I am looking for recent info on cage diving with the great whites off of Guadalupe, MX. My understanding is that operators are no longer allowed to chum for the sharks. Therefore, do you still have the opportunity to photograph them?

Nautilus Explorer is running a special due to so many open spots ... makes me wonder if that is a good thing. I think they only have surface cages but I hear the submerged ones have better action and photo ops.

ANy thoughts on The Nautilus Explorer and Guadalupe?

As always, thanks so much

i was on the nautilus this past fall. although it is true that they are not allowed to chum for the sharks the only opportunity that this eliminates is the shark attacking the bait mouth open at the surface. they are still very curious animals and constantly come in very close to investigate the cages even sometimes biting them which can be very exciting. i would highly recomend the nautilus, the staff are super friendly, the complete opposite of the solmar v. they really know what they are doing and the accomodations are much more comfortable than the solmar as well. as you can see i am not a big fan of the solmar v but this is based on having taken trips on both boats. the submersible cage action is great! it really puts you in their world and u constantly have sharks around u very close. you can even get out on top of the cage which is a very cool feeling. at the end of the day no matter who you go with you will have an incredible time. isla guadalupe is a magical place that any shark lover should see at least once in their lifetime.

Very nice reply. It's looking like I'm gonna change my plans after all. I usually do an extended backcountry hike in Denali NP every August, but how can I pass up this once in a lifetime dream? So much more expensive, but I think I gotta do it!

I may opt for a single cabin, but can you recommend which end of the boat may be more "user friendly"? I was om the back of a boat in Antarctica and it seemed more stable than foreward. If there a berth that may be closer to a ladder or quieter or any other insider info you could offer? Anything I should bring that is not listed?

Again, thanks.

Cheers for that info Seadweller. I am booked on the Nautilus for 2013 doing the Guadalupe - Socorro back to back trip and hearing your comments has made me even more excited, even if it is still 2 years away.

All the best

Stew

I did the Guadalupe trip last October on the Solmar V and I'm going back again this year, same boat. I believe they are nearly sold out for September and October, but I've got a couple of spots open on my trip in early Oct. The Solmar V does have the permit to chum, because the way I understand it, they are grandfathered in to old laws (requirements?) because they have kept up to date with the environmental impact studies every year to satisfy the requirements of the permit. None of the other boats have done this, so they are not allowed to chum.

Last year there were times where we had up to five great whites behind the boat at the same time, and lots of the big females that come later in the season. They also have surface and submersible cages. When Luis is wrangling, is when the shark action is in full force at the surface. I got the best shots there and people who were not in the cages were hanging over the rails with their cameras in continuous shooting mode.

The boat is great, food is fantastic, the crew is the most experienced in Baja, and is very friendly. Here's a little slide show from the trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcS6FBoN2GQ

I highly recommend this trip.

Bonnie

Very interesting difference in perspectives here. I thought all chumming was stopped. Brings new light to the choice. However, the Nautilus Explorer matches my schedules time off for September ... so that has to be my choice. Perhaps, I will be able to go again with Solmar in the future.

Hi Bonnie,

what lenses did you use? Would the tokina 10-17 FE be too much???


Rob

i went with a 10-17 and 12-24 and on my trip atleast i was getting better results with the 12-24 as there is a lot more time when they are swimming close but not right in ur face as there are when they come in extremely close. i found i had a lot more range with the 12-24