Review: Great White Shark Cage Diving in South Australia!

If you’re researching Great White Shark cage diving from Port Lincoln, chances are you’re wondering what the experience is really like? As a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list adventure (that’s know to be a little expensive), does it live up to the hype, the cost, and your nerves to jump in the water.

A lot of first-timers worry about motion sickness, safety, visibility, and whether they’ll actually see sharks at all. Add in the fact that two companies offer tours with different prices, inclusions, and cage-diving styles, and it can get confusing fast.

Having boarded the “Rodney Fox” Boat myself twice now (& had friends on the other boat), I’ll walk you through my full experience so you know exactly what to expect before booking. This will help you decide if shark cage diving in Port Lincoln deserves a spot on your South Australia adventure itinerary.

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Where can you Cage Dive with Great White Sharks in Australia?

In Australia, the only place you can swim & cage dive with Great White Sharks is around the Neptune Islands, which is off the coast of Port Lincoln in South Australia. It’s interesting, that the sheltered waters and seal colonies make the perfect home for these giants APEX predators of the ocean. 

Which tour company Should you Choose?

1. Rodney Fox

While there are a couple of different tour companies that leave Port Lincoln, for me – You only have one choice! The team at Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions is the only way to go!

Why, you ask? Well, if you really want to check out these creatures, then I believe it’s your BEST chance to see them. Even though seeing wild Sharks are never guaranteed.

While they are more expensive, not only do they include variety with a surface cage, a diving cage (for those certified). The tours run over Multiple days and less people aboard the boat.

In turn this means MORE opportunity’s and time to see them. 

2. Calypso Star

Alternatively, Calypso Star Charters completes only day trips and, ultimately, is more convenient for those with limited time. However, I think there are too many downsides to a day trip, and it can be an expensive long day to see nothing.

Since the boat trip takes 3 hours (one way) to get to Neptune Islands, and there are many more people on the boat. In the end, you have limited time in the water, shared with the other passengers. 

NOTE: Just out of interest! I’ve had three different friends complete the day trips on offer with Calypso Star Charters. Know that only ONE out of three, managed to see a Great White Shark on their tour. 

How much does it cost?

This is a bucket list item in Australia and one that always comes with an expensive price tag.

The Rodney Fox Expeditions goes for Multi Nights ( 2, 3, or 5 nights), including food, accommodation, and the shark experience. These Great White Shark Diving experiences range in price from $1500AUD per person to $3300AUD. 

I would recommend the 3-night journey, which is one of the more popular options. They give you ample time to enter both the surface and diving cage while capturing stunning underwater shots.

Just to compare the other tour company, the day trips cost around $600AUD and run for 12 hours or longer. They do their very best to help you see sharks, with 2 to 4 times more people booked on the boat.

This means more people with whom you have to share time in the surface cage. 

My Review Cage Diving with Rodney Fox!

The Rodney Fox Crew are very professional, organized, and helpful in ensuring you have the best time possible. Food was well above average, and the sleeping quarters were sufficient for a restful night’s sleep.

Overall, my experience of swimming and Cage Diving with the Great Whites was exhilarating, with such a rush and a multitude of emotions.

There is no other experience that compares to seeing the Apex predator that dwells underneath the turquoise crystal surface. While you may feel a tinge of nervousness, being in the water with the Great Whites is absolutely worth it.

I’ve been lucky to do it twice now and you can see some of that footage here on You Tube. Given the opportunity, I would do it again with the Rodney Fox Crew.

Accommodation on the boat?

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions offer tour participants the unique experience of a Liveaboard boat. This means a fully self-contained accommodation on board their large charter vessel for the duration of the expedition.

This boat in the fleet is 32 metres long, 7.6 metres wide. You will find 3 observation decks, a large open-plan saloon, and a galley. As well as guest cabins with bunk beds and a simple marine bathroom.

I found the accommodation very basic, but comfortable and convenient for what it was. 

