Shark Adventures & More: About Cage Diving
Why We Use Shark Cages
Incredible Adventures strongly believes in the use of shark cages when
diving with big sharks and uses protective shark cages on all our great
white and tiger shark adventures. Shark cages help to protect both divers
and sharks from harm. Despite what some believe, sharks aren't killing
machines out to dine on the first human who swims by. They don't patrol
the ocean like "Jaws" just waiting for a chance to eat a surfer or swimmer.
But, sharks can and do, very rarely and very accidentally, mistake a
human for an elephant seal or big fish. We don't believe in taking unnecessary
chances with our customers' lives.
Cages also serve another great purpose. They help to make it possible
for non-divers to experience the underwater world of sharks. By using
cages and hookah systems, which supply air from the boat or dock, both
divers and non-divers can experience a shark encounter.
Cage Diving Myths
Myth One: You Can't Take Good Photos in a Cage
We've hired professionals and spent mega-thousands to design and
build the best possible shark cages. The first priority with us is always
safety, but equally as important when designing our cages was making
sure there were lots of viewing windows for photographers. We want everyone
to get lots of great images of sharks. We're personally collecting as
many images as possible for educational and research purposes. The more
people see sharks, the more they want to work to save them from extinction.
Shark cages allow photographers to focus on capturing great images.
They reduce the need to always be alert to what is happening beside
and behind you. The cages help keep dangerous sharks a safe distance
away while allowing you to come eye to eye with some of the ocean's
most feared predators. A shark cage allows divers, researchers and film
crews to view and photograph the extraordinary world of Great White
Sharks, Tiger Sharks and other ocean predators with a certain degree
of safety.
Myth Two: I Could Get Trapped in a Cage or the Cage Could Break
Free
The majority of shark cages used by Incredible Adventures and our partners
are surface cages. Surface cages are supported by a system of floats.
Divers are provided with weight belts that allow them stand comfortably
on the bottom of the cage with their heads just below the surface. People
breathe through our hookah air supply system. (It is sometimes possible
to use a snorkel.)
The cages are securely attached to our shark boats with lines. If
a cage did manage to break free from the boat, which is extremely, extremely
unlikely, the cage would continue to float until it could be retrieved
and retied to the boat. No one is allowed into a shark cage unless one
of IA's trained staff is nearby keeping watch. Surface cages either
have no top (because the top is above the surface) or have large openings
for getting in and out. We always have your safety in mind. Losing a
customer would be very bad for business!
Myth Three: Cage Diving With Sharks is Like Going to the Local
Aquarium
Our shark adventures are wildlife encounters taking place in locations
noted for their shark populations. We go to the best places at the best
time of year, using the best available boats and equipment but it is
important to understand that the sharks are not trained performers,
taught to show up and swim by the cage on cue. Sometimes you'll see
sharks by the cage. Many times you will not. Please understand that
we want you to see sharks just as much as you want to see sharks. Our
business relies on having happy customers. We can't however, control
the sharks. If you want a guaranteed marine encounter, then you may
want to opt for the local aquarium. If you're game for an incredible
shark expedition, we'd love to have you join us
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Diving with sharks without the protection
of a shark cage is just not smart! |
Shark Cage Diving FAQ
Can I Dive with Sharks?
Our shark dive adventures make use of hookah-like systems and shark
cages. If you can snorkel, you can dive with sharks. As long
as you're in reasonably good health, love sharks and the ocean
and meet minimum age requirements, you can cage dive with big
sharks.
A hookah system is a system of providing air from the surface
to divers down below. Cage divers breathe by using a regulator
connected to an air hose. This eliminates the need to wear
a bulky air tanks inside the cages.
A shark cage is really a people cage. Custom-built shark cages
protect sharks from divers while allowing shark divers to concentrate
on the view before them. All of our shark adventures make use of cages that float just at the surface. They were built with both safety and underwater photographers in mind. Our Isla Guadalupe shark boats also carry submersible cages, open to certified divers only.
Is Shark Diving Dangerous?
Yes. You could trip and sprain an ankle on the boat. You could
get sunburn. You could hit your head on the top bunk getting out
of bed. You could fall overboard. But if it's a shark attack you're
worried about, you can stop worrying. The odds are in your favor.
White sharks have many myths surrounding them. One is that they
are killing machines attacking anything in sight. According to
the International Shark Attack File, you are far more likely to
be killed by a dog or a deer. (Translation: You have more to fear
from "Bambi" and "Lassie" than "Jaws".)
We have found that even at the height of a feeding event with
multiple animals around a carcass, great white sharks prove to
be shy, slow moving animals. Our divers are amazed to learn first
hand that these animals are almost gentle. That said, divers should
always maintain a healthy respect for these awesome predators,
in and out of the water and exercise caution when encountering
any marine life.
What if I Don't Want to Cage Dive?
We understand that some shark lovers would prefer to stay
out of the water. Topsiders, as we call them, are welcome on all
of our shark adventures. Those who stay on the deck serve as lookouts,
scanning the horizon for fins and signs of natural feeding events.
Are These Eco Tours?
Yes, but please don't tell anyone. People tend to think of
Eco Tours as boring nature lessons and our shark adventures are
definitely not boring. Our shark expeditions are adventures designed
to allow you to observe sharks and other marine life without "interfering".
Trips are staffed with knowledgeable naturalists, marine biologists
and dive professionals who are committed to protecting our oceans
and preserving the environment. They'll share their knowledge, so
you'll learn a lot while having lots of fun.
Are there other adventures I might like?
Yes! Divers and snorkelers will love the wild and crazy sardine run in
South Africa. Non-divers can snorkel alongside whales on the Silver
Bank in the Dominican Republic.
E-mail or call Incredible Adventures
today for further details:
800 644-7382
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