North Neptune Island SA

Today was one of those days we’ll be talking about for years. We cage dived with Great White Sharks and it was fantastic!

In the lead up to this trip we’d been jokingly mocking Dan about his “statistically most probable” day to see sharks, based on analysis of the past 10 years of data. After all, there hadn’t been a sighting since 11 December 2025… until today! Somehow he picked it - what were the chances? Turns out we should’ve trusted the data and the power of positive vibes.

It was a much calmer three hour boat ride out to North Neptune Island compared to last year, which meant we could get up close to the smaller islands along the way to watch sea lions laze about and playful dolphins surf our bow wave.

Our first turn in the dive cage was unremarkable. No sharks. Not even a frenzy of fish when the burley went in. We resigned ourselves to another no-shark expedition, until… a giant 3.7 m male Great White appeared out of nowhere, putting on an unforgettable show! Everyone quickly regrouped and cycled back into the cage.

The shark was calm, curious and completely unbothered by us, everything we’re taught Great Whites are not, as he cruised beneath and around the boat. And he hung around for ages, circling, retreating and returning on repeat. Both in the water and on the boat we were afforded an extraordinary up-close encounter with one of the ocean’s most powerful creatures. And as if that wasn’t enough, a school of bluefin tuna and kingfish decided to join the party.

The highlight came when the boys were in the cage and the shark breached, swallowing the bait that had been thrown out, revealing its jaws and teeth in all their raw, awe-inspiring glory. And in a rare moment of perfect timing, I managed to capture it from above. Something we could never have planned and will never forget.

A fantastic bucket list day was topped off with a succulent Chinese meal and the bottle of Boston Bay ‘Great White’ sauvignon blanc we acquired in anticipation two days ago. Turns out it was a good omen 😁Read more