply humbling experience, nonetheless.

Best for adventurers

Boasting the world's second largest Barrier Reef, Belize is on every expert diver’s bucket list. Known for the world’s biggest blue hole, 124m deep, glorious coral reefs and a vast variety of marine life, the tiny Central American republic offers stunning diving opportunities yet retains an off-the-beaten-track feel. Inland, the country has many awe-inspiring sights: jaguars and howler monkeys in the tropical jungle, colourful macaws over Mayan ruins and pristine beaches giving way to turquoise waters.

Best for family bonding

As you sail away from Haleiwa Harbor and Oahu island, wave goodbye to the buzz of Honolulu and the Diamond Head volcano crater's rugged peaks. Soon you’ll drop anchor in the most peaceful Pacific waters imaginable. But don’t be deceived – while the surface is calm, underneath the ocean is swarming with marine life. Dolphins, turtles, hundreds of fish and around 40 species of shark are found in Hawaii's waters; a cage dive is one of the best ways to see below the surface.

With no scuba-diving experience necessary, and suitable for children over five, this Animal Planet-approved experience is exhilarating for all the family. Equipped with a snorkel and mask, you are lowered into the crystal-clear waters in a safety cage. Before long, you’ll be surrounded by a range of interested creatures, from friendly sandbar sharks – distinguished by their high first dorsal fin – to the Galapagos sharks, known, perhaps, for being less welcoming. Luckily, the thick poly-glass windows not only keep you safe, they enable you to capture the heart-racing encounters on camera.

What is an Animal Planet-approved tour?

Animal Planet brings the spirit of discovery to every Princess cruise. From onboard activities to shore excursions, every cruise offers immersive activities for the whole family. Recommended tours come with the Animal Planet seal of approval, while Animal Planet exclusive tours are only available to Princess guests.