Shark Cage Diving (2024): All You Need to Know
I’ve been thinking about swimming with sharks lately, so I did some research to see if it’s something I’d actually want to try. Here’s what I found—it might help you decide if it’s your thing too!
What Is Shark Cage Diving?
Shark cage diving is basically when you get into a metal cage that's lowered into the ocean, letting you see sharks up close without any real danger. The cage keeps you safe while you check out some amazing creatures like great whites, tiger sharks, or bull sharks.
By the way, did you know that out of more than 500 shark species, only those three are responsible for a double-digit number of fatal, unprovoked attacks on humans? Well, now you know.
Moreover, shark diving is not just about the thrill; it's also a chance to learn about these misunderstood animals and why we should care about them.
Is Shark Cage Diving Safe?
Shark cage diving is generally quite safe because the cages are built from strong, reinforced metal to protect divers. Reputable operators use strict safety protocols and experienced staff to ensure everything goes smoothly.
But often they use bait, or 'chum,' to attract sharks to the cage. It’s a bit controversial, though, as some worry it might change the sharks' natural behavior, especially in areas where people swim. That’s why, for example, Hawaii has banned chumming, while Florida has set up strict regulations for areas near swimmers.
Overall, serious accidents are rare, making it a thrilling but controlled experience.
Wait, what? Serious accidents? Yes, there are a few that I’ve found.
Interesting fact: shark cage was first developed by Jacques Cousteau.
Shark Cage Diving Accidents
Just to clear things up, I didn't find any records of fatalities in the history of shark cage diving—at least not for humans, and certainly not directly from the sharks themselves.
In 2005, a British tourist, Mark Currie, had a dangerous encounter while shark cage diving in South Africa. A 5-meter great white shark bit through the cage and began attacking it. The captain distracted the shark with an iron pole, allowing Currie to escape and be pulled to safety as the cage started to sink.
In 2007, a 4.6-meter great white shark got entangled in a commercial shark cage near Guadalupe Island and tore it apart while trying to free itself. Tourists filmed the incident, and the video quickly went viral online.
On April 13, 2008, a shark cage diving boat was anchored near Dyer Island and was hit by a large wave, causing it to capsize, resulting in the deaths of three tourists.
In 2016, off the coast of Mexico, a shark lunged for the bait and broke into the cage. Luckily, the diver inside managed to escape without any injuries.
Here we can see again how shark cages can be “really sturdy”:
Here you can see death of the shark attacking the cage:
After seeing all this, I’ll admit—I wasn’t feeling super safe anymore. But statistics show drowning is way more common than shark attacks. Each year, around 300,000 people drown worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), while only about 70-100 shark attacks are reported globally, with just 5-10 of them being fatal, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF). And 0 deaths from shark cage diving.
Did you know that even lightning strikes each year cause around 2000 deaths globally? Well..me neither.
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Is Shark Cage Diving Safe for Sharks?
Shark cage diving can have both positive and negative impacts on sharks, largely depending on how the practice is handled. Many ethical operators use cage diving to promote shark conservation and raise awareness about threats like overfishing and finning. However, methods like baiting or chumming, which attract sharks, can increase aggression and lead to riskier encounters for both sharks and divers. This is because baiting conditions sharks to associate boats and humans with food, altering their natural behavior and potentially creating unnatural feeding patterns. Additionally, repeated baiting in the same areas may have long-term environmental impacts on shark populations.
Requirements for Cage Dive With Sharks
The minimum age varies depending on the tour operator and location. Generally, it's around 10 to 12 years old, but some operators might have a higher age limit and some have a lower. The lowest limit I found is 2, but I just don’t understand how it is possible. Either way, I’m not planning to swim with sharks with my kids in that age, so not gonna ask them.
Generally, no SCUBA is needed, most cage dives only require snorkeling experience or no previous diving experience at all. Some operators have a minimum height requirement to ensure that divers can safely stand and stabilize themselves inside the cage.
Also, you should be in good health, with no serious medical conditions such as heart problems or severe asthma. Some tours may ask you to fill out a medical questionnaire. And you’ll need to sign a liability waiver acknowledging the risks involved in the dive.
Either way, as usual, I always recommend double-checking with the specific tour operator for their requirements, as they can vary depending on the conditions and the type of sharks you'll encounter.
Shark Dive Without Cage
Honestly, I didn’t even think that shark diving without a cage was even a thing. But as I found out, people do that. Of course, it depends on the type of sharks. But I found videos on YouTube showing people diving even with great white sharks without a cage, which are considered the most dangerous.
Obviously, it is much riskier than cage diving. Without the protection of a cage, you’re directly exposed to the sharks, which makes for a much more dangerous experience.
But what is also interesting if you didn’t know is that according to NOAA sharks mostly might bite humans out of confusion or curiosity, especially if they see splashing and want to check it out. But it looks like sharks are at more risk from us than we are from them. We hunt them for their meat, fins, and skin to make things like shark fin soup, leather, and even some lubricants.
To be honest, that information doesn’t make me feel comfortable swimming with great white sharks without a cage.
How to Be Safe While Shark Cage Diving
If you decide to give it a try, here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
Select a tour operator with a strong safety record and good reviews. They should follow strict safety protocols and have experienced staff.
Pay close attention to the pre-dive briefing. Operators will provide important instructions on how to behave around sharks and how to use the equipment.
Stick to the guidelines provided by the crew. This includes how to enter and exit the cage, how to handle yourself during the dive, and any other safety procedures.
Hold onto the cage with one hand while you climb down inside. This helps you quickly get back into the cage if a shark comes near.
Do not touch the sharks.
