Underwater Shark Watching Tours

Underwater shark watching tours provide an exceptional opportunity to bridge the gap between humans and these magnificent marine predators.

Shark conservation/eco-tourism is a thriving industry that has plenty of additional growth opportunity and teaches people about the very important role that Sharks perform in ocean ecosystems.

Participants observe their behaviour, feeding patterns, and interactions in a natural setting.

Shark Watching Tours Eco-Tourism is creating a paradigm shift. 

As people spend more time watching sharks in their natural habitat, they gain more knowledge about sharks and develop more positive opinions about the need to coexist with them on this planet.

Tourists who get up close and personal with sharks become conservation ambassadors. They share their newfound appreciation, dispelling myths and fears about these majestic creatures.

Underwater Shark Watching Vessels and Shark Diving Tours generate vast amounts of revenue for local economies.

Tourists pay for flights, car rentals, taxis, café meals, restaurants, other tourist activities and excursions, hotel and motel accommodations, and local clothing and memorabilia to commemorate their visit. 

The financial benefits of shark watching tours should not be underestimated; the financial incentives are numerous and substantial, and it encourages communities to protect shark populations.

The Shark Conservation Business is Sustainable and Profitable.

When people’s livelihoods depend on the abundance of sharks in their local ocean areas, they will not allow any type of shark fishing, particularly the practice of killing sharks for their fins. 

Healthy shark populations in shark tourism areas mean money in the pockets of locals, which significantly reduces pressure on shark populations and promotes sustainable practices.

Shark Watching Tour fees frequently fund research and management efforts. Citizen scientists on these tours provide valuable data that helps conservation efforts.

Some may argue that shark watching-based eco-tourism alters sharks’ natural behaviour. The alternative is to keep watching sharks disappear from our lives. 

In any case, there are numerous studies available for people to read in which scientists have monitored shark feeding habits, depth preferences, and population numbers in such areas. 

Yes, they may have noticed some impact, but any negative effects are not major and there’s not much noise at all in this space.  The overall positive effects on shark survival via Shark Friendly Eco-Tourism are the winner here.

Underwater Shark Watching Diving Tour Options.

Australian underwater shark watching dive tours have surged in popularity among shark conservation enthusiasts and marine life lovers in general.

Australia in particular is an ideal location for shark watching tours, particularly in places like Cairns and South Australia, for a few reasons:

1.    Diverse Marine Life: The waters around Australia are home to a rich diversity of marine life, including a variety of shark species. This biodiversity makes it a prime spot for shark watching.

2.    Unique Habitats: Areas like the Neptune Islands in South Australia and the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns offer unique habitats that are attractive to sharks, especially the Great White and Whale Sharks.

3.    Research and Conservation Efforts: Australia is recognized for its strong shark conservation efforts and research. The country has implemented measures to protect sharks and their habitats, which helps maintain healthy shark populations.

4.    Regulated Tourism: The shark watching industry in Australia is well-regulated, ensuring that the tours are conducted in a way that minimizes impact on the sharks and their environment.

The combination of these factors creates an environment where sharks can thrive and be observed in their natural habitat, making Australia a top destination for shark enthusiasts and divers looking for a unique underwater experience.

Additionally, the commitment to shark conservation in Australia helps to ensure that these majestic creatures are protected for future generations.

The allure of diving into the depths to observe sharks captivates divers that appreciate the magnificence of these apex predators.

Australia has some very reputable operators that prioritize the safety of their participants while fostering a respectful and non-intrusive approach to marine life.

They adhere to strict guidelines; tour operators are very knowledgeable and very well-versed in various shark species behaviour and marine ecology in general.

By selecting a trusted Aussie dive tour company, participants not only enhance their personal experience but also contribute to the broader efforts of shark conservation.

Conservation is the cornerstone of responsible shark watching dive tours. These operators are doing their best to allow us a better understanding of sharks, help protect shark populations and preserve their natural habitats.

 When you spend time with sharks, you will soon gain insights into the importance of shark conservation and the roles that sharks play in safeguarding marine ecosystems.

North Queensland Shark Dive Tour.

