Shark Diver : Shark Diving : Swimming With Sharks: shark week

Showing posts with label shark week. Show all posts

Friday, September 18, 2015

Talking about Sharks, Feeds the Frenzy

A Growing Attraction

Some might say diving with sharks is the last thing they would ever want to do...until they do it! For many, it has become an addiction and more and more repeat divers are getting their yearly thrill with Shark Diver, based out of San Diego. For 14 years, Shark Diver has been introducing the public (those who are dive certified and not certified) to the underwater world of great white sharks. They don't plan to stop. Why? Because people keep coming to get their 'fix.' The shark phenomenon has continued to rise for the last few years, due to local and national television news and social media coverage, cable television programming, and of course, silly movies. The 'News' has put us in touch with shark sightings off the coasts of Australia, South Africa, the Eastern and Western United States, and Guadalupe Island in Mexico; all right at our fingertips. The more we talk about sharks, the more popular they become.

Photo: Cindy Michaels

Every year, starting the first week of August, Shark Diver takes more than 200 divers to Guadalupe Island to see these misunderstood creatures, up close. During a 5-day adventure, divers fulfill their bucket list items, unique wedding anniversary or honeymoon celebrations, birthday milestones, or childhood dreams. In 2014, Shark Diver's sold out season saw a record number of divers wanting to see great whites, but it was also one of the biggest years for shark encounters at the cages. Things were only going to grow after that. Already, since the company's first dive this year on August 9th, there have been more than 120 great white shark sightings and it is expected that the same amount, if not more, will be seen by the time the 2015 season ends in November.

Get to Know Your Sharks

Shark Diver has worked with the Discovery Channel for some of its Shark Week episodes as well as countless other operations that partner for filming. But the company's greatest passion is to bring those who have never seen a shark...to the sharks, themselves. For the past 2 seasons, a researcher from the Marine Conservation Science Institute (MCSI) in San Diego has joined Shark Diver in educating divers about specific markings, migratory habits, and all the fun stuff you don't learn in school or on television. On the hosted adventures, divers have the opportunity to name any new shark that is spotted, while in the cages. That named shark is then registered in MCSI's photo database, which features more than 150 already identified sharks, such as Bite Face, Shredder, and Bruce. By naming and identifying the new great white, the divers are helping out with MCSI's research; dedicated to conserving and protecting marine resources. Shouldn't naming a shark be on your bucket list?

Photo: Cindy Michaels

What to Expect without Expecting

Like other highly feared fish, great whites are unpredictable. There may be curious juveniles that try to bite delicately on the cages, or a large adult that just wants to stroll by slowly to check you out. There is no expecting one behavior or another from these boys and girls. Divers prepare themselves for a scary time, but walk away awe-inspired by what they just witnessed. Every trip reveals something different.

When you decide that life is too short to only watch sharks on television, venture out on a dive with Shark Diver. You will see a great white shark while on your trip or the crew will take you back to Guadalupe Island at no extra charge. It is the company's guarantee. Whether or not Shark Diver sees you year after year, there is a good chance you will never view great white sharks the same way, again.

~Cindy Michaels
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Biggest White Shark ever filmed?

The Discovery Channel promised us a better quality of programming for "Shark Week" this season, so I was curious to see what they would offer. One of their episodes was titled "Island of the Mega Shark". So who, or what, is that mega shark?

When that "Mega Shark" swims under the cage Dickie Chivell exclaims that "this is the biggest shark I've ever seen in my life" and "you have to make up a new word for how big this shark is."

Well Dickie, we have a word for that "Mega Shark". We call her "Lucy". She is easily identified by her mangled tail and is certainly a big shark, but more in the 17 ft range and definitely not over 20 ft. If this is the biggest shark you have ever seen in your life, you should really spend some more time at Guadalupe Island and see the really big sharks.

"Lucy" is easily identified by her tail.

