Archive for the ‘San Benitos’ Category

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One of the few places in the world to see Guadalupe fur seals – divemaster report – August 29, 2010.

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

The beautiful underwater world of “Islas San Benito” is located west of Isla Cedros which in turn is west of Guerrero Negro in the middle of the Baja peninsula. This Place is paradise come true for Kelp diving fanatics like myself. It is lush, healthy and pristine, with giant kelp, palm kelp, sargasum, sea grass and other colored algae that make it one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, but what makes it really special are the animals you can see here: This is one of the few places in the world where you can dive and see the Guadalupe Fur Seals.

Once nearly extinct, a few animals survived in Isla Guadalupe (Our White Shark diving location) and now back to healthy numbers, have started migrating to the San Benito Islands. When you see these animals swimming underwater they not only have the grace of the California Sea Lion (That you can also see here) but also, because of their fine fur, they trap air that when swimming, is released in streams of fine bubbles that delineate their intricate swimming patterns. That very fine fur is of course what made these animals extremely attractive to fur traders and why they were nearly fished to extinction.  If you combine this, with the beautiful scenery, you have an idyllic place where I wouldn’t be surprised if you could also find fairies, gnomes and goblins.

We did some dives yesterday and a couple today and now heading back to Ensenada to finish this amazing trip I can only dream of coming back and staying longer in this magical forest with its magical creatures.

Surface Conditions: Overcast skies, Swells from the south and wind from the North narrowing our selection of sites to a few protected places.

Underwater Conditions: Cold water with a reading as low as 55 degrees and the highest reading at 62 degrees Fahrenheit.  The unseasonable cold water temps are 10 degrees colder than normal and very likely the chilliest of the century (nobody knows that quite for sure).  Visibility between 20ft and 40 ft depending on the dive site. Negligible current at all dive sites.

DM Peter

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Posted in Animals, California Sealions, Captains Log, Cedros Island, Destinations, Ensenada, Great White Shark, Guadalupe fur seals, San Benitos, kelp, sealions | No Comments »

Rocas Alijos is described in the Pilot Book and by the pirate John Clipperton as a dangerous place that should be avoided. We loved it!! 27 Aug 2010. Crew log

Monday, August 30th, 2010

We have left behind 2/3 of our combo trip with great mix of Great White Sharks on Guadalupe Island., and the Rocas Alijos – which are very remote and very seldom visited by dive boats. We are now approaching our next destination – San Benitos Islands. Yes, in this trip we spend  time traveling from one place to another, but it is worth it.

Cage diving in Guadalupe Island with majestic Greate White sharks in their natural habitat. When these huge sea animals approach you just a short distance away in crystal – clear water (vis. 140ft+) it is really unforgettable. We spent 3 days there and nobody wanted to leave that beautiful island with its amazing creatures, sunrises and rocks, but the craving for adventure led us ahead to our next destination…

The first description of Rocas Alijos or Escollos Alijos is from 1704, by pirate John Clipperton and the most recent survey used in modern charts is from 1837. You can not find much information about this place in Sailing Directions or Pilot Books except for their aproximate position and notations indicating that it is a dangerous place and should be avoided. But can it stop real divers? To dive in purple blue water with unimaginable mix of tropical and cold water species, with conditions tempting for all kinds of divers from masters to beginers…Oh! The warm water temperature is up to 72 F and a good appetizer for our main course – cold water diving in magic kelp forest, which await us in San Benitos…

Stay on line

Alex

Pacific Ocean, August 27, 2010

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Posted in Animals, Captains Log, Destinations, Great White Shark, Guadalupe Island, Rocas Aljios, San Benitos | No Comments »

We recommend the Nautilus Explorer to the world!! Guest blog – San Benitos Island – August 28, 2010

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

Today is dive day #5 and the dives have been awesome. Tons of seals and sea lions today, swimming in circles around me! Great photos of the kelp forest. Again all of the crew have been wonderful. The Dive Masters rock! Did I mention the best chef in the world Juan Carlos is on board this trip. Come hungry, the food is the best, Crab, Steaks, Roast Beef, Eggs Benedict and more. Our Hostesses, Kate and Sylvia take great care of you! Bayu has been there for anything you need! If you haven’t made this trip yet…what are you waiting for! It will be the best Dive trip ever!

