SDI Brochure - Shark Diving International

The Ultimate
Shark Diving Experience
Great White Sharks
Whale Sharks
Tiger Sharks
Hammerheads
Bull Sharks
Giant Mantas
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D est i n at i o n s
Bahamas.....................................................................4
Encounter Tiger and Great Hammerhead Sharks in Open Water
Background photo by Jim Abernethy
Cocos...........................................................................6
Dive into Biodiversity
Background photo by Bill Warburton
Farallons..................................................................8
The Most Primal Shark Encounter on the Planet
Background photo by Scott Davis
Fiji.............................................................................. 10
Shark Diving in Paradise
Background photo by David Fleetham
Isla Guadalupe....................................................... 12
Our Most Spectacular Expedition to Date
Background photo by David Fleetham
Galapagos................................................................ 14
C ONT R I B U TO R S
Front Cover
Photo by David Fleetham www.davidfleetham.com
Credits
Shark Diving International would like to thank the following
photographers for their beautiful and generous photo contributions,
which are featured in this catalog:
Jim Abernethy, Bahamas Kike Calvo, Guadalupe www.kikecalvo.com
Sandra Cannon, Farallons, About Us Scott Davis, Farallons, Fiji, S. Africa David Fleetham, Fiji, Guadalupe, Socorro www.davidfleetham.com
Eric Hanauer, Socorro Michael Aw, S. Africa
Wayne Levy, S. Africa Elizabeth Nicholson, Farallons Doug Perrine, S. Africa
Bill Warburton, Cocos, Socorro
Berkley White, Galapagos
Lawrence Groth, Farallons, Galapagos, Guadalupe, Socorro, Fiji
David Fleetham, Guadalupe, Socorro, Fiji
Production
Published by Promotional Concepts, Alameda, CA. (866) 355-0101.
Layout and Design by Michael Behrens of 3ME Design, Berkeley, CA.
Rated the Best Dive Destination in the World
Background photo by Berkley White
South Africa........................................................... 16
The Greatest Shoal on Earth
Background photo by Doug Perrine
Socorro.................................................................... 18
A Magnificent Big Animal Experience
Background photo by David Fleetham
Special Events, Private Charters & Media....20
About Us...................................................................22
Background photo by Scott Davis
4
5
Bahamas
Location
Encounter Tiger and Great Hammerhead Sharks in Open Water
The Northern Bahamas Banks are only a
5-6 hour crossing from West Palm Beach,
Florida.
Trip Includes
Trip Overview
7 to 9 day trips available
10 passenger maximum
Live-aboard vessel
SCUBA certification required
Advanced SCUBA certification
recommended or
equivalent drift and deep
diving experience
Nitox available for additional
fee. Nitox certification
required
Recommended for
photographers and
videographers
Recommended for couples
Water temperature 72º-76ºF
Passport required
DIVER (10 divers maximum)
G
Includes:
o cage-free with Tiger and Great Hammerhead Sharks in the
beautiful Bahamas! Spend seven days in the gorgeous Atlantic
Ocean with our professional guide, Jim Abernethy. This trip is
paradise for photographers, videographers and shark lovers.
• All meals and snacks
• Air fills (Nitrox is additional)
• Diving (three to four dives per day)
• Night Diving
• Weights, belts and tanks
• Divemaster service
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• 16 years or older (minors must have
parent or guardian present)
Visit incredible dive sites such as; Tiger Beach, Mount Mokarran South
and Shark Junction to name a few. Encounter awesome Tiger Sharks,
Great Hammerhead Sharks, Bull Sharks, Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse
Sharks and Lemon Sharks, as well as Dolphins, Turtles, Permits, Jacks
and more…
SCHEDULE
Please consult our website or contact Shark
Diving International for exact trip dates.
Vessel
M/V Shear Water – 65’ and is the ideal vessel
for Bahamas live aboard diving. She has
custom dive seats, individual equipment
bins, fresh water rinse hose on deck, camera
table, charging stations, and private and
semi-private cabins on board. The bow has a
full sundeck for tanning and relaxing, and a
12’ RIB is on-board.