Imagine my surprise (sharkasm intended) when, a little later in the clip, I found out that this "Mega Shark" is actually more than one shark. The second shark is "Tail Scratch", again a large shark, but hardly 20 ft. When she was measured in 2009, she was 15 ft, which would make her between 16 and 17 ft. now. She is not even close to being the biggest shark that we regularly see at Guadalupe Island. The Marine Conservation Science Institute has a photo ID database that catalogs every shark that we have seen at Guadalupe Island in the past 15 years.

When you look at the pelvic fin area, you can clearly identify her. As you can see from the pictures below, it is the same shark.

Screen shot from video

Tail Scratch (from Shark ID book)

Watch the video below from youtube. It shows the typical Jeff Kurr, and ABC4 stuff. If you want us to actually believe that there is a mega shark at Guadalupe Island, at least improve your editing a little so it is not painfully obvious that you are showing more than one shark.

ABC4, Jeff Kurr and Dickie Chivell, your failure to consult with a real expert, like maybe Nicole Nasby Lucas, who could tell you all about the known sharks at Guadalupe and your inability to identify an individual shark, even when one has a completely mangled tail, clearly shows what kind of "experts" you are when it comes to great white sharks.

For anyone interested in identifying the great white sharks at Guadalupe Island, you can buy the photo ID book here. It is a great resource for anyone watching "Shark Week" or who's going to Guadalupe Island. Shark Diver is proud to support Nicole's research and has her hosting our special science expeditions to Guadalupe Island each year.

Let's go shark diving and experience these magnificent animals up close and personal. See for yourself awesome these sharks are in real life.

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Awesome great white sharks at Guadalupe Island

Alan Davey posted some awesome pictures from his trip to Guadalupe Island with us last year. The pictures were taken in August, the best time to see multiple sharks.

Alan Davey photography

For his complete trip report, more pictures and some great advice for photographers, check out his blog http://allandaveyblog.com/2014/10/28/a-truly-great-white-shark-adventure/

It is #sharkweek so all this week I will be sharing my shots of Great White Sharks I photographed at Guadalupe Mexico. It was an adventure of a lifetime to experience these beautiful misunderstood animals in the wild. #whiteshark #sharks #picoftheday #adventure #jaws #wild #misunderstood #nevereatsharkfinsoup

A photo posted by allanjdavey (@allanjdavey) on Jul 5, 2015 at 1:29pm PDT

#sharkweek is almost over for another year but shark conservation never stops. #nevereatsharkfinsoup These incredible animal deserve our respect and admiration. I photographed these sharks with www.sharkdiver.com An company that is dedicated to the preservation of these animals in the wild. Each diver on the trip helps to identify new sharks and catalogue old friends. Money goes towards maintaining the area as a biosphere reserve. Our presence helps deter poachers from senseless slaughter. #amazingplanet #dontneedaremoteforthis #wild #aquatica #whiteshark #sharks

A photo posted by allanjdavey (@allanjdavey) on Jul 10, 2015 at 6:43am PDT

Check out the sea lion go face to face with a great white shark!

A photo posted by allanjdavey (@allanjdavey) on Jul 6, 2015 at 3:57am PDT

Thank you for sharing your awesome pictures Alan. Not only are they beautiful, but they proof that you can get great pictures from the safety of a cage. Check out the pictures he posted here

If you want to experience these magnificent creatures up close and personal, call us at 619.887.4275 or email us at crew@sharkdiver.com. We do have a few spaces available for this season and are taking reservations for 2017.

Let's go shark diving!

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Shark Week at Guadalupe

With "Shark Week" coming up, a lot of you are probably dreaming about what it would be like to be part of the show. How would it feel to come face to face with a great white shark? How awesome would it be to show your friends a movie of you experiencing a "real shark week"?

Well, you can make that dream a reality. We have 2 special film expeditions to Guadalupe coming up on September 4-9 and 9-14-2014. Peter Kragh, Emmy Award winner 2013 for Outstanding Cinematography on Nat Geo's "Untamed Americas", who was also part of many "shark week" specials, is leading those expeditions. He will film you with those great white sharks and show you the tricks of the trade. Just imagine how awesome it will be to experience these amazing creatures in the water, and have a movie to show to your friends. It will be an experience of a lifetime with memories you'll never forget. The next time you'll talk about "shark week", you'll be telling your friends about the time this shark swam by and looked you straight into the eyes.