J. Turner, Chicago IL

Today I jumped in the water for one of the best scuba dives of the trip. It was the fourth dive of the day and the sun was at a nice angle to illuminate the giant kelp forest. We saw everything in one dive: two Bat Rays, several illusive Kelp Fish, lobsters, juvenile Geribaldi, a giant Sea Hare, and a Green Sea Turtle. Jessie said she had never seen one in the kelp before. It was a great dive. Jim Stringer

Etonnantes rencontres de proximite avec le grand requin blanc dans une eau transparente,les yeux dans les yeux.

L’equipage du Nautilus Explorer est aux petits soins avec nous et l’ambiance et tres bonne.

C’est une experience inoubliable que l’on a envie de renouveler.

James Chevreuil.

What a incredible trip – the weather is not against us (till now…), the crew and the Captain are nothing else than PERFECT, the dives are fantastic! Dives are a challenge but always on the safety way, this is something not to find so often. We really appreciate this cruise and will recommend it to all the world – if You want… :-)

Michaela

Posted in Animals, Destinations, Guest Blog, Nautilus Explorer, San Benitos, kelp, sealions, seals | No Comments »

Spotted fur seal and harbour seals welcome Dr. Erich Ritter and “Shark School” to the giant kelp forests of San Benitos Island – divemaster “shark chick” log – August 13, 2010

Friday, August 13th, 2010

We were happy to welcome on board our guests from Germany along with Dr. Erich Ritter. As the group got their sea-legs dolphins played on our bow and we soon arrived at San Benitos. Dr. Ritter will be conducting “Shark School” on board this trip in which he lectures on different topics each night.

Our first dive day was both shocking and amazing. First jumping into the water, we were shocked by the chill and amazed by the beauty and health of the kelp forests. For kelp to grow, the water temperature needs to be a maximum of around 65F. We should have judged by the abundance of thick strong kelp floating alongside the Nautilus Explorer that the water was well below the max. Checking our temperatures, we found the water to be a fresh 55F. But with cold water comes a lot of nutrients which means more life. Once we acclimated to the unexpected cold factor, we were able to truly enjoy the beauty of a healthy kelp forest. Garibaldi were guarding their red algae gardens, large male Sheep Head cruised their territories, Senoritas busily cleaned passing customers, and of course the ever playful young Sea Lions twirled, teased, and buzzed the divers. The speed and grace with which a Sea Lion pup spins around in the water reminds us that we were not meant to swim in the seas for very long. We are fortunate visitors to this underwater world and they welcomed us with a well choreographed ballet. What an excellent first day in the kelp.

Having relocated the evening before, upon waking the second day, we enjoyed one of the famous Baja Sunrises at Isla Cedros. The island is tall and named after the Cedar tree that grows on the ridges of the cliffs. Anchoring near the northern end of the island, we edged up close to a large expanse of kelp which was one of the most beautiful dives I have ever done. During each of the three dives we did that day, I was struck by the range and intensity of the colors that exist in the shallows of a kelp forest. Following a rocky ridge that connected two areas of kelp, we saw the brilliant green of the swaying sea grass, vibrant yellow of the Giant Kelp, the deep coffee brown of the Palm Kelp, the purples and reds of the crusted algae covering the rocks, all accented by the golden Garibaldi. With a mild swell, the forest gently swayed to the natural rhythm of mother nature’s song.

Hidden amongst the tall stalks of twisted kelp and stalking in the shadows of the kelp canopy was an illusive creature. Only catching a glimpse of it here and there, the spotted fur seal was gone in a blink. Then, out of the shadows emerged our kelp monster. A cuddly animal with short flippers and big eyes: a Harbor Seal. Then another and then another. The forest was full of them and they were making contact with us. Playing hide and seek with the divers, several spotted Harbor Seals played with us all day. One diver came out of the water saying that it was the “Best underwater experience of his life.” Another diver filmed the seals biting an tugging at his fin tips then kissing the front of his camera. We had a great time diving Isla Cedros.

Our third day found us back at San Benitos. For the first dive, we chose a spot that was a little deeper then the previous days. It was early, so the light was not strong and with a very thick canopy of kelp over our heads, it was “dark and creepy” and full of mystery. Although, the site was beautiful and full of life, the thermocline dropped the temperature down a few degrees too many, so we pulled up anchor and headed for a site a little less deep. We ended up in a beautiful cove and stayed there the rest of the day. With multiple diving options, everyone was happy to stay and were rewarded with playful Sea Lions and an abundance of fish life that was incredible. A healthy Kelp Forest is so alive and vibrant.

