GREAT WHITE SHARKS
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| Type of dive: |
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Animal interaction – in a cage! |
| Snorkelling: |
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Yes, awesome! |
| Scuba: |
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No qualification needed |
| Access: |
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Boat only (all-day expedition) |
| Depth: |
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2 metres (6’), surface only |
| Visibility: |
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10 – 20 metres (30-65’) |
| Water temperature: |
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14 – 20°C (57-68°F) |
| Seasonal: |
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No, can visit anytime |
Carcharodon carcharias is an awesome name for an awesome fish – the great white shark – the largest predatory fish in the ocean.
Great whites are probably the most feared animal in the world, a reputation certainly enhanced by movies such as ‘Jaws’!
Tagged sharks have been known to travel around 10,000 kilometres (6,000 mi) in a 10-year period. They capable of speeds up to 24 kilometres per hour (15 mph) and can be found in both hemispheres.
Whilst they have been observed in the tropics, they are mostly seen in coastal temperate and subtropical regions in countries such as South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
It is believed there are less than 10,000 individuals worldwide and they are sparsely populated.
The average adult great white shark is 4.6 metres (15’) long and 1,100 kilograms (0.55 tn) in weight. They grow to 6 metres (20‘) and can weigh 3,000 kilograms (1,5 tn), on average females are larger than males.
At birth, pups are over one metre (3’) in length and independent.
They take four to five years to reach maturity and can live for around 40 years.
Great white sharks are capable of maintaining their body temperature up to 14°C (57°F) above ambient water temperature, allowing them to have more speed and muscle power.
Their powerful jaws have over 300 triangular serrated teeth and their natural prey includes seals, sea lions, small whales, dolphins, rays, turtles and carrion (dead carcases) NOT humans.
Although great whites have been responsible for several attacks on humans, most attacks are thought to be a result of mistaken identity and are not fatal. The sharks appear to let go once they realise the mistake. Still, no comfort to the mistaken victim though!
Dangerous Reef and the Neptune Islands off Port Lincoln, on the Eyre Peninsula to the west of Adelaide, are two of the best places in the world to meet these awesome predators face-to-face in the wild.
Great white shark encounters occur all-year round and can be experienced either dry from the boat, or in the shallow cage on surface-supplied compressed air.
All necessary training is conducted on-site.
Witnessing these apex predators in the wild is an experience no diver should miss.
Special thanks to Andrew Wright of Calypso Star Charters.
Copyright © 2024 Steve Sinclair
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE YOU ARE THERE
Swim with Tuna, Pearson Island Sea Lions, Point Lowly Giant Cuttlefish and Port Hughes Jetty.
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
CALYPSO STAR SHARK CAGE DIVING
3/10 South Quay Boulevard
Port Lincoln SA 5606
+61 (8) 8682 3939
info@sharkcagediving.com.au
www.sharkcagediving.com.au
OTHER SERVICES
Need somewhere to eat, drink or stay?
PORT LINCOLN HOTEL
1 Lincoln Highway
Port Lincoln SA 5606
+61 (8) 8621 2000
reservations@portlincolnhotel.com.au
www.portlincolnhotel.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
WATER TEMPERATURES: 
LOCATION
State or Territory:
South Australia
Nearest City:
Adelaide
Nearest Regional City:
Port Lincoln
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Adelaide
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Port Lincoln
Road:
Adelaide to Port Lincoln:
7 hours (650 km/400 mi) via National Highway A1 and Lincoln Hwy/B100
Bus:
From Adelaide
Ferry:
From Adelaide
