Whether you’re a thrill seeker or an animal lover, great white shark cage diving is definitely an experience you won’t want to miss. While this activity can be thrilling, it’s important to choose a reputable dive operator as well as a suitable diving location.
great white shark cage diving
A number of locations around the world offer the opportunity to come face-to-face with great white sharks, but not all spots are perfect for everyone. Let’s read Brian Porter‘s top five picks to view great white sharks in cage diving and choose your dream destination!
Where Can I Cage Dive With Great White Sharks?
Where Can I Cage Dive With Great White Sharks?
If you’re a scuba diver, then great white shark cage diving is truly one of your bucket list. Unfortunately, not all dive destinations offer this experience. So, where can you go to see these iconic predators up close and personal?
Keep reading to learn more about the best spots for great white shark cage diving in the world!
1. False Bay, South Africa
False Bay, South Africa
Great white shark cage diving in False Bay of South Africa has become a popular tourist activity in recent years. Despite the inherent risks, cage diving with the most dangerous predators of the ocean is considered safe if proper precautions are taken.
The cage used for great white shark diving is typically made of steel or aluminum. It protects divers from being attacked by great whites while still ensuring excellent visibility underwater. Inside the cage, you will have a chance to see great white sharks hunting and feeding, and even touch them.
Great white shark cage diving is often conducted in waters where there is a high concentration of great white sharks, such as False Bay. This diving spot is close to shore, making it easy for cage divers to visit and back safely on the day.
Although cage diving with great white sharks hides some dangers, it is widely considered to be a safe and exciting way to encounter these amazing animals in their natural environment.
| Time to go | April to mid-September (Between June and mid-August offers the best encounters) |
| Water Temperature | 59°F (15°C) – 68°F (20°C) |
| Difficulty | All levels |
| Non-diving Activities | Fishing, surfing, swimming |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) |
| Best tours to book |
2. Isla de Guadalupe, Mexico
Isla de Guadalupe, Mexico
Great white shark cage diving is an exhilarating experience that only a few locations on the planet offer. One of the most popular destinations for this activity is Isla de Guadalupe in Mexico. This remote island is home to a large population of great white sharks.
The waters surrounding Isla de Guadalupe are crystal clear, providing perfect visibility for underwater photography and videography. Besides, this also enables you to easily recognize a great white shark approaching your cage.
Several local dive operators give cage diving trips to Isla de Guadalupe, and all these tours are safe as well as fascinating. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, cage diving with great white sharks in Isla de Guadalupe is definitely something you should add to your bucket list.
| Time to go | August through October |
| Water Temperature | 70-75°F (21-24°C) |
| Difficulty | All levels |
| Non-diving Activities | Liveaboard-only activities |
| Nearest Airport | San Diego International Airport (SAN) |
| Best tours to book |
3. Farallon Islands, California
Farallon Islands, California
The Farallon Islands off the coast of California are a sought-after option in the USA that all people should visit for excellent great white shark cage diving.
There are a number of local companies that offer cage diving tours with great white sharks, and most of them depart from San Francisco. A typical trip usually lasts for around 3-4 hours, making sure that I have enough time to get amazing encounters without staying underwater too long.
During the trip, I will have a close look at great white sharks in their natural habitat, as well as other marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seals. I will be in a cage while in the water, so I can be completely safe at all times.
If you are interested in great white shark cage diving, then the Farallon Islands should definitely be on your list. Fantastic diving experiences you get after any trip will leave you with a new appreciation for these amazing creatures.
| Time to go | September through late November |
| Water Temperature | 54-57°F (12-14°C) |
| Difficulty | All levels |
| Non-diving Activities | Loads of places to see:
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| Nearest Airport | San Francisco International Airport (SFO) |
| Best tours to book |
4. Neptune Islands, South Australia
Neptune Islands, South Australia
South Australia is home to some of the world’s most incredible sea life, including great white sharks. And, there’s no better way to see these majestic animals than by joining a cage dive. The Neptune Islands have been world-famous for exceptional great white shark sightings for a long time.
Thanks to guided tours, I believe that you can enjoy thrilling and fascinating experiences with these magnificent creatures in the deep blue. Great white sharks are infamous for bad rumors, and a cage dive with them will provide you with a new look.
During great white shark cage diving, you’ll be submerged in a metal cage that protects you from sharks’ sudden attacks. You’ll have an up-close view of these powerful animals as they swim past. Cage diving with great whites in Neptune Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget.
| Time to go | November to February, May to October |
| Water Temperature | 64-68°F (18-20°C). |
| Difficulty | All levels |
| Non-diving Activities | Coastal hiking and nature walks, fishing, yachting, etc. |
| Nearest Airport | Adelaide Airport (ADL) |
| Best tours to book |
5. Western Cape, South Africa
Western Cape, South Africa
For many people, the thought of diving into the open ocean is enough to send them running for the hills. But for a select few, the idea of getting up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most feared predators is an irresistible adventure.
And there’s no better place around the world to do this than in South Africa’s Western Cape, where great white sharks are known to congregate near the shore. Several local companies offer cage diving expeditions, and each one has its own unique way of getting you into the water.
Although it may sound like a dare-devil stunt, cage diving with great white sharks is actually a relatively safe way to see these magnificent creatures up close. The cages used are specially designed to protect me from being accidentally bitten, and the sharks are attracted to the cage by bait.
As a result, I am able to get a glimpse of these incredible animals without bothering them or risking my life. Whether you’re an experienced scuba diver or someone who has never been in the water before, great white shark cage diving is an exhilarating experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
| Time to go | Year-round (From May to October offers the best chances to see) |
| Water Temperature | 57°F (14°C) – 73°F (23°C) |
| Difficulty | All levels |
| Non-diving Activities | Whale and shark watching, wine and heritage tours, safari, etc. |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) |
| Best tours to book |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is it to cage dive with great white?
The cost of cage diving with great white sharks varies depending on the tour company and location. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for a cage diving experience.
Are great white sharks aggressive?
No, great white sharks are not considered to be aggressive animals. In fact, they are typically very shy and avoid contact with humans. However, there have been a few isolated incidents where great white sharks have attacked humans.
Has a Great White ever eaten a human?
There are only a handful of documented cases of great white sharks attacking and eating humans. In most cases, these attacks were likely due to the shark mistaking the human for its natural prey.
Can you dive with the great white sharks in Florida?
Yes, it is possible to dive with great white sharks in Florida. However, there are only a handful of tour operators that offer this experience. The cost is also typically higher than other great white shark cage diving locations around the world.
Conclusion
Great white shark cage diving is an experience that every scuba diver should not miss. If you are looking for a thrilling adventure and the opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, cage diving is the perfect activity for you.
Do not forget to read reviews carefully about local dive operators so that you can make the right decision. A reliable company will ensure your safety with its high-quality services. Diving with great whites can be an amazing experience, but it is important to remember that these animals should always be respected and treated with caution.
With experienced instructors and top-of-the-line safety equipment, you can rest assured that your dive will be both safe and enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today with discoverthedinosaurs!