One more diving day here at San Benitos then it is off to visit Guadalupe Island and the Great White Sharks.

Surface Conditions: Partly cloudy, sunny in the mornings, calm to breezy, mid 70’sF day temp, mid 60’sF night time.

Underwater Conditions: Viz- 30-50′ with some planktonic creatures, mild current, mild to moderate surge in some sites, water temp. 55F / 14C…. brrrrr.

Divemaster Jessie “Sharkchick”

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Posted in Animals, Captains Log, Cedros Island, Destinations, Great White Shark, Nautilus Explorer, San Benitos, kelp, sealions | No Comments »

Exploratory trips are always a challenge – scuba diving up and down the coast of Baja California – divemaster and guest blog

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Day 2 Diving on the Nautilus Xplorer.

I was personally afraid of the water being as cold as yesterday (52f!), but found that today was warmer and an absolutely awesome dive day.

The idea behind this trip is exploration, and so far ti has been what we have done.

Today in San Benito Island, we dove 2 parts of the ‘east’ part of this Island. Water was 61f around with blue water and amazing visibility.

Being a ‘ Caribean ‘ diver i’m used to good visibility and today was the day.  We found harbor seals and California seals.

The dives went great. First dive depth around 60 feet and second dive a 40+- feet.

Amazing kelp forest on dive number two with lots and lots of fish and some other marine life (i was paying attention to the seals…)

The crew have been amazing and i always ask to my self, when do they sleep as they are always there at all times going and coming, keeping us super spoiled.

Day two for Diving aboard the NautilusXplorer has been awesome. Great crew, great people, great dives.

Jorge Tapia – Mexico

Ensenada hacia Islas de San Benito y Cedros .

Despues de un fabuloso tour en los vinedos de Santo Tomas salimos de Enesenada hacia Roca Ben (la ultima vez que la visitamos fue en 2004 ) se trata de un pinaculo muy cerca de isla San Martin.  Roca Ben es maravilloso y  con un habitat unico con aguas frias y surgencia profunda, la cobertura de invertebrados es espectacular con esponjas enormes, anemomonas, sargazo palma y muchos colores por todos lados. Hoy la visita anual a islas de San Benito con sus magnificos y pristinos  bosques de kelp , muy buena visibilidad, abulones , langostas ,   una densidad de peces espectacular ademas de los lobos finos de Guadalupe, focas de puerto, lobos californianios y elefante marinos.  Los bosques generan habitats marinos comparables con los bosques de tierra y en el libro Sea of Light de Richard Salas (que viene abordo en esta ocasion)  se muestran muy buenas imagenes de ellos.

Estaremos en San Benito y Cedros en  los proximos dias en algunos de los mejores lugares de buceo de todo el Pacifico de Mexico , fotos y videos en unos dias.

Roberto  Pacifico Expediciones Mexico

Islas San Benito

Horn sharks and massive kelpforests.  After been exploring Isla Cedros Yester day with not the best viz but a huge dense and deep kelp forest where the viz actually really cleared up at 90  ft , but with a temperature of 54 F about 12 C!!! The temperature has been all over much lower then we ever calculated with.. So we are back in San Benitos and making 3 dives. It felt a bit sad to leave San benito Cause the last day gave us a fantastic beautiful kelp dive not deep just around 40-25 ft but just so beautiful. Green eal grass on the bottom and Californian Sealion playing with us. Last dive we have found a rock that in one place you can find hornshark in almost every crack in the rock, beutiful purple hydro coral. and loads of fish. Really massive Sheep heads.

Surface condition: Calm seas. Mostly cloudy , temp 20 C

UW condition: Viz not so good for San Benito but still ca 10-15 m , No current and temp 60 F ca 15 C.

Water was warmer and visibility up to 25 meters. Good interactions with the Guadalupe fur seals. Nice pictures of the island and shark fin on the water !!! (…just attached to Jorge’s tank :-)

Angel , Spain

From blue whales and dolphins to sharks and sea lions!

It is our first trip of the season and, after an admittedly frantic start, we have now settled in to our usual, exceptional pace. Yesterday we had the extreme pleasure of being met by a large group of blue whales. Larry, the engineer, will tell you there were hundreds of them… but in reality it was more like dozens. But when was the last time you saw dozens of huge blue whales?!?! Amazing. Then, after the whales said goodbye, a pod of dolphins came over to take advantage of the bow wave. They jumped and squealed for awhile, much to our delight, before they too, took off into the great, wide blue.

