With Shark Week in full swing, we’ve got sharks on our minds. While the bay is frequented by many different types of sharks (11 to be exact), massive great white sharks are also known to frequent the coast near SF and Central California. Some of the largest great white sharks frequent the area, reaching 15 to 20 feet long.
Off the coast of San Francisco, the Farallon Islands are roughly 30 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. With a population of elephant seals on the islands, large great white sharks frequent the area. Only researchers live on the islands, and they are closed to the public.
The islands are in the Greater Farallons Marine Sanctuary, which covers over 3,000 square miles off the coast of California. The sanctuary is home to many diverse marine species, including great white sharks. The sanctuary aims to protect the wildlife in the sanctuary and has strict regulations on what types of tourism are allowed.
Luckily, there is a way you can see a great white shark up close just off Farallon Island. Shark Dive Adventures offers educational shark dives for those interested in learning more about the massive sharks. The tour was granted necessary permits from the marine sanctuary and does not interfere with the shark’s natural behavior during the experience.
The tour allows brave participants to dive in a cage to see the sharks up close. The tour uses a fake seal decoy in the water to attract the sharks for the dive. Participants are lowered into a cage to look for the massive, great white sharks. You can also join the journey just from the boat, if you want to venture to the island but not inclined to dive in the water. Unfortunately, the tours can’t guarantee you’ll encounter a shark, but the trip to the scenic island and the educational aspects of the tour create a well-rounded experience.
The trip is typically 12 hours total, departing and returning to San Francisco. Guests are brought on a boat designed specifically for research with meals provided aboard. Viewing season for the sharks runs from September 15 to November 30, so you’ll have to wait until the fall to try and catch a glimpse of a great white shark in its natural habitat.