White Sharks at the Farallon Islands on Youtube.com, posted by Shark Diving International. They are here. It is
Sharking Season. Click on the arrow to see the amazing video from the Farallon Islands.
White Shark Cage Diving Photo Expedition -
Last fall I travelled with out with Shark Diving International on a Photo Safari October 12th, 2006. I have severe asthma and don't
even consider diving anymore, but I was hoping for surface sightings. According to shark lore at the Farallon Islands it was nothing short of perfect conditions.
Crystaline pure blue sky with still air and water and heat like south of the border. There were no shark sightings that day. Well let me correct that. A White Shark Breeched but I didnt see it. Divers in the cage did have some glimpses.
I myself have seen White Sharks out at the Farallon Islands at least six times including two major feeding events and and four surface sightings. I have been to the Farallon
Islands about 65 times. One of the feeding events was the fall of 2002, when Susan Casey, author of "Devils Teeth" was out there. It was the most brutal of all the attacks
and the photography I took that day the most spectacular. It is also the only photography I have ever accidently deleted. Oh well. Beyond the bloody feeding event, the tracking tags,
and the myriad of cast of characters at the feeding event that day, it probably was best. It was definitively my lowest moment as a photographer as I realized I had deleted those photos.
I had a Gig card, in those days that was a big card and I had downloaded all the shark photos and was late for an aerial photo shoot. I mistakenly thought the files on
my hard drive were the photos on the Gig card and deleted them to clean the card for the next shoot. Well. We are working on letting that go.
So back to the glassy flat shark hunting perfect weather this last fall. On the particular day I went there were people from all over
who had flown in to go cage diving seeking white shark adventures. The couple that went in the cage together, the girl that turned out to be
afraid, the guy that went at least for four sessions, the famous photographer that sat on the roof, and the cast of characters that make the Shark Diving Crew.
No white sharks were seen. By me at least. I did see something spectacular and even more random though. A pod of 12 to 14 Risso's Dolphin came swimming in from the direction of the
Continental shelf in staggered chorus line formations and literally, seriously, went up to to each and every boat as if greeting the captains, and passengers.
Risso's Dolphins tend to like deep waters. But this the second time I have seen them do something like this in this area, that being
the Gulf of the Farallones. They swam in past each boat, and then went to the famous surf break, the one that in theory could be surfed if you were insane and not
afraid of white sharks eating you, and rode the wave and jumped and breeched repetitively. This was so wierd that a white shark in turn
breeched to see what was going on!!!! I missed this, the shark breeching that is, but Captain Mick and several people on our boat saw it. I did however happen to see one of the
major attacks in the video above on an entirely different day.
If you decide you want to go and spend a day yourself as shark bait in the cage the contact info is below:
Great White Adventures www.SeeSharks.com
The Ultimate Shark Diving Experience Is Closer Than You Think!
And Carpe Diem.
Shark Diving International
www.seesharks.com
FROM THE SHARK DIVING INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE:
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".
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 Superfishıs size( 54'feet) , speed and maneuverability, while they enjoy her comfort and stability.
Price: Cage Diver
US $775 per person
Includes cage diving, diving air, weights and weight belts, continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages, beer and wine.
Price: Topside Observer
US $375 per personv
Includes continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages, beer, wine.
Farallon Island Story:
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".
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. Their experienced professional crew has been conducting expeditions to the Farallons since 1998.
For More Bay Area Nature:
Visit The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
Whale Tail License Plates
Put a whale tail on your car or truck and support
the preservation of California resources -
