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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
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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.
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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.
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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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