Diving safari is one of the types of underwater diving, for which not coastal reef zones are selected, but areas open sea. This allows you to get to know the other side. underwater world. As well as real life animals provides the opportunity to see a land safari.
Diving with sharks is the most common form of sea safari. There are objective reasons for this:
- Apart from whales, sharks are the largest marine inhabitants. This is the most big fish who lives in the ocean.
- The appearance of sharks is aggressive, and their behavior is sharp and impressive, which makes diving with them high degree extremity.
- Sharks live everywhere in the ocean, they do not hide, are not afraid of anyone, and are easily accessible to observation.
Diving safaris are always organized tours that involve from 5 to 20 people. Companies providing such services work in accordance with instructions, following which allows you to minimize risks for diving participants. The vast majority of shark safaris take place in a cage: few of the organizers take responsibility for possible excesses - and this is understandable.
Safari in a cage
Cage diving safari is like a reverse zoo: not the animals are in a confined space, but the spectators are enclosed in a chamber made of iron bars or mesh. This camera is not immersed very deeply, it is fixed almost at the very surface. Participants are equipped with self-contained oxygen systems. At first glance, the naturalness of observation seems to be reduced by the restrictive cage.
This is not entirely true. Sharks swim much closer to the cage than is allowed on a cage-free safari. They may even try to ram it, causing extremely strong emotional experiences in the audience. While in the cage, you can also closely observe aggressive fish species, for example, the blunt-nosed bull shark.
Pros of the shark cage tour:
- no diving skills required - anyone can be immersed to a depth of 3-4 m;
- absolute safety;
- does not require participants to constantly monitor the situation; you can simply observe without worrying about a shark swimming up behind you;
- the opportunity to see the shark as close as possible.
The types of sharks and their approximate sizes can be found in the following table.
Table 1. Types of sharks on diving safari.
Safari without a cage
Diving with sharks, in which participants are not separated by any barriers from sea creatures, for most people does not provide any advantages over the cellular form. Yes, there are those who like to swim next to a shark - for them being in a cage is not comfortable. But these are rather rare exceptions. In reality, few people would dare to find themselves face-to-face (or in a group) with a three- or four-meter giant of a menacing appearance. As a rule, cage-free diving safari takes place at some distance from predators, and if anyone approaches them, then only an experienced instructor with a special metal tool for possible defense.
All organizers of free-swimming diving tours are guided by the rules enshrined in the so-called instructions or protocol. Before diving, they are communicated to each diver. By strictly following the protocol, the organizers ensure that there is no risk of excess. Here are some of these rules:
- Diving is carried out only when there is good visibility under water.
- Liveaboards use bait, but the sharks are not fed while divers are in the water.
- The diver must pay full 360° attention and keep nearby fish in sight at all times.
- The safari is carried out at a depth of 10-12 m. Divers are prohibited from going deeper: it is unsafe, it can lead the sharks away from the bait and the safari will not take place.
- The diver's suit and fins must be black or blue, without reflective or shiny elements (including on equipment).
- Elements in clothing and equipment that would extend beyond the human figure are unacceptable: loose dangling belts, hoses, etc.
- The diver must remain in an upright position throughout the safari so that the shark sees him as a stranger and does not mistake him for an inhabitant of the sea.
- Divers are in opposite side from the bait: the fish should be able to freely approach or move away from it.
- Under no circumstances should you suddenly start moving - neither ascend nor dive - this attracts sharks.
- It is prohibited to touch marine life.
- Sharks should not be provoked by aggressive behavior.
Before diving, participants sign a document stating that they understand all the risks that diving safari carries, and under no circumstances will they have any claims against the organizers.
Shark Safari Tours
Diving safari operators offer both single dives and the organization of full-fledged long-term tours, including accommodation, transfers, and a diving program. There are many places on the planet for sea safari. Tours are conducted in three large regions:
- Waters washing the southern tip of Africa.
- Atlantic waters of Central America.
