Montauk Shark Cage Diving Expeditions
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Want an adrenaline rush, try Montauk Shark Cage Diving: Venture inside a real shark cage right here in Montauk, Long Island, New York and dive with Blue Sharks. We feel Sea Turtle Dive Charters is the boat of choice. Come and experience the excitement and the thrill of shark cage diving in Montauk, NY. Shark cage diving expeditions is also available off Block Island, NY as well. The Sea Turtle Dive boat has adequate room for 6 divers and has an open stern design. Divers will typically get two 30 to 45 minute shifts in the cage when sharks are present. When shifts are over, the cage is pulled back to the boat to rotate-in fresh new divers.
Search Words: Montauk Shark Cage Diving, Blue Shark Diving, Long Island New York, Block Island, Sea Turtle Dive Charters, Sea Turtle Dive Boat, Northeast Shark Cage Diving, East Coast Shark Cage Diving
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Introduction
It
was a sullen, overcast, gray morning when Eco-Photo Explorers
departed the docks in Montauk aboard the 35-foot Sea Turtle dive
boat for a local expedition to photograph Blue Sharks (Prionace
glauca), one of the prettiest of the world’s sharks in the open
Atlantic.
Montauk is sometimes referred to as the Fisherman’s Capitol of the Northeast, with large populations of Tuna, Striped Bass, Bluefish and other sport fish abounding in its waters. In addition to these often pursued species are the many, varied species of sharks that inhabit these waters. Our goal on this day was not to catch the sharks but, rather to photograph them from the relative safety of a shark cage some 35 miles offshore.
With low cloud cover, and an occasional passing fog bank, we quickly made our way to the general location and began releasing a chum slick into the water. Sea birds, like the small and fragile looking Storm Petral and the graceful Shearwater, quickly converged on the immediate area to happily snatch an easy meal.
Although we were prepared for an extended wait, the first Blue Shark appeared within 30 minutes! With a fabulously colored Blue Back and distinctive torpedo shape, the identification was unmistakable: an 8-foot Blue Shark!
Quickly, we suited up and within a few minutes we had forsaken the practice dives with the cage for the real deal. Soon, we were inside the cage face to face with our quarry. This shark was a beauty, both elegant and menacing at the same time. For the next 30 minutes, we twisted and turned within the cage, photographing each pass of the large animal as it circled us. Occasionally, curiosity got the better of our new found friend which tried several times to nibble on our protective cage and at the same time, make a few attempts to wedge its nose between the bars to take a closer look inside. We were literally within inches of one of the Atlantic Ocean’s famed predators.
Subsequent dives in the cage were even more exciting as more sharks appeared throughout the day. On our last dive, we were witness to five sharks simultaneously circling the cage. This was an amazing experience as we watched the sharks approach from all angles. We could literally touch the sandpaper like skin as the sharks swam within inches of our cameras, and we could observe up close the nictitating membrane as it would reflexively close and open over the eye as the shark attempted to bite the cage bars.
The expedition was a huge success. As we cruised back into Montauk Harbor, the sun finally poking through the low overcast, we were thrilled to have shared the ocean with one of its most beautiful inhabitants.
