OFF THE BE-EATEN PATH

TOURS

DIVE WITH SHARKS OFF THE COAST OF SAN FRANCISCO

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Twenty-five miles off of the coast of San Francisco sits the Farallon Islands, the winter water playground for great white sharks. The island is a bit eerie, completely uninhabited by humans save for a few researchers studying birds in the area. However, from September 15-November 30, new tenants move in and the waters come alive with some of the world’s deadliest predators.

The tour group Shark Dive Adventures, based in Florida, welcomes adults of all ages to satisfy a lifelong dream by getting up close and personal with these giant water monsters, from the safe confines of a cage, of course.

WHAT WILL YOU SEE?

These particular islands were chosen because of their ability to attract 16-20 foot sharks. “Sharks are bigger in San Francisco,” says Jane, marketing coordinator for Shark Dive Adventures. While Mexico is a popular destination for many cage divers because of clearer waters and the allowance to bait, the sharks you come across off of the Northern California coast will be larger in size.

The tour company has dialed in the details to up your chances of seeing sharks on your visit. Tours take off later in the day to accommodate sunset feeding times as great whites are lured here to dine on Northern Elephant Seals.

Mammal-shaped decoys are used to attract sharks, but bait is prohibited. While the company does everything in its power to make shark sightings happen, including operating only at peak times, they can’t be guaranteed. WHAT ARE THE FARALLON ISLANDS? WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A TOUR?

The islands are technically part of San Francisco, even though they are located in the Pacific Ocean, and are part of the Greater

Farallones National Marine

Sanctuary. The area is often called the Galapagos

of California

because of its large population of animals and wildlife. Buckle up for a long day. Tours last approximately 12 hours and include both lunch and dinner on the boat—the 65-foot Derek M Baylis, a custom-built offshore research and education vessel. No dive experience is required and all necessary items, including a wetsuit, are provided. In all, tours can accommodate 12 cage divers and four topside observers. On the trip, a naturalist will share details of the marine sanctuary,

BOOK A TOUR islands, great white sharks, and

DATES: Oct. 15-Nov. 30 Cost: $475-825/pp other wildlife. SharkDiveAdventures.com Booking early is recommended

since tours sell out.