BLUE SHARK
SNORKEL EXPEDITION
The San Diego Blue Shark Expedition is a unique opportunity to enjoy swimming with blue sharks in their natural environment in a professional, safe, and sustainable shark encounter.
Join our experienced captain and shark expert guides in the thrill of snorkeling with one of the most beautiful shark species, the majestic blue shark.
We depart most weekends from mission bay in San Diego aboard our beautiful Zodiac 21’ Rib boat HOA-KAI in a one of a kind four-passenger Blue shark expedition.
DETAILS
FAQ'S
Difficulty level:
Beginner/Intermediate.
Although no scuba diving experience is needed, we require you to be familiarized with snorkeling and in good physical shape.
Duration:
8 hours.
Availability:
Year-Round.
Location of Departure/Return:
Expeditions depart most weekends at 9:00 AM (Saturdays and Sundays) from Mission Bay, San Diego California, returning to the dock at approximately 4:30 PM.
*We might return at a different time depending on weather conditions and our guest's preferences.
Ticket Cost:
$520.00 USD*
*Taxes and booking fees are not included in the price.
*Non Diver tickets available (Please ask)
Gratuities:
Although never expected, gratuities are a great way of saying thanks to our hardworking crew.
Max capacity:
6 Guests.
Please let us know if your group is larger as we're able to accommodate up to two (nonswimmers) for an extra fee.
Please note that a minimum of three guests are needed for this expedition to run.
If we don't reach the minimum threshold on your expedition we'll let you know and you'll be presented with the following options:
A) Purchase an additional ticket. (To meet the threshold)
B) Reschedule.
C) Ask for a refund.
Expedition Includes:
Light meals, water, and healthy snacks. You are welcome to bring your own food. *Please let us know if you have any food allergies.
Exclusions:
Snorkel equipment (Fins, Mask, 5 or 7mm Wetsuit) not included. Please let us know if you need us to provide snorkel equipment for an additional fee.
Recommendations:
We recommend you bring a warm set of clothes and a towel. Layering works great. We’ll be most of the day under the sun so please bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
If prone to seasickness, we recommend you to take a dose of seasickness medicine the night before your expedition and another one before the trip.
Please note our Zodiac boat cruises at 20+ mph and although our Captain will maneuver to avoid 'bumps' there's always the possibility to encounter unexpected rough seas. With this in mind, we do not recommend our expeditions for people with back or neck problems.
Is it safe to swim with Blue Sharks?
At NZE we have a 100% Safety record; no one has ever been bit or injured in our expeditions. Always have in mind that sharks are wild animals and that we’re entering their habitat, caution and respect are key, our shark expert guides will brief you on the proper techniques to safely snorkel with these beautiful animals assuring a safe, fun, and educational shark snorkeling experience.
Are we snorkeling inside a cage?
Negative. This is a cage-less adventure.
What kind of behavior can we expect from the blue sharks?
Blue sharks, although cautious, are naturally inquisitive. With the proper techniques in place, they will approach us cautiously until they get more comfortable with our presence.
When a calm and curious shark comes to check you or your camera out is a wonderful treat you will likely never forget.
I Don't have a wetsuit , mask or fins. Can I rent one from you?
We work with a third party provider offering fitting rooms located at just 6 miles from our marina where you can try and rent all the snorkeling gear you'll need for this trip.
Depending on your needs, the kit rental cost ranges from $30.00 to $40.00 per day. Please let us know if you'll need to rent equipment and we'll point you in the right direction.
Can I touch the sharks?
Human skin is coated with oils and bacteria, which can damage marine wildlife. Touching sharks or any other wildlife is strictly prohibited (Even when using gloves). Please remember, we are guests in their environment, bring your ocean etiquette.
What is the minimum age required for this expedition?
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this activity. *We may be able to make exceptions for younger diver certified guests accompanied by their legal guardians.
Do I need to be certified as a diver?
This is a snorkeling experience, as such, you are not required to be certified as a Diver. However, we require you to be in good physical shape, comfortable in the water and familiarized with snorkeling. If in doubt, please reach out to us. We reserve the right to provide this service if we deem you unqualified. The safety of our guests and the wildlife we visit is paramount, thank you for understanding.
Which other species of sharks we might encounter on this expedition?
This is a Blue shark expedition however, we might also encounter and snorkel with Mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus). Especially in the summer months when the water is warmer. Although uncommon there’s also the chance to see hammerheads.
Wildlife Disclaimer:
Please note that to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, we are not in a position to guarantee any shark sightings. However, we’ll do our best to improve our chances. Be reassured. There's always something wonderful to discover at sea. Patience is a well-rewarded virtue in the open ocean.
Cancellation Policy: Click Here.
EXPEDITON GALLERY
I love sharks and this was the perfect way to interact with them in their natural habitat. I’m prone to motion sickness and the captain did a great job navigating. Manolo is extremely knowledgeable and has a passion for the ocean and it’s wildlife. The whole trip was phenomenal. We lucked out and saw three types of whales as well as some very curious and beautiful blue sharks. I was also very pleased with the level and promptness of communication. We had to reschedule due to weather and Manolo made sure to keep in contact and was always quick to answer questions. Overall it was an awesome trip. My husband who is definitely more comfortable on land said we would do it again; even the swimming in the open ocean with sharks bit.