Today we dove with horn and leopard sharks in the morning, and sea lions in the afternoon. For the macro lovers, several different species of nudibrancs. The diversity of life out here is really something special!

After a delicious meal of kebabs, hummus and pita bread, we anchored for the night in a very calm, quiet bay of sorts. As I write this, there are sea lions playing in the dark off the stern of the boat. Do they ever sleep??

Our new hostess, (and my best friend!) Daniela, has joined us for her maiden voyage aboard the Nautilus Explorer. She has worked on many boats in the Caribbean and brings a great mix of fun, personality and professionalism to our crew. If you have the pleasure to meet her, she may regale you with stories of her parents escape from  Chile, or perhaps sing you her favourite Jason Mraz song (if you ask nicely!). We are all very happy to have her on board!

Looking forward to the rest of our exploratory diving over the next few days. I wonder how many new underwater friends we can discover!

‘Till next time,

Hostesses Ashley and Daniela

Posted in Animals, California Sealions, Captains Log, Destinations, Guadalupe Island, Guadalupe fur seals, Nautilus Explorer, Nudibranch, San Benitos, blue whale, dolphin, kelp, sealions, shark | No Comments »

Refit complete – a very trying experience – July 6, 2010.

Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Refit 2010 is complete and it was the toughest one we have ever undertaken in 19 years in the dive business!!   Regulations have changed, more rule changes are afoot, Transport Canada inspectors no longer have discretionary power  - maintaining our Canadian “flag” has become a very tough go.
The upshot is that the Nautilus Explorer passed her 5 years International Load Line inspection and lightship survey with flying colours .  We have 2 beautiful new staterooms installed on the hot-tub deck including the massive new Emerald suite complete with bedroom, separate lounge, 2 flat screen T.V.s  and a bathtub in the washroom!!    It became a wee bit  of a rush job and the suites were not as complete as they should have been for our first charter of the season, outside decks were not painted and several other jobs were not completed before sailing.   But at least we sailed, staff and crew were in good spirits and guests are happy.   As always, we will always do whatever it takes to ensure that our guests are very happy during their trip and leave in good spirits.
Unexpected but required tasks that caught us surprise included cutting holes in the bottom of the ship to access sealed off void spaces, removing all the foam that had been sprayed into those spaces when the Nautilus Explorer was built,  a thorough survey, fitting replacement foam and then sealing the ship back up again.  Opening up all of our fuel tank spaces  (which involved removing all the plumbing and piping below the accomodation deck, removing 22,000 litres of fuel, gas-freeing the confined spaces and then cutting holes in a number of transverse bulkheads.   Fitting 4 x 8″ scuppers in the main deck.   Removing the window in the galley and fitting an approved exhaust and fire suppression system.  And so on.   I spent an enormous amount of time consulting with a team of naval architects and kudos to those guys for their help.  We have always prided ourselves as one of two SOLAS IMO approved diveboats in the world but an experience like this is enough to make one wonder if it isn’t time to move to a less exhaustive level of certification!!!
We’re off to San Benitos and the islands on the pacific side of Baja California. Guadalupe white shark season is just around the corner and none of us can wait to get in the water with our big white smiling friends.   Cheers for now.  Captain Mike

Posted in Animals, Baja California, Captains Log, Destinations, Great White Shark, Guadalupe Island, San Benitos | No Comments »

As far as Guadalupe is concerened, to be honest I’m still processing the experience. It has continued to ring like a chord in my mind that I had never heard before and will probably never hear again.

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Before we even got to Guadalupe, there was a stopoff at San Benito Island that was just as rewarding. Swimming with fur seals that weren’t used to divers, being allowed to swim right up to them, stare into their eyes and watch as two mammals take the most primal of steps to build a bond with one another…it was so amazing. By the time we wrapped shooting and began to snorkel back to the boat, they had obviously made the decision to allow the pups to play with us. Under the watchful eye of a female chaperone, they danced around us like children at playground. That I had gained the level of trust I did through the adults of the colony is one of the proudest moments of my life. I held onto the look in their eyes. I still do.

