Entertainment

Cage Diving

Diving with one of the most successful hunters in the oceanic world is not only thrilling but also an extremely terrifying experience. However, the divers even feel vulnerable when entering into the hometown of ocean predators – the sharks. But diving with sharks is a lifetime breathtaking experience and many people even non-divers risk their life to follow their dream of encountering a shark. To let them experience this, cage diving has been introduced. Take a deep dive with us to learn more about cage diving and how does it work?

What Is Cage Diving?

Cage diving is an underwater diving technique where a cage made up of steel provides a safe environment for the observer. Cage diving is a very effective way to interact with giant sharks such as the Great White sharks, Baking sharks, and Tiger sharks. Cage diving is useful for understanding the behavior of sharks, for cinematography, and of course for fun and enjoyment.

What Is The Type Of Cage Diving?

Two types of cage diving have been practiced all over the world.

1: Surface Cage Diving

This type of cage diving does not require any scuba certification. In this practice, the cage is placed under the water but near the surface. The cage contains hookahs that supply air to the observer. Usually, a person above 12 or any healthy person is allowed to go for this type of cage diving.

2:  Deep Cage Diving

Rather than floating on the surface of the water, the cage is placed at the depth of 20 to 50 feet. The cage contains a snorkel that provides air to the observer at the depth. To practice this type of cage diving, a scuba certification must be needed because it provides an immersive experience in a trustworthy environment.

How To Attract Sharks Towards Cage?

To attract the shark towards the cage, a chum is used as bait or placing the fresh bloody flesh of the fish can be used to divert their attention. In some cases, a piece of rope called a wrangle is used to attract the sharks to the cage. A tuna is tied to one end of the rope and it is thrown in the water to attract the shark. Once the shark catches the smell of the prey, it will try to come closer to it. Right then, the rope is pulled back slowly, to bring the shark near to the cage.

Is Cage Diving Safe?

Yes! Cage diving is a very safe and effective way to encounter sharks. The cages are made up of strong metal frames closed from all sides and have a lid to cover them from the top.  The cages are linked to the dive boats which are supervising the whole situation and provide quick security to the observer in an emergency. However, in some cases, the cages are placed deeper even towards the floor of the ocean to observe the natural habitat of sharks more easily and clearly but the cage even at the depth is connected to the dive boat.

What The Useful Tips Are For Cage Diving?

Following are the useful tips to prevent injury while going for cage diving:

1:  When the cage is lowered into the water, the diver must keep their mind relaxed and keep their hands away from the rods of the cage.

2: Sometimes cage diving may exaggerate the feeling of motion sickness, so it should be recommended to take precautions before going diving.

3:  Choose good equipment which provides the right air source and operates well either on the surface or at the depth.

4:  Encourage the sharks to come closer to the cage and avoid eye contact.

5:  Sharks can detect electric fields so protect your camera and other electronic devices from the attack of sharks.

What The World Best Places Are For Cage Diving?

Depending upon your choice of a destination point and the type of shark you want to meet, the following are the listed places where cage diving is very popular:

1:  Isla Guadalupe, Mexico – Great White Sharks.

2:   Oahu, USA – Sandbar and Galapagos Sharks

3:  Western Cape, South Africa – Bronze Whaler sharks.and Great White sharks.

4: Neptune Islands, Australia – Great White Sharks.

5: Farallon Islands, USA – Great White Sharks.

Conclusion

Cage diving is a very successful, effective, and safest way to encounter sharks and to take selfies with giant shark species such as Tiger sharks, Great White sharks, and many others. If you are a shark lover then choose your destination point wisely and select the type of cage diving you want to go for, but it is highly recommended to experience deep cage diving or surface cage diving under the supervision of experts.

About the author

Zubaria

I am a Scholar and a dedicated content writer. I am on a mission to stamp out the importance of one of the ocean's most fascinating and remarkable creatures, the sharks, and to let people know about their role in keeping the ecosystem in equilibrium.