- South and southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Table 2. Popular places for diving safaris
|
Localization |
Type of shark |
Tour duration, day |
Approximate cost excluding flight, $ |
|
Bahamas |
Tiger |
3500 |
|
|
O. Guadalupe (Mexico) |
Large white |
3000 |
|
|
Fiji Archipelago |
Bull shark |
1800 |
|
|
Galapagos Islands |
Hammerhead shark |
5500 |
|
|
Coast of South Africa |
Brindle, blunt-nosed |
1 (single dive) |
100-200 |
|
Neptune Islands (Australia) |
Large white |
2700 |
Thus, the cost of a single dive is $100-$250. Long tours, depending on the chosen destination, cost $1500-$6000. Whether shark diving is done with or without a cage does not affect the price.
For many, the sight of a great white shark on screen is enough to make their hearts race. If you find yourself next to the most terrible sea predator in the water, then the adrenaline will begin to overflow. There are only four places in the world where you can confidently go to cage dive and watch white sharks. And each of them is unique in its own way. The best part is that you can take non-diving friends with you, as most tours offer snorkel or Hook dives where you can blow bubbles in the domain of a white shark. Circle the date on your calendar and reserve your spot in the cage for what may be the most powerful experience you can experience underwater.
1. False Bay/Seal Island, South Africa
South Africa's dark green waters may not have the best underwater visibility of the other three white shark dive sites, but watching the sharks from a cage or boat in False Bay offers the best glimpse of their incredible maneuvers. "flying jaws" when a predator jumps completely out of the water in an attempt to grab a seal or launched bait. Seal Island is located just 25 minutes by boat from the mainland and less than an hour from Cape Town. The island's coastline is teeming with the white shark's favorite delicacy: some 64,000 South African fur seals, along with impressive colonies of cormorants and penguins - like a dinner bell that never stops ringing. Divers can watch the shark leap from a cage or boat while a seal bait is dragged behind the boat, causing the shark to make powerful leaps out of the water.
When to go: You can dive with sharks off Seal Island from April to mid-September. The rest of the time they move closer to the shore to feast on smaller sharks and commercial fish. From June to mid-August the highest probability of seeing a predator hunting.
2. Guadalupe Island, Mexico
No best place for diving with great white sharks than the Mexican island of Guadalupe with its crystal clean waters, which are similar in color to mint mouthwash. The water here is so clear that an approaching shark can be seen from a very long distance. The sparse vegetation here is shrouded in a dense veil of fog. Rocky Island, formed by exposed volcanic rocks, is located approximately 255 km from the western coast of Baja and is great place to watch white sharks. Schools of white sharks patrol local waters from summer to late autumn. A chartered bus will take you to the Mexican city of Ensenada, which is located south of San Diego, and then it will take another 18 hours to reach Guadalupe Island by boat. And that’s where the fun begins. The cages will be lowered from the stern of the boat, and shark seekers, breathing through a tube brought to the surface, will rush to the bars. A scene will begin to unfold right before your eyes, as if taken from documentary film: a shark jumps out of the water for the bait prepared for it by the “trainers”, but misses the target by quite a bit. Having dived about 9 meters underwater in a cage, you will be able to see everything from a completely different angle than from a cage on the surface - one might say, “through the eyes of a shark.” You can even look out of the cage from above if you dare. It's scary, but the chance to see these magnificent animals without iron bars in front of your eyes is worth the risk.
When to go: The hot season for spotting white sharks off Guadalupe is from August to October.
3. Farallon Islands, California
You sail under the Golden Gate - the world-famous San Francisco Bridge - watching the silhouette of one of the greatest American cities disappear behind a veil of sea fog, and then go 45 kilometers from the Californian coast in search of white sharks... There is something about it fantastic. Morskogo Bay national reserve The Farallon Islands are home to the largest seabird breeding colony in the continental United States and a large population elephant seals. White sharks are, of course, lured by the latter. IN autumn months Some of the world's largest white sharks come to the southeastern Farallon Islands to feed on the seals that gather here to mate and give birth to their pups. If you are lucky enough to see a shark attacking elephant seal weighing 90-130 kilograms, you will not be able to forget this for a very, very long time. Boats drag seal bait behind them to attract sharks. And then those in the cage have a chance to see the black coals of the shark’s eyes from such a distance that no one in their right mind has ever dared to approach them.