For the rest of my days on earth, I will never be able to fully articulate what it’s like to be inches away from a great white shark, with no steel bars between you and the animal. It is an encounter so overwhelming that you have to be there to truly understand.What I can tell you is that it was a deeply spiritual thing. When the first shark appeared out of the gloom and into my view, I was hit with a feeling I wasn’t prepared for. But looking back, I realized I could never, ever have prepared. I had – and have – no reference point emotionally. I’ve played in bands to audiences of 30,000, I’ve witnessed the birth of my son, moments that stay with you for lifetimes afterwards but this…this touched a place I didn’t know existed. When I got back to the boat I was literally stunned into silence; I literally could not be around other people for hours. I just sat by myself. It was a frustrated euphoria; as I looked out at the ocean, I couldn’t even think words. I was silent mentally, emotionally, and literally. All I could do was weep uncontrollably, and did for about 20 minutes. I’m still not quite sure why I did, but I do know that it came from a pure and wonderful place.Based on the time spent with marine biologists who have been studying Guadalupe’s white shark population for years, the experiences of the crew of the Nautilus Explorer and what I was able to witness with my own eyes, it is clear to me that these are animals that are far more intelligent and developed than previously thought. They have a highly complex and intricate social structure that is based as much on gender as it is sheer size. It was clear that as they circled the cages endlessly that they take in everything around them, studying the bubblemakers in the water as much as we were studying them. The transmission of data was never a one-way street. Many times the line between subject and student was blurred and I felt like I was the animal in the cage, not the sharks. I was, actually. Or at least standing on top of it. These are sentient beings with problem-solving skills and a pecking order amongst themselves. I felt like I had been let into a social circle, a fully-functioning city ruled by the greatest marine predator on earth.To put it simply, the honor was mine. Not theirs.

Like any of the other expeditions we’ve gone on this year, the Guadalupe trip on the Nautilus Explorer isn’t out of anyone’s reach. There were a pair on 8 and 11-year old brother on board with their grandmother. It’s not unthinkable. But I do know that even though it’s an open invitation, I stand as one of the few people on this planet that will ever see these animals – whether at San Benito or Guadalupe or otherwise – face to face, in the flesh. I consider it a privilege beyond all measure, and it’s my pleasure to share it with you via an episode of television.

Special thanks to Randy of Liquid Assets for providing this blog. Check out their latest adventures at  Into The Drink.

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Posted in Animals, Great White Shark, Guadalupe Island, Nautilus Explorer, San Benitos | No Comments »

Our first breaching humpack whale this season at Socorro Island

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Location: The Canyon and Boiler dive site, San Benedicto Island, Socorro, Revillagigedos

Departed Cabo San Lucas first thing yesterday morning and had a smooth easy ride down to Socorro Island.   Which is true almost all the time during the winter season.   We got welcomed by Bottlenose dolphins at San Benedicto Island,  We started up with a checkout scuba dive at the Canyon dive site.  Viz was great! and we got plenty of Hammerhead sharks on the cleaning station. One Giant manta came in but left us and did not want to play. So after that we moved on to the Boiler. The swell was a  big but it had a long period so it effected the scuba diving a bit ,but staying away from the rock a bit you dont feel much of it , First nothing then On Chevron manta turned up and stayed a while turning a round in circles. It made the day for some of our divers on the Nautilus Explorer.  The end of the dive it got dark and we decided to leave the Boiler back in  to the Canyon. We got a real rain shower over us with a strong wind. But after an half an hour the front passed and actually for a moment some sun came up!  Last dive did not give any big animals more then a juvenile Silvertip Shark that stayed on one of our inner cleaning station so we spent more time looking at smaller stuff.  Talking of BIG stuff. We are starting to see our first Humpback whales now, Had one breaching today.  Divemaster Sten.

Weather: Very long swell,but deep. Nice weather in the start of the day. Showers and wind in the afternoon. 27-23 C  81 degrees F.

Water: At the Canyon 100ft viz!! later in the day it dropped down to 50ft. Temp warm still 25 C or 77 F

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Posted in Animals, Cabo San Lucas, Captains Log, Destinations, Giant Mantas, Hammerhead shark, Nautilus Explorer, Revillagigedos, San Benedicto, San Benitos, Socorro, The Boiler, The Canyon, bottlenose dolphin, silvertip reef shark | No Comments »

A thank you.

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Judith, Maryanne, and Mike,

I was aboard the Nautilus Explorer from September 3rd to the 11th on the Guadalupe white shark and San Benito charter. I would like to personally thank you for the privilege of being aboard the Nautilus Explorer and having the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the underwater world once again aboard your vessel.

