National Geographic is gearing up for its much-anticipated Sharkfest, an annual celebration dedicated to one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. This year’s event will begin on July 5, marking its 14th consecutive year of broadcasting. Viewers can expect a month-long series of captivating programming that sheds light on the enigmatic world of sharks, culminating in a special focus on the iconic hammerhead shark.
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Kicking off Sharkfest 2026 is “Hammerhead Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory,” which will air at 9 p.m. EST. This special offers an in-depth look at the hammerhead, a species that has seen a dramatic decline in numbers across the globe. Emmy and BAFTA award-winning cinematographer Bertie Gregory takes viewers on an expedition to the Pacific waters of Mexico, where he aims to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. His journey seeks to understand the challenges faced by hammerheads and the vital need for their protection.
Alongside Gregory, the programme features contributions from leading shark scientists and conservationists who will share their insights on the preservation of these remarkable animals. With stunning visuals of hammerheads captured in the wild, the special promises to immerse audiences in the everyday life of this unique species, highlighting both their beauty and vulnerability.
For those eager to explore the broader offerings of Sharkfest 2026, there is a remarkable array of additional programming lined up. National Geographic has promised new shows that delve into thrilling encounters and scientific discoveries, all centred around sharks.
One standout feature, “World’s Biggest Mako,” follows a team of scientists as they venture into the waters north of New Zealand in search of a gigantic mako shark. Armed with the knowledge of local experts, the crew documents their adventures with these extraordinary predators, offering insights that could be crucial for the conservation of the mako species.
In another intriguing programme, “Attack of the Samurai Sharks,” viewers will be drawn into a cold case that spans 3,000 years. The episode investigates a discovered skeleton in Japan that bears deep cut marks resembling injuries from a samurai sword, sparking questions about the events that led to its demise—was it an alligator attack or a shark incident?
The excitement continues with “Shark vs. Giant Croc,” a thrilling exploration of the reported encounters between sharks and crocodiles. The documentary focuses specifically on clashes between bull sharks and saltwater crocodiles within Australia’s Daintree River, promising to provide a gripping look at the intense competition for survival.
“Shark Island Showdown” sees shark experts travel to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific to investigate why various shark species frequent this isolated location. Similarly, “Sharks: Reef Rivals” shifts focus to a lagoon near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, where scientists examine the interesting influx of shark activity.
Another highly anticipated special is “Great White Gauntlet,” which features a team of experts on Australia’s remote Greenly Island. They document the activity of the large great white sharks that congregate around the area, highlighting their predatory behaviour, particularly in relation to the local sea lion population.
As Sharkfest 2026 unfolds throughout July, additional programming will be accessible across Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney Channel, and Disney XD, with selected titles also available on streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Hulu. This extensive coverage promises to keep audiences engaged with the latest discoveries and insights into the lives of sharks.
For fans eager to learn more about these captivating ocean dwellers, visiting nationalgeographic.com will provide further information on Sharkfest 2026 and its varied lineup. As the month progresses, viewers can look forward to fascinating revelations about sharks, ensuring that audiences remain captivated by these magnificent creatures of the sea.