Guadalupe Island
Located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 165 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico, Guadalupe Island is rapidly becoming the world’s best location for viewing and the photography of great white sharks. The visibility is often more than 100 ft and the water temperature averages between 65F-70F. This is cage diving at its best and most exciting!
The Trip
Meet our dedicated Xperts team in person, we are here to give you memories of a lifetime. Your trip on an all inclusive 90ft liveaboard includes 5 days at sea and 3 full days shark diving giving you potentially over 15 hours of in water viewing and unlimited surface viewing of our sharks. Due to its prime location and our 3 shark cages we often see up to a dozen different sharks per day, 2 sharks at the same time is not uncommon here.
Photography
If you are a photographer then this is the place to see Great White sharks. The visibility is incredible and has to be the number 1 location for crystal clear shots of these immense animals. We have 2 cages capable of holding up to 5 people with plenty of space for your equipment. Additionally we offer a submersible cage, available for certified divers to descend 30ft below to achieve a completely different perspective and angle for your photographs. Guadalupe island is a long way from San Diego so day 1 is all about travel. Although there may not be sharks you will not be bored!EVENING BOARDING
We depart San Diego on board the MV Islander at 10pm. Our skipper will give a safety brief and Jimi will explain what to expect over the next few days. We will then start to make our way overnight to Ensenada to check in with Mexican immigration in the morning.
7am - The first of many meals is served before checking in with immigration in Ensenada. During this process guest do not need to leave the boat. Customs officials will board the boat and soon after we will depart for Guadalupe Island.
9am - We depart the dock in Ensenada and start our adventure! Our skipper will give a safety brief and Jimi will explain what to expect over the next few days. You will be served breakfast and will have plenty of time to settle into your new home, meet the crew and get to know each other.
12am - Jimi will give a scuba class to anyone on board who has never dived before and anyone wanting a refresher. This gives you plenty of time to organize your equipment.
1pm - Lunch is served and the rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing, watching the waves roll by and land slowly disappear from view!
4pm - Hors d'oeuvres are served and the sun starts to go down.
6pm - Dinner is served and the evening is usually spent relaxing, watching movies, talking to guests and learning fascinating facts about Great White sharks.

7am - Breakfast is served after a night dreaming about sharks!
8am - The Islander arrives at Guadalupe Island, cages are lowered into the water and Jimi will conduct a full shark diving brief in the Galley.
A full demonstration on cage safety takes place on the back deck before our dive operations begin.Full dive rotations start and continue throughout the day.
10am - Mid morning snacks are served as the shark action is often starting to take off!
12am - Lunch is served but shark diving rotations will continue throughout for those who cant get enough!
3pm - Hors d'oeuvres are served, shark action continues!
4pm - Its starting to get dark so diving for today comes to an end and we say goodbye to the sharks until tomorrow.
7pm - Dinner is served, we give a roundup of the first days shark diving and the evening is yours to do what you wish. Often the wine is flowing and people are very excited after their first experiences meeting our sharks!
 
7am - Breakfast is served and a full days shark diving is about to start! The cages are open and shark diving commences as soon as you wish!
10am - Midmorning snacks are served to hungry shark divers.
12am - Lunch is served and is often eaten sitting outside watching sharks circle the boat. Diving rotations continue throughout.
3pm - Hors d'oeuvres are served once more.
4pm - Shark diving operations end for the day and we often have to drag people out of the cages as they cant seem to get enough!
7pm - Dinner is served and the evenings entertainment commences (Jaws is usually a favourite movie choice!)
 
7am - Breakfast is served and guests are very familiar with the operation by now. Again, as soon as you can get your wetsuit on “the pool is open”
10am - Midmorning snack is served (you certainly are fed well on this trip!)
12am - Lunch is served but shark diving continues as usual throughout.
3pm - Hors d'oeuvres are served as people start to reflect on their experiences over the last few days.
4pm - Shark diving unfortunately comes to an end and people wave goodbye to their favourite sharks till next time.
5pm - Before Dinner and before departing the island our skipper will give a short tour of some of the islands main features including getting close to its sea lions and wide range of bird life - again perfect photo opportunities.
7pm - Dinner is served as we depart for Ensenada. The final evening is often spent with guests reminiscing over unforgettable moments during the past days and sharing some incredible photographs!

12am - Lunch will be served as you start to reflect on your adventure with us over the past 4 days.
4pm - Jimi will give a trip round up as San Diego comes back into view.
5-6pm - After a short stop at US Customs we end up back at the landing where it all began, leaving you with the memories of a lifetime!