This trip is limited to 10 divers in order to maximize your opportunities
to dive with these animals in spectacular open water settings with
plenty of room to move on board and in the water. Drift and deep
diving certification or equivalent experience is required and Advanced
SCUBA diver training is recommended for all divers on this expedition.
Nitrox is available upon request for an additional fee for certified
Nitrox divers. Valid passports are required for this trip.
TRAVEL TIPS
Passports are required. All passengers will
be cleared through Bahamas customs
and immigration aboard the vessel. Dive
equipment in dark colors and dive computers
are recommended. Please avoid wearing
white and/or yellow gear and exposure
suits. A hood and gloves are strongly
recommended. Depending on your comfort
level, a 3-5mm wetsuit is advised. The closest
airport is West Palm Beach International (PBI)
or Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International
(FLL) airport is approximately 45 minutes
away. Miami International (MIA) airport is
approximately 2 hours south.
Marine Life
Tiger Sharks
Great Hammerhead Sharks
Bull Sharks
Nurse Sharks
Lemon Sharks
Caribbean Reef Sharks
www.seesharks.com
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7
Cocos Island
Location
Cocos Island is 300 miles southwest of Cabo
Blanco, Costa Rica in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Dive into Biodiversity
Trip Includes
DIVER (12 divers maximum)
Includes:
Trip Overview
10 days
Live-aboard vessel
Recommended for couples
SCUBA certification required
Land-based excursions
Ocean kayaks
Marine Life
Whale Sharks
Hammerhead Sharks
White Tip Sharks
Manta Rays
Humpback Whales
Moray Eels
Migratory Birds
• Nitrox fills (Nitrox certification required)
• Diving (three to four dives per day)
• Night Diving
• Weights, belts and tanks
• Divemaster service
• Sea kayaking
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Snacks, Beverages (beer and wine included)
• 16 years or older (minors must have parent or
guardian present)
C
ocos Island is the ultimate destination for biodiversity. Dive
with schooling Hammerhead sharks in groups too large to
count, Mantas and other rays, White Tip sharks, Moray eels,
Sailfish, Green turtles, large groups of Jacks and Tuna, even Whale
sharks and the occasional Humpback whale spend time in the
azure blue waters surrounding Cocos. Additionally, twelve species
of migratory birds call Cocos home for several months each year;
including the Red-footed Booby, Black Noody, Red-billed Tropic and
famous Frigate birds. The island has many endemic species such as the
bizarre and exotic Rosy-lipped batfish and two native reptiles.
SCHEDULE
Cocos Island is an annual trip in midsummer, usually in July, for ten days. Please
consult our website or contact Shark Diving
International for exact trip dates.
Cocos Island is rich in maritime history and true tales of pirates, early
explorers, bloodshed, and covert acts over the centuries. Buried
treasure, hidden wealth and scruples fill the memoirs of Captains
dating back as far as 1526. The island was the inspiration for the
literary classic Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson and the
backdrop for the Stephen Spielberg film Jurassic Park.
Vessel
Undersea Hunter – 90’ of long-range
capability (6,000 nautical miles), modern
comfort, diver-friendly convenience and
a top-notch crew. Originally used as a
submarine support vessel, she currently
carries divers and researchers to Cocos
and Malpelo Islands. There are eight cabins
on board, each with a private shower and
head, two 24’ tenders, and a comprehensive
emergency kit including oxygen kits for three
divers and 18 personal diver location devices.
In addition to literally immersing yourself in the biodiversity of
Cocos Island, Shark Diving International offers SCUBA certified Cocos
travelers an exclusive opportunity to participate in Hammerhead
shark tagging and research as a part of this exciting live-aboard
expedition. Divers will work with researchers as they deploy tags,
track individual Hammerhead sharks and review the vital data that is
collected during the trip.
TRAVEL TIPS
Passports are required. All passengers must
arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica one night prior
to trip departure. Please contact Shark Diving
International for a list of our partner hotels.
We recommend flying into San Jose, Costa
Rica airport directly. Water temperature at
Cocos Island is typically in the 70-78 degree
Fahrenheit range and air temperatures are
very warm and often humid. Light layers are
recommended.
