Shark Diver

GREAT WHITE SHARK
TRIP REPORT
OCT 26 – NOV 1 Sharkdiver.com

General brainstorming on the sales floor at Harry’s Dive Shop two years ago produced the daring idea of going to visit the Great White Sharks. We tossed it about and decided to go for it. We chose the company, Absolute Adventures, and the date of early October 2006 for our trip. We were pumped. Deposits from individuals flowed. The list of participants grew. We were going to fill the whole boat. How fantastic could that be?

Along came Hurricane Katrina in Aug 2005. Lives changed. People lost jobs or were forced to move away. They found themselves underinsured and having to spend savings on replacing items such clothing and housing. Deposits were refunded. The trip was in jeopardy. In March 2006, the trip was canceled.

When April rolled around, the reality of having survived the storm with our health and lives became the theme. After many months of depression and the laborious, stinky work of rebuilding, folks decided to get on with living.

We called to reclaim our date but alas, it was too late. Another group had grabbed it. But no worries, there was an opening for half a boat two weeks later. We sent money and secured the date. Some of the original people signed on again. Excitement began to grow for a second time. We were going to see the Great White Sharks.

Seemingly tangible darts of criticism were thrown at us. We heard things like “Are you crazy?” “Where did you leave your mind?” “Those animals are vicious.” “If you don’t come back, can I have your ________?” Opinions shared by the general public were FEAR; trepidation propagated by lore and media; anxiety; visions of blood and gore.

To describe our Great White Shark experience in 60 words or less:
Peaceful. Relaxing. Serene. Surreal. Unbelievable to the point that it does not feel as though we were actually in the water with this much revered and feared apex predator. The sharks are beautiful, graceful, and at peace with the world around them. They swim gently and with calm purpose. They have meaning to their lives as we do to ours.

Will we do it again? Absolutely. We are planning for early to mid October 2007.

The operation, www.sharkdiver.com, was professional and knowledgeable. Upon arrival at Isla Guadelupe, “people” cages were deployed and chumming began. The passengers were divided into four groups of four. The water was 68 degrees. A thick wetsuit or drysuit was appreciated. Some wore hoods and gloves, some did not. Most had cameras. All had high hopes and expectations.

Straws were drawn as to which groups got in the water first. The New Orleans crew started the rotation. We were excited. We were then informed that seldom do sharks show up in the first hour. Ha! We saw them in the first couple minutes. A smaller shark (12 feet) swam beneath us and the stage was set. Yipee! Success. We saw a Great White. Hi fives all around. Thumbs up. Mission complete. No photos because it was too dark and too deep. But wait. Along came another. This time, up close and personal. In your face. Spectacular. Click, click, click. Cameras being snapped. No flash required. Only 4 feet deep. Light rays danced across her back. Curious but dark eyes peered back at us. She silently and gently glided by. We had real excitement. We got great pictures. Now we had bragging rights too. Picture proof.

And so the three days of diving continued. We were blessed with sharks on each and every dive. It reached the point where we could gaze without looking through the eye- piece of a camera. We visually absorbed the grace and power of the ocean’s master. We could even identify the various animals. All became respectful acquaintances.

For a bit of comic relief, a sea lion came out to play. The animal darted here and there, forever watchful, gawking back at us, making us laugh and flood our masks. We started photographing again. This time, I had my video. Seeing the sea lion play with the Great White Shark was like watching a motorcycle out maneuver a city bus. Absolutely humorous. The sea lion antagonized and bullied the shark. It nipped the shark’s tail and seemingly laughed in its face. We were nervous for the sea lion but excited too. Meanwhile, folks topside were trying to get the shark to eat the sea lion by throwing fish heads and chum at the mammal. But alas, it was not to be.

To complete the trip report, I must tell you about the wonderful crew on the boat. They were helpful and light hearted but serious about their jobs. They accept no horseplay with regard to getting in the water without the protection of the cage. Meals were magnificent and plentiful. Snacks were delicious and appreciated. Though the bunks were narrow and the rooms small, both were more than adequate. The other guests were a mixed bunch of single sign-ups; not a group like us. Altogether, we were a rather eclectic and interesting group. It made for a fabulous adventure. We have new friends.

In departing Isla Guadelupe, two Mexican Marine Biologists had no choice but to swim from our live-aboard dive vessel back to their meager campsite on-shore. They took whatever stores the boat could spare and the DNA gathered from several sharks. Need I remind you that the water was cold and shark infested? Suffice it to say, they swam fast.

I hope you will join us in the future. This is an opportunity that could be discontinued due to the needed protection of carcharodon carcharias, the Great White Shark. It is endangered because humans fear and therefore destroy them.

Cindy Caldwell
And again, I must quote my departed father:
“Fear of dying will not stop you from dying but it will stop you from living.”