NOW LEAVING FROM MARINA BAY YACHT HARBOR - RICHMOND MARINA IN SAN FRANCISCO'S EAST BAY
The Gulf of the Farrallones National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the
world's largest great white sharks. These islands (Southeast Farallon
and Maintop Island) off the coast of San Francisco are the winter
water playground of adult great white sharks measuring 15 to 20
feet long. (4.5 meters to 6.1 meters). (More info on the history
of the Marine Sanctuary here.)
The sharks come to the Farrallons to dine on the local population
of Northern Elephant Seals. You'll find yourself rooting for the
seals as they compete in a race for their lives against some of
the planet's most incredible marine predators. Watching this natural
great white feeding event is an experience you'll never forget.
Incredible Adventures will take you to this very special place
aboard the Derek M. Baylis, a vessel carefully chosen for the ability to
provide comfortable travel to such a remote and often harsh place by sail or by motor.
Together with our team
of dive instructors, naturalists and shark diving specialists,
you'll experience nature like you've never experienced it before.
We don't chum the waters or otherwise interfere with life at
the Farallon Islands. Decoys may be used to attract great white sharks
closer to the boat so you can better observe these magnificent
creatures, but we are really at the Farallons to observe natural
feeding events. This isn't a trip to your local aquarium. It's
a rare opportunity to watch as a giant great white shark chases
and consumes its prey.
White Shark Season at the Farallones is September 15 to November 30.
Go for the Sharks. Discover
So Much More
There is only one reason to visit the Farallon
Islands:
Because it is the spookiest, wildest place
on earth ~ Susan Casey, author
of "The Devil's Teeth"
Cold
water upwelling produces large plankton blooms, making this the
best place to come for food for all types of wildlife.
Humpback whales and blue whales travel all the way from southern
Mexico and Costa Rica to feast on the abundance of anchovies and
krill. Leatherback sea turtles journey from Indonesia to eat the
jellyfish, and sea birds called shearwaters come from Australia
to fatten up on the fish.
The shelter and isolation of the magnificent Farallon Islands
make these outcrops the largest seabird colony in the contiguous
United States. Five different types of seal and sea lion also
shelter there, which in turn are food for the oceans most thrilling
and perfect predator…. the Great White Shark.

- The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the
wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine
environments in the world.
- White sharks depend on the rich sanctuary ecosystem and as apex predators,
play a key role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
- White sharks are considered internationally threatened and they need
protection.
- Common myths have vilified white sharks. Debunk the myth - we are
more of a threat to them then they are to us.
|
To the north of The Farallones is another National Marine Sanctuary,
the underwater island or seamount, Cordell Bank. Directly south
of The Farallones lies the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary,
a massive underwater canyon with an abundance of diverse species.


The Devil's Teeth, as
it's known, is a 211-acre cluster
of rocky, jagged islands
that not only are a sanctuary for
some of the most endangered
marine wildlife but, from
September to November, also
serve as a refuge for the
biggest white sharks in the
world. It takes a true adventure
seeker to embark on
this trip, long known as the
Mount Everest of shark
dives. ~ Amy Sorlie, Great
White
Incredible Adventures conducts its great white shark expeditions according to the terms and conditions set out in National Marine Sanctuary Permit GFNMS-2015-011-A3.
*** COVID-19 UPDATES AS OF 7/24/2020
- There have been no changes to our published trip schedule. We’re still set to kick off the season September 26th.
- Our shark boat will now depart from Marina Bay Yacht Harbor in Richmond, CA. The marina is centrally located between San Francisco and Oakland airports and roughly 20 minutes by car from our previous dock.
- Once purchased, shark expeditions are NON-REFUNDABLE. In the event we are prevented from operating as scheduled due to COVID, we’ll help reschedule you for a future trip.
- Passenger numbers will be limited to provide space for distancing. (We’ve always limited trip capacity to ensure sufficient cage time.)
- Face coverings will be required for all participants, when not actively cage diving, eating or distancing.
- Crew and passengers will be subject to pre-trip health screenings, including temperature checks.
- The number of passengers and crew allowed below deck will be limited, to increase health safety.
- Special vessel and equipment sanitization procedures are in place.
- All shark divers and observers will be required to sign a Release of Liability including a COVID clause.
|
Farallones FAQ |