Cruising to Neptune Islands

The cruise out to the Neptune Islands is approximately 40km off the coast of South Australia and will take about 3 to 3.5 hours. 

You’ll pass many other scenic islands as you journey through the Thorny Passage. These are scattered throughout the Spencer Gulf and may also be visited along the way by inquisitive dolphins.

The Rodney Fox trips generally start late afternoon and ensure you wake up the following day ready to get in the water. I love this option, as you’re using the time to get to know the other passengers and wake up refreshed to start swimming. 

Will you be in a cage?

Yes, any Great White Sharks Tours in Australia are held within a Cage. This includes both the Surface or Diving cage. 

What’s it like in the Surface Cage?

If you are only new to the experience of cage diving, there are qualified staff to support you through your experience. The surface cage can hold up to 1-4 divers and is lowered just below the waterline of the diving deck. 

Yes, the Great White Sharks are baited to coerce them closer to the boat and the cage you’re standing in. They also throw some chum or burley (fish offcuts) off the back of the boat to attract them, although, this isn’t very nice time to be in the water.

No diving qualifications are required for the surface cage, and participants can be as young as 8 years old. You’re provided weights to control your stability and a breathing apparatus with a hose for air. This all helps keep you under the water for longer to view the sharks. 

Guests are supervised at all times by a qualified crew.

Interesting fact: You’ll often hear heavy rock music like Metallica and Iron Maiden on the boat, as the sharks are attracted to the vibrations. 

What’s it like in the Diving Cage?

The uniquely designed diving cage is hooked up with a winch to a crane and lowered onto the ocean floor (holding 3 divers and 1 instructor). Participants will descend approximately 20 to 30 metres to the ocean floor, which is where the adrenaline rush really kicks in.

With new visitors in their aquatic realm, sharks will calmly approach and investigate, and divers like me, are in awe. Then, the sharks will effortlessly soar above and around the cage, coming right up close to look guests directly in the eye. 

Definitely, a moment like no other! 

Do you need a Diving Certification?

As a whole, No, you don’t need a diving certification to use the Shark surface cage connected to the back of the boat.

However, if you intend to use the diving cage, then Yes, you will need a Diving certification equivalent up to 30 metres in depth. 

Note: For PADI divers, this is the Advanced Open Water certification.

How to get to Port Lincoln?

While Port Lincoln is located 650 kilometres away from Adelaide, you have the choice of flying across the Peninsula, or driving the long distance around.

Flying:

One of the easiest ways to get there (and what I’ve always done) is via flight (Qantas or Regional Express-REX) from Adelaide, which takes only half an hour. 

Drive:

For those who are up for an adventure, you can take the scenic route and take in the spectacular coastline views by renting or driving your own car? Of course, it’ll take a bit longer (around 7 hours), but it’s a great way to enjoy the sights along the way. 

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

It’s a picturesque journey through many little towns, past bays, beaches, and the famous Pink Lakes. From Adelaide, just hop onto the National Hwy A1, and follow it until it becomes Lincoln Hwy/B100. The B100 will then take you straight to Port Lincoln.

Where to Stay?

Visiting Port Lincoln can be a wonderful experience, thanks to various accommodation options. From budget-friendly motels to upscale boutique resorts, you can make yourself at home in Port Lincoln. 

Just so you know, you will need accommodation either side of your tour dates for the Sharks.

Many of the city’s lodgings offer stunning views of attractions such as Boston Bay, making for memorable stays. And with a range of cosy B&Bs, you can relax and enjoy the comforts of a home away from home. 

Best Time of year to do it?

The Best time to swim or cage dive with the Great Whites is during the winter season from May to August, when their numbers increase. Although, due to the cooler temperatures of the South Australian waters, it can be done anytime of year.

I have completed this 3-night tour twice, and both were done in June, and I saw plenty of sharks (anything from 5 to 30 sharks per day). 