The expedition to Cocos Island is 10 days long and passengers travel
on the long-range, modern live-aboard Undersea Hunter. In between
dives, borrow one of the ocean kayaks and tour the island coastline.
www.seesharks.com
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9
Farallon Islands
Location
The Farallon Islands are located 26 miles off
the California coast, west of San Francisco.
the Most Primal Shark Encounter on the Planet
Trip Includes
CAGE DIVER
Includes:
Trip Overview
1 day
Family friendly
Recommended for couples
No SCUBA training required
Non-diver package available
Recommended for
photographers and
videographers
Marine Life
Great White Sharks
Elephant Seals
Sea Lions
Whales
Seabirds
• Cage diving
• Diving air (surface supplied)
• Weights and belts
• Continental Breakfast
• Lunch
• Snacks, Beverages (beer and wine included)
• Underwater video camera available (additional
rental fee applies, available on first-come basis)
• 13 years or older (minors must have parent or
guardian present)
T
he Farallon Islands attract the largest Great White Sharks
in the world. Every fall at South East Farallon Island (SEFI),
thousands of marine mammals congregate on the rocky
banks of this benchmark location to breed and calve their young.
These events combined with a perfect, natural hunting ground draw
the sharks to SEFI in considerable numbers for a few select months
each fall.
TOPSIDE OBSERVER
Includes:
• Continental Breakfast
• Lunch
• Snacks, Beverages (beer and wine included)
• 13 years or older (minors must have parent or
guardian present)
Participating in a one-day Farallon Islands expedition is your chance
for a dramatic encounter with the incredible, the powerful and the
truly epic White Sharks of SEFI. Breaches may occur right in front of
the cage and it is not unlikely to witness predatory feeding events
as they happen. Our experienced, professional crew has conducted
trips to these islands since 1998 and boasts an outstanding success
rate and a flawless safety record – with no injury to any person or
shark, ever.
SCHEDULE
Trips depart from Emeryville, California at
6:00 AM and return at approximately 6:00
PM. The Farallon Islands season runs from
late September through mid November,
seven days a week. Make reservations early
to ensure your first-choice expedition date is
available.
Watching a mature White Shark attack and consume a 200 to 300
pound Elephant seal is an extremely dramatic event. Although these
predatory acts occur completely naturally without using any chum
or bait, they are bloody, violent and intense. Even though you will
be viewing these events from the safety of the cage or vessel, please
consider this aspect of the adventure when you decide if this is the
particular shark encounter that you wish to experience. These events
are a part of everyday life for White Sharks and seals at the Farallon
Islands and they are unforgettable.
Weather
The Farallon Islands are located 26 miles
off the California coast and are infamous
for unpredictable weather. All clients are
encouraged to wear layered clothing and
outerwear to ensure comfort in both warm
and cool temperatures. A 7mm wet suit or
dry suit and hood are recommended for all
divers. Booties are required for all divers.
VESSEL
Expeditions to the Farallon Islands last approximately 12 hours, with
dive teams rotating in and out of the cages for 30-minute sessions
throughout the day. You do not need to be SCUBA certified. All air
is surface supplied via a “hookah” system. Trips include continental
breakfast, hardy lunch, snacks, and beverages (including beer and
wine after all diving is completed) aboard the vessel Superfish. She is
stable and fast, with ample room on the large observation platform
for viewing sharks.
The Superfish is the most successful Great
White Shark diving boat operating in US
waters. She is an efficient compilation of
commercial capability, industrial strength
and creature comforts.
www.seesharks.com
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11
Fiji
Location
Fiji is a member of the Oceania Islands in the
South Pacific, located about two-thirds of the
way from Hawaii to New Zealand.
Shark Diving in Paradise
Trip Includes
DIVER (14 divers maximum)
Includes:
Trip Overview
7 nights
Family friendly
Recommended for couples
SCUBA certification required
Non-diver package available
Topside excursions available
Roundtrip Airfare from LAX
included
Recommended for
photographers and
videographers
Passport Required
Trip add-ons and upgrades
available
Marine Life
Tiger Sharks
Bull Sharks
Black Tip Sharks
White Tip Sharks
Grey Reef Sharks
Nurse Sharks
• Roundtrip, non-stop airfare from Los Angeles,
CA (LAX) to Fiji
• Ground Transfers (Nadi to Pacific Harbor)
• Boat Transfers (to Beqa Island)
• Fiji Government departure tax
• 7-nights accommodations in deluxe Fijian Bure
• 5, 2-tank boat dives
• Unlimited shore diving, kayaking and hiking
• Kava and Fire-walking ceremonies
• Air fills, weights, belts and tanks
• Divemaster service
• Gourmet daily dining package
• 16 years or older (minors must have parent or
guardian present)
• Non-diver discounted packages available
O
ur Fiji shark diving expedition is your ticket to a shark
lover’s paradise. Fourteen lucky shark fans will travel
from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Fiji in the spectacular
South Pacific Ocean and spend seven nights in sensory overload
at Beqa Lagoon Resort in a deluxe Fijian burre.