Peter Kragh

In addition to filming for "Shark Week", Peter was also part of the following productions.

Journey to the South Pacific / IMAX / MacGilivray Freeman Films
Untamed Americas / National Geographic

Secret life of Predators / National Geographic

Under the Sea 3D / IMAX 3D

Life / BBC

Deep Sea 3D / IMAX 3D

Planet Earth / BBC

Valley of Sharks / Living Oceans Foundations

Hubble 3D / IMAX 3D

Wild Wild West / National Geographic

Reef Wranglers / Gurney Productions / Discovery

Humpback Whales / IMAX / MacGillivray Freeman Films

Black December /Gurney/Discovery

Shark City / Gurney/Discovery

Battle of Giants, Off the Fence / National Geographic

Jurassic Arctic, National Geographic

Ultimate Guide to Shark Attacks / Gurney/Discovery

Transparent Ocean, Burning Gold/National Geographic

I’m Alive, Gurney Productions/Animal Planet

Inside Natures Giants, Windfall Films

Blue Planet / BBC

Peter will be sharing his professional knowledge and help you create your very own "shark week special". Learn some tricks of the trade and get tips on how to shoot and edit your movie.

This is an amateur video from last season. Just imagine how much better your video will be, with Peter's professional help.

September is the best time to see the greatest numbers of sharks at Guadalupe Island. You'll see some of the big boys like "Bruce", "Jacques", "Bite Face" or "Chugey" along with many others. They love to come close to the cages and look you straight into the eyes. I'll never forget the first time a great white shark (Shredder) did that to me. It got me hooked on shark diving and after 14 years, I'm more excited than ever to go back and see who's going to be there.

The price for this experience of a lifetime is $3300 and is all inclusive. On top of Peter's professional help and advise, you'll be pampered with sumptuous meals from chef Mark and the crew will do everything they can to spoil you on your 5 day expedition to Guadalupe Island. We even include a free GoPro rental and of course your own trip movie. The only "extras" we have are the tip for the crew and any shark diver gear you may wish to purchase.

For more information or to reserve your spot, call us at 619.887.4275 or toll free 855.987.4275 Email staff@sharkdiver.com

Let's go have a "real shark week"!

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Here is your chance to make your own shark diving movie!

Have you ever dreamed of diving with great white sharks? Did you ever want to know, how they film those amazing underwater scenes you see in the movie theaters and on television?

This is your chance to do both! Join Shark Diver and Emmy award winning underwater cinematographer Peter Kragh at the peak of Guadalupe Island's shark season, to dive with great white sharks and learn about the many facets of underwater documentary film making. Whether you are just an amateur or an emerging filmmaker, this is an opportunity to get some expert advise on how to make your videos and, of course, come eye to eye with some of the greatest sharks in the world.

Peter Kragh

Peter is intimately familiar with sharks. He has filmed everything from little horn sharks to whale sharks and great whites and worked on many Shark Week episodes. He will be there to help you improve your photography skills and experience. There will also be screenings of some of Peters work. With all the dives he's done around the world, Peter can also help you find that "secret" location for your next diving adventure.

Here is a short video, showcasing Peter's work.

Demo Reel 2014 from Peter Kragh on Vimeo.

As a professional cameraman for over 10 years, Peter has worked on well known BBC and National Geographic projects like Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life and Secret Life of Predators. In 2013 he won an Emmy award for outstanding cinematography on the Nat Geo series "Untamed Americas". He has also worked on multiple Imax films: Deep Sea 3D, Hubble 3D, Under The Sea 3D, and Journey to the South Pacific 3D.

With all this experience, Peter will sure be able to help you make your own amazing video, to document your trip of a lifetime. This is a unique opportunity to both improve your filming skills, while having the time of your life, coming face to face with the Great White Sharks at Guadalupe Island!

