Shark Diving the Farallon Islands
Introduction:
In the fall, thousands of marine mammals congregate on this rocky promontory to breed and calve their young. This event
attracts the largest White Sharks in the world to South East Farallon Island (SEFI), where they feed on Elephant Seals
before their long trans-Pacific migration. We have had many dramatic encounters with White Sharks at SEFI. Breach attacks
occur right in front of the cage and we have witnessed enumerable natural "Feeding Events".
Trip Insurance
With DAN trip insurance, in the unlikely event your trip is delayed or cancelled, the trip insurance would cover you. For more information please follow this link Divers Alert Network
Price:
Cage Diver: $775
Topside Observer: $375
Includes cage diving, diving air, weights and weight belts, continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages, beer and wine.
Season:
Sept thru Nov
(5 days a week Thursday through Monday)
This is a one day trip
Schedule:
Departing from Emeryville, CA
6am - 6pm
Vessel:
"The Superfish"
The Superfish is the most successful Great White Shark dive boat operating in US waters and is a compilation
of commercial capability and industrial strength with creature comforts. Equipped with modern electronic navigation
equipment to meet the demands of operating safely and effectively in the offshore environment, the New Superfish has
proven to be an excellent platform for both commercial and recreational activities. Our customers appreciate the New
Superfish's size (54' feet), speed and maneuverability, while they enjoy her comfort and stability.
Cage Dives:
All diving will be surface supplied or "Hookah" only. Water temperature averages 52 - 56 degrees F. Visibilty averages 20'.
Our Farallon cage accommodates 4 divers at a time and rotations last approximately 30 minutes and alternating throughout
the day. During the expedition, we utilize decoys to attract White Sharks to the surface and the cage. This method has
proven very successful and is generally accepted for use inside a Marine Sanctuary.
Topside Observer:
By popular demand we now allow Topside Observers to join our Shark Diving expeditions. Topside Observers may
be accompanying one or more of the cage divers or just coming along for the ride to enjoy all the islands'
sights and sounds above the surface. Although being in the water and meeting a Great White Shark face to face is
the ultimate experience, many of our shark encounters may be viewed from the surface. When natural predations occur,
most of the feeding activity takes place on the surface in full view of everyone. Our Farallon expeditions
are very educational and exciting for anyone who loves to be outdoors and on the ocean. During the trip we
often encounter whales, porpoise and many other varieties of marine mammals and sea birds. To spend the day at
South East Farallon island is an amazing experience that we wish more people could enjoy.
Expedition Brief:
Witnessing a very large White Shark attack and consume a 200 to 300 lb. Elephant Seal is an extremely dramatic event.
These predatory acts are bloody and violent. Though you may be observing this from the safety of the vessel,
you may need to consider this aspect of your adventure and decide if this is an encounter you wish to experience.
These events are purely natural and occur as part of the everyday life of these incredible animals. They are truly unforgettable.
Expeditions to the Farallon Islands are approximately 12 hours in duration and include an early morning
continental breakfast, hearty lunch, snacks and beverages, aboard the expedition vessel, New Superfish.
The New Superfish is a stable, comfortable vessel. The expedition accommodates small to medium size groups
(5 to 17) providing a personal atmosphere of instruction and information concerning White Sharks. Our
experienced professional crew has been conducting expeditions to the Farallons since 1998.
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