Shark Cage Diving at Guadalupe Island Facts

guadalupe island shark cage diving

Shark Cage Diving at Guadalupe Island Facts

Divers from around the globe come to the remote island of Guadalupe Island for one reason, diving with Great White Sharks. All of the cage diving with great white sharks here takes place within the confines of a cage by order of the Mexican government. Liveaboards running shark tours to Guadalupe Island must have all necessary permits, but back in 2000 when America’s Shark Boat first discovered Guadalupe Island it was a different story.

It’s important to note that both certified divers and non-divers can participate in Great White Shark diving at Guadalupe Island. Non-divers must use a hookah system and stay in a cage at the surface.

When to Go Cage Diving at Guadalupe Island

August to November is Guadalupe shark diving season. During these months water temperatures average 66°F to 75°F. These temperatures attract the Great White Sharks making this the best time to dive in Guadalupe. The shark cage diving season is broken into two seasons, early season males arrive en mass from August through October, while the giant females arrive late during a period we call The Time of the Titans.

The weather at this time transitions from hot and humid in August and September to cooler with a bit of rain in October and November. Interested in cage diving with Great White Sharks at Guadalupe Island? Book your diving liveaboard cage diving with us between August and November and we will guarantee sharks or you get a free trip back!.

There are no set shark cage diving sites at Guadalupe Island. We decide where to put the cages in the water based on the conditions of the day and the patterns of Great White Shark sightings at the time. Based on this system, many liveaboard operators even guarantee that you’ll come face-to-face with a Great White Shark. Most of the sites chosen by liveaboard dive masters are within a couple miles of Guadalupe Island. However, you can expect to be diving in the blue, meaning there is no visible land beneath or beside you. On some dives, you’ll have the option to emerge from the top of the cage, giving you an unbarred view of a magnificent Great White Shark.

Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve Status

Located 150 miles (240 kilometers) off the coast of Baja California, Guadalupe Island is a rocky, extinct volcano. A small island, Isla Guadalupe, as it is known locally, measures only 22 miles (35 kilometers) long and 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide. Several islets add variety to the rocky shore. As of 2010, approximately 200 people call Guadalupe Island home. The population is made up of lobster and abalone fishermen as well as goat farmers and military personnel. A small runway makes it possible to transport goods to these remote population.
Shark divers flock Guadalupe Island for the sole purpose of cage diving with Great White Sharks. Outside of cage diving with Great White Sharks, liveaboard guests can spot seals, sea lions and sharks from the ship in their topside intervals. If you like bird watching, endemic Guadalupe rock wrens and Guadalupe house finch can be spotted near land.

Book with America’s Shark Boat

The only way to cage dive with great white sharks at Guadalupe Island is via liveaboard and America’s Shark Boat departs from San Diego, California throughout the season. The journey to the island lasts approximately 18 to 22 hours. Ready to cage dive with white sharks? Book today!