The video below is from last season, shot without Peter's assistance. I can't wait to see, how much better it will be with his help this year!

Come join us and Peter on either September 4-9 2015 or September 9-14 2015 for a trip of a lifetime.
Cost is $3,300 for a 5 day live aboard trip, leaving from and returning to San Diego.

For more information visit www.sharkdiver.com/dive-packages/great-white-shark-diving-film-expedition/ or call us at 619.887.4275 toll free 855.987.4275 email staff@sharkdiver.com

You can also contact us via our website http://www.sharkdiver.com//bookings/

I hope to see you this in September.

Let's go shark diving!

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

A whole lot of fighting going on at Isla Guadalupe.

We have seen an unusual number of sharks with fresh bite marks at Guadalupe Island this season. It seems like most sharks, over about 12 ft long have some kind of new bite marks on their bodies. Chugey has another nice bite to his head, a new shark's face is all messed up and Kendric has a big bite on his tail. It seems like Thor and Bite Face are the only large sharks that haven't been bitten.

I've also noticed a much bigger interest in the cages, by sharks who have been around for years and are used to them. Gunther was nibbling on the cages on a bunch of different occasions. It was definitely not a predatory kind of biting. Their movements were almost in slow motion and when they bit on metal, they didn't react to it at all........ strange. It's amazing, how these sharks just keep surprising us with new behaviors. I call it "predictably unpredictable".

I'll keep you updated on what we encounter on our next expedition.

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Epic pictures from Guadalupe!

On our recent expedition to Guadalupe Island, we had a couple of talented amateur photographers on board. Kyle and Tiffany Chapman. They documented their "real shark week" with these pictures, all taken with a Gopro!

As you can see, the sharks have been very cooperative so far this season. They are coming right up to the cages and are checking out our diver. When the swim by, they look you straight into the eyes. I can never get too much of that.

We have already found 6 new sharks and 15 that we know from previous seasons have returned so far. I can't wait to go back tonight and see, who else is showing up.

We have only 4 spaces left for this season, on our November 5 expedition, that we just added 3 weeks ago. Reserve your space, before it is too late. Call 855.987.4275 for more information, or email us at staff@sharkdiver.com

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

The boys are back at Isla Guadalupe.

We just finished our second trip and the action continued, where it left off on the last trip. A lot of familiar faces are back at Guadalupe. Our boys, Don Julian, Horizon, Kenric, Geoff Nuttall Mike, Drogin Thor and Micks are all back and Lamini, a little female from last season was also around. We counted a total of 15 named sharks, along with 4 new ones and a few we haven’t identified yet.

There seems to be a lot of fighting going on at Guadalupe right now. Many sharks are sporting brand new bite marks. I saw Horizon take a big chunk out of a bigger sharks head, which is very unusual, since the hierarchy is usually established based on size. (we haven’t identified the bigger shark yet) Chuggy, who we talked about last season, having recovered from a nasty bite to his head, came by with some very fresh bite marks on his face. The big gash from 2 seasons ago, is now just visible as a black scar.

With all that fighting going on, I hope that those idiots who dive outside the cages, thinking the sharks are accepting them as one of their own, are wrong. I have seen, what those sharks do to smaller sharks and those guys would indeed be very, very small sharks.

Oh, did I mention that the sharks got close?

We are just about to board another group of divers. I will update you on our season, when we get back in 5 days.

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Cage free shark diving at Guadalupe?

A couple of days ago, I wrote about this video, that was taken aboard "our" vessel "Horizon" last November.

REMUS SharkCam: The hunter and the hunted from Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. on Vimeo.

This video is part of the Discovery Channels "Shark week" episode "Jaws strikes back" and is scheduled to run August 11th at 9 pm. Watch how the scientists used "shark cam" to track the hunting behavior of the enormous Great White Sharks at Guadalupe Island.