1.    Rum Runner Cairns:   They’ve been around since 2004/5 and this Australian operator has specialized in encounters with white-tipped and Grey Reef Sharks.

a.    Located in Cairns, Queensland, they provide access to the world’s largest coral reef system.  They are a well-established operator that has been offering dive and snorkel tours for over 20 years.

b.    It is run by Captain Richard, who is known for his extensive experience and knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef. 

c.    They specialize in 2D/1N (2 Day / 1 Night) GBR (Great Barrier Reef) live-aboard tours, which are scheduled on most Mondays and Thursdays, with selected Saturdays and other weekdays available for extra tours. 

d.    Tours are subject to weather conditions, and they prefer not to operate in winds above 25 knots for the comfort and safety of their guests. 

e.    If a tour you’ve booked directly with Rum Runner Cairns cannot be honored, or if you need to cancel and cannot reschedule, they offer a 100% full refund. 

f.    You can book online to secure the best rate or contact them directly for more personalized service.  

g.    Keep an eye out for dive specials when booking directly, as these may include discounted dive gear hire and a $40 reef and fuel levy. 

h.    It’s always a good idea to check the latest operational updates, terms and conditions, and any special offers before making a booking.

Be sure to book a reasonable length stay in Cairns, it is a fantastic tourism destination for a multitude of reasons:

a)   Natural Beauty: Cairns is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

b)   Adventure Activities: For thrill-seekers, Cairns offers a wide range of adventure activities, from snorkeling and diving in the reef to bungee jumping and skydiving.

c)   Tropical Climate: Cairns has warm>hot>OMG it’s hot temperatures and often very humid/tropical climate year-round, making it an attractive destination for those looking to escape colder weather.

d)   Diverse Attractions: Beyond natural wonders, Cairns has a few very cool attractions like the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Cairns has got heaps of friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere and it’s a very picturesque place.  

Be very careful about swimming at the beaches between November and May, that’s stinger season and those rotten things can give you a nasty and very painful experience. 

Talk with the locals about when and where to do any snorkeling.  A good way to protect yourself is to wear a stinger suit (a lightweight lycra wetsuit). 

Call into the Cairns Beaches Tourist Information Centre, they know plenty about protecting yourself from stingers like the Irukandji and Box jellyfish.

They will also explain to you, about just how serious a sting from these things are and what you need to do immediately should it happen to you.  The Irukandji is very venomous and getting stung by one of them is a serious medical condition.  So yep, buy a stinger suit and ask plenty of questions.

They are located at 8 Rutherford Street, Yorkeys Knob, Cairns and always have a wide range of stinger suits for sale, they come with a hood and mitts, they are unisex and available in sizes from S (small) to 3XL.

Stinger suits will also help prevent you from being burnt to a crisp via the harsh Australian Sun.

South Australia Shark Dive Tours.

2.    Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions: Established in 1976 by Rodney Fox after his famous shark attack survival. Pioneers in great white shark cage diving in South Australia.  

a.    They have been hosting Great White Shark tours since 1965, making them one of the pioneers in the field. 

b.    The expeditions are continued today by Rodney’s son, Andrew and they are known for the world’s only Ocean Floor Shark cage, as well as surface cage diving for all guests. 

c.    They offer 2 Night, 3 Night, and 5 Nights or more Expeditions, catering to different preferences and weather conditions.

3.    Calypso Shark Diving:  Established in 2005. Offers shark diving tours to see great whites, makos and other species in Port Phillip Bay. 

a.    Their office is at Port Lincoln in South Australia, they have been operating since 1990 and they have a long history of providing safe and exciting shark cage diving experiences.  

b.    They are the only one-day Shark Cage Diving operator permitted to use natural fish burley to attract Great White Sharks. 

c.    They are advanced eco-certified and a climate action leader, recognizing their environmentally conscious and sustainable operations.  They offer Shark Cage Diving and Swimming with Sea Lion tours, with no diving experience required.

When in South Australia, be sure to take advantage of some of the ‘not so standard’ tourism options this place can offer you.

