Neptune Islands SA

Shark cage dive day! I still can’t believe I agreed to this ridiculous experience.

A very early start had us at the Marina by 6:30 am ready to board Calypso Star Charters for the three hour journey out to North Neptune Island, a known loitering ground for Great White Sharks 🦈

After an adrenaline pumping ride out to the island we squeezed into full body 7mm wetsuits and braved the Southern Ocean in anticipation of encountering the predators of the deep. It was a unique experience, being fully immersed in a cage face-to-face with hundreds of giant trevally and kingfish just a few metres below the surface. The addition of burley caused quite the spectacle, though sadly not even a 500m tuna oil slick could lure the sharks on this occasion 🥺

We consoled ourselves with the excitement of the wild ride and the fine sunny weather we were blessed with for the day. The estimated 2.5m swell, heightened by onshore southerly winds, sent waves crashing over the top deck of the boat as it lurched between the crest of each wave. The kids held prime position at the bridge with a very tolerant skipper 😆

The return trip running with the swell was much calmer, yet equally exciting with a couple of cheeky dolphins porpoising alongside the boat. Pretty cool to watch.

Although for now the Great White Sharks remain illusive, happily none of us were affected by seasickness (unlike many others on board) and we were genuinely able to enjoy the day for what it was. “Positive vibes” for the win!

We celebrated/commiserated our shark dive day with dinner at the Grand Tasman Hotel, followed by a warming glass of peanut butter whiskey back at the vans - it's beanie wearing cold in Port Lincoln tonight!Read more