Rhode Island Shark Cage Diving Expeditions
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Want an adrenaline rush, try Rhode Island Shark Cage Diving: Venture inside a real shark cage right here in Rhode Island and dive with sharks. If you want to see sharks in the Rhode Island area, the Snappa is the boat of choice. Come and experience the excitement and the thrill of shark cage diving in Rhode Island. The Snappa dive boat has adequate room for all divers. An outside shower for divers is available, along with a walkout transom door and a fresh water wash tank for cameras. When sharks are present, divers will typically get 30 minute shifts in the cage before they are rotated out for new divers.
Search Words: Rhode Island Shark Cage Diving, Blue Shark Diving, Snappa, Snappa Charters, Northeast Shark Cage Diving, East Coast Shark Cage Diving
Trip Details | Reservations
| Accommodations | Dive Boat
| Directions & Map
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Introduction
Sharks
are considered the ultimate predators and are one of the most
fascinating creatures on earth. With an air of mystique surrounding
it, the shark has roamed the oceans for millions of years, virtually
unchanged. Off the Rhode Island coast, the blue shark is the most
common shark you will encounter. It ranges in size from 4 to 13
feet, weighing 30 to 350 pounds. A slender body is characterized by
an iridescent blue color and its trademark long pectoral fins. The
best months for viewing this shark are July, August,
September and October.
The mako is one of the most aggressive sharks in the ocean,
sometimes leaping 15 feet out of the water. It is identified by its
pointed head, multi-layered teeth, full muscular body, and crescent
shaped tail. The basking shark frequents these waters during the
month of June. It is a harmless plankton feeder reaching lengths of
over 20 feet. Calm, sunny days usually bring the basking sharks up
to the surface to sun themselves. Many other forms of marine life
visit these waters and make themselves available for the divers
viewing pleasure. These include a wide variety of plankton and jelly
fish including the Portuguese Man-of-War. Occasionally, dolphin or
mahi mahi, marlin, porpoise, tuna, sea turtles, ocean sunfish and
even whales have been observed.
Trip Details
The boat usually leaves the dock around 6:00 AM (unless noted otherwise), but please get there early because it takes about 30 minutes to load the boat with gear along with the cage. All divers are required to sign a Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement before leaving the dock. After a quick orientation explaining the boat policies, rules and demonstrating correct cage procedures, the boat will depart for a 20-60 mile run out to deep water. The water depth will be approximately 200 feet. It will take anywhere from 10 minutes to 4 hours for the sharks to find the chum slick. On average, each diver will get two turns in the cage, about 30-45 minutes each. Diving usually ends around 3:00 PM and if the seas are favorable, you should get back to the dock by 4:30 PM. Off loading should be completed by 5:00 PM.
Even if you do not have underwater camera gear, make sure you bring your topside camera! You can get some great action shots from the deck, as the Captain try's to lure the sharks into raising their heads above the surface. You may also bring a small cooler for your food and drinks. Since it maybe chilly in the morning hours, we advise bringing a sweatshirt and windbreaker or other lightweight water resistant jacket. You may also want to bring a pair of sweatpants as well. Reading material may come in handy since the trip out as well as the trip back can take up to two hours. If your prone to seasickness, please take your seasickness medication at least one hour before you get on the boat.
- Water Conditions:
Water temperature averages 60°F and 65°F in June and upwards of 70°F in September
Visibility averages 15 feet to 80 feet - Tidal & Sea Temperature Predictions - Required Dive Equipment:
All certified divers must bring their own diving equipment.
- Exposure Suits: Wet suit (7mm optimum) or drysuit - 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. - Suggested Clothing:
Sunscreen, towel, warm jacket, sunglasses, hat
Shark Cages & Topside Observers
 Shark Cage |
 Shark Cage UW |
 Surface Cage |
 Chumming |
Shark Cage Diving (certified diver): The submersible shark cage will accommodate three divers. Cage divers are required to bring their own air tanks which will be used for life support. The cage is constructed of 1" anodized aluminum pipe (fully welded at all seams) and is 5 ft wide, 6-1/2 ft long and 7-1/2 feet high. The cage will either be on the surface or submerged to a depth of 7 ft and is always attached to the boat using a strong steal safety cable. All entry and exits are done from the stern of the boat. 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.
Floating Surface Cage (non-certified snorkel diver): The surface cage (playpen) is a floating platform designed for the non-certified snorkel diver. You will definitely experience the same thrill and excitement the scuba diver enjoys from below the surface. You simply observe the sharks from above the surface.