The diving was incredible from the great white sharks of Guadalupe island that were breaching at sunrise and cruising within an arm’s length of the cages to the seals and sea lions of San Benito!  The experience was made all the more incredible by the crew of the Nautilus Explorer who were absolutely stupendous!!!  Captain Gordon, Sten, Dan, Sandy, Pedro, Enrique, Sylvia, Eve, and Gabe were so accommodating that I began to feel guilty for their incredible services!!!!  The cuisine was prepared to perfection and couldn’t have been better!!!!!  I now have a  favorite engineer from Vancouver!!!!!!

Of course the Nautilus Explorer was the perfect platform for this incredible adventure.  She is an extremely stable vessel and I just love the layout of the boat!!!!!!!  The submersible cages and the opportunity to be on top with the divemasters is one of the most exhilarating experiences of my dive career!!!!!!!!  And the chance to do exploratory diving at San Benito with the seals and sea lions was not to be missed!!!!!!!!!

I am extremely pleased with your support of Mauricio’s great white shark research and your efforts to prevent illegal fishing in the Revillagigedos.

Thanks again for all you do!!!!!!!!!  I hope to be aboard the Nautilus Explorer again in the future!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care…..

David

Virgina, USA

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Posted in Animals, Destinations, Great White Shark, Guadalupe Island, Guest Blog, Nautilus Explorer, San Benitos, mexico, sealions | No Comments »

White or Whale shark???

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Location: Isla Guadalupe, Mexico

After the serenity of diving the kelp forests at San Benitos it was back to Guadalupe for the adrenaline portion of our combo trip. The 153 nautical mile crossing was very pleasant with average seas of 4-6 feet, which is almost as good as it gets in the open Pacific ocean. Being the Nautilus kids week we had two special guests onboard, 11 year old Jordan Glenn, and 9 year old Gordon Glenn, whose essays on the mighty Great White Shark earned them both a space onboard to see their favorite animals up close in their natural environment. They were thrilled with their encounters with the fur seals and sea lions of San Benitos and I couldn’t wait to get them in the cages with the sharks!

Arriving at Guadalupe around noon of dive day 2, we promptly dropped our cages into the water anxiously awaiting our first glimpse of our favorite sharks. Although activity that first day around the cages was a little slow, we still had a couple white sharks around, enough to incite some excited head popping from the surface cages as the young boys yelled out to report quickly on their first shark encounters, before ducking back under to catch more of the action! After the sun went down we settled in for a cocktail or two to await Dr Mauricio’s insight on white sharks and Guadalupe. Unbelievably, shortly after Mauricio boarded the Nautilus, an exceptionally large shark was sighted near the stern, and we quickly lit up the dark ocean with flashlights, looking for what we thought was a behemoth white shark. We were all shocked to discover the mystery monster was actually a young whale shark! Only the second time ever a whale shark sighting has been recorded at Guadalupe! The young whale shark approached our stern directly, lightly bumping the quarter, close enough to touch, before turning and bumping the stern cages and swimming off. A very rare occurrence! The next couple of days passed without a lot of white shark encounters, save some short bursts of action near the stern and a full breach only 40 feet off the vessel. Enough to keep us on the edge of our cages and wanting more!!!

Finally, on our last day, the white shark God delivered what we were all waiting for! Shark action, and lots of it! At least 5 individuals kept us busy craning our necks up, down, left, right, and every point in between to catch sight of the beautiful animals as they jockeyed for position and cruised by our cages both at the surface and 40 feet down in our submersible cages. The backdrop for all this action was a clear blue ocean brimming with schooling mackerel, smelts, yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, and more. A gorgeous sight to behold in itself, but with 3.5 – 5 meter white sharks prowling through the scene it became a truly heart-thumping and emotional experience. Before the day ended we had witnessed a solid cage bump at the stern and almost every dive ending with a quick heartbeat and big smile.  Captain Gordon

Water: Visibility 100 feet plus with some short periods of reduced visibility. Water temp 71 f.

Weather: Skies mostly clear, some cloudy periods. Winds mostly light with some gusty periods.

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Posted in Animals, Captains Log, Destinations, Great White Shark, Guadalupe Island, Guadalupe fur seals, San Benitos, Whalesharks, mexico, shark | No Comments »

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