Fiji is Fantasy Island for divers and travelers alike. Fill your days
diving in 80 degree, turquoise blue water with as many as eight
different species of sharks at one time! See Tiger Sharks, Bull
Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Lemon Sharks, White
Tip Sharks, Silver Tip Sharks, Nurse Sharks and a diverse array
of marine life. Also enjoy unlimited shore diving, reef diving,
kayaking, hiking, river rafting, sport fishing, and lounging in your
very own private plunge pool. Spend your evenings immersed
in the fascinating Fijian culture. In addition to freshly prepared
gourmet meals, enjoy live nightly entertainment. Join Shark
Diving International and our Fijian friends for a traditional Kava
and Fire-walking ceremony. Listen to the native sounds of local
musicians. Shop for absolutely awesome hand-carved Ironwood
masterpieces, as well as fine hand-made original crafts created
by Fijian artists.
ADD-ONs
• $150 pp weekly upgrade to beach front bure
with private plunge pool
• Topside attractions – river rafting, sport fishing
and golf available by reservation
• Child care services available by reservation
SCHEDULE
Choose from three expedition dates in May.
Please consult our website or contact Shark
Diving International for exact trip dates.
LAND-BASED
Fiji is a land-based adventure. Divers travel
from the island to dive sites in 40’ shortrange dive boats, with on-board head.
Refreshments are served.
Unforgettable sunsets and memories are guaranteed.
TRAVEL TIPS
Valid passports are required. Traffic drives
on the left in Fiji. Fijians are very welcoming
and known as some of the friendliest
people in the world. They embrace their
heritage, traditions and customs. Fiji enjoys
a tropical climate and the dry season is
March – November. Lightweight clothing is
recommended and casual dress is generally
acceptable. The principal languages are
Fijian, Hindustani and English (which is
widely spoken).
Lemon Sharks
Silver Tip Sharks
www.seesharks.com
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13
Isla Guadalupe
Location
Isla Guadalupe is 160 miles off the Baja coast
and over 200 miles southwest of San Diego,
California.
our most spectacular expedition to date
Trip Includes
CAGE DIVER (16 divers maximum)
Trip Overview
5 or 6 days
Live aboard vessel
Recommended for couples
No SCUBA training required
Recommended for
photographers and
videographers
Passport Required
Marine Life
Great White Sharks
Mako Sharks
Sea Lions
Elephant Seals
Fur Seals
Whales
Dolphins
Includes:
I
• Diving
• Submersible cage (must be SCUBA certified)
• Diving air (surface supplied)
• Weights and belts
• Fishing
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Snacks, Beverages (beer and wine included)
• Underwater video camera (rental fee applies)
• Roundtrip transportation from San Diego to
Ensenada (Solmar passengers)
• One night hotel accommodations in San Diego
(Solmar passengers)
• 13 years or older (minors must have parent or
guardian present)
sla Guadalupe, Mexico is the marquis destination for viewing
Great White sharks. It has a reputation as the world’s best place
to encounter these animals and is home to arguably the most
prolific population of Great Whites on earth. The waters surrounding
the island are a Mexican national biosphere reserve, and we are
a proud partner in marine conservation and research.
Isla Guadalupe is a utopia for photographers,
videographers and shark fans who long for
pristine views and close encounters.
The sharks here are mostly
large sub-adults
between 8’-15’
and do not bear
many mating
scars, which
makes them
perfect models for
your camera. Larger,
mature female sharks
typically begin arriving at
the island in October. Visibility
is exceptional, averaging 80-100 ft. or
more and water temperatures are 65-72 degrees.
