Island Guide: Guadalupe
Exploring the Depths of Guadalupe Island: A Guide to Great White Shark Diving
Guadalupe Island, famed for its Great White Shark population, offers a unique underwater adventure for divers from around the world. Here's what you need to know about diving with these majestic creatures in this remote location.
Located off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, Guadalupe Island can be reached by a day's boat ride from Ensenada. The best time to visit is from August to October when the waters teem with great white sharks[1].
During your stay, you'll be aboard a specialized liveaboard vessel, designed for shark cage diving. These boats operate seasonally from San Diego or Ensenada, and trips typically last 5-6 days[1]. The cost for these trips ranges from around $3,300 to $3,700 USD, excluding airfare and port fees[3].
While on board, you'll have the opportunity to experience multiple cage dives per day, with a rotation system ensuring everyone gets their chance[2]. The submersible cages drop down to about 40ft, providing a close-up view of the sharks[2].
For underwater photography, it's recommended to use fisheye or rectilinear lenses, and short strobe arms (6 or 8 inch single arms)[4]. To capture the best images, use fast shutter speeds (at least 1/125th of a second) and set your strobes on manual power with low power and diffusers to avoid hot spots on the shark bellies[4].
It's important to note that white sharks are usually present during dives, and you may encounter other species such as Great white sharks and Carcharodon carcharias[1]. However, due to the stillness in the cage during dives, the water can seem colder than normal[2]. A 7mm suit or drysuit is recommended to combat the cold temperatures that are common in Guadalupe Island, with water temperatures in the 60's[2].
An exciting feature of some trips is the Self Propelled Ocean Cage (SPOC), which allows divers to move alongside sharks at speeds of around 5 knots[1][3]. This unique offering provides an unparalleled underwater experience, allowing you to get out of the submersible cage and stand on top of it for a truly memorable encounter[1].
Please be aware that, as of 2022, shark cage diving at Guadalupe Island has been indefinitely closed[1]. This closure significantly impacts liveaboard availability, so it's essential to check the latest status with operators before planning a trip.
For more information on the best Guadalupe liveaboard options, visit the Guadalupe dive page on Bluewater Travel's sister website[6]. Whether you're an experienced diver or a novice, these trips offer an unforgettable experience with the world's most feared and fascinating predators.
[1] https://www.bluewaterdivetravel.com/destinations/guadalupe-island [2] https://www.bluewaterdivetravel.com/destinations/guadalupe-island/diving [3] https://www.diveadvisor.net/dive-sites/guadalupe-island-cage-diving [4] https://www.bluewaterdivetravel.com/destinations/guadalupe-island/photography [5] https://www.liveaboard.com/mexico/solmar-v [6] https://www.bluewaterdivetravel.com/liveaboards
- A diver, equipped with a fisheye or rectilinear lens and short strobe arms, can capture stunning underwater images of Great White Sharks at Guadalupe Island.
- The Self Propelled Ocean Cage (SPOC) introduces an exciting experience for divers, allowing them to move alongside sharks while standing on top of the cage.
- Guadalupe Island, a destination famous for its Great White Shark population, offers an unforgettable underwater adventure for divers from various levels of experience.
- Each diver on the liveaboard vessel gets a chance to experience multiple dives per day with these majestic creatures in a submersible cage that descends to about 40ft.
- While encountering Great White Sharks is common during dives, divers may also meet other marine life such as Carcharodon carcharias.
- For those planning a trip to Guadalupe Island, it's crucial to check the latest status with operators since shark cage diving was indefinitely closed as of 2022.