Trip Details
Regular Day Trips - The dive boat will transport passengers about 15-30 miles south of Long Island where warm waters from the gulf stream bring an array of life during the summer months. Sharks (mako, thresher and blue), mahi-mahi (Dolphin), tuna, whales, ocean sunfish, porpoise and sea turtles are among the creatures you could see on this type of adventure. The trip out can take 1-2 hours. Upon arrival, the crew begins chumming the water, creating a slick to attract sharks. This process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 4 hours. The most common sharks seen are Blues, Makos, and if your lucky, the Thresher shark. It's not uncommon to have 3 or 4 sharks in the water at the same time. These trips are 8-12 hours long, so come prepared for a full day on the boat. The amount of cage time you get depends on when the sharks show up. [$200 per diver] - Book Now
Shark & Wreck Combo Trips - These are single day trips that will include a single tank morning dive on the Lightburne or the Block Island Pinnacle where you will find giant glacial boulders, large swim throughs, abundant marine life and where there is usually schools of sand sharks. Currents can run strong. After the morning dive the dive boat will head, with the shark cage to deeper water south of Block Island and chum for the bigger blue and mako sharks. The boat will departure at 6:00 am and should return before 5:00 pm. [$225 per diver] - Book Now
- Grecian - 95' The Grecian was a 290' steel freighter sunk after being struck by another vessel, in 1932. Sitting in 95' of water, four huge boilers and the bow section rise 15' from the white sandy bottom. There is also a large debris field behind the boilers in which artifacts are still being found. There is an array of marine life on this site frequently including; sharks, monkfish, cod and conger eels. Boat Ride: 1hr. Vis. 15'-40'+
- Idene - 90' The Idene was a 120' steel hulled fishing trawler sunk as an artificial reef by the state of R.I. in 1991. The wreck sits upright and intact on a white sandy bottom in 90' of water. Penetration is easy, but should only be done by qualified divers. The top of Idene can be reached at 60'. Excellent site for underwater video. Boat Ride: 1hrs. 40min. Vis. 15'-40'+
- Lightburne - 30' The Lightburne was a 419' oil tanker that ran aground right in front of the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse in 1939. Today the wreck is unrecognizable as a ship, but still offers an enjoyable dive for everyone. In only 30' of water structures reach to the surface and form underwater corrals for fish. When the conditions are right this dive could be mistaken for one in tropical waters. A great dive for people not used to northeast diving. Boat Ride: 1hr. 15min. Vis. 15'- 40'
- Pinnacle - 75' Located south of Block Island lies one of the most interesting dives in New England. The Pinnacle is comprised of boulders left from the ice flow 15,000 years ago. The towering boulders reach to within 30' of the surface from the sandy bottom 75' below. Covering over an acre of ocean floor, the huge boulders form cervices and tunnels large enough to swim through. The rock surfaces are covered with bright, colorful frilled anemones, blood stars and soft corals. Needless to say, life here is at a maximum. Current on the surface can be strong, but subsides at depth. Boat Ride: 1hr. 10 min. Vis. 20' - 40'+
- Suffolk - 180' A nasty nor'easter was responsible for the foundering of this 365' collier on Dec. 11th, 1943. Today the wreck sits turtled (upside down) in 180' of water 32 miles southeast of Montauk. Broken in two, the wreck rises 25' off the bottom. Divers should be warned of the extensive fishing gear that has collected on the massive hull. Boat Ride: 2hrs. Vis. 30' - 80' or Vis. 10' - 30'
- U-853 - 130' This type IXC 40 German submarine was depth charged on May 6th, 1945. The wreck is a must see for the enterprising deep diver. Though the sub is upright and intact, recent years have begun to show some breaking down of this 250' vessel. Penetration is possible, but should only be done by qualified experienced divers. Boat Ride: 1hr. 40min. Vis. 5' - 30'+ Full story
Block Island Shark Expeditions - Sharks! Sharks! Sharks and more Sharks! These trips are focused on the species found around Block Island. Divers will do a combination of open water diving with sand sharks on the Block Island pinnacle and shark cage diving in the deep waters south of the island with mako and blue sharks. The dive boat will tie up in Old Harbor, Block Island for the night, where passengers can explore the island and relax before another exciting day of sharks! Trip includes all air fills, breakfast (second day only), lunches and snacks. Five person max. Contact us for more information. [$450 per diver] - Book Now
The average person will get two turns, about 30-45 minutes each. All divers are required to sign a Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement before leaving the dock. The dive boat will supply weight belts as well as tanks and regulators which are mounted in the cage. The dive boat has some weights for passengers to use, but I would bring your own because you will need a lot of weight if using a drysuit.
Water Conditions:
Water temperature averages 60° F to 80° F
Visibility averages 20 feet to 80 feet
Tidal & Sea Temperature Predictions
Required Dive Equipment: (to be provided by you)
- Mask, hood, boots, gloves
- Wet Suit (7mm optimum) or Drysuit
- Fins (optional)
- Weight Belt (if not standard size)
- Weights (the dive boat has some, but I would bring your own)
- Ankle Weights (the dive boat has some, but I would bring your own)
Optional Equipment: (not necessary)
U/W Photography Equipment - Photographers are welcome and the crew
will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Remember to charge
your batteries.
