White Shark Adventure

Guadalupe Island could be the next South Africa or Australia to the world of great white shark admirers… only better! Horizon Charters departs from San Diego, California, which means if you live in United States, Canada or Mexico you are going to save big money to a world class great white shark destination!

Show up in San Diego, step onboard a Horizon Charters live-aboard and you’re off! Our white shark adventures are 5 to 8 days in length to a geologically amazing destination in very clear water. (90-foot visibility on average.) The price of your trip includes lodging, food (3 squares a day!), aquatic transportation and excitement. (In many forms!)

For more information and reservations call Grafdiving at 760 402 3483 or

Click here to contact us!

WHERE: Guadalupe Island, 210 miles south of San Diego and 150 miles off the Baja Peninsula. Typically a 22 hour crossing.

WHEN:

 Horizon Trips

August 26-30

September 4-8

September 9-13

September 15-19

October 17-21

Click here to see our slide show from the October 17th trip!

 

Ocean Odyssey Trips (no need to be certified)

October 8 - 12

October 15 - 19

October 22 - 26

COST: $2850

 

HOW: Two, 3-4 person cages are suspended on the surface, tethered to the stern of the boat. They are deployed early morning and retrieved before dark. Weather permitting the boat is anchored at one location and remains there for the entire trip as long as the sharks cooperate. Chumming is continuous throughout the day.
 
While the sharks are on site your turn in the cage will last from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the dive rotation. One half of all divers onboard will be in the water at any one time when sharks are present. When sharks are not present you may spend time in the cages on shark watch, as not all sharks are visible from the surface. Shark watch is on a first come first serve basis.
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PACKING FOR YOUR SHARK ADVENTURE:

WETSUIT: You could spend a lot of time in the water in the cages. The water temperature is generally 64-70 degrees, but you will not be moving much while in the water. A 7mm wetsuit is the minimum recommended. Dry suits are not out of the question. Bring a hood or hooded vest, gloves and booties as well

REGULATOR / BOUYANCY COMPENSATOR / WEIGHTS: You will not need to bring them. While in the cage your air will be provided via a hookah line. Simply put, a regulator will be attached to a hose which is connected to the air system onboard the boat.
You will wear 40-50 pounds of weight, which will be provided by the boat. The weight keeps your feet firmly planted on the bottom of the cage.

MASK / FINS / SNORKEL: Bring your mask. Fins and snorkel are not needed.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT: Yes, yes, yes! But smaller is better. Nikonos, Sea & Sea and Sea Life cameras are streamlined and easy to use in the cage. Housed SLR’s, digital and video cameras are excellent as well. Try to avoid long strobe arms, as they are very obtrusive to fellow divers in your cage. The last thing anyone wants in their perfectly framed white shark shot is someone else’s strobe!

FILM: The leeward side of Guadalupe, which is where we anchor, is usually blessed with clear sunny skies. During midday your usual choice of wide-angle film will be fine. Before 9am, after 3pm or if the boat is anchored in a position which the island blocks the sun, you may wish to bump up your film speed a notch or two. As mentioned earlier, the water visibility is generally excellent (70-100 feet).

PHOTO PROCESSING: Some of our great white shark adventures will offer E-6 processing for a set fee per processed roll. The charter master of the date of interest will be able to let you know if processing will be available.

ALTERNATE ACTIVITIES: Witnessing sharks is of course the primary objective, but there are many other activities to enjoy while onboard a Horizon Charters Great White Shark Diving Adventure! Bird watching, fishing, top side photography (Sharks photograph great from the surface as well!), whale watching, relaxing and most importantly socializing with your fellow divers who are generally from all walks of life.

 

SHARK FAQ's:

Are white sharks sightings guaranteed?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. There are many things that are in our control, but Mother Nature and her children are not in that scope.

Do I receive a refund if sharks are not sighted?
No.

What kind of weather should I expect on the crossing?
Some crossings are beautiful and calm, while others are not. When traveling on the ocean one should take all the precautions necessary to ensure a comfortable journey.

What type of weather should I expect at the island?
Generally warm (mid 70’s) during the day and cool (low 60’s to upper 50’s) at night.

Will I be able to go ashore?
Unless the charter master has made prior arrangements with HORIZON CHARTERS, the answer is no.

Are passports necessary?
No, unless the itinerary includes island hiking. Refer to the above question.

What dive qualifications must I have?
For trips on the Ocean Odyssey you don’t have to be certified. We have a Instructor on board that will check you out to dive in the cage.

Open water certification is the minimum requirement for trips on the Horizon. You should be comfortable in the water and have a firm grasp on all of your dive skills. You also must be able to show proof of certification.

Will the crew handle my expensive and fragile camera equipment with care?
Yes, we are very gentle with the equipment. The last thing you need is a broken camera on your trip of a lifetime.

What is not Included in the price?
Airfare, airport transfers, specialty drinks, gratuity

 

For more information and reservations call Grafdiving at 760 402 3483 or

click here to contact us!

 

 

Grafdiving, 1205 Saxony Rd. Encinitas CA 92024 Tel. 760 402 3483

 

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