If you want to experience your own "Real shark week", we have just added another expedition to our sold out season. From November 5-10, which is exactly the time this was filmed last year, we'll take another lucky group or divers, to visit these magnificent sharks. Call us at 619.887.4275 or toll free 855.987.4275 to reserve your space. You can also email us at staff@sharkdiver.com or visit www.sharkdiver.com for more information.

All our divers on our Guadalupe Great White Shark expeditions are in cages. If after watching his video you still think it's a good idea to dive outside of a cage, think again. This video shows, what I've been telling our divers all along. "It's not the shark you see, that will get you, it's the one you don't see". Anyone going outside a cage to ride or hug a shark, to show you that they love us, is either a fool or just interested in self promotion. If you claim to love the Great White Shark, you have to respect them for what they are. Awesome predators that are neither out to get us, nor are they harmless pets. Any promoter or operator telling you that you can safely dive outside of cages at Guadalupe either doesn't know what he's talking about, or just wants your money.

We at Shark Diver do not offer out of cage "experiences" at Guadalupe. It not only illegal, but foolish to do so.

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

What's the difference between a Great White and a Tiger Shark?

Not only does shark week sensationalize sharks. Now in their effort to "educate" people, they ask this.

I knew that the stripes can fade, but looking like a White Shark? Lets see, is this a tiger shark or a white shark below?

What am I? Tiger or White Shark?

How about this one?

I'm having an identity crisis. What am I? Tiger or White Shark?

Good job Discovery channel! I'm discovering more and more, that you are misinforming, instead of educating.

For anyone that is not familiar with the different shark species and doesn't know the difference between a Tiger- and a White-Shark, here are a couple of full body shots of both.

First the White Sharks. Note the shape of the nose, the eyes, the gills, the shape of the dorsal fin and the tail.

Now the Tiger Sharks, look at the same areas.

Instead of putting out a trivia question with a misleading answer, wouldn't it have be nice, if they actually showed what differentiates these two species?

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Who is going to be at Guadalupe?

Our Great White Shark season is starting in a couple of weeks. This is going to be my 14th year, visiting Guadalupe Island and believe it or not, I'm getting more excited to go back each year. I just can't wait to see who's back.

Is "Shredder" going to show up again, after missing the last 2 years?

"Shredder" my favorite shark.

How about "Horizon"? As you can see from the picture below, he's not the most careful shark in the world. I wonder, if he's related to "Shredder", they seem to have some very similar personalities. His dorsal is missing a nice chunk and parts of his tail have been bitten off by other sharks on a couple of different occasions.

"Horizon"

Bruce, Bite Face and Jaques have been faithful visitors, showing up every year, since MCSI started keeping track of them in 2001. When we first encountered them, they measured a "measly" 11-12 ft and are now they are all 16+ ft. Are we going to see them again this year?


"Jacques"

The discover channel is starting their "shark week", just about the same time our first divers are going to experience a "Real Shark Week". Coming face to face with these awesome sharks is nothing like what you see on TV. You will never forget the moment, when they look straight into your eyes, for the first time. It is truly an experience of a lifetime!

To all our divers that are coming out with us this season. I'll see you soon and I can't wait to introduce you to my toothy friends. In the meantime, we'll keep you updated with pictures and stories from our expeditions, as the season progresses.

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

If you also want to experience a "Real Shark Week", diving with Great White Sharks at Isla Guadalupe, swimming with Tiger Sharks in the Bahamas, or having 70 Bull Sharks swim around your head in Fiji, give us a call at 855.987.4275, 619.887.4275 or email us at staff@sharkdiver.com We do have a couple of space open in October for this season and are actively booking for next year.

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Illegal shark fishing causes injury to swimmer.

A swimmer in Manhattan Beach, CA was bitten this morning by a juvenile great white shark! Predictably, the headlines are screaming "Shark Attack Injures Swimmer!" and "Swimmer Attacked by Shark!"

Here is what actually happened. A man, fishing from the pier, caught a juvenile great white shark and was fighting it for 40 minutes. Trying to get away, the shark started biting at the line and in doing so, bit a swimmer. It is illegal to fish for great white sharks in California. Here is an excerpt from the California Fish and Game regulations.

