Join us on a one-of-a-kind journey to San Francisco’s Farallon Islands, home of one of the largest adult white shark populations on the planet. Get into the water with great white sharks the size of cars. Watch from the deck as white sharks prey on the local seal population. Learn little-known facts about one of the ocean’s most feared predators from our knowledgeable shark team. It’s an incredible adventure in an incredible place.
Dare to Visit A Very Wild Place
Be prepared to spend a long day at sea making memories.
Our one-day white shark adventures depart from Marina Bay Yacht Harbor (Richmond Marina) in Richmond, California. The marina is in San Francisco's East Bay region and approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco and Oakland airports.
We typically leave the dock before sunrise to insure we’re on location during peak sighting times. On the way to the islands, you’ll enjoy breakfast and a Certified Farallones Naturalist will tell you more about the Farallons and share things you need to know to get the most out of your shark viewing adventure. There will also be time for cage divers to change into their wetsuits.
Getting There is Half the Fun!
You'll travel to the Farallones aboard the Derek M Baylis, a specially-designed 65 ft research sailing vessel. If we’re blessed with wind, we’ll sail. If not, we’ll motor. The Baylis provides a safe, comfortable and environmentally-friendly platform for research and education. She’s the same vessel utilized by the long-time white shark researchers at the Gulf of the Farallons National Marine Sanctuary.
Topsiders will find they have a very important role. Those not cage diving serve as "lookouts", standing alongside our naturalists and scanning the horizon for signs of shark activity. We are typically back at the dock late afternoon/early evening, depending on sea conditions and shark action.
Featured 2020 Dates*
September 26 - October 3 - October 17 - October 24
October 31** - November 7 -
November 14
*Dates may change or be added. Please call for details. Additional dates may be available for private groups.
** Special Halloween Shark Dive Event
Pricing & Details
Cage Diver - $825
No dive experience is necessary. A certified dive instructor will teach you everything you need to know. Our shark cage floats so your head will be just below the surface and you’ll be able to breathe from an air hose while you move about the cage, taking photos and having fun. There's no need for you to pack your own dive gear. All you need to bring is a mask and warm clothes for before and after your dive. We'll provide a wet suit for you to wear during your dives, meals and refreshments on board. The waters near the Farallons are cold and murky but you'll be nice and toasty when the shark action heats up.
Topside Observer - $475
Help scan the horizon for fins and watch for breaching sharks attacking their prey. Be sure to dress warm and in lots of layers. This option is perfect for those who want to see sharks but prefer to stay dry.
The Details
Incredible Adventures great white shark adventures are offered select Saturdays and Sundays, during the months of October and November. (We've picked the prime months for shark viewing.) Our boat can comfortably accommodate 12 cage divers and 4 topside observers.
Important Notes
There's No Shark Guarantee
We go to the best places at the best time of year with the best shark crew, but we cannot guarantee you'll see sharks. Our shark diving expeditions take place within a protected marine sanctuary. We are permitted to use a seal-shaped decoy to increase sightings, but we are not allowed to bait. We go to observe white sharks feeding on the local seal population. If we see no sharks, THERE IS NO REFUND. If we are unable to deliver your adventure due to weather or unforeseen mechanical problems, THERE IS NO REFUND. If we are forced to cancel your scheduled trip, we will work with you to reschedule your cage dive or top-side experience for a future date during the same calendar year, or will provide you with the information necessary for submitting a trip insurance claim. THE PURCHASE OF TRIP INSURANCE IS MANDATORY.
Seasickness Happens
There is a good chance you'll experience a bit of seasickness on our shark adventures. Seas can be rough. Even our experienced shark dive crew still gets seasick from time to time. You can help minimize your chances by taking a seasickness remedy both the night before your great white shark trip and the morning of your trip. If you do start to feel poorly on the ride out to the Farallons, our staff is there to help you. Often a little time on the deck in the fresh air is all it takes to make you feel better.
E-mail or call Cage Diver
today for further details: 800 644-7382
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.
Suit Up & Dive with Great White Sharks
Just 30 Miles Outside of San Francisco
As seen on California Live, NBC Los Angeles, Ross Thomas Reporting (December 12, 2019)