FAQ
Q: What’s included in the trip?
Everything! Once we pick you up outside the Holiday Inn in San Diego and board our coach to Ensenada there are no extra “hidden fees” for the rest of the 5 day trip! We supply all the food you can eat, all immigration fees when crossing the US border, permits, all accommodation, plenty of beer and wine plus sharks, stories and memories to last a lifetime!

Q: Is Great White Shark cage diving safe?
Yes, cage diving with Great White sharks is one of the safest shark dives you can do. As well as quoting our 100% safety record we must point out that contrary to popular belief, Great White sharks are often cautious and timid during diving operations. These animals often approach our cages with extreme care and will very rarely bump or mouth the cages for investigation. On rare occasions, if this does happen, our cages are designed to withstand the challenge. The sharks are not being aggressive , just exploring new objects in their environment. Never forget, our highly qualified and experienced crew always regard your safety as their number 1 priority. They will never put you in any situation that is deemed to be unsafe in anyway.

Q: How does Guadalupe Island compare to other Great White shark locations?
Shark Diving Xperts personally believe that Guadalupe is the best location to view Great White sharks for many different reasons. Firstly, the visibility is incredible, (unlike other Great White locations around the world.) It is also often calm and the hot weather makes life on board consistently pleasurable. The abundance of sharks is another bonus and given the fact that only liveabaord boats visit the island means you are not sharing the waters with other operators and “fighting” over the sharks!

Q: Do I need to be SCUBA certified to cage dive?
No, our Divemaster on board is also a fully qualified Instructor and will give anyone who is non certified a quick and easy lesson on the basics of scuba diving en route. Often, many people on our trips have never dived before and after this quick scuba class are soon in the water enjoying the sharks like pros!

Q. How much dive time can I expect during the trip?
Underwater time for our guests average between - 12 - 18 hours over the course of 3 days. This is due to our cage capacity and our limited amount of guests. Unlike some Great White shark operators who only offer 45 mins in total, on our trips, by the 3rd day we often see divers “sitting out” rotations out of choice as they have simply seen so much!

Q:How big are the Great White Sharks?
Most average between 12-15 ft with the odd 16-17 ft big mama turning up! What is special about the Great White sharks at Guadalupe island is not their size but their girth! These animals are wide! You will truly appreciate this when one is cruising towards you!

Q: How reliable are the Great White Shark sightings at Guadalupe Island?
We have never failed to see sharks on any of our trips such is the high concentration at Guadalupe Island. It is not uncommon to have more than one shark around the cages at the same time and on spectacular days, lucky guests can be treated to the sight of between 5 - 7 different sharks circling the boat! Simply put, it is an embarrassing amount of Great White sharks and by the end of the trip will have certainly got your “fix”

Q: How clear is the water at Guadalupe Island?
We are diving in the Pacific Ocean and clarity is often between 80 - 100 ft! It is not a case of peering into the gloom and only seeing sharks when they are right in front of you. Due to the brilliant visibility, you can see our sharks from deep down approaching from the depths and providing you with some amazing photo opportunities.

Q: How cold is the water at Guadalupe Island?
The water temperature at Guadalupe Island ranges from 65-75 degrees fahrenheit. We suggest diving with a 5mm – 7mm wetsuit with a hood. Even though at times you may feel the cold, guests are rarely too concerned , as a 15ft shark looking at you soon takes your mind of it! Additionally, when you get out the water the blazing sun will soon get you toasty again.

Q: How long does it take to get to Guadalupe Island?
From when the Islander leaves Ensenada the journey to Guadalupe Island takes approximately 23 hours. Our first day is mostly travel and gives guests plenty of time to get to know each other and the crew, to share shark stories, to relax and to enjoy the view. The boat continues over night while guests sleep and on the second morning you will awake to be greeted by the island and not long after that, the sharks!

Q: What is the accommodation like?
Sleeping quarter’s onboard the Islander are stateroom style with 2 berths per room. Each room is air-conditioned with a sink, mirror, electrical outlets and clothing storage. Berths have pillows, full linens including a fitted sheet, top sheet and comforter.

Q: What is the food like ?
Our food is 4 star freshly made and lovingly served by our friendly chef, Rick. As well as cooking 3 full and varied meals a day, he provides you with all the snacks you can eat including freshly caught sushi! The bar or kitchen is always open for you to “help yourself” to any food that is available! Depending on your diet we are very flexible and will cater for whatever your requirements are including vegetarian options. Put simply, the food on this trip is as memorable as everything else and you will not go hungry!

