Instant Reader Report
on Horizon/San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions / [same] in
Mexico (Western) Pacific / off Guadalupe Island on
2003/09
by
Dorothy McDonald , OH, US
Report Number 030922180729533

 [Unspecified] 

Dive Conditions

This was a trip to see great white sharks so all diving was in cages.  Cage
rotations were hourly with four people in one of the two cages at a time. 
Diving was only during daylight hours.  

Rinse tank and shelves for storing cameras.  Crew reminded divers not to
use camera rinse tank for masks, etc.  Most divers were photographers - on
the trip to get pictures of the great whites.  Shelf space was adequate,
but a little more camera space would be nice.  At night many worked in the
salon on their digital photography.  There was room to recharge batteries,
etc.  

Overall Rating

Since this trip was to see great white sharks from cages everyone knew in
advance that we would not be looking at corals, etc.  Chumming was done
from morning until night and people were encouraged to fish (equipment
provided) when not diving.  The sharks put in some cage-rattling
appearances, tearing a hole in a float on one cage, taking 2 bites out of
a surfboard used as a "decoy", bending in a cage bar so much
that the welding attaching it to the frame broke, taking out all four
airhoses in one cage with a single bite, and routinely bumping and biting
the cages.  There were 2 cages in the water at a time with 4 divers in
each cage.  Weight harnesses were supplied, no need for fins, BCs or
snorkles, bring own wet suit and hood (we were told that temperatures are
usually in the mid 60 F).  Air is suplied from the boat via hoses that go
to regulators in the cages.  When the sharks were around time flew by.  In
4 days of diving we had one cage rotation when no sharks showed - that was
a long and boring hour.  Most times the vis was about 100', however one
afternoon everything from about 8' down became milky and the sharks seemed
to just suddenly be at the cages.  There were times when you could see the
fin above the murk coming towards the cage and then suddenly the whole
shark was right in front of us.  

The boat and diving were run very efficiently and the crew was up beat,
courteous and friendly.  Chef Mark made delicious and varied meals, often
grilling on deck.  Food varied from salads to fresh tuna to steak to
chicken, etc.  Desserts were store bought.  Snacks were always available. 
Special needs were accomodated.  Beer and wine was included in the price of
trip, mixed drinks (delicious) were extra. As on most dive boats, your dive
day ended with your first alcoholic drink.  The salon was not air
conditioned, only had 2 windows that could be opened and quickly became
hot during dinner hours. 

This is a no frills boat.  There are two heads - both on the main deck. 
There were 16 divers and 10 crew and this was not a major problem.  There
is also a hot water, open-air shower for rinsing after dives. Bring your
own towels.  There are no port holes on the lower level where the cabins
are.  The cabins are clean but extremely tiny.  Each has 2 bunks with
reading lights and the smallest 3 drawer night stand imaginable.  There
are 4 hooks and a mirror on the wall. One of us would get up and dress
then leave the cabin so there would be room for the other person to dress.
 

It would be a good idea to bring a hanger for hanging wet suits on the
main deck.  At the end of the dive day the crew will take wet suits to
engine room for drying overnight and towels will be put in the dryer. 

A superb opportunity to see these sharks up close and personal! 

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