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Farrallon Islands
Great White Shark Cage Diving
 

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Marine Life Map of the Farrallones

Now Booking:
(departing from the port of San Francisco)

Fall, 2012 Calendar
Saturday, Sept 29 Sunday, Sept 30
Saturday, Oct 6 Sunday, Oct 7
Saturday, Oct 13 Sunday, Oct 14
Saturday, Oct 20 Sunday, Oct 21
Saturday, Oct 27 Sunday, Oct 28
Saturday, Nov 3 Sunday, Nov 4
Saturday, Nov 10 Sunday, Nov 11
Saturday, Nov 17 Sunday, Nov 18

$875 Cage Diver
$375 Topside Observer

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“The Devil's Teeth, as it's known, is a 211-acre cluster of rocky, jagged islands that not only are a sanctuary for some of the most endangered marine wildlife but, from September to November, also serve as a refuge for the biggest white sharks in the world. It takes a true adventure seeker to embark on this trip, long known as the Mount Everest of shark dives.” 

~ Amy Sorlie, Great White - a journey to the shark-infested waters of the Farallon Islands , American Way Magazine, August 2009

You don't have to be a certified diver to climb into our shark cage for a chance encounter with one of the ocean's most feared predators. 

The Gulf of the Farrallones  Marine Sanctuary, 27 miles outside the Golden Gate Bridge and the edge of the continental shelf, is home to some of the world's largest great white sharks. These islands (Southeast Farallon and Maintop Island) off the coast of San Francisco are the winter water playground of adult great white sharks measuring 15 to 20 feet long. (4.5 meters to 6.1 meters). 

The sharks come to the Farrallones to dine on the local population of Northern Elephant Seals. You'll find yourself rooting for the seals as they compete in a race for their lives against some of the planet's most incredible marine predators. Watching this natural great white feeding event is an experience you'll never forget.

One Day Cage Diver Adventure - $875
Scuba Scotty and the rest of the shark diver team will accompany you to the best viewing areas within the Marine Sanctuary where we'll drop our cage and prepare to provide you with a view you'll never forget.

No dive experience is necessary. Our cages sit just below the surface. You'll be able to breathe comfortably from your snorkel or air hose while you move about the cage, taking photos and having fun.

There's no need for you to pack your dive gear. All you need to bring is a mask and snorkel and warm clothes for before and after your dive. We'll provide a wet suit for you to wear during your dives and meals and refreshments on board. The waters near the Farallones are cold and murky but you'll be toasty warm when the shark action heats up. 

Top Shark Adventure - $375 
If you want to see great white sharks but prefer them a little further away, we offer great top-side shark viewing from our observation deck. Help scan the horizon for fins and watch for breaching sharks attacking their prey. Be sure to dress warm and in lots of layers.


Important Notes:
Incredible Adventures conducts its great white shark expeditions according to the terms and conditions set out in National Marine Sanctuary Permit GFNMS-2010-005

  • How many times do you get inside the cage? That depends on the number of people on the trip, but generally, you should have at least two turns in the cage, ten-minutes per session.  If there is more time available,  you can keep going and going and going. And while you're watching on top, there will be plenty of action to keep you amazed. Don't be nervous. When you're in the cage, Scuba Scotty or another experienced scuba instructor who will keep you informed, safe and comfortable.

  • There is no "shark encounter guarantee". Although you will be in the best place to encounter sharks at the best time of year, we cannot guarantee you'll see sharks. We've been very successful in past shark seasons and expect another incredible year, however, as the predator in charge, it's really up to the sharks. 

  • If we are unable to deliver your adventure due to weather or unforeseen mechanical problems we will work with you to reschedule your your cage dive or top-side experience for a future date.  We regret that there are no refunds. 

Seasickness Happens:
There is a good chance you'll experience a bit of seasickness on your shark adventure. Even the crew still gets seasick from time to time. You can help minimize your chances by taking a seasickness remedy both the night before your great white shark trip, and the morning of your trip. If you do start to feel poorly on the ride out to the Farallones, our staff is there to help you. Often a little time on the deck in the fresh air is all it takes to make you feel better. 

Ocean Outreach:
This shark adventure is offered in cooperation with Ocean Outreach, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving marine life.

FAQ:
Is Shark Diving Dangerous?
Yes, but not in the way you might expect. On the boat you could trip and sprain an ankle, or you could get sunburn. You could hit your head on the top bunk getting out of bed. You could fall overboard. But if it's a shark attack you're worried about, you can stop worrying. The odds are in your favor. 

White sharks have many myths surrounding them. One is that they are killing machines attacking anything in sight. According to the International Shark Attack File, you are far more likely to be killed by a dog or a deer.