MV Islander
Size - 90’ x 24’
Weight - 92 gross tons
Strength - 2 x 3406 450hp Caterpillar Main engines
Capacity - 124 passengers coastwise and 30 passengers overnight (shark trips limited to 16)
Main Features - 3 shark cages, dive platform, galley, wheelhouse, upper and lower viewing decks, 11 staterooms, toilets and showers.

The Islander has 11 staterooms designed for maximum comfort. Each room has 2 single bunk beds with fresh linen and pillows. All staterooms are air conditioned, have electrical sockets, wash basins and plenty of storage space. Our galley has loads of room for relaxing before during and after your diving. It has plenty of space in which to socialize and enjoy our fine cuisine. It also includes a TV/DVD player, plenty of storage, books and magazines. The galley bar is always open for thirsty shark divers and snacks are constantly available for you to “help yourself.” This is where the action takes place! There is plenty of space on deck and due to the fantastic water clarity viewing Great White sharks from out of the water can be just as exciting as being in it! The viewing deck has a relaxed feel to it and between cage dives just bask in the Mexican heat, soak up some rays and enjoy the endless refreshments on offer! This area will become your home and here is where you may observe some amazing shark activity, including giant sharks circling the boat and breaching sharks only feet away! Diving wise the dive deck is perfectly designed. The back of the boat has a specifically modified dive step for easing you in and out of our huge shark cages. It also has plenty of room for all necessary equipment such as wetsuits, cameras and any other dive gear. The cages are the only thing separating you from 15ft sharks and they will become your “home” underwater for up to 15 hours or more over the course of our trip. Shark Diving Xperts have spent many hours in all shaped cages in all parts of the world researching which ones work best. We believe that ours are amongst the safest and most comfortable in the industry.

2 Surface cages
• Each holds up to 4 shark divers at a time
• Easy and safe entry and exit points including lids and ladders
• Hand rails for ease of entry/exit
• Tough aluminum material
• Large viewing windows for maximum photo opportunities
• Padded hand rails for added comfort
• Emergency exit door

Our 2 surface cages are attached to the back of the Islander through a complicated system of metallic arms, ropes and bolts making them totally secure. They were designed specifically for our vessel and were meticulously welded with superior materials and techniques.All construction has been done by Travis Thomas, senior welder for the Marine Science Development Centre at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Our shark cages are constructed of 6061 T6 aluminum alloy. They are the only cages at Guadalupe Island that are hand TIG welded, not to be confused with the weaker, faster technique of MIG welding making them the strongest shark cages operating at Guadalupe Island. Their specific features also make them amongst the most comfortable of shark cage designs. Safe entry and exit points with wraparound rails for extra ease, safety and comfort. Their large viewing windows are ideal for great close up encounters with our sharks and if you are a photographer then you are getting a fantastic opportunity to capture some incredible visuals. Our padded rails surrounding the viewing windows are for divers comfort and to safeguard expensive camera equipment guests may have. Shark Diving Xperts are proud to be able to also offer a submersible drop down cage that is capable of descending to 30ft for an even more unique look at our huge sharks! Not many operators in the world offer this experience and trust us, it is an experience you will never forget!

• Holds 2 shark divers
• Tough aluminum material
• Large viewing window
• Fantastic 360 degree photo opportunities

Again, this cage has been specifically designed for life at Guadalupe Island and its strength is its main attribute. Diving in the submersible is only available however to certified divers for obvious safety reasons. If you are certified then this is a must! You will get a true feeling of being in the sharks world as you descend into the big blue. Due to the nature of our sharks they will not hesitate to investigate this alien object entering their world. If you have brought your camera then you will have the opportunity to get some simply incredible images as the sharks swim above and below you and in all directions! This is all done under the direct supervision of our Divemaster who personally takes each individual guest down with him on a one to one basis.Unforgettable!
Guadalupe is one of the most remote and untouched wildlife destinations in the world today! It lies 160 miles off the coast of Ensenada and has an area of approximately 120 square miles. Its open ocean currents create its famed 100ft water visibility. Water temperature is between 65-75 degrees and its abundance of wildlife make it a truly special and inspiring place.
When you wake up on day 2 of our trip you are greeted by an incredible spectacle - namely the majestic north west of the island. Its solid rock face rises to an amazing 4200 feet above sea level and as the Islander approaches you will crane your neck in awe at the almost prehistoric landscape! Its red and orange coloured cliffs, large upheavals of solid rock and numerous cinder cones reveal the islands volcanic origins.

