Mexico Itineraries:
Great White Sharks of Guadalupe Island (6 days)
Guadalupe Island, or Isla Guadalupe, is a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, located approximately 250km off the west coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. This tiny place extends from north to south for only about 35km and has a maximum width of 9km. But what it lacks in size, it makes it up by being a land of contrasts & oddities: The southern part of the island is barren, while the north has fertile valleys. The temperature at sea level is on average between 18C to 22C, but if you climb up the mountain ridge in its centre, it will go way over 22C in the summer!
Rainfall seems to concentrate only on the northern part, where many endemic plants grow. These plants were almost extinct by the once 10,000 goat population - yes, goats! Nowadays the 10,000 goat population share the island with 15 residents. The island is also the oldest nature conservancy in Mexico and has been a seal sanctuary since the 70's. Since it hosts a very large population of seals, the site is considered the best spots in the world to observe the great white sharks!
If you want to spend as much time as possible safely observing these giants, Guadalupe Island will be the spot for you! It outperforms both South Africa and Australia with shark-sighting consistency and watching conditions. The visibility is crystal clear and the site where the cages are staged counts a population of 94 great white sharks. You will virtually get unlimited diving and, if the conditions are right, get the chance to get out of the cages to observe them out in the open. This trip will be the experience of a life time!
QUALIFICATION NEEDED:
We can welcome everyone, but we recommend being qualified as PADI OW or equivalent. A divemaster is present in the cages at all times therefore cage diving can accommodate all levels of divers.
ITINERARY:
Departing from any major airport in Europe, your flight will take you to San Diego, USA. All the guests will be asked to meet for 19:00hr at the Ramada Inn Hotel, very near San Diego airport.
They recommend you having a great dinner before the meeting time. The crew will start loading the coach at 19:00hr and plan to leave at approximately 19:30hr from the hotel. The transfer will take you to Ensenada, Mexico and will last approximately 2 hours. The vessel will depart that same night for a 24hr cruise to reach Guadalupe Island the following evening.
The next day, the crew will arrange for a warm-up dive and following that, the cages will be lowered in the water. You will be in for virtually unlimited hours of diving! The cages are in the water from 06:30hr until 18:30hr and you will have a rotation of 2 hours in the water with 2 hours out. The record over 3 days is 31 hours for one diver!!!
After the 3rd day diving, the boat will cruise back to Ensenada (approximately 24 hours) and arrive late afternoon when you will disembark. The transfer will take you back to the Ramada Inn near San Diego airport, USA.
You would be able to take a night flight back to Europe directly or arrange for an extra night in San Diego. If you were to leave straight away, due to the journey and time difference, you will arrive a day later back in Europe.
Sample itinerary:
**PLEASE NOTE** Itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, guests' experience, flight schedules and is at the discretion of the captain.
Day 1 - Flight & boarding: Arrival at San Diego, USA*. Transfer to Ensenada, embarkation and overnight cruising
Day 2 - Arrival at Guadalupe: Early evening
Day 3 - Guadalupe: Cage diving
Day 4 - Guadalupe: Cage diving
Day 5 - Guadalupe: Cage diving and overnight cruising
Day 6 - Disembarkation & flight: Arrival at Ensenada, Mexico, and transfer to San Diego
Day 7 - Flight: Arrival in Europe
*IMPORTANT: Please click
HERE for VISA information.
Want to go? Check out the Schedules and Prices HERE
SEASON, WEATHER, CONDITIONS & CURRENT:
Most of the rainfall, due to strong winds and cyclones, occurs during the winter months. This itinerary operates from the end of July until the beginning of November to ensure adequate temperatures, smooth sailing and the best sightings. The seas are usually calm, but wind and swell are always a possibility.
The visibility at Guadalupe Island is usually excellent with an average of 20m - 40m, which is a dream for photographers and videographers. The water temperature is on average between 19C and 23C, but you need to know that you will spend most of your time in a cage and will not be swimming, so good suit protection will ensure you will enjoy your time underwater. The surface temperatures are on average 20C to 25C.
WHAT TO TAKE?
You will need only the following dive equipment: your wetsuit/dry suit, hoods, gloves, booties and a mask. Since you will not be swimming around, BCD and fins are not necessary. Air will pumped from the surface (hooka style) down to the cages. Surface weather is comfortable and shorts, t-shirts and sandals/boat shoes should just do the trick, but we recommend you bring along a warm sweatshirt or a jumper for the cooler nights.
Want to go? Check out the Schedules and Prices HERE