Exploration Guide for Guadalupe Island
Experience Unrivaled Shark Encounters at Guadalupe Island
Guadalupe Island, located off the coast of Mexico, is a renowned destination for cage diving with great white sharks. This unique experience offers unparalleled encounters with these majestic predators, attracting divers from around the world.
The best time to visit Guadalupe Island for great white shark sightings is from August to October. The shark season runs from July to November, peaking in late season (September-October) when the biggest females arrive. Water temperatures during this period range from 21-24°C (70-75°F), requiring wetsuits.
The journey to Guadalupe Island starts in San Diego, California, with a bus ride to Ensenada and a liveaboard departure from Ensenada. The boat ride takes approximately 18 hours. Both divers and non-divers can participate, using surface cages with air hoses or submersible cages with scuba tanks (SPOCs).
Guadalupe Island is unique for allowing diving in a self-propelled ocean cage (SPOC) that moves alongside sharks at about 5 knots, providing exceptional photo opportunities. Divers typically take turns going into cages, with 3-4 45-minute dives per day.
For underwater photography at Guadalupe Island, high-speed shooting mode on your camera is recommended, along with fisheye or rectilinear lenses. Fast shutter speeds (at least 1/125th of a second) are beneficial, and strobes on manual power, low power, with diffusers are suggested to avoid hot spots on the sharks' bellies. Short strobe arms (6 or 8 inch single arms) are necessary due to the limited space in the cage.
Visibility at Guadalupe Island is generally excellent, making it ideal for photography and observation of feeding and mating behaviors. However, due to remaining still in a cage, the water may seem colder than normal, so a 7mm suit or drysuit is recommended.
As of January 2023, the Mexican government has banned all great white shark-related tourism at Guadalupe Island to protect the species and their ecosystem. This means that shark cage diving liveaboard trips there have been suspended indefinitely pending new regulations or changes in policy.
For the best Guadalupe liveaboard options, visit the Guadalupe dive page on Bluewater Travel's sister website. It's also recommended to bring sea-sickness medication due to potential issues during the boat ride. Leave your macro lens at home, as a wide-angle lens is recommended for underwater photography at Guadalupe Island.
White sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, and Great white sharks are commonly seen at Guadalupe Island. These creatures are usually seen in groups, with 1-3 sharks at any given time and a total of 4-8 individuals over a 3 or 4 day trip.
Guadalupe Island is famous for the presence of Great White Sharks, making it a must-visit destination for any shark enthusiast. Despite the current tourism restrictions, the hope remains that these conservation measures will ensure the continued survival and thriving of these magnificent creatures for future generations to marvel at.
[1] Bluewater Travel [2] Guadalupe Island Dive Page [3] Mexico Bans Great White Shark Tourism
- Guadalupe Island, renowned for its outstanding shark diving experiences, is situated off the coast of Mexico.
- Boasting exceptional encounters with great white sharks, it's an essential destination for divers worldwide.
- For the unique opportunity to witness these marine predators up close, consider a trip from August to October.
- The journey commences in San Diego, California, via a bus ride to Ensenada and a liveaboard departure.
- Photography enthusiasts should bring rectilinear lenses and utilize high-speed shooting modes for the best results.
- Despite the current ban on shark tourism, the hope remains that future conservation efforts may reopen this awe-inspiring destination.
