“How can you be sure I will come out of the cage alive?”, I asked one of the crews… He answered, “Well, in all honesty, I’m not 100% sure! Sharks are one of the most dangerous creatures known to men! They might bite! But there’s no more turning back Jessa, you can do this!” (OMG!!!) Even though the captain said sharks in this part of the world are harmless, I was still crazily afraid of my life! (I was dying inside, I wanted to back out. HAHAHA!)
We met up with the Shark Encounter Team early in the morning. Such knowledgeable and pretty freaking funny squad! After few safety precautions and instructions, we headed out to the sea.
The swells were really high that day. And so, after a 20-minute bumpy boat ride, we stopped in the middle of the ocean. As I was putting my mask and snorkel gear on, I could already spot one or two sharks from the surface. The crew lowered the cage down into the water and loaded us one by one. This is where the fun begins!
As soon as I got into the cage and get my face in the water I had no apprehension or fear, just total amazement! There were 10-15 Galapagos sharks constantly circling the cage! SHARK BONANZA!
It was so breathtaking I almost forgot to film! At one point they were so close to the cage, I can almost see them face to face! Effortlessly gliding, just minding their own business in such beautiful blue water! Watching them in their natural habitat was one thing I would never thought I would do but I wouldn’t trade for the world! I have no words, I was lost in the moment, what a once in a lifetime experience!
I want you guys to get the best out of your first cage diving experience so here’s my mini guide!
TOP TIPS BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Go in the morning when the water is calmest.
2. Bring motion sickness pills, waves do get rough!
3. Bring your own snorkel if you have one, unless you’re okay to use one that has already been in other people’s mouths.
4. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring towel to dry off! (Well, this is common sense but just in case!)
5. There are NO BATHROOMS on the boat, relieve yourselves before boarding!
6. You can get pushed around while in the cage and get banged in the cage bars. (Nothing you can’t handle though; big girls don’t cry!)
7. SWIMMING SKILLS NOT REQUIRED! You can hang onto the edge of the cage the whole time!
8. Bring your underwater camera, there are tons of sharks to film!
9. Don’t read about cage diving death rates before you go. This is a terrible idea! (Yes. I did, that’s why I was so terrified to book! It’s SAFE, okay?)
10. You’ll get an “I SWAM WITH SHARKS” certificate! So, don’t rush out of the boat after the tour! And please, TIP the crew! (NUFF.SAID)
I have faced my fears and now I have a story to tell all my life! Now it’s your turn! Not a lot of people can say that they’ve had a face to face encounter with Sharks! Be the first one among your friends!
This truly is an absolute must do while in Hawaii! Just go & do it fam! You’ll surely love it!
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Love from Hawaii,
The Travel Belle <3
2 comments
This one looks so scary too!! But I would most likely try this one compared to skydiving!! Hehehe. Galing mo Isang!!!
Bring Mia and Nathan, Barbie! It sounds scary but trust me, it’s nothing like that at all! it’s 100% safe, the kids will def love it!