When to go: Trips are organized from September to the end of November, when elephant seals are most abundant here.
4. Neptune Islands, South Australia
Australian Rodney Fox is considered the pioneer of cage diving with white sharks. Almost four decades have passed since the first dive, but the company of Rodney Fox and his son Andrew still provides divers with the opportunity to see huge, hungry white sharks in the waters of the Neptune Islands South Australia. Having status marine reserve, these islands are home to the country's largest colony of New Zealand fur seals during their breeding season. Throughout the summer, animals swim here, give birth to offspring and mate again. Such activity, of course, cannot go unnoticed by sharks. However, cage diving in these areas in winter is... best opportunity see huge female white sharks that can reach 6 meters in length. Rodney Fox's company is the only one in the world to conduct cage dives to the ocean floor (approximately 11 to 22 meters deep), providing a unique chance to observe sharks alongside other inhabitants of the local waters, including smooth rays, eagle rays and giant blue groupers. Divers use oxygen tanks to descend to the bottom in a cage. Breathing tubes are only used if the cage is not submerged.
When to go: Tours are organized in summer and winter, from late November to late February and from late May to late October. (The end of May is the time when the youngest seals learn to swim in local waters). In June, July and August the chances of seeing large female sharks are greatest.
Sailing on a equipped ship in open ocean to watch White Sharks. As they are called in Africa - Great White Sharks. Diving with sharks is fun with a fair amount of adrenaline, but at the same time, completely safe.
Safe and unforgettable excursions in South Africa, diving, shark watching
Contact us by phone: (+27) 795230886
Diving with white sharks is completely safe as it takes place in a protected cage. The ship goes to the famous “shark alley” - the islands with Navy SEALs- natural food for white sharks. You can do a metal cage dive in the open ocean to see sea predators at arm's length (extending your arms towards sharks is not recommended, for obvious reasons). A great alternative to diving with sharks is watching them from a ship, which is very interesting.
Shark hunting excursions are available from June to September. When great white sharks jump out of the water and hunt seals. Very a rare event, which is called Shark Bridging.
Diving with sharks - introductory briefing
Upon arrival you will receive instructions, snacks and drinks. White Shark Diving is carried out by reliable and safe companies in South Africa. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Prince Harry, Hugh Grant, and Dolph Lungren sailed with them. If you arrive in South Africa, diving is automatically included in the list of the most desirable, exotic and memorable activities.
- Payment according to the tariffs of the organizing company.
- We provide free booking.
For vacationers, Diving in Durban is a cage dive with sharks in the Indian Ocean.
Diving with sharks in Durban, South Africa is an adventure like no other. It is quite different from shark diving in Cape Town.
Water Indian Ocean Durban is warmer than Cape Town. The temperature of the water and the diversity of ocean life attract completely different types of sharks. As one of our clients joked: “I hope the sharks in Durban have smaller teeth than the great white shark.”
During one dive with sharks, under favorable circumstances, you can see up to 20 dangerous predators circling around the cage! An exciting experience will be guaranteed under the guidance of an experienced skipper-instructor who thoroughly knows all the habits of predators. During diving, the instructor will, at your request, take unforgettable underwater photographs, which can be purchased for a small additional fee.
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Shark diving in South Africa (Durban and Cape Town) must be booked in advance due to weather conditions ocean, diving may be postponed to another day. Diving with sharks is very popular not only among tourists from all over the world, but also among local residents, so even on excellent days for sailing in the ocean, the ship can be completely occupied by lovers of an unusual cage dive with sharks in South Africa. You will have fun and interesting time and experience thrills in a friendly international company from all over the world.
