There is less cage movement to deal with during deep cage dives than at the surface. The ocean surface can be choppy and the movement of a cage exaggerates the feeling of motion for divers at the surface. If a diver is prone to motion sickness, it is worth taking extra motion sickness medication or precautions for surface cage dives.
Take motion sickness precautions for surface cage dives Divers should be especially mindful when the cage lid is being lowered in choppy conditions and keep their hands away from the rim of the cage. Divers should stay within the cage whilst in the water and be careful not to trap fingers or equipment between the cage bars and the boat. It is advisable to ask the crew to pass cameras to divers once they are within the cage and vice versa before exiting the water. However, getting in and out of the cage must be done carefully and the safest entry technique is a controlled seated entry, with hands and equipment kept away from the gap between the cage and the boat. Photo courtesy of Nautilus Belle Amie - Copyright: Bea Metzer Follow cage safety procedures to prevent injuryĬage diving is extremely safe and accidents rarely occur. Amazing interaction with Great White sharks. Surface dives are also good for divers who are fearful of sharks, as they can return to the boat easily if they want to.
It makes experiencing the sharks easier as there is no consideration needed for scuba gear and being at depth. It is important to choose a destination with the right type of equipment and dive style for the diver’s needs and experience level.įor those divers new to shark diving or open-ocean diving, a surface cage dive using a snorkel is a good introduction. Cage diving operators will provide snorkels, hookah dive systems, or open circuit setups, depending on whether the cage dive is at the surface or at depth. Choose the right air source and depth for your experience levelĬage diving can be conducted at the surface or at depth, and so is suitable for divers and non-divers alike. A wind-proof jacket over a wetsuit and a woolly hat can provide warmth whilst waiting for sharks to arrive and they can be quickly removed when it’s time to dive. The arrival and departure of sharks near the cage can never be guaranteed, so it is useful to always be ready to get into the cage at short notice. Taking the right clothing for in-between dives is always important and useful kit additions for cage diving on colder days are a woolly hat and wind-proof jacket. Take extra clothing for warmth and quick removal when sharks arrive Divers may also wish to consider using a hood and gloves for extra warmth in the cage. Cage diving with Galapagos and sandbar sharks is available from O’ahu.Ĭhoosing the right exposure suit for the destination ensures a comfortable experience and maximum time in the water with the sharks. By comparison, scuba diving in O’ahu Hawaii is warmer, with water temperatures of 23 to 26 degrees Celsius.
It is important for divers to consider the water temperature at their chosen destination.Īs an example, Guadalupe’s water temperature is 19 to 22 degrees Celsius and is best dived from August to October whilst wearing a 5mm to 7mm wetsuit. As such, divers can expect to get colder, and more quickly, than during a regular dive. Choose the right exposure suit for cage divingĬage diving is less active than regular scuba diving and involves being mostly still within a cage, and for an extended time. Whilst the risk of injury or accident whilst cage diving with sharks is very low, there are some extra considerations divers can take to ensure a comfortable and safe cage dive. Scuba diving experience is not required for cage diving at Guadalupe, making it accessible for all. Guadalupe is known for its large female great white sharks, up to 18 feet length, that congregate at the island each September. One of the premier places for great white shark cage diving is Guadalupe, where divers can experience these sharks in warm, crystal clear water. Top Tips for Cage Diving with Sharks Cage diving with Great White Sharks in Guadalupe, Mexico - photo courtesy of Nautilus ExplorerĬage diving with sharks is an incredible experience offered at destinations around the globe.