Shark cage diving is the ultimate activity for thrill seekers. These apex predators are feared by people all over the world, thanks to the release of movies such as Jaws and The Shallows.
So, what better way to get your heart racing than to dive into these creatures’ natural habitat?
Shark cage diving isn’t only enjoyed by thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. In fact, in some areas of the world it has become a popular tourist attraction.
One area of the world where this is true is Florida. Florida is well-known for its sandy beaches and blue waters, and it has a pretty healthy shark population too.
If you are a Florida resident who fancies giving this activity a try, or you are visiting Florida and want to get your heart pumping, then you probably want to know what places are the best for shark cage diving in Florida.
This activity should only be completed in the presence of experts, and that is why you should approach a company that runs shark cage diving trips if you want to give this a try.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best Florida based companies that offer shark cage diving. So, keep on reading to find out more!
Florida Shark Diving
First up, we have Florida Shark Diving. This company was the pioneer in shark diving in the Sunshine State, and they are the longest running shark diving company in the State.
If you have an interest in sharks, then Florida Shark Diving is the perfect company for you because they offer lots of different ways for you to observe these magnificent creatures.
As well as shark cage diving, you can also free dive with sharks, and watch sharks from the comfort of your own boat.
But, for now, let’s focus on their shark cage diving packages. Florida Shark Diving offers daily shark cage diving opportunities in Florida Keys, Miami, and Palm Beach, Jupiter, all year round.
This company is perfect no matter your diving experience as they cater for professionals, but also cater for first time divers too. This means that no matter your experience in the water, Florida Shark Diving will look after you.
In this trip, all diving equipment is included in the cost. Additionally, iced water and sports drinks will be provided to keep you hydrated while you are out at sea.
Florida Shark Diving has an outstanding reputation for being able to see sharks on every single trip – so it is perfect if you want to get your money’s worth.
Some of the sharks encountered on these trips include great hammerhead, tiger, bull, silky, dusky, spinner sharks, and more.
With bases in 2 different areas of Florida, Florida Shark Diving is a safe choice if you are visiting the State, and daily shark diving opportunities mean that you will definitely be able to squeeze this into your trip!
Miami Shark Tours
Alternatively, if you are visiting the Miami area of Florida, then the best company for you is probably Miami Shark Tours. Just like Florida Shark Diving, Miami Shark Tours runs daily trips out to sea – giving you plenty of opportunity to see these magnificent animals in your trip.
The cage diving trips at Miami Shark Tours are perfect for you, no matter your diving experience. With experts in the field looking after you, you will be safe at all times when you are out at sea – allowing you to simply enjoy the experience and the thrill that it gives you.
However, if you are a more experienced diver, and want to take it one step further, the company does also offer free diving with sharks for those who are certified.
The Florida water is perfect for seeing sharks because it is crystal clear, and Miami Shark Tours recognizes this. With water temperatures averaging around mid 70-80s, you will be comfortable in the water, allowing you to simply enjoy the magnificent activity that goes on beneath the water’s surface.
The people who run Miami Shark Tours are incredibly experienced, with more than 10 years diving experience in the areas that you visit.
They know what they are talking about, and this makes the experience even more enjoyable for you. With the chance of seeing tiger, hammerhead, and reef sharks, you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience, which is why you should definitely consider Miami Shark Tours.
Calypso Dive Charters
Finally, we would recommend considering Calypso Dive Charters. While this company’s website can be a little tricky to navigate, they have a lot of experience with shark cage diving in the Florida area.
Calypso Dive Charters are based in the St. Riviera Beach area of Florida, giving you yet another area to explore while observing sharks.
For the price, you will get to spend 3 hours out at sea, watching sharks and observing the rest of the sea creatures that live off the coast of Florida.
Also included in the price is the hire for a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, but you will need to bring a towel and sunscreen along with you. Additionally, the company offers a video of your trip that can be purchased as an add-on to the original price.
Unlike the other 2 companies that we have looked at, Calypso Dive Charters does not offer shark cage diving every single day.
Instead, this company only operates on the weekends, which does mean that you will need to plan your trip a little more carefully.
However, on this trip you will get the opportunity to potentially encounter great hammerhead, sandbar, lemon, nurse, tiger, and silky sharks. So, it is definitely worth having to wait till the weekend!
If you aren’t too sure if shark cage diving is for you, Calypso Dive Charters is the perfect company to go to. As well as shark cage diving, they offer a range of activities that will allow you to see sharks – they will look after you, and that is what makes them such a great company!
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have taken a look at some of the best shark cage diving companies in the state of Florida, let’s take a look at what you should consider before choosing the right company for you!
What Is Included in the Price
First things first, it is important to check what is included in the price that you are paying for the dive. Some companies will only include actually taking you out to sea and the cage rental in the cost, whereas other companies will include snorkel gear and wetsuit hire in the cost.
Before you choose a company, it is best to find out exactly what you are paying for, and what you need to bring with you in order to avoid confusion or disappointment.
The Sharks That You Might See
If you are a shark enthusiast, then you are probably planning on going shark cage diving because you want to see specific sharks.
The sharks that you are able to see when cage diving off the coast of Florida will be restricted by the types of sharks that live in these areas. That is why it is best to research which sharks you may be able to see before you book.
The majority of shark diving companies have operated in these areas for a number of years, and because of this they have become experts in their fields. So, it is best to check out a company’s website and find out what sharks you might encounter before you commit to that company.
Safety
It goes without saying that safety should be your utmost priority when it comes to shark diving. By all accounts, this is a safe activity, and there are barely any shark attacks attributed to this style of shark diving.
However, to ensure that you are as safe as possible, it is best to research a company thoroughly before you book.
All the companies that we have spoken about in this guide have a lot of experience in shark diving in Florida, and because of this they are safe options. But, if you are considering a newer company, it is best to research their experience before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Scary is Shark Cage Diving?
Ultimately, this will depend on whether, or not you are afraid of sharks. But, for most people, shark cage diving will be at least a little scary.
After all, most things that are considered to be thrilling activities need to have an element of fear to them. But, shark cage diving is one of the safest ways to dive with sharks, so while it can be scary, it is also safe.
Do You Need Scuba Certification to Cage Dive?
Some companies may ask that you have scuba certification in order to cage dive with sharks. However, the majority of shark cage diving companies use snorkeling gear, rather than scuba diving gear.
They also tend to cater to people of all experience levels, so you usually will not need scuba certification in order to cage dive.
The beauty of sharks up close and personal is too precious to put into words - there’s nothing like it that I’ve ever experienced. Not only that, but to be in close proximity to one of the ocean’s most ferocious predators is such a thrill!
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