Beginning in late December, the Guadalupe Great Whites migrate to a vast habitat in the mid-Pacific, diving, at times to 3,000 feet in an apparent search for food. Referred to by some as “White Shark Cafe”, this habitat has been labelled the Shared Offshore Foraging Area, aka SOFA.
Precisely why the apex predators visit SOFA remains a mystery. Based on a study of their diving patterns, some suggest it is to hunt rather than to reproduce. Tagged sharks recorded at SOFA appear to be widely dispersed throughout the area and on return to Guadalupe Island show no signs of being underweight.

What food could they find at such depths? Squid, maybe swordfish and other sharks?
Those visiting Hawaii would be there during the Humpback whale calving season. If then, White sharks are not mating at Guadalupe Island, where does mating occur? It could be at the SOFA, but nobody knows that. Nor is it known where white sharks are born, though some presume pupping occurs along the coast. The males arrive back at Guadalupe, at the beginning of July, coinciding with the pupping of the Fur seals. The females arrive several weeks later. The Islander crew were one of the first to notice sharks at Guadalupe island. Over the years they have seen them return time and time again becoming both increasingly popular and thrilling for our guests! Shark Diving Xperts know many of these sharks by name and it is always exciting when one of our “old buddies” shows up at the side of the boat to greet us! “Shredder” is probably the most famous Great White shark in the world and rightly so. Shark Diving Xperts love this charismatic guy, a 15ft male with a unmistakable “shredded” dorsal fin! The story goes that he once bit through the anchor line of a diving operators boat and was christened from that day onwards! He is seen almost every year (every trip in 2010!) and his appearance never fails to make an impression on our divers. He is a true showman!
Amongst his “buddies” at the island are many other characters including Bruce a 14ft confident male, Lucy a 12 ft female with distinctive broken tail fin, Skid another male famed for being tagged on the National Geographic channel and Nosy an easily identified female with white scarring on her nose! COME AND MEET THEM IN PERSON!!!
 
Our crew of Shark Diving Xperts have been working together for several years. They have many qualifications between them and all bring their own invaluable expertise to your trip. Their second to none seamanship, their knowledge of the environment and their enthusiasm and respect for the sharks,makes them one of the best all round crews working in the waters of Guadalupe Island. Shark Diving Xperts will supply the boat, the sharks and the memories but here are a few things that you may need to bring
on the trip to make it as personal and comfortable as possible.

PAPERWORK
• Liability waivers and Questionnaire - completed, signed and returned to Waterworld.ee
• Trip Insurance - Shark Diving Xperts recommends DAN medical/travel and dive insurance

DIVE GEAR
• Mask - If you have one, although we do supply masks we believe that it is the most important piece of equipment you need and it certainly gets used over the course of the trip so you want one that fits you well and feels comfortable.
• Underwater camera - we will supply rental cameras at affordable prices but there is nothing like having your own.
• Certification cards - or proof of certification if qualified.

CLOTHING
• Hat - both woolly for potentially chilly evenings and a cap to shade the glorious Mexican rays
• Sunglasses - preferably polarized as they give better viewing of sharks from the deck
• Jacket - For early mornings and in case the wind should pick up
• Sandals - for comfort on deck
• Hooded jumper - comfortable for evening drinks on the deck and early morning starts

PERSONAL ITEMS
• Sunscreen - protection from the sun
• Towels - you are going diving!
• Binoculars - Not essential but great for spotting bird and seal life on the island
• Toiletries - we supply the basics but bring any additional you think you may need
• Books - For chilled evenings or the journey to and from the island
• Batteries - Don't forget these if you are bringing a camera
• Camera - Don't leave home without it!
• Adaptors/Chargers etc - You will kick yourself if you forget these!
• Passport - We cannot take you without this!

Fronting beautiful San Diego Bay, the Holiday Inn Bayside is located in the newly redeveloped Point Loma area, whithin walking distance of over a dozen restaurants, sport fishing & whale watching marina, scenic walking paths along the San Diego Bay, and Liberty Station.
It is conveniently located only 1 mile from the San Diego Airport and 4 miles from the Gas Lamp Quarter and Convention Centre.

The hotel proudly features the newly relaunched look of the Holiday Inn. It showcases contemporary design, refreshed guest rooms, and a new service culture to consistently deliver superb service ensuring the success of your meetings and special events.

Waterworld Expedition with Shark XPERTS.