There are some unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences that are quite different from the usual tourist activities such as:

1.    Visit Woomera: This is a fascinating historical town, primarily known for its role in space exploration and rocket testing. 

a.    You can visit the Woomera Heritage and Visitor Information Centre to learn about the town’s history.

b.    The Woomera Baker Observatory is also a point of interest, especially for stargazing enthusiasts. For accommodation, the Woomera Traveller’s Village & Caravan Park provides a comfortable stay. 

c.    They have an old ten-pin bowling alley among its attractions. It was built by the US military a very long time ago but it’s still in very reasonable condition.  

d.    Visitors can enjoy a game of bowling while exploring the center’s other offerings but when I was there if there were any problems with the lanes, you either fix it yourself or move on to the next lane. 

e.    The whole area is very interesting, in summer it will very hot and there will be a huge amount of flies though, so purchase a fly net unless you would like to learn about what a fly tastes like. 

2.    Check Out The Coober Pedy Opal Mines: South Australia is famous for its opal mining fields, particularly in Coober Pedy, which is known as the opal capital of the world. You can visit the mines, try your hand at noodling (searching for opals), and explore the unique underground homes that provide respite from the extreme temperatures of the desert. 

a.    In Coober Pedy, due to the hot desert climate, many residents live in underground “dugouts” to stay cool.

b.    You can tour these homes and even stay in underground hotels to experience this unique way of living.

These experiences offer a glimpse into the distinctive culture and history of South Australia, providing a memorable addition to your shark diving adventure.   

As you can see from just the few remarks I’ve made in this article, there are plenty of good reasons why you should make Australia your preferred destination for Underwater Shark Watching Tours.

Underwater Shark Watching Vessel Tour Options.

There are 3 great options for underwater shark watching vessel tours that I would like to mention:

1.    Hawaii Shark Tours: In Hawaii, you can witness various shark species through Plexiglass windows on specially designed boats.

a.    These tours provide a safe and crystal-clear viewing experience of Oahu’s sharks. 

b.    It’s a tour company based in Oahu, Hawaii, that specializes in shark watching tours.

c.    Their boats take guests out to specific areas where they can safely observe sharks from the boat or by snorkeling/diving with the sharks while being protected by underwater cages.

2.    Atlantis Submarines: Atlantis Submarines in Aruba offers submarine expeditions that descend 130 feet below the surface.

a.    You’ll explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs through large view ports.

b.    Their state-of-the-art submarines ensure safety and unforgettable experiences. 

c.    This is a well-established submarine tour company that operates in several locations, including Hawaii, Guam, and the Caribbean.

d.    Their submarines can accommodate around 64 passengers and take them on underwater tours, often including shark watching encounters.

3.    U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 1140: For a more exclusive experience, consider personal submarines like the Cruise Sub 7 1140.

a.    This is a private submersible operated by U-Boat Worx, a company based in the Netherlands that manufactures and operates personal submarines.

b.    The Cruise Sub 7 1140 is a luxury submarine that can accommodate up to 6 guests and 1 pilot, and it is designed for underwater tourism and shark watching experiences. 

c.    It can descend to 1,140 meters, providing a deep-sea adventure akin to floating in space.

d.    It has acrylic spheres for passengers to view the underwater world.  These amazing tours allow you to witness sharks and other marine life in their natural environment.

All three operations are licensed to conduct shark watching tours, although the specific experiences they offer will naturally vary.

They prioritise safety measures and responsible marine conservation tour practices to ensure guests can observe sharks in their natural habitats without causing harm or disturbance.

Responsible Shark Tourism Could Last Forever.

Responsible shark watching tour operators prioritise the safety of both humans and sharks.

Quality, safe, and respectful procedures reduce risks and ensure that humans and sharks can coexist peacefully, allowing both species to be happy.

Further research will be required to determine the long-term effects of eco-tourism on shark populations.

After all, balancing economic and educational gains with Shark Watching-based conservation objectives is critical.

Conservation based eco-tourism provides a platform for demonstrating their true nature, importance to us and the planet, and dispelling hundreds of myths.

People who participate in shark tours become advocates for these truly amazing apex predators.

Their positive experiences should result in increased support for shark conservation policies, more marine protected areas, and more sustainable fishing practices.

Healthy shark populations keep ecosystems balanced, and by promoting eco-tourism, we help to protect not only sharks but also coral reefs, fish, and other marine life.

Underwater shark watching tours enrich the lives of people who see sharks in their natural habitat; they improve our understanding of sharks, and make a significant contribution to shark conservation efforts.

Whether you partake in specially designed underwater viewing vessels or on professional diving tours, these operations provide a win-win situation for us and sharks, so what are you waiting for?