Great White Shark Diving: Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't find the answer here, please call or send us an e-mail...

Q: What’s included in the trip?
A: Islander's shark trips are all-inclusive. That means Four star meals, snacks, beer, wine, all non-alcoholic drinks, accommodations, Biosphere permits, wetsuits, regulators, weight system and of course a very experienced, friendly and helpful crew.

Q: What sets Islander Charters apart from other Great White Shark Diving operations at Guadalupe Island?
A: Islander Charters is the whole package that you will not get with other outfitters. We own our boat, shark cages, all of the dive equipment and run our own trips. This allows us to customize all of our equipment to mesh perfectly with our operation. We also operate many other types of multi-day trips in these same waters year-round. Guadalupe Island and surrounding waters are in our backyard which means we have the knowledge to insure a successful trip. Other trips we run trips include long-range sportfishing and Spearfishing trips. We utilize our experience finding fish and successfully apply it to finding sharks at Guadalupe Island.

Q: Is Great White Shark cage diving safe?
A:Yes, despite what you see on sensationalized TV programs, Great White Sharks are very cautious and graceful animals. We do not encourage animals to bite cages or crash into cages doing harm to their teeth and endangering divers. We have a perfect safety record which includes never having a “close call”. Our professional crew, with thousands of days of big game fishing experience, understands the movements of large animals and handles them expertly.

Q: Do I need to be SCUBA certified to cage dive?
A: No. Although scuba diving experience is a plus, it’s not required as the air is surface supplied via hookah hose in our two large floating shark cages.To participate in the submerged cage, SCUBA certification is required. If you have never breathed through a regulator, our instructor will brief you and evaluate your comfort level in the water. If you are uncomfortable breathing from a regulator, you will still be able to clearly view White Sharks from the dive deck topside.

Q:How big are the Great White Sharks?
A: Most White Sharks at Guadalupe Island range from 12-16 feet long. Although large, it’s not the length of the animals that awes most first timers, it’s the girth.

Q: How reliable are the Great White Shark sightings at Guadalupe Island?
A: Extremely reliable. To date, we have never been skunked. We normally encounter multiple sharks each day. Our record is seven different animals circling the boat at the same time!

Q: How clear is the water at Guadalupe Island?
A: Very clear. Unlike shark diving California waters, Guadalupe Island boasts visibility of over 100 feet. On average, you can expect 80-120 foot visibility.

Q: How cold is the water at Guadalupe Island?
A: The water temperature at Guadalupe Island ranges from 65-75degrees Fahrenheit. We suggest diving with 5mm – 7mm wetsuit with a hood. Although the water is not cold like shark diving California, multiple dives each day can leach warmth form your body. Islander advice for staying warm is to not get cold in the first place!

Q: How long does it take to get to Guadalupe Island?
A: Travel time is approximately 23 hours. The majority of the traveling is done at night while guests are sleeping.

Q: Is there anything to do on the boat while travelling to Guadalupe Island?
A: Yes, we have a fully stocked video library with many informative Great White Shark documentaries. But of course, Jaws is usually the first movie people play to revisit the reason they are aboard. In addition, there are informative books about the Great White Sharks. The more you know about them, the more you will get out of your trip. Many divers watch for whales, dolphin and other marine life that we commonly encounter in transit to and from Guadalupe Island.

Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: Sleeping quarter’s onboard Islander are stateroom style with two berths per room. Each room is air-conditioned with a sink, mirror, 110v outlets and storage for clothing. All doors can be secured from inside. Berths have pillows, full linens including a fitted sheet, top sheet and comforter.

Still have questions? Give us a call at (619) 204 4539.