"As defined in state law, “take” means “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” Anyone who takes a white shark without a permit may be cited for violations of CESA and subject to criminal prosecution"

As usual, when something happens with a white shark, the shark gets the blame, not the fisherman who was endangering the public, by fighting a great white shark in waters crowded with swimmers on a holiday weekend! The headlines should read something like this "Illegal shark fishing causing serious harm to swimmer!"

Luckily the swimmer has non life-threatening injuries and we hope he'll have a speedy recovery.

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Shark Cull, last chance to submit your comments!

The submission period for public comments on the Western Australian shark cull is ending soon!

Here is the link to the official submission form!shark diving, swimming with sharks, shark week

Before submitting your comments, I recommend you listen to "DaShark" and read here. Also remember what we discussed here

I hope we can make a difference this time and avoid having to see pictures like these in the future.


source

Let's get this done!shark diving, swimming with sharks, shark week

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Breathhold diving at Tiger Beach

Shark Diver Just finished a trip to tiger beach in the Bahamas, where we encountered up to 6 tiger sharks at a time.

Chris and Euse were freediving during our expedition and have written about their experience here.

They have also taken this amazing picture.

If you want to experience your own "real shark week" and come face to face with the incredible sharks at tiger beach, give us a call at 619.987.4275 or send us and email at staff@sharkdiver.com

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Is everything what it seems?

My last blog sure has stirred up some emotion and sparked some debate. Some people have taken it very personal and have ripped, not just the activity, but also the character of Jean-Marie Ghislain. I always try to be fair and tell things the way I see them. If someone does something that I think is stupid, like riding a great white shark at Guadalupe Island, I call them out. When someone is lying to me, about what they did, I call them out on that, but I try not to question their character.Shark diving, cage diving, shark adventure, diving with sharks, swimming with shark, seeing sharks,

So what do I do when someone I called out for doing something stupid and lied about it, does something good?...... I give them credit, obviously! I stand by everything I said about the activity at Guadalupe. What I'm about to write here, has nothing to do with it. It doesn't justify or change anything that happened there, but neither does what happened at Guadalupe take anything away from it.

Ironically, one of the actual pictures that we talked about, has been used to promote a new technology that could save thousands of sharks around the world.

Mike "da shark" has made me aware of that new technology "Aquatec" is developing. It could mean the end of drum-lines and nets, if successful. Jean-Marie Ghislain is one of the guys behind that company! I don't know, if ultimately this technology will be successful and replace drum-lines and exclusion nets, but I sure hope it does. Regardless, I applaud Jean-Marie for this effort!

Here is a pretty cool video, showing the Aquatec technology.

What we do have to keep in mind is this. Most of us really have the best interest of the sharks at heart. Some of us may do something that others disagree with. We may have different reasons for doing what we are doing. In order to accomplish our goal of saving the sharks and making sure that generations from now, divers will have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in the Ocean, we have to keep in mind that we will all make mistakes. If we see something we don't like, ask them why they are doing it and be willing to listen to what they say. Even if you disagree, don't vilify them. It's rarely black and white and by seeking a dialog we are much more likely to get results, than by vilifying those we disagree with. Just look at how much doesn't get done in politics, by playing the blame game.

To Jean-Marie Ghislain, thanks!

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Friday, March 28, 2014

What is going on at Guadalupe?

The secret is "out of the cage" now! The news has traveled all the way to Fiji! "da shark", just wrote this blog on diving outside the cage and manhandling great white sharks at Isla Guadalupe.

It has gotten worse and worse over the last few years. What started out as going outside of the cage, has gone all the way to touching, riding and even trying to flip a great white shark. It seems like some unscrupulous operators are trying to "out-crazy" (if that is even a word) themselves, always looking to top what they did the last time.

Pictures like this and this (I removed the actual pictures by request of the photographer)
are not what we want to see coming out of Guadalupe! They are nothing but self promoting, "Look at me!" kind of stunts, that do nothing to help shark conservation, but everything to hurt it. What's next? Do a dental exam with a cleaning?