DO NOT Bring:
BC's, tanks, regulators, spear guns
Suggested Clothing:
Sunscreen, towel, warm jacket, sunglasses, hat
Shark Cage
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The shark cage will accommodate two divers. Life support is supplied to the divers by two individual 80 cubic inch tanks which are secured to the inside of the cage. Regulators are attached to the tanks using long hookah type hoses. The cage is made of 1" anodized aluminum pipe and is fully welded at all seams.
All entry and exits are done from the open stern of the boat. Divers will be glad to hear that they will not have to swim to the cage to get into it. The Sea Turtle uses special locking clamps (see bottom left) to secure the cage tightly to the boats transom to safely load divers into the cages top hatch. Once inside, the hatch is closed and pushed about 5 to 10 feet away from the boat. The cage will float about 3 to 7 inches below the surface using special floats and is always attached to the boat using a strong steal safety cable.
Divers will typically get two 30 to 45 minute shifts in the cage when sharks are present. When shifts are over, the cage is pulled back to the boat to rotate-in fresh new divers.
Dive Boat
The Sea Turtle is a 36' BHM Downeast style boat. She is powered by a single 430 horsepower volvo-penta diesel engine, allowing a 17-18 knot cruising speed. The boat has bunks for 4 people, a stand-up head and small galley area. Behind the cabin is a large area fitted with a custom gear donning bench, with adequate room for 6 divers. With the open stern design divers can make a giant stride or seated entry. View Dive Boat
Reservation Information
All trips require reservations to reserve your spot on any of these expeditions and can be made by contacting us through our online form. All deposits are 50% of the trip price. Since available dates can change without notice, please contact us to verify your trip selection before making any airfare or accommodation arrangements. The boat leaves the dock at 7:00 AM (unless noted otherwise) on the schedule. Referrer: Eco-Photo Explorers - Flyer (pdf)
- Regular Day Rate: $200 per diver (boat leaves at 7:00 am)
- Shark & Wreck Combo: $225 per person (boat leaves at 6:00 am)
- Block Island Shark Expedition:
$450 per diver (boat leaves at 6:00 am)
Booking Reference Number: ecophoto
All prices are per person.
Price Does Not Include:
Possible fuel surcharge
Souvenirs, and gratuities for the crew
All prices subject to change...
If you call the tour operator directly, please given them this Booking Reference Number, ecophoto and tell them you where referred to them by Eco-Photo Explorers.
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Available Dates
for the 2009 Season: Trips will usually run from June through September (1 day trips). Please note: All participates must be certified to cage dive. |
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June |
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| 12, Friday | Shark Dive - First of 2009 |
| 13, Saturday | Shark Dive/Combo - Pinnacle (75ft) |
| 17, Wednesday | Shark Dive |
| 24, Wednesday | Shark Dive - Research |
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July |
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| 1, Wednesday | Shark Dive |
| 3, Friday | Shark Dive/Combo - U-853 (130ft) Full Story |
| 4, Saturday | Shark Dive/Combo - Lightburne (30ft) |
| 6, Monday | Shark Dive |
| 8, Wednesday | Shark Dive - Research |
| 11, Saturday | Shark Dive |
| 15, Wednesday | Shark Dive - Research |
| 16, Thursday to 17, Friday |
Block Island Shark Expedition Two Days |
| 18, Saturday | Shark Dive |
| 22, Wednesday | Shark Dive/Combo - Suffolk (130ft) |
| 25, Saturday | Shark Dive/Combo - Pinnacle (75ft) |
| 29, Wednesday | Shark Dive |
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August |
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| 1, Saturday | Shark Dive/Combo - Lightburne (30ft) |
| 5, Wednesday | Shark Dive - Research |
| 9, Sunday | Shark Dive/Combo - Grecian (95ft) |
| 10, Monday to 11, Tuesday |
Block Island Shark Expedition Two Days |
| 12, Wednesday | Shark Dive |
| 15, Saturday | Shark Dive |
| 19, Wednesday | Shark Dive/Combo - Lightburne (30ft) |
| 22, Saturday | Shark Dive/Combo - Pinnacle (75ft) |
| 26, Wednesday | Shark Dive |
| 29, Saturday | Shark Dive |
| 30, Saturday | Shark Dive/Combo - Idene (90ft) |
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September |
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| 2, Wednesday | Shark Dive |
| 5, Saturday | Shark Dive/Combo - Pinnacle (75ft) |
| 7, Monday | Shark Dive |
| 9, Wednesday | Shark Dive/Combo - Lightburne (30ft) |
| 12, Saturday | Shark Dive |
| 16, Wednesday | Shark Dive/Combo - Grecian (95ft) |
| 19, Saturday | Shark Dive |
| 26, Saturday | Shark Dive |
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October |
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Date, TBD |
Optional trips maybe added if the weather and sea temperatures are favorable. |
| Join our
mailing list and we will email you if anything changes in our
Shark Diving schedule. Please Note: Boat operator reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge to any trip in 2009. All prices subject to change... |
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Though the tour operator has a very successful expedition record, they cannot guarantee a Shark encounter on every trip. It would be irresponsible to claim some sort of control over Mother Nature. In reality, Sharks are wild animals that have their own schedules and priorities. They live in an extraordinary environment that at times, does not cooperate according to our schedules. Weather is always an important factor when operating offshore. The tour operator does however, promise to take you to the best place at the best time and provide you the best opportunity to encounter Sharks.