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

About Neptune Islands

The Neptune Islands are a protected marine area with diverse native wildlife. They consist of 2 pairs of islands, the North and South. Near the entrance to the Spencer Gulf, they are only accessible via large boats. Additionally, it’s a protected marine sanctuary, and therefore no accessible land without prior permission.

The sanctuary itself is home to over 40,000 seals, including New Zealand long-nosed Fur Seals and the endangered Australian Sea Lion.

Additionally, you can keep an eye out for White Breasted Sea Eagles, Osprey, Rock Parrots, Albatross, and Giant Blue Groper.

Where else can you swim with them?

These are just some of the other places to see Great White Sharks in the world. This includes:

• Isla Guadalupe, Mexico
• Western Cape, South Africa
• Farallon Islands, USA
• O’ahu, USA
• Bluff, New Zealand
• Gansbaai, South Africa
• Mossel Bay, South Africa
• False Bay, South Africa
• Cape Cod, USA

Is there a Shark Bigger than a Great White Shark?

Yes, there is a shark bigger than the infamous Great White. The Whale Shark is sometimes called the “gentle giant” of the sea, and for a good reason! 

Unlike its smaller, toothy cousins, the Whale Shark poses no threat to us humans. In fact, they are often friendly enough that swimming with them in the wild can be a fantastic experience. I was lucky enough to swim with the Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Mexico.

Who is Rodney Fox?

Rodney Fox was born and bred in Adelaide. He grew up with an affinity for the ocean, fishing with his father from a very young age. Subsequently, by his early 20’s in 1962, Rodney had achieved the title of South Australian Spear Fishing Champion.

The Accident

In 1963, he was newly married and competing just off of Aldinga Beach, South Australia, to maintain his Champion title. However, he had no idea that his life would change forever. 

During the competition, Rodney Fox was attacked by a Great White Shark. As a result, he sustained severe wounds to his chest and right arm. Additionally, he received 462 stitches to his chest, a punctured lung, and 92 stitches in his right hand and arm.

Despite this unprecedented event and extensive rehabilitation,1 year later, Rodney travelled to Victoria to claim his Champion title.

Consequently, he achieved top-scoring in 3 out of 4 events he entered!

Rodney Fox’s Future in Cage Diving

Upon his return to South Australia, he visited Adelaide Zoo with his wife and niece. It was here that he came up with the idea for the first-ever diving cage. 

He planned to use the cage for observation, study and understanding the Sharks behaviour. Upon completing the cage, he invited his close friends, Ron and Valerie Taylor, to try it out.

This was to make the first underwater documentary about Great White Sharks, “Attacked By A Killer Shark.” Consequently, this became a world-renowned short film and ignited widespread curiosity and interest in this apex predator.

Furthermore, in 1965, Rodney Fox’s Shark Expeditions was launched, and tourists began to enjoy it with him.

Their Shark Conservation and tracking efforts

Rodney Fox and his son Andrew developed a partnership with a researcher. Dr. Rachel Robbins, in 2001 to establish the Fox Shark Research Foundation (FSRF).

Their mission:

• Inspire the appreciation and understanding them through research and education.
• Eco-certified, and money raised from the tours fund their research
• Ask tour participants to partake in the research and identification programs

FSRF collaborates with Flinders University, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), and the CSIRO. Working in conjunction with the researchers using non-invasive tracking tags that utilise satellite technology. Additionally, they also keep track of biological information for genetic research.

Fun Fact: Surprisingly, Rodney was approached by none other than Stephen Spielberg. Ultimately asking if he could assist him in filming live footage for the ever-popular scary movie “JAWS.”

Wrap up & Read More!

Swimming or Cage Diving with Great White Sharks in South Australia is an experience that you will never forget. And it is something you can tell your friends and family about for years to come. 

Thanks for reading the blog post today, but if you’re still researching, please see my other South Australian articles for planning and inspiration.

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