Mike got it right when he says "Somebody commented on another post somewhere else,

Like a high stakes game of musical chairs, (that person) is at the end of a long record that has been playing for almost a decade. When the music runs out someone will find themselves and the sharks in a completely untenable situation. There will be plenty of blame to go around.

Could not agree more.

We at Shark Diver completely agree with Mike. We are diving with great white sharks at Isla Guadalupe and would never allow any of our divers to leave the cage, leave alone touch or handle the sharks.

We also dive with bull sharks in Fiji. We don't use cages there, but do absolutely not allow any of our divers to touch or handle the sharks.

In the Bahamas, we dive with tiger sharks. Again, we don't use cages, but would never allow any of our divers to touch, flip or harass those sharks.

Some people are skeptical of us in the shark diving industry and make wholesale accusations, that we are doing anything for money. Let me assure you. Shark Diver has turned down many individuals, as well as film companies, who wanted to do some of the stupid things we are talking about here.

If you are curious about sharks and want to experience what it is like to come face to face with them, if you want to learn more about the sharks and want to dive with a researcher, if you respect those sharks for the predators they are and don't feel the need to touch, ride, flip or harass them, then we are the company for you. If you want to do the things we are talking about here, go somewhere else! Actually, I take that back, I would prefer you'd stay out of the ocean!

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Galapagos Islands anyone?

Shark Diver is excited to announce that we have partnered with Tip Top Diving and the “Nortada”, a brand new live-aboard dive vessel, to offer an unforgettable dive and eco tour experience in the Galapagos. The Galapagos islands are one of the premier Eco travel destinations in the world. You will have the opportunity to dive with Sea Lions, visit Darwin and Wolf island for a once in a lifetime chance to swim with Hammerhead – Galapagos- Dusky, Whale- and many other species of sharks,along with big schools of Tuna and tons of other sea life. You will also get to do some exciting land tours at North Seymour as well as Darwin station. This is truly going to be an unforgettable adventure. - See more at: http://www.sharkdiver.com/dive-packages/galapagos-island-adventure/?preview=true&preview_id=10263&preview_nonce=087a9022bc#sthash.76dZGfUl.dpuf

Shark Diver is excited to announce that we have partnered with Tip Top Diving and the "Nortada", a brand new live-aboard dive vessel, to offer an unforgettable dive and Eco tour experience in the Galapagos Islands, one of the premier Eco travel destinations in the world.

You will have the opportunity to dive with Sea Lions, visit Darwin and Wolf island for a once in a lifetime chance to swim with Hammerhead - Galapagos- Dusky, Whale- and many other species of sharks, along with big schools of Tuna and tons of other sea life. You will also get to do some exciting land tours at North Seymour Islands and Darwin station, where you will encounter the native birds and terrestrial animals of the Galapagos Islands.

Our expedition will take place from August 15-22 2014, which is in the middle of high season, when there are thousands of Hammerhead shark and gigantic pregnant Whale sharks swimming around the islands.

We will be diving off the "Nortada" an 85' live aboard dive vessel that offers 4 lower deck, fully air conditioned cabins with two single lower berths each, private heads, lockers and drawers. There are 2 15ft inflatable, zodiak style, tenders that will take us to the individual dive sites. For our safety, all divers will also be provided a waterproof Nautilus Lifeline radio.

Two 15 foot inflatable tenders with 4 stroke 20HP outboard engines takes fully equipped divers to and from the dive sites.
All divers are provided with a Nautilus Lifeline bi-directional VHF/DSC marine radio with GPS, dive alert and DSMB.
- See more at: http://www.sharkdiver.com/dive-packages/galapagos-island-adventure/#sthash.FkieisYV.dpuf

For more information on this exciting expedition, call us toll free at 855.987.4275 or 619.887.4275 or email us at staff@sharkdiver.com

I hope to see you in the Galapagos Islands in August!

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com