Shark diving in South Australia
South Australia based adventure operator Calypso Star Charter has teamed up with the Eyre Peninsula's Port Lincoln Hotel to offer a new two-night accommodated shark diving package.
This two-night diving package, which includes accommodation in a deluxe ocean view room in the Port Lincoln Hotel (portlincolnhotel.com.au), is priced at AUD$1,320 (approx £656) for two people (twin-share) and includes a full-day shark diving excursion for two, return transfers from the hotel, wetsuit hire and buffet breakfast on the day of departure. Travellers short on time can opt for a one-night package starting at AUD$1,115 (approx £554) for two people which includes accommodation in a superior town view room and a full-day shark diving excursion.
Shark diving takes place 80km (2½ hours) south of Port Lincoln near the Neptune Islands, one of very few places in the world that boasts great white shark activity all year round, and with excellent visibility. Here the adventurous don full length wetsuits, hook up to a respirator (a scuba mask connected to an air supply on the boat) and climb into the cage where up to four people are lowered under the surface to experience the thrill of meeting a great white shark first hand. No diving experience is necessary.
South Australia (southaustralia.com) is one of only three places in the world where cage diving with great white sharks is possible.
ONE DAY SHARK DIVING TRIP FROM AUD$495 (approx £246)
For travellers who purely want to dive with sharks, Calypso Star Charter (calypsostarcharter.com.au) offers a selection of options. The one day tour normally lasts 7-8 hours, is fully catered and includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
There is also the opportunity to swim with sea lions in shallower waters close to Port Lincoln. The one-day tour runs from July to September and costs from AUD$495 (approx £246) per person. Meanwhile, the cost of a four-day shark dive trip is AUD$2,300 (approx £944).
Calypso Star Charter, in conjunction with local environmental authorities, tags and records shark sightings so that their movements can be tracked around Australia.
SWIM WITH TUNA
For an alternative underwater experience, Calypso Star Charter also offers swimming with tuna. Port Lincoln Bay is home to small tuna (about 15kg), and, from within the confines of a pen, swimmers can have an exciting experience as the fast, energetic tuna can swim excitedly close. The two-hour tuna swim costs from AUD$30 (approx £12) per adult and AUD$15 (approx £6) per child.