Cancellations - Shark diving deposits are non-refundable. If a diver chooses not to go out and the tour was not canceled that constitutes a no show and the cost of the trip is non-refundable. Trip cancellations due to bad weather conditions and/or unsafe sea conditions that may jeopardize the safety of the passengers will be decided by the Captain at the dock. Every attempt will be made by the tour operator to reschedule divers in the event the Captain cancels the trip due to bad weather and/or unsafe sea conditions.
Bad Weather - Eco-Photo Explorers and the dive boat cannot be held responsible for bad weather, if a diver chooses not to go out and the tour was not canceled that constitutes a NO SHOW. The dive boat Captain will make every effort to reschedule your dive.
Boat Policies - Valid certification cards are mandatory and held by the crew for the duration of the trip. Zero tolerance policy is enforced. No illegal substances will be permitted on the boat. A Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement must be signed by each diver on each trip. The crew will log you in and out of the water and will assist you in any way possible, but you are solely responsible for your bottom time and your personal safety once you step off the boat. The Captain reserves the right to change the scheduled dive site due to conditions which he may feel will either jeopardize your enjoyment or safety.
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DAN Diving Insurance is |
Sea Turtle Dive Charters
Sea
Turtle Dive Charters
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Directions & Map
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Picture of Dive Boat
Reservation & Schedule Information |
Flyer
(pdf) - Boat leaves the dock at 7:00 AM (unless noted otherwise)
Address:
76 Swamp Rd
East Hampton, NY 11937
Phone:
631.335.6323 (cell), 631.725.0565
Accommodations & Lodging
The following lodging information is broken down into two sections. The section on the left displays lodging that can be found near or around the harbor area and the section on the right displays lodging found in the general Montauk area. Please note, it's your responsibility to reserve your own accommodations.
| In the Harbor | In Montauk |
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Uihlein's Motel (closest to boat) 444 West Lake Drive, Montauk 631-668-3799 |
Montauk Manor 236 Edgemere Street, Montauk 631-668 4400 |
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Blue Haven
Hotel West lake Drive, Montauk 631-668-5943 or 800-789-5943 |
Gurney's Inn 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk 631-668-2345 |
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Montauk
Yacht Club Star Island Road, Montauk 631-668-3100 or 888-MYC-8668 |
Royal Atlantic Beach Resort South Edgemere Street, Montauk 631-668-5103 or 631-668-5104 |
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Sun 'N' Sound Resort Soundview Drive, Montauk 631-668-2212 |
Born Free
Motel 115 South Emerson Avenue, Montauk 631-668-2896 |
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Harborside Resort Motel 371 West Lake Drive, Montauk 631-668-2511 |
Oceanside Beach Resort 626 New Montauk Highway, Montauk 631-668-9825 |
| Kenny's Tipperary Inn 432 West Lake Drive, Montauk 631-668-2171 |
Surfside Inn 685 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk 631-668-5958 |
Recommendations for lodging in the Montauk area and lots more!
Multimedia Programs & Published Articles
Inside the Cage: Shark Cage Diving in North
America
Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they venture inside the cage
right here in North America to dive with Blue Sharks in California, Rhode
Island and New York.
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2005 Article Release: http://nedivenews.com/ |
Any questions not addressed in the above pages or in this website, should be
forwarded by email to Technical Support.
- http://www.ecophotoexplorers.com/contacts.asp?subject=Technical Support#form