SCHEDULE
Searcher trips depart from Fisherman’s
Landing in San Diego, CA at 8:00 AM and
return five days later at approximately 4:00 PM.
Solmar V trips begin with a one-night hotel
stay in San Diego, CA. Customers travel to
Ensenada, Mexico the next day via luxury bus
and are underway aboard the Solmar V by
12:00 Noon.
Trips run from late July-November.
Vessels
Searcher – 95’ of speed, stability, and
hospitality, galley with room for 20 , and 12
private cabins with individual sink/vanity that
sleep two adults comfortably. Four shared
bathrooms are on-board.
Shark Diving International is the only operator offering night dives
and 360 degree views from our famous submersible cage! Descend
25’ into the realm of the Great White. This is your opportunity for a
private, captivating and one-of-a-kind encounter. Although surface
cage diving does not require SCUBA training, submersible cage
participants must be certified divers. Expeditions to Isla Guadalupe
are 5 or 7 days and passengers have a choice of two outstanding
vessels with the most experienced crews in the business. Both vessels
are well appointed with amenities and feature gourmet dining, private
cabins, world-class fishing, and boast a perfect safety record with no
injury to any shark or person – ever.
Solmar V – 112’ luxury live-aboard with
email and satellite phone service, 11 knots of
cruising power, gourmet dining, in-room TV/
VCR, private head and shower in each cabin,
dedicated camera/video station, battery
charging station, and a galley/lounge that is
beautiful and comfortable.
TRAVEL TIPS
Passports are required for all Solmar V
passengers. Dress for comfort, sunny days
and slightly cooler evenings.
www.seesharks.com
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15
Galapagos Islands
Location
The Galapagos Islands are located on the
equator, 600 miles west of Ecuador and offer
some of the most spectacular marine life and
wildlife found anywhere in the world.
Rated the best dive destination in the world
Trip Includes
Trip Overview
10 days
Live aboard vessel
Recommended for couples
SCUBA certification required
Advanced SCUBA certification
recommended or equivalent
drift and deep diving
experience
Recommended for
photographers and
videographers
Passport required
Land excursions available
Domestic air included (from
GYE to San Cristobal
Marine Life
Whale Sharks
Hammerhead Sharks
White Tip Sharks
DIVER (16 divers maximum)
T
Includes:
he Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most incredible
and spectacular marine life and wildlife in the world! It is rated
the best dive destination in the world and the abundance of
life will astound you. It is typical to see several hundred large marine
animals on a single dive including; Whale Sharks, Hammerhead
Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, White Tip Sharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays,
Golden Rays, Sea Lions, Turtles, Dolphins and more… Enjoy snorkeling
with penguins or sea lions during surface intervals as well.
• 2-nights hotel accommodations
• 7-nights accommodations abord vessel
• Roundtrip airfare from Guayaquil to San
Cristobal
• Diving
• Weights, belts and tanks
• Nitrox and O2 (available for additional fee)
• Divemaster service
• Land excursions
• All meals
• Snacks, Beverages (excludes alcoholic
beverages)
The topside attractions are also stellar! Thousands of animals inhabit
these islands and have never learned to fear man. This means you get
up close for one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and close-encounter
interactions that you can only find in the Galapagos. Walk right up
to hundreds of Blue-footed Boobie Birds, Red-footed Boobie Birds,
Masked Boobie Birds, Frigates, Penguins, several species of Iguanas,
Lava Lizards, Sea Lions, Fur Seals, Giant Tortoises and more…
SCHEDULE
Trips are available year-round. Please
consult our website or contact Shark Diving
International for exact trip dates. Whale Shark
season is June-October.
Vessel
Our fleet of yachts is the finest and fastest in the
Galapagos, each offering large staging areas
for divers, dedicated camera tables, camera
rinse tanks and fresh water showers on deck.
All accommodations are private double cabins
with climate control with private bath and
all lower beds. Additionally, fresh towels are
provided daily. Every charter includes thrilling
shark diving at remote Wolf and Darwin Islands.
Nitrox is available upon requests.
Your Galapagos Islands adventure includes roundtrip airfare from
Guayaquil (GYE) to San Cristobal, 2-nights hotel accommodations,
Ecuador airport transfers, 7-nights accommodations and world-class
diving aboard one of our yachts.
