Raja Ampat walking shark on the reef

Walking Shark

Hemiscyllium freycineti

Raja Ampat's Endemic Land-Walker

A small, slender bottom-dwelling shark endemic to Raja Ampat. Uses its pectoral and pelvic fins to "walk" across the substrate. Nocturnal — best sought on night dives in shallow rubble.
Adult size
70–80cm
Activity
Nocturnal
Depth
<10m on reef flats
Range
Endemic to Raja Ampat

Evolution's Walking Shark

The Raja Ampat epaulette shark — Hemiscyllium freycineti — exhibits a remarkable form of locomotion. Using its pectoral and pelvic fins, it "walks" across the substrate in search of crustaceans and invertebrates.This adaptation allows it to navigate shallow, complex environments and even survive brief periods of low oxygen in tidal pools. The behavior is most commonly observed during night dives on the shallow reef flats around the islands of the Dampier Strait and at Melissa's Garden in the Fam Islands.At 70–80cm in length and well-camouflaged, spotting this unique endemic requires a slow, methodical search of the reef after sunset.

Where to See Walking Sharks

Melissa's Garden

Fam Islands

Prime habitat — night dives across the vast hard coral plateau. Guides locate them under ledges.

Mioskon Island

Dampier Strait

Shallow rubble flats with multiple sightings per dive at night.

Gam Island flats

Dampier Strait

Reliable night-dive territory with stable reef rubble environments.

Waigeo shallows

Northern Raja Ampat

Known habitat — shallow reef flats during low-current nights.

Spotting the Walker

Plan a Walking-Shark Voyage

Night dives for walking sharks are scheduled on all our central itineraries. Reach out to plan your voyage with extended dusk diving.