To get into the cage, use the controlled seated technique shown by your dive team. You’ll pull yourself down into a seated position using both hands.
Choose the right wetsuit for low activity and long exposure.
If you plan to take photos, climb into the cage first and then have someone pass you your camera. This way, you can hold onto the cage bars as you descend.
Bring a diving knife in case you get stuck or tangled in your equipment.
Keep calm and avoid sudden movements. Sharks are often attracted to splashing or erratic behavior, so staying still helps prevent provoking them.
Look for a cage diving company that doesn’t use chum to attract sharks. The top tour guides know the best spots to find sharks without using bait. Using chum can reduce the sharks' natural wariness of humans, so avoiding it can help maintain their natural behavior.
If the water is murky, it’s a good idea to avoid those areas.
Before diving, make sure all equipment, including the cage, is in good working condition and properly secured.
If you find yourself near a shark's jaws, you can still escape if you act quickly and follow these tips:
Keep your eyes on the shark. Sharks are less likely to approach if they know you’re watching them.
If a shark pushes into the cage, your best chance is to move up or down. Sharks can’t swim backward, so they’ll be thrashing around if they’re inside the cage with you.
Most cages have an exit hatch for emergencies. Make sure to ask the charter to show you how to use it before you dive.
One more tip that I found is that it’s good to have travel and dive insurance that covers shark cage diving activities. Now let’s see what are the best places for shark dive.
Best Places to Go Shark Cage Diving
Here are some of the best places I’ve found:
Gansbaai, South Africa: Known as the "Great White Shark Capital of the World," this location offers some of the best great white shark cage diving experiences.
False Bay, South Africa: Another prime spot near Cape Town, False Bay is famous for its seasonal great white shark sightings.
Guadalupe Island, Mexico: Renowned for its clear waters and large population of great white sharks, this island offers excellent visibility and close encounters.
Tiger Beach, Bahamas: Known for its tiger shark diving, as well as other species like hammerheads and reef sharks.
Port Lincoln, Australia: Located in South Australia, this area is famous for great white shark cage diving.
Ningaloo Reef, Australia: Best known for its whale shark encounters, and also offers opportunities to see various other shark species.
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Shark Cage Diving Prices
Prices can vary widely depending on the location, duration, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a rough idea:
South Africa: Prices typically range from $200 to $400 USD per person for a half-day trip.
Australia: Expect to pay between $300 and $600 AUD for a similar experience.
Mexico: Prices can range from $250 to $500 USD, depending on the tour length and inclusions.
Bahamas: Trips often cost between $250 and $500 USD, depending on the specifics of the tour.
These prices usually include equipment, guides, and sometimes food or drinks, but it’s a good idea to check what’s included and any additional costs like transportation or park fees.
Packing List
I recommend checking out my detailed ultimate gear and packing guide for swimming with whales, cause the basics are gonna be the same for every snorkeling experience, but here are a few essential items to remember:
Mask, Snorkel, and Fins— it's best to bring your own gear that fits well to avoid discomfort with rented equipment.
Anti-fog Drops or Baby Shampoo— these are essential for keeping your mask clear.
Sun Protection— wear UV-protective swimwear with UPF ratings of 50+, apply reef-safe sunscreen with at least SPF 30, use rash guards, and accessorize with hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Waterproof Camera.
Positive Attitude— approach the encounter with respect for the sharks and their environment, maintaining a positive and responsible attitude.
Why Should We Care About Sharks?
Sharks are like the ocean's clean-up crew. As top predators, they keep fish populations in check, which helps maintain a healthy balance in the marine ecosystem. If sharks were to disappear, it could lead to a domino effect, messing up the food chain and even impacting coral reefs. We all know that oceans play a key role in regulating the Earth's climate, producing oxygen, and supporting fish stocks that many communities rely on for food and livelihoods.
How Can We Help Sharks?
If you’re looking to help sharks, there are a few options. You could start by learning more about them and sharing that knowledge to clear up common myths. Supporting shark conservation groups is another way to make a difference, whether through donations or volunteering. Choosing sustainably sourced seafood helps reduce the impact on shark populations. Avoiding products made from sharks, like shark fin soup, can also contribute to their protection. Finally, getting involved in advocacy or supporting laws that protect sharks from overfishing and finning can be impactful.
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South Africa, Gansbaai and False Bay; Mexico, Guadalupe Island; Australia, Port Lincoln.
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The cage typically stays near the surface of the water, usually no more than 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) deep. Some operators may lower the cage slightly deeper, but it generally stays within easy access to the boat and air supply, especially for those not using scuba gear.
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In some places, it is allowed with strict guidelines, while in others, it is restricted or even banned.
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Humans are not part of a shark's normal diet. Sharks usually feed on small fish and invertebrates, seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals.
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According to NOAA Sharks have been known to attack humans when they are confused or curious. If a shark sees a human splashing in the water, it may try to investigate, leading to an accidental attack.
Conclusion
Well, it looks like shark cage diving is indeed a safe activity. But even though there are more chances to die from a lightning strike than from a shark attack as it turned out I still don’t feel like going to that cage after those videos.
I still would rather prefer swimming with whales with no cage. Maybe it’s because I’m not looking for a thrill, or maybe it's a more natural and meditative process to me.
But if you decide to go for it, make sure you choose authoritative operators with very good reviews that don’t use bait, in this way, there will be much fewer chances to harm yourself or sharks. And if you hesitate I recommend reading my other article about swimming with whales, maybe it will help you decide what to choose. I will be glad to hear from you in the comments about what you choose and why, or share your experience if you have any. Who knows, maybe I’ll change my mind ;)
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