Off the coast of Baja Mexico lies the tropical and mystical island of Guadalupe. What this tropical paradise holds is one of the premier adventures of a lifetime. For years now, scientists, oceanographers, divers and tourists have flocked to the island because of the huge population, perhaps the world’s largest, of Great White sharks that lurk just off the coast.
Perhaps the true marvel of it all is swimming or diving in water so clear and so blue that you can see the ocean floor and any creature that may be approaching from a long way off. Since the movie Jaws debuted back in 1975, these fearsome creatures have become much maligned and scientists say they are vastly misunderstood creatures. There are, however, few predators as deadly as the Great White.
There are many sport fishing businesses, as you can well imagine, that offer all of the amenities you can imagine. There are various sized boats as well as certified and experienced divers and aluminum or stainless steel enforced shark cages. It is the most convenient to leave from San Diego or Ensenada and will save you many hours of travel time. Almost all charters leave from the California coast. It is not recommended that you drive into Mexico or take any manner of bus. Travel through the drug cartel countryside can be a dangerous proposition.
Do your research and find the tour guides you want and listen to what their arrangements are and adhere to them. They know the country and the waters. They are the experts. Such a trip will run you about $1000 per day and the excursions and diving to see the Great White’s are usually for at least three days.
The charters, for the most part, will train you to dive if you want to venture beyond the cage and train you in the use of the scuba gear you will need if you just want to watch in wonder from the safety of the cage. Great White sharks average 15 feet in length, and can come in at over 20 feet, and weigh in at around 5,000 pounds. They are known to be quite curious and are highly unlikely to attack and eat a human. They are powerful swimmers capable of doing almost 20 miles per hour and have been known to leap from the water to capture prey such as seals.
PHOTO SOURCES: golfanddiver.com, diverdaily.com, imarcade.com, sharkdiver.com