Friendly shark approaches diver, gets pat on the head

Nurse sharks might look a little intimidating, but they are actually friendly and curious. Although they do have teeth and should be respected, they often follow divers and cruise through and around groups as they investigate. This large nurse shark followed these divers and seemed to respond as it was invited to come over for a pat on the head and a back scratch. Their skin is rough like coarse sandpaper. Close encounters like this one, handled cautiously, is a welcome experience for most divers.