Galapagos Sharks
Manta Rays
TRAVEL TIPS
Eagle Rays
Passports are required. The Galapagos
Islands are best-suited to advanced and very
experienced divers who have spent ample
time diving in strong currents and deep diving
situations. Non-diver packages are not available
for this expedition. Trips to the Galapagos
Islands sell out early and quickly. Please book
well in advance to ensure you receive your first
choice of travel dates. **National Park fees and
departure taxes are not included.
Golden Rays
Whales
Sea Lions
Turtles
Dolphins
www.seesharks.com
16
South Africa’s Sardine Run
The Greatest Shoal on Earth
Trip Overview
10 days (8 days of diving, 2
days for transfers/tours)
Boat diving
Land-based accommodations
Recommended for couples
SCUBA certification required
Restricted to advanced SCUBA
divers (or equivalent
experience)
Recommended for
photographers and
videographers
Passport required
Land excursion add-ons
available
Physically demanding
Adults only (18 and older)
Marine Life
Bronze Whaler Sharks
Great White Sharks
Tiger Sharks
Black Tip Sharks
Dusky Sharks
T
17
Location
The Sardine Run takes place off the Eastern
Cape coast of South Africa. Our location will
be predominantly Port St. John’s, though
we will work a huge territory of water to the
north and south, depending on where the
action is.
Trip Includes
he Sardine Run in South Africa is known as the greatest shoal
on earth and one of the most exciting dives in the world. It is
one of the largest marine events on the planet and involves
many species of sharks, fish, marine mammals and birds. Dive in with
Shark Diving international and take part in this dynamic, complex and
one-of-a-kind event.
DIVER (8 divers maximum)
Includes:
• Diving
• Hotel accommodations
• Weights, belts, tanks and fills
• Divemaster service
• Professional guide service
• Microlight guest flight
• All transfers
• Alternate land-based activities (as weather
dictates)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinner)
• Snacks, Beverages (excludes alcoholic
beverages)
• Add-ons available (cycle safari)
This signature sea-safari adventure is 10 days long. The expedition
includes 2 days for transfers and general touring, as well as eight days
of action-packed diving in the sardine run off the Eastern Cape coast
of South Africa. Although the boat seats 12, we limit this trip to eight
lucky divers to maximize your comfort and enhance your experience.
Also, SEAL Expeditions proudly shares our 100% safety record.
Exciting trip add-ons include a cycle-safari tour through the “land
of giants” in the Tuli region of Botswana. Cycle among the animals
at eye-level and sleep under the stars at the Mashatu Game Reserve
in the SEAL wilderness camps that are luxurious, comfortable and
completely safe.
SCHEDULE
Accommodations include a 3-star luxury hotel/lodge with full
amenities and excellent services. In Mbotyi, we use the Mbotyi River
Lodge and in Port St. John’s we stay at the Outspan Inn, which is
situated at the mouth of the mighty Umzimvubu River. Enjoy the
spectacular vistas over this truly wild and undeveloped part of Africa,
where wonderful cuisine and warm South African hospitality combine
for an incredible atmosphere that everyone will enjoy.
TRAVEL TIPS
This is an annual trip in June/July. Please
consult our website or contact Shark Diving
International for exact trip dates.
Vessel
Expeditions use several 32-foot twin engine
dive boats. Although each is fitted to
accommodate 12 divers, we limit the number
to eight lucky divers to enhance everyone’s
comfort and overall experience.
Passports are required. Check with your
doctor prior to your travel date for any
recommended inoculations. The Sardine Run
is a physically strenuous expedition. Please
take steps to ensure that you are physically
and mentally prepared for this trip. It will
make your experience less stressful and
much more enjoyable.
Humpback Whales
Southern Right Whales
Bryde’s Whales
Dolphins
Cape Fur Seals
www.seesharks.com
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19
Socorro Islands
Location
The Socorro Islands are located 250 miles due
south of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. They
have been compared to the Galapagos and
Cocos Islands for their thrilling big animal
encounters.