Topside Observer: Topside Observers enjoy all the sights and sounds above the surface. Although being in the water and meeting a shark face to face is the ultimate experience many shark encounters may be viewed from the surface. When natural predations occur most of the feeding activity takes place on the surface in full view of everyone. All shark expeditions are very educational and exciting for anyone who loves to be outdoors and on the ocean. During the trip you may encounter whales, porpoise and many other varieties of marine mammals and sea birds. To spend the day at sea is an amazing experience that we wish more people could enjoy.
Dive Boat
The
Snappa dive boat is a 46 foot fiberglass custom sport fisherman. The
boat has a Wesmac hull and was built in Surry Maine, with the
finishing work completed by Fernandez Custom Boats. Although the
Snappa is USCG inspected and licensed to carry up to 25 passengers,
diving groups are limited to 14. The power plant is a Caterpillar
C-15, 853 H.P. diesel with a cruising speed of 20 knots.
The main cabin is completely enclosed with cushion seating that can seat up to 14 passengers. The cabin also includes a spacious dinette that can comfortably seat a group of 4 hungry divers. The forward cabin has an enclosed head with a sink and shower. Also in the forward cabin is a galley with a hot plate, microwave, refrigerator and freezer. There are 3 bunks located forward of the galley and an outside shower has also been included for divers, along with a walkout transom door and a fresh water wash tank for cameras. A full compliment of state of the art electronics is located on the bridge along with seating to accommodate up to 3 passengers
Safety Equipment
- Raft & Life Jackets
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio beacon (EPIRB)
- Water Lights & Flares
- Oxygen and Resuscitation Equipment
Reservation Information
All trips require reservations to hold your spot and can be made by contacting us through our online form. Since available dates fill quickly, we recommend booking early. When making a reservation, please have an alternate date, just in case your first choice is already booked.
A $500 deposit must be received within ten days from date your reservation was made. Personal checks are not accepted for final payment. Cash, money order or bank checks only. Make checks payable to "Snappa Fishing & Diving Charters, Inc." and put "Referred By: Eco-Photo Explorers" on bottom of check. The boat leaves the dock at 6:00 AM (unless noted otherwise) on the schedule.
| 2009 Prices | ||
| Shark Adventure: Option 1 | 10½ hour, 45 Mile Limit | |
| Shark Adventure: Option 2 | 12 hour, 60 Mile Limit | |
| Type | Option 1 | Option 2 |
| Private Charter (Based on 8 Passengers) | $1750 | $1950 |
| Charters Over 8 Passengers Add | $175 pp | $195 pp |
| Individual Divers (scuba & snorkelers) | $225 pp | $250 pp |
| Individual Topside Observers | $175 pp | $195 pp |
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Weekend Individuals: add $10 Weekend Private Charters: add $125 - Includes 9 Passengers |
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Customary Mate Tip: 10% of trip All prices are in U.S. dollars and are per person... If you call the dive operator directly, please tell them you were referred to them by Eco-Photo Explorers. |
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Customer Discounts:
5% Discount for repeat customers.
5% Discount for full payments
received 5 months in advance of trip date or by April 1st.
Above discounts
cannot
be applied to any other offers...
Price Does Not Include:
- Possible fuel surcharge - A $50 fuel surcharge for a group and $5 for individuals will be applied if the cost of diesel reaches $3.00/gallon and at each 50 cent incremental increase thereafter.
- Souvenirs, and gratuities for the crew
- All prices subject to change...
| Available Dates
for the 2010 Season: 1 day trips - Check Weather |
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Private Groups (scuba divers, snorkelers and topside observers) |
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| June | 18, 19 |
| July | 4, 5, 7, 29 |
| August | 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, 21, 24 |
| September | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 23, 24 |
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Individuals (scuba divers, snorkelers and topside observers) |
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| June | 20, 21 |
| July | 3, 6, 30, 31 |
| August | 3, 4, 6, 7, 22, 23 |
| September | 6, 10, 11, 24, 25 |
| Join our
mailing list and we will email you if anything changes in the
Rhode Island Shark Diving schedule. Please Note: Boat operator reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge to any trip in 2010. All prices subject to change... |
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Although the expedition company 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 expedition company does however, promise to take you to the best place at the best time and provide you the best opportunity to encounter Sharks.
Certification Requirements & Liability - Divers must provide their own diving gear. Scuba divers must show certification through PADI, SSI, YMCA, NAUI, or NASDS. Divers should be in good physical shape. A Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement must be signed by all participants on each trip before the boat leaves the dock. Non-Certified divers are permitted to snorkel dive on the surface only.
