Guest Article about Diving with Great White sharks.
Great white sharks are an impressive shark to dive with. There is nothing quite like the first moment one of these sharks approaches a diver and they see first-hand how immense and barrel-shaped they are. As divers spend time with great white sharks they also begin to witness how graceful and calm these sharks are. Cage diving can be a life-changing event and a great way to dispel any fear of sharks whilst also supporting their conservation.
Where Can I Cage Dive with Sharks?
There are various destinations where divers, and non-divers alike, can cage dive with sharks, be that with great white sharks or other species. This variety of destinations allows people to choose a location that is convenient, plus a dive style that is suitable for the experience level of the group. One of the advantages of cage diving is that it also offers the opportunity to experience open-ocean shark dives without needing to be a strong swimmer or qualified diver. It is an experience suitable for all.
There are five main destinations for cage diving with great white sharks, including the premier shark hotspot of Guadalupe Island. Guadalupe liveaboard diving offers cage diving with great white sharks in crystal clear and relatively warm waters, where divers can enjoy the sharks interacting with one another. Divers can spend many hours in the water with the sharks and can dive at depth or at the surface, depending on their experience level and preference.
The Neptune Islands in Australia is another popular destination for shark cage diving and rightly so. Liveaboard safaris at these islands provide the unique opportunity to dive with great white sharks from the ocean floor. Seeing these apex predators amongst the surrounding rocky environment, teeming with fish life, is truly unique and ideal for photographers looking to capture great white sharks in this unusual setting.
There are also destinations such as Hawaii, where people can cage dive with other types of sharks. More information about the top places for shark diving can be found within Where to Cage Dive with Sharks.
Top Tips for Cage Diving with Sharks
Whilst cage diving is straight-forward and has a low risk of injury, there are extra considerations to take for a comfortable and safe experience.
Choosing the right exposure suit for the destination is important. Cage diving is relatively inactive and divers can get cold quickly in the cage. The right thickness wetsuit, plus using gloves and a hood, can help keep divers warm and allow for more time with the sharks. A thick rash vest can also add a layer of warmth for the core.
Taking extra clothing for warmth and quick removal when sharks arrive is also a good idea. A woolly hat and windproof jacket over a wetsuit keep heat in whilst waiting for sharks to arrive, and can be removed quickly when it’s time to dive.
Shark cage diving is suitable for divers and non-divers alike. When choosing the right destination for cage diving, it is important to consider what type of air source and dive depth is right for the diver’s experience level. There are plenty of options available and divers may wish to choose a surface-based dive using breath-hold or hookah system, or perhaps a deep cage dive with open circuit scuba. The following pictures were taken by Narcosis Nick on a trip to SA in 2010
More information about cage safety procedures, how to encourage cautious sharks to come closer, and the best place to learn about shark behaviour can be found within the full article about Top Tips for Cage Diving with Sharks
This article was written by Kathryn Curzon, a diver and writer for liveaboard.com.