General information:
- The necessary diving equipment and dry towels are provided.
- Breakfast, picnic during diving, lunch after diving, drinks.
- If you wish, after the trip you can purchase a DVD about your trip.
- Access to the ocean depends on the navigability of the ocean, so for those who want to enjoy diving with sharks, you need to have 3-4 days in reserve in Cape Town or Hermanus (Gansbaai).
Photo blogger Sergei Dolya says: “In South Africa, we were put in a cage and lowered into the ocean with great white sharks. First, a huge bucket of bait was poured overboard to provoke the sharks. They attached the head of a dead fish to a long rope as bait and threw it into the water next to the cage. When a shark appeared, the bait was pulled to the cage and then abruptly pulled out of the water so that the shark was left alone with the divers...”
3. There is a shark warning service on the beaches in South Africa. In a prominent place there is a flagpole on which multi-colored flags are hoisted:
Green flag – “Swimming is allowed”
Black flag – “Sharks are not visible due to bad weather, but they can be”
Red flag – “The likelihood that a shark is nearby is very high”
White flag – “Shark off the shore. It’s urgent for everyone to leave the water.”
5. There are a lot of great white sharks off the coast of South Africa. There is even a whole tourism industry dedicated to watching them. We couldn't resist the temptation to look at the sharks and boarded a small boat with a cage at the stern.
6. Such boats go out into the open ocean, anchor and wait for sharks to swim up to the boat.
7. On the way to the dive site, the travel agency employees filled a bucket of bait, which consisted of sea water, crushed frozen fish and some kind of oily liquid
8. As they approached the “place,” they began pouring bait into the ocean
9. The cage fits 5 people. You need to stand on the lower red bars and hold onto the upper ones with your hands. Under no circumstances should you stick your arms or legs outside the bars. Floats are attached to the cage and it does not sink
10. After we anchored, the cage was lowered into the water on a winch.
11. The water here is about 13 degrees and you can dive only in wetsuits
12. The cage was leaned against the boat with one side and the bait was thrown into the water.
14. A fish head was used as bait
15. While the sharks were away, small fish feasted on it
16. Divers and observers waited for the shark to appear
17. Its appearance was easy to determine by the behavior of the fish - they suddenly scattered in all directions and a shark appeared from the depths. Usually, she would make a couple of circles around the bait, and then the cutter would lunge at it.
20. She only had a few seconds to chew through the rope and eat the bait
21. When the shark attacked the bait, the “fisherman” sharply pulled the rope and pulled it towards the cage
22. Some sharks lost interest and went around or swam to another boat, and some continued to attack the cage
25. After several attempts, realizing that they were playing with it, the shark rushed to the bait no longer from the side, where we could notice it, but emerged from the depths
26. And still sometimes I missed
27. And sometimes I had time
31. There were scientists on the ship with us, and they recorded each shark in special forms
It rained all that day and it was “very cool.” When everyone was already seasick and we were ready to go home, it turned out that the steering on our boat was broken. The captain tried to hammer on the engine with a wrench for half an hour, but in the end he admitted all his attempts were futile and called a lifeboat for us.
He told us that she would be there in 20 minutes and continued to feed us with promises for two hours. I really hate it when people can’t say honestly: “We’re broken, when they come for you, we don’t know how they’ll leave, we’ll let you know.” He told us 10 times during this time that they had already left for us, although he knew perfectly well that no one had left yet.
This is especially annoying on some Russian airlines, when you are already sitting on the plane, but not yet flying anywhere - “Why are we standing? Waiting for anybody? When will we fly?” In this sense, I am very impressed by Western airlines - where the pilot immediately announces: “Guys, we are eighth in line for takeoff, I think we should take off in 20 minutes.”