A Magnificent Big Animal Experience
Trip Overview
9 days
Live-aboard vessel
Recommended for couples
SCUBA certification required
Recommended for
photographers and
videographers
Passport Required
Marine Life
Giant Manta Rays
Tiger Sharks
Trip Includes
T
DIVER (22 divers maximum)
he Socorro Islands are the ultimate stop for Giant Manta fans
and big animal encounters! Dive with graceful and playful
Mantas that are up to 22-feet across. There is no better place
in the world to photograph Giant Mantas than the Socorro Islands.
It is common to interact with five to twelve of these winged dancers
on one dive, as well as numerous species of sharks. Up to seven
species of sharks have been encountered on a single dive; schooling
Hammerheads, White Tip Sharks, Silver Tip Sharks, Silky Sharks,
Dusky Sharks, Galapagos Sharks and even Tiger Sharks. You can also
encounter Bottlenose Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks,
Giant Tuna, Wahoo and many endemic species of tropical fish that call
Socorro home.
Includes:
• All meals and snacks
• Luxury cabin with in-room head/shower (based
on double-occupancy)
• Beverages (including beer and wine)
• Tanks, weights, weight-belts
• Diving (3-4 dives per day on average, up to 5)
• Divemaster service
• 16 years or older (minors must have parent or
guardian present)
• Superior cabin upgrades available
SCHEDULE
Customers arrive in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
and are underway by 12:00 Noon. Please
consult our website or contact us for specific
trip dates.
Depart for Socorro from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and spend nine days
aboard the luxury live-aboard vessel Solmar V. Water temperatures
are comfortable and average between 72 and 82 degrees. Surface
temperatures are tropical and vary between 80 and 90 degrees. The
divemasters on the Solmar V are some of the best dive guides in the
industry, and they also offer excellent video services.
Vessel
Silver Tip Sharks
Solmar V – 112’ luxury live-aboard with
satellite phone and email, gourmet dining,
in-room TV/VCR, private head/shower in each
cabin, camera/video station, battery charging
station, state of the art communications,
radar and a carefully designed galley/lounge
that is as beautiful as it is comfortable.
Galapagos Sharks
TRAVEL TIPS
Dusky Sharks
White Tip Sharks
Silky Sharks
Hammerhead Sharks
Passports are required for all Solmar V
passengers. Rental gear is available through
Amigos del Mar dive store for the week and
daily rental equipment is available on board
if you have equipment problems at sea.
Please advise us when making a reservation
if you need to rent any equipment. The
closest airport is San Jose del Cabo (SJD).
Light clothing is recommended for daytime
and pack a sweatshirt or light jacket for
evening.
Humpback Whales
www.seesharks.com
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Special Events,
Private Charters & Media
Corporate Events
• Team-building
• Executive retreat
• Employee gift/incentive/
performance reward
• Customer appreciation
E
ncountering a Great White Shark is
unforgettable! Sharing that incredible moment
with a group of friends, family or colleagues
makes it even more exciting and unique. Shark Diving
International is pleased to offer private charters to
the Farallon Islands, Isla Guadalupe and other select
destinations for your group travel needs.
Choose the perfect vessel for your private charter
based on your group’s needs and trip objectives. In
gorgeous Isla Guadalupe, select from the luxury liveaboard vessel Solmar V or the well-appointed and
comfortable Searcher. Then, head for the Farallons
aboard the vessel Superfish for an unforgettable oneday excursion to see the biggest Great White Sharks in
the world!
One complimentary reservation is extended with each
whole-boat charter to these destinations. Make your
reservations well in advance of your desired expedition
date to ensure availability. Capture your adventure
forever! Please inquire about our custom video and
photography services; prices are available on request.
Shark Diving International is the first choice for media
professionals who want to film, photograph and
document Great White Sharks in the Farallons Islands
and Isla Guadalupe. Our expedition leaders and crew
are professional, discreet and sensitive to the special
planning and logistical needs of producers, directors
and media professionals. We are experienced in
working with a variety of top production companies
and networks worldwide, including live television,
radio broadcasts and feature films.