Cancellations - A $500 deposit must be received within ten days from date your reservation was made. Trips cancelled within 30 days of your reservation forfeit their deposit. Personal checks are not accepted for final payment. Cash, money order or bank checks only.
Make checks payable to "Snappa Fishing & Diving Charters, Inc." Bad weather cancellations will be made at the dock by the Captain! Deposit will be refunded in full, if an alternate date cannot be rescheduled. If a diver chooses not to go out and the trip was not canceled that constitutes a no show and all trip deposits will be considered 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 expedition company to reschedule divers in the event the Captain cancels the trip due to bad weather and/or unsafe sea conditions.
- Please Note: Eco-Photo Explorers is acting only as an authorized referral agent for the shark diving expedition company (Snappa Diving Charters). The expedition company is solely responsible for the services advertised, including, but not limited to, trip availability, price terms and conditions, and all other legal obligations.
Bad Weather - The dive boat cannot be held responsible for bad weather, if a diver chooses not to go out and the trip was not canceled that constitutes a NO SHOW. The dive boat Captain will make every effort to reschedule your dive.
Boat Policies - 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 participant on each trip before the boat leaves the dock. 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 |
Snappa Diving Charters
Snappa
Diving Charters | Picture of Dive Boat
Reservation & Schedule Information - Boat
leaves the dock at 6:00 AM (unless noted otherwise)
Directions to Boat:
From Connecticut & Pts. South - Take Rt. 95 North to Exit 92. Go
right on Rt. 2 East. Follow to Rt. 78 East. Go left on Rt. 1 North. Take the
Pt. Judith/Galilee Exit. Go right on Rt. 108 South to Galilee. Go past
Fisherman's Memorial Campground and take right at next light onto Galilee
Escape Road. Take a right at the end and your first left will bring you to
the parking lot. The Snappa dive boat is docked in front of Mahoney's
restaurant.
From MA & Pts. North - Take Rt. 95 South to Exit 9 (on left). Follow
Rt. 4 South to Rt. 1 South. Proceed on Rt. 1 South to the Pt. Judith/Galilee
Exit. Go right on Rt. 108 South to Galilee. Go past Fisherman's Memorial
Campground and take right at next light onto Galilee Escape Road. Take a
right at the end and your first left will bring you to the parking lot. The
Snappa dive boat is docked in front of Mahoney's restaurant.
- Map View | Satellite View | Google Maps - get driving directions
- Check Weather
Captain & Crew:
The owner of the Charter boat "Snappa", Charlie Donilon
has been in the business for 37 years. When Charlie is unavailable
to captain the Snappa, his alternate captains and mates are put to
work. With some having more than 12 years experience working on the
boat, the owner has complete faith that his captains and mates will
provide a safe, enjoyable and productive day for your group. The
regular names include: Jarrett Brogno, Richard Browning and David
Deffley.
Mailing Address:
Captain Charlie Donilon
2 Congdon Drive
Wakefield, RI 02879
Phone:
401-782-4040 (cell\boat), 401-487-9044
Accommodations & Lodging
Please note, it's
your responsibility to reserve your own accommodations.
Price Range: Least ($), Moderate ($$), Most ($$$)
| Narragansett Other recommendations for lodging in the Narragansett area... |
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| Lodging | Phone | Distance (mi) | Price |
| Anchor Motel | 401-792-8550 | 3 | $ |
| The Atlantic House | 401-783-6400 | 5 | $$ |
| Scarborough Beach Motel | 401-783-2063 | 3 | $ |
| The Village Inn | 800-843-7437 | 5 | $$ |
| Lighthouse Inn | 401-789-9341 | ½ | $$ |
| Charlestown Other recommendations for lodging in the Charlestown area... |
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| Lodging | Phone | Distance (mi) | Price |
| Krystal Penguin Inn | 401-364-0062 | 18 | $ |
| Phil & Ann's Sunset Motel | 401-364-3321 | 16 | $$ |
| The Willows Resort | 800-842-2181 | 19 | $$ |
| Ocean View Motor Inn | 401-364-0080 | 16 | $ |
| General Stanton Inn | 800-364-8011 | 16 | $$ |
| Shelter Harbor Inn | 401-322-8883 | 21 | $$$ |
| South Kingstown Other recommendations for lodging in the South Kingstown area... |
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| Lodging | Phone | Distance (mi) | Price |
| Holiday Inn | 401-789-1051 | 10 | $$ |
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.
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