33. As a result, we waited for 2 hours, were terribly cold and wet
34. The boat was our salvation
35. The next day we flew over the ocean on a small Cessna and filmed whales from the air. I was lucky and managed to film not only whales, but also a great white shark.
Most likely, you have already read Sergei's post about cage diving with great white sharks. I think it will be interesting to see the same events through the eyes of another person. I hope I was able to show this excursion a little differently, with new side. This post is about how we sat in the cage and how our boat broke down.
01. The weather let us down that day. In the morning it was drizzling and blowing cold wind, and the temperature was lower than we expected. Most of all I was interested in how Sergei would behave, to observe his actions.
02. Our group of eight people boarded the ship, and it was launched into the water with a tractor.
03. The first thing Sergey did was to unsubscribe to Twitter, posting some photo taken on an iPhone. I was surprised how long it takes! He spends almost every free minute not on rest, but on reading comments, posting on Twitter, Instagram, etc.
04. Several companies offer similar excursions. There is nothing complicated about it: people climb into a cage, and sharks are lured with special “goodies.” The meeting is absolutely safe for both the first and the second.
05. Here two other members of our group, Arina and Sophia, came into the frame:
06. Having reached the right place, the ship anchored. The crew began preparations. First, they lowered the cage into the water and brought it overboard:
07. Remember this photo on Sergei’s blog?
08. This is how it was filmed:
09. To feed sharks they use a real delicacy: some kind of liquid that looks like clean fish fat, and this snack:
10. The team prepared wetsuits, masks and shoes for us:
11. And they pulled up the anchor:
12. Sergey and Dmitry (another participant in our trip) climbed onto the roof to photograph the shark at the moment when it catches the bait:
13. While the shark did not react, small fish became interested in the bait:
14. And suddenly, like in a movie, a shark fin appears!
15. She swims up to the bait...
16. ...and grabs her! Notice how the small fish scatter. They know who's boss:
17. And here is the structure itself, which protects against sharks. The basic rule to follow is to only hold on to the handrail, which is painted red and mounted with an indentation to protect your hands from being bitten. It's not difficult at all.
18. The experienced crew of the boat lured the shark in a very interesting way: they shouted, knocked on the hull, and threw bait:
19. Apparently, the team knew what they were doing: the sharks immediately reacted!
20. By that time, the rain was already pouring down in buckets; our jackets and raincoats could not cope with the flow of water:
21. Sergey stood on the roof waiting for a good shot, and water literally poured over the camera:
22. And then the most “fun” thing happened: the captain failed to start the engine. The whole team began to try to fix and start the engine:
23. There weren’t many tools, but the malfunction turned out to be serious: something broke in the hydraulic system. After quite a long time and several attempts to start, the captain decided that he needed to ask another boat to pick us up. By this time, due to the huge waves, we were all pretty seasick, and thanks to the rain and wind, it was blowing and wet through:
24. In order to somehow distract ourselves, we continued to try to lure out the sharks. But at some moments the seagulls managed to steal pieces of bait:
25. And the head was eaten by small fish:
26. Inflatable boat she arrived to us in more than an hour. It was scary to swim on it, because the wave was many times larger than its size.
27. The captain waved to us with a gloomy face, because he still had a lot of time to spend on the ship.
28. Our boat was going fast, but the rain didn’t seem to stop. At speed, each drop of water pricked my unprotected face like a small nail. Everyone tried to hide as much as possible:
29. Sergei was constantly overwhelmed huge wave. He covered the cameras as best he could, but there weren’t enough hands to cover his face:
30. My pants are supposed to be waterproof, but they were completely wet:
31. And here is the long-awaited shore! The speed of the boat decreased and it became a little easier:
32. Everyone took turns going down to the pier and ran to warm up with hot tea and soup. At this point, the trip to visit the sharks ended, and we, wet, cold, tired, but at the same time very happy, went to the hotel. From there our group went along the most beautiful places Grootbos National Nature Reserve, a report on which will be in the next post :-)
Thank you for your attention! ;-)
To be continued…
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