Please contact our staff for more information on
private charters, yacht services, private guiding
services, corporate events and media rates. Visit us
online at www.seesharks.com or call toll-free in the
U.S. (888) 814-8256 or (510)814-8256 outside the
U.S., for more information. Book your ultimate shark
adventure today!
www.seesharks.com
Private Charters, YACHT
services & media/press
• Film & Media
Trusted by the world’s leading
media professionals, including; ABC,
BBC, NBC, NPR, CNBC, Discovery
Channel, Fox, IMAX, O’Reilly
Factor, Boston Globe, Esquire UK,
Los Angeles Times, Men’s Journal,
San Francisco Chronicle, Stuff and
more…
• Birthdays & Anniversaries
• Bachelor & Bachelorette parties
• Clubs (diving, professional
associations, sports)
• Fraternities, Sororities & Alumni
events
• Family events
• 1 complimentary reservation with
every whole-boat charter
• Gourmet cake selection
• Includes all meals, beverages, beer
and wine
• Custom photography and video
services available (price on
request)
• Please see Isla Guadalupe and
Farallon Islands pages in this
catalog for specific trip and vessel
details
• Cinema cage – for professionals
only – available on board the
Solmar V and private charters
Contacting Us
For private charters, yacht services,
private guide services, special events
and media/press inquiries please
contact:
Shark Diving International
2516 Blanding Ave
Alameda, CA. 94501-1506
Email: [email protected]
Phone: toll-free (888) 814-8256
Outside U.S.: (510) 814-8256
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About Us…
Lawrence Groth,
Founder and CEO
L
awrence Groth, a California
native, began his diving career
at age 13. Later, Lawrence continued
his pursuit of life on the water and
became a successful commercial
diver and professional mariner in the
United States.
D
iving and interacting with large apex
predators is something we take very
seriously. At Shark Diving International, your
safety is our first priority. Since our start in 1998, we
are very proud to report that we have a perfect safety
record – with no injury to any customer or shark, ever
– and we intend to keep it that way.
You, our customers, are the most valuable asset we
have. You have made Shark Diving International
the #1 Shark Diving operator in the United States
again this year. It is our pledge to do whatever we
can to ensure that our expeditions are everything
you have ever dreamed of right down to the
smallest details. From the vessels we charter, to the
destinations we select, to the gourmet meals we
serve, to the equipment we use and so on… your
complete satisfaction is always paramount.
Our staff is professional, experienced, courteous and
committed to your safety and expedition enjoyment.
We are here to make you comfortable. From the
Farallons to Fiji, all of our expeditions are carefully
researched first-hand; if we sell it then we dive it.
Visit us online at www.seesharks.com or call toll-free
in the U.S. (888) 814-8256 or, outside the U.S. (510)
814-8256 for more information and to reserve your
ultimate shark adventure today.
C o m p a n y Stat s
In business since 1998
Most experienced US Great White shark diving
operator
Perfect success rate at Isla Guadalupe
Outstanding success rate at Farallon Islands
In 1998 Lawrence Groth launched
Great White Adventures. “A lot of
people didn’t understand exactly
what I was doing or why, but I knew
from the first time I ever saw a Great
White at the Farallon Islands that
they were rare and incredible, and
I wanted to share that experience
with others. I was absolutely in awe
of them and have been everyday,
ever since. It all started in the
Farallons and then Guadalupe
and now we’re taking shark fans
and divers all over the world to
encounter the most amazing marine
life on the planet. I absolutely love
what I do and I can’t wait to see what
the next adventure has in store! I
am so grateful for my customers, my
staff and of course – the sharks.”
Pioneered cage diving in the Farallon Islands
and Isla de Guadalupe
100% perfect safety rating – no injury to any
customer or shark ever
Committed to shark and marine conservation
& protection
Most experienced staff in the industry – over
100 years of combined diving experience
We’re evolving! Great White Adventures is now Shark Diving International. Join us for expeditions
featuring the marquis shark species at the premiere locations around the world. Of course, you
can still enjoy Great White adventures at our Farallon Islands and Isla Guadalupe destinations!
Trusted by the world’s leading media professionals,
including; ABC, BBC, NBC, NPR, Discovery Channel,
Fox, IMAX, Troublemaker Studios, Boston Globe,
Esquire UK, Los Angeles Times, Men’s Journal, San
Francisco Chronicle, Stuff Magazine and more…
www.seesharks.com
w w w . s e esh a r k s . c o m
Shark Diving
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