Submerge into the World of Sharks BLUE WILDERNESS
Blue Wilderness is a marine logistics and ecotourism company, specializing in developing and guiding shark and marine expeditions for clients ranging from novices to seasoned professionals.
Blue Wilderness’ home base is at Rocky Bay, Durban, South Africa. However our logistics division is 100% mobile and conducts expeditions throughout southern Africa including Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.
Blue Wilderness was founded by Mark & Gail Addison in 1993. In 2013, the business was acquired by shark biologists Ryan Johnson and Enrico Gennari, and entered the ‘Oceans’ Company Group. Mark continues to provide expert advise and marine guiding services to Blue Wilderness’ clients on a parttime basis.
Today Blue Wilderness is moving from strength to strength, and we are proud to introduce our beautiful coast’s marine life to the world .
Swim with Sharks Expedition
Swim with Sharks is a 2.5 hour trip to snorkel or SCUBA dive with the Blacktip sharks of Aliwal Shoal.
The expedition begins with a thorough briefing on the trip and how to swim with sharks. This is followed by fitting you with wetsuit and snorkel / SCUBA equipment. Guests then jump onto our semi-rigid inflatable for the ride out to the Aliwal Shoal.
At the Shoal, the crew will put a submerged bait drum into the water that will attract the Blacktip sharks. On arrival of sharks, the guide will you into the water and stay with you during the hour long swim with sharks.
On completion of the swim, you can enjoy a hot shower back at Blue Wilderness’ shark center, followed by a hot lunch prepared by a local restaurant.
Swim with sharks expedition
Launch times: 07:00 and 09:30
Things to remember:
• SHARKS GUARANTEED! No sharks, 50% refund! • Everyone can do it! No qualifications (except being able to swim), just a sense of adventure • All inclusive, you don’t need to worry about any gear • Marine biologist guides – learn from a true expert!
The ‘Ins’ and ‘Outs’
Included:
• 2.5 hour expedition (1hