How dangerous is shark cage diving?
Facing your fears or fuelling a fascination? Whatever your motive may be, it’s time to dive headfirst into all things shark cage diving and the risks and precautions associated with this adrenaline-fuelled activity.
Although for many of us the thought of swimming alongside sharks is the stuff nightmares are made of, just as many are curious to see these creatures from the deep up close…and from the comfort of a protective cage between us and them!
As with any activity taking place in the ocean though, there are risks associated with shark cage diving, although it’s important to note no one has ever actually died while shark cage diving.
With tour operators opting for cages made out of ‘strong metals’ such as galvanised or stainless steel, generally speaking, most metals are strong enough to protect you against sharks in the water. Even with the openings in the cage (which are there simply to give you a better viewing experience), these are still not big enough for a shark to actually get in…in most cases.
As with anything that involves open oceans and wildlife encounters with predatory animals, there’s always the chance something may go awry, but precautions are put in place to ensure this is as safe an experience as possible - for both us and the sharks!
So how can you best protect yourself when shark cage diving? It starts by choosing an accredited tour operator - all of which you can find right here on our site!
From introductory safety briefings to being fitted with the right equipment including lifejackets when still aboard the boat, to how the cages are constructed and the safety equipment kept aboard the boat taking you out to the dive site, these tours are also all conducted by industry experts and professionals whose understanding of the ocean and shark behavior is second to none.
So while there is definitely an element of danger to shark cage diving, the experience has been designed to keep both you, and the sharks, as safe as possible.
How much does it cost to go shark diving?
Ranging from around the $150 AUD to $500 AUD mark, the price of shark diving experiences varies depending on a number of factors.
From the length of the tour to the tour operator and also the location, our Shark Diving experiences also come in different packages.
On the upper end of the price scale you’ll find this Ningaloo Reef Whale Shark Swim and Snorkel in Western Australia.
Operating from March through to July each year, this is an unforgettable shark diving tour aboard the fast and comfortable 55ft sailing catamaran WINDCHEETAH.
Once out on the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, spend a whole day swimming with the biggest fish in the ocean, where you can also discover an abundance of coral, tropical fish, turtles and potentially even manta rays and dugongs.
A professional on board photographer will capture every moment in the water, and above the water, from the very best angle for you to also take home at no extra cost, with lunch also served on this tour.
For those looking for something a little cheaper, this Oahu Shark Cage Diving at Haleiwa is available for under $200 and is a great shark cage diving experience for those looking to take the plunge and face their fears. As educational as it is exhilarating, you’ll get to spend up to 30 minutes in the water on this one-in-a-lifetime day out on the water!
Are sharks safe to dive with?
It is important to remember that whenever we enter the ocean, we are entering a shark’s natural habitat.
Therefore, we work with operators who respect that we are ultimately entering a shark’s home for our own education and enjoyment, meaning it is up to us as humans to do what we can to ensure both our safety and the shark’s safety.
That being said, a lot of our shark cage diving tours are facilitated by marine experts, like this Shark Cage Diving Tour North Shore Oahu run by native Hawaiians.
The only of its kind in the region, the tour emphasises the importance of the sacred and culturally significant mano (shark) - a powerful apex predator that is also ‘aumākua’ to many Hawaiians - meaning a family god, a deified ancestor rebirthed in shark form
There are many beautiful legends in Hawaiian history of sharks acting as spiritual counselors, protecting family members from drowning or aiding in food supply to fishing families, and even a central figure in the Hawaiian Islands’ creation story, which is why this tour goes about their shark dives in a manner that is most safe for them in their environment.
What is diving with sharks called?
Diving with sharks is called ‘Shark Diving’.
When searching for this activity on our site, you will find a number of cage shark diving tours and shark snorkeling and swimming tools all under the same category - meaning the hardest thing you’ll have to do from here is to decide when you’re going to book!
Have more questions? Our team is here to help! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US.