For the farallons

When is the best time to go to the Farallons?
Our Farallon white shark season lasts roughly eight weeks (mid-September through mid-November). We chose this period as it’s when thousands of marine mammals congregate at the island to breed and calve their young, which attracts some of the largest white sharks on the planet to Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI).

Are shark appearances guaranteed?
The short answer is, "No." When working with wild animals in their natural environment, it is impossible to guarantee either favorable weather conditions or the desired animal encounters.

How do you attract sharks at the Farallons?
We use decoys to attract the sharks and work with NOAA each year to ensure we have the appropriate permits.

What is the water like?
Typical temperature in the water is 50-55 degrees. Because we’re in Northern California waters, visibility can be limited. 

What is a Topside Observer going to see?
Topside Observers are in a unique position to view natural predations, which occur often at SEFI.  They may also view a fin slicing through the water, or a shark swimming alongside the boat.  During the trip, we often encounter whales, porpoises, and many other varieties of marine mammals and sea birds. 

Is cage diving safe?
Our first priority is the safety of our passengers, crew, and the sharks. Safety briefings are provided before the action begins, and we follow strict safety measures during each dive.

Do I need to be scuba certified?
No, you do not need to be scuba certified to participate in our trips. The air is supplied from the deck of the boat via a "hookah" system, so you do not wear a tank on your back in the cage. However, being comfortable in the water is important, so we strongly suggest you consider a short hour-long "Discovery Scuba" course at your local dive shop.

What are the physical/age requirements? 
The minimum age for a Farallons trip is 13. Children 13-16 may dive if they are scuba certified and accompanied by a parent/guardian.
All divers must be in reasonably good physical condition and able to climb in and out of the cage while wearing a weight belt. Existing conditions such as cardiopulmonary disease, diabetes, or asthma could require physician’s approval in order to safely dive. Although our maximum weight limit is 250lbs, we can make accommodations for individuals weighing more than this. Contact us for details.

Why do you recommend dive and trip insurance?
There are hundreds of reasons you could miss your trip, including the fact that we can’t control the weather. If your expedition is cancelled, dive and trip insurance will cover the cost of your trip. 

What happens if my trip is weather delayed?
If your trip is delayed or cancelled due to weather, we will reschedule you to the next available trip that season. If a reschedule is not possible, our team will work with you to submit the necessary insurance forms for reimbursement of your trip costs. 

Are private or group charters available?
Yes, Private charters are available for up to 12 guests. Call us at (510) 808-4499 for special pricing and availability.

Do you have photo equipment for rent?
Yes, we have GoPros for rent. Contact us to reserve one for your trip.

What if I have more questions?
If there is something we haven't covered here, please feel free to call us at (510) 808-4499.

For Isla Guadalupe

When is the best time to go to Guadalupe Island?
It depends on what you want to see. Early in the season (July/August) we tend to see more of the subadult and adult males. These are the sharks which usually go after the bait and put on a show. As the season progresses the larger females arrive.

Are shark appearances guaranteed?
The short answer is, "No." When working with wild animals in their natural environment, it is impossible to guarantee either favorable weather conditions or the desired animal encounters. However, your chance of seeing a shark (or multiple sharks) during your trip is very high.

How do you attract sharks at Guadalupe Island?
We use hang baits to attract the sharks. Shark wranglers are expected to follow proper bait procedures to ensure the safety of the sharks and the divers.

What is the water like?
Typical temperature in the water is 68-72 degrees. Visibility is generally over 50 feet.

Is cage diving safe?
Our first priority is the safety of our passengers, crew, and the sharks. Safety briefings are provided before the action begins, and we follow strict safety measures during each dive.

Do I need a valid passport?
Yes. You must have a valid passport and a copy needs to be provided prior to your trip.

Do I need to be scuba certified?
No, you do not need to be scuba certified to participate in our trips. The air is supplied from the deck of the boat via a "hookah" system, so you do not wear a tank on your back in the cage. However, being comfortable in the water is important, so we strongly suggest you consider a short hour-long "Discovery Scuba" course at your local dive shop.

What are the physical/age requirements? 
While exceptions can be made on certain vessels to accommodate younger children, the guideline is that children age 13-16 may dive if they are scuba certified and accompanied by a parent/guardian.

All divers must be in reasonably good physical condition and able to climb in and out of the cage while wearing a weight belt. Existing conditions such as cardiopulmonary disease, diabetes, or asthma could require physician’s approval in order to safely dive. Although our maximum weight limit is 250lbs, we can make accommodations for individuals weighing more than this. Contact us for details.

Why do you recommend dive and trip insurance?
There are hundreds of reasons you could miss your trip, including the fact that we can’t control the weather. If your expedition is cancelled, dive and trip insurance will cover the cost of your trip. 

What happens if my trip is weather delayed?
If your trip is delayed or cancelled due to weather, we will reschedule you to the next available trip that season. If a reschedule is not possible, our team will work with you to submit the necessary insurance forms for reimbursement of your trip costs. 

Do we get off the boat at Guadalupe Island?
Guadalupe Island is a protected area and we stay on our vessel during our time at the Island.

What should I bring?
Guests on our Guadalupe trips are encouraged to pack light. Click here to see our recommended packing list.

Are private or group charters available?
Yes, Private charters are available. Call us at (510) 808-4499 for special pricing and availability.

Do you have photo equipment for rent?
No, we do not rent photo equipment for Guadalupe trips.

What if I have more questions?
If there is something we haven't covered here, please feel free to call us at (510) 808-4499.

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Photo credits on this page: Matt Wallace, James Moskito