Shark Cage Diving!
“Weren’t you scared?!” That is always the first question everyone asks when we tell them about our shark cage diving experience in Cape Cod. While being in the same waters as sharks should be terrifying, our shark cage diving adventure wasn’t the stuff nightmares are made of…it was actually a lot of fun.
We saw one mako shark while we were still on the boat, and I think being in the water for that would have been rather frightening, as mako sharks are quite aggressive. But the sharks we were seeing throughout the day were blue sharks. They aren’t as aggressive as say, a great white, and rarely bite humans. They were actually really pretty, in my opinion.
I should also mention that our captain was baiting the sharks to come up by us stinky humans, that’s why you’ll see the white line in the video and photos. However, there’s no hook or anything on it (they weren’t hurting the sharks by any means), the dead fish was just tied together tightly, so the shark had to work for it a bit.
And I should apologize for taking so long to put this post together! It feels like it’s been eons since we were on vacation in the Cape Cod area! I had the hardest time getting this video edited properly, though, mainly because I couldn’t find a video editing software I liked, but I think I’ve finally found the one!
And my husband gets all the credit for filming this video. I had my knees and hands in front of the GoPro for all but one shot. I am not good at filming at all, but thankfully, my husband knew what he was doing. (He’s also really happy that that’s in writing, now. Haha.)
Without further ado, here is our shark cage diving video!
As you can see in the video, there were always two people in the cage at a time. While this offered everyone on the boat more chances to be in the water with the sharks, it also made it a bit difficult to see/film with two people in there. My husband and I were never in the cage at the same time, as we wanted one of use to be wearing the GoPro and the other to be taking photos above water (just in case you wondering what was going on with the video, there was another nice family from Boston who was with us).
We were also wearing snorkeling gear. The problem with the snorkeling gear, though, was that it wasn’t very long and the sharks liked to be deeper in the water than that! So, we were basically just holding our breath while we were underwater watching the sharks (that’s why we would keep coming up for air in the video, haha).
That being said, though, this was a really exciting day! And a good way to get our feet wet, so to speak, and try out shark cage diving in a safe environment. I would highly recommend Captain Vinny of Bounty Hunter Charters if you are interested in shark cage diving while in the Cape Cod area! He and his mate were a great time, and incredibly friendly and professional the entire time we were on the trip. And the trip took over 6 hours. It was 2 hours to get to where the sharks were, 2 hours of diving and 2 hours to get back to land – definitely bring Dramamine if you haven’t spent much time on the water. Not everyone on board fared too well that day, and I found myself getting a bit queasy on the ride out there. Oh, and bring lots of water and sunscreen!
If you don’t love the idea of jumping in the water with the sharks, but would still like to be able to see them up close…I honestly felt I had just as good of a view, if not better at times, while I was on the boat. They do let you do “ride alongs” and there’s a different price, if you’re not getting in the cage.
On our way back to shore we were able to stop and admire the scenery, too. So, you don’t have to worry about just seeing water on the 2 hour trip! There’s also chances to see wildlife (whales, bird, dolphins, etc.). I really wish I could tell you what the name of the beautiful scene behind us is, but I am drawing an absolute blank on it. (Terrible blogger – I know!) Either way, it sure was pretty, and a nice way to break up the trip.
Cape Cod Shark Adventures launches out of several different areas in Massachusetts, however, when we asked..they said their Fairhaven location was the best spot. So, Fairhaven is where we launched, and we stayed in New Bedford (right next to Fairhaven). If you ever find yourself in this area, you have to check out The Black Whale! It was a fantastic restaurant on the water with a great combination of upscale dining, yet a relaxed atmosphere (and the prices weren’t bad either). I highly recommend ordering their appetizers and sides and having a tapas style dinner while there (that’s actually what Captain Vinny, recommended and it was spot on!). That was seriously one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time.
I will end this post with a few more photos from the day. And if you interested in coming face-to-face with sharks while in the Cape Cod area, click here to check out the company we booked through and click here to check out Captain Vinny’s website!