We have found that even at the height of a feeding event with multiple animals around a carcass, great white sharks prove to be shy, slow moving animals. Our divers are amazed to learn first hand that these animals are almost gentle. That said, divers should always maintain a healthy respect for these awesome predators, in and out of the water and exercise caution when encountering any marine life.

What if I Don't Want To Cage Dive?
We understand that some shark lovers would prefer to stay out of the water. Topsiders, as we call them, are welcome on all of our shark adventures. Those who stay on the deck serve as lookouts, scanning the horizon for fins and signs of natural feeding events.

Are These Eco Tours?
Yes, but please don't tell anyone. People tend to think of Eco Tours as boring nature lessons and our shark adventures are definitely not boring. Our shark expeditions are adventures designed to allow you to observe sharks and other marine life without "interfering". Trips are staffed with knowledgeable naturalists, marine biologists and dive professionals who are committed to protecting our oceans and preserving the environment. They'll share their knowledge, so you'll learn a lot while having lots of fun.

Do You Chum?
We do not currently chum or bait the sharks. We are there to search for natural feedings on the Elephant Seals. We do, however, deploy decoys, which helps attract the curiosity of the sharks, and we are working on obtaining approval for a non-obtrusive, scent-based lure system. That said, we cannot guarantee shark sightings, though we are taking you to the best locations, during the prime season. 

How's The Weather?
The fall season (end of September through mid November) generally provides the best weather. However, weather is always a factor when operating a vessel on the ocean. Safety is our top priority and bad weather can effect our expedition schedule.

Where Does The Boat Depart From?
We depart from Hyde St. Pier, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA. Located less than an hour from San Francisco and Oakland Airports. This location shortens the amount of time it takes to reach the Farallon Islands and is very easy to access from area freeways. Please know that seas can be very rough and the waters near the Farallones are known for being cold and murky.

What About Dive Equipment? 
We will have a limited number of wetsuits available for customers use at no cost. This eliminates the inconvenience and expense of renting a suit for those who do not own their own dive gear and are not interested in pursuing the sport of diving. If you would like to have a custom fitted wetsuit and/or mask, or are interested in becoming certified, or taking an additional tour in world-famous Monterey Bay, I can meet you at a local dive shop prior to the expedition, where you will be ensured a custom fit.

What Is The Basic Itinerary?
Meet at waterfront at 6:00 a.m., dressed for adventure. We depart the docks between 6:30 - 7::00 AM and return to the docks between 5-6pm. Our expert shark diver team will accompany you to the best viewing areas within the Marine Sanctuary. There, we'll drop our cage and prepare to provide you with a view you'll never forget. Spend a full day exploring the waters off the Farallon Islands in search of Great Whites and other incredible marine life. 

How Many Passengers Onboard?
Groups are limited to twelve cage divers, so everyone spends a maximum amount of time in the cage, coming face to face with the sea’s most awesome creatures. 

What's Included?
One day of diving, use of hookah & dive equipment, wetsuit, expert guide services, continental breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments.

What Is The Environmental Impact?
Our cage diver great white adventures in San Francisco are offered in cooperation with Ocean Outreach, a well-respected non-profit organization dedicated to protecting marine life. Ocean Outreach strongly believes that people who see great white sharks in the wild will become more active in helping to protect them. Expeditions are accompanied by a respected naturalist who aids in locating sharks and identifying the variety of marine life in the Farallones. 

What About Underwater Photography?
Ocean Outreach’s custom-built shark cage was designed with photographers in mind, so bring a camera, or purchase an underwater camera at a local dive shop. 

What About Refunds?
We can’t guarantee you’ll see sharks, but we’ll do everything possible to deliver an incredible adventure. If we are unable to deliver your adventure due to weather or unforeseen mechanical problems, there is no refund. We will work with you to reschedule your cage dive or topside experience for a future date. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Do I Need To Be SCUBA Certified?
Although being a certified diver is a plus, it is not required. We do recommend completing a Discover Scuba introductory course. If you are interested in becoming a certified diver, you can do it while you're here. Visit the Dive Training page for details.

What Is The Minimum Age And Physical Requirements?
You must be at least 13 years of age to cage dive. All minors must be certified and accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you wish to cage dive with us some basic physical abilities are required. You, as a diver should be able to enter and exit the cages on your own. Example: Can you easily climb in and out of a swimming pool without the use of stairs or a ladder? You should be in reasonably physically fit condition. If you have existing conditions such as cardio pulmonary disease or other conditions or illness that require medication and or frequent access to medical facilities you may not be eligible to participate in these activities. Some physician approval may be required for other conditions such as diabetes, asthma etc. 

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