Has anyone else ever gone shark cage diving? And if not, would you do it, given the chance? Let me know in the comments!
*Polka swimsuit is from ModCloth.
You are a brave soul! These pictures of you guys in these huge chairs are so fun:) I am glad to hear you made it out in one piece. I admire you for doing this. What an adventure!
astylishlovestory.blogspot.com
Haha! Thank you, Joanna! I swear shark cage diving wasn’t too scary. 🙂 And the big chairs were a ton of fun!
Okay! I did it. I gathered all the courage I have and read this post of yours. My god! To answer your question: No. No no no! I would never ever climb into a cage with sharks around it. Never ever! But good for you for doing it. You have no idea how brave you are in my eyes. Sharks are the most terrifying things on our planet imo. And true, the blue sharks aren’t as horrifying as great whites, but still… Pretty damn scary thing you did!! I’m glad you had a nice experience though. Do you have a new-found appreciation of life afterwards?
Goodness.
Thank you! I am so glad you were able to do it, Mona! 🙂 This made my day! Would you go on a boat ride to see sharks, out of curiosity? (and stay on the boat)
Hahaha! That last part literally made me “lol.” I don’t think I came close enough to death to change my perspective on life, haha. But I swear it was a ton of fun! 🙂
Haha! Only for you 😉
I don’t think I’d do the boat ride either, I mean, I freak out watching sharks on the telly so being so close as in a boat above them would surely be a catastrophe. Never say never though, right? 😛 If I ever feel really adventurous maybe… haha
In my mind you’ve stared death in its eyes, and lived to tell the tale! Haha! I’ll take your word for it, I’m sure it was fun for you. I’m just gonna skip it though… haha!
Haha, I understand. I don’t think I have any living creatures that scare me this much. But I have a very crazy fear of tornadoes. I will never for the life of my understand storm chasers! That is literally my biggest nightmare. So, I can understand not wanting to actually get on a boat to be face to face with a shark, just as I wouldn’t get in a car and go try and be face to face with a tornado. 🙂
This is so neat!! You both took amazing video and photos. Its like I was able to be there and experience it with you. Beautiful. Also love your bikini!! Way to look super stylish while swimming with the sharks! You’re right too with how the sharks were nice with humans. Looks like it was a fantastic day with so many memories.
amandabrezovsky.com
Aw thank you so much, Amanda! I think the sharks appreciated the polka dot suit, haha. It was such an awesome experience! I would highly recommend giving it a try next summer, if you’re looking for something different to do in the area! 🙂
Looks great – I love sharks! I thought about cage diving in South Africa as they have a lot of great whites there but then got a cold…it’s important that people get to know sharks better though, they are majorly misunderstood 🙂
Christina | Caliope Couture
Thank you, Christina! Shark cage diving in South Africa is on my bucket list! I think it would be awesome to see a Great White up close. While they do see Great Whites on occasion in Cape Cod, South Africa is definitely THE place to go to see those guys. 🙂 And I completely agree, sharks are very misunderstood. The idea that they are blood thirsty people eaters, is very unfair. If everyone had a chance to see them in this capacity, it would be a wonderful thing. 🙂
So excited for you! And I totally agree – blue sharks are super inquisitive, graceful animals and more curious than anything. 🙂 Looked like you had an amazing time! There’s a lot of controversy surrounding cage diving. My personal feeling is that people fear what they don’t understand – and creating an opportunity to understand these animals is incredibly valuable. P.S. Loved the bikini! Sharks + Style – that’s my idea of the perfect day! xxxx
-Kara
www.thedressedaesthetic.com
Thank you, Kara! I was very interested in your opinion on shark cage diving (as you are the only person I know who actually works with sharks!). I agree. I think if more people had the opportunity to try shark cage diving they would be able to see how majestic they are, and just how little they actually want to be anywhere near humans. Haha. (They certainly didn’t want to eat us, that’s for sure!) And thank you – an Esther Williams bikini seemed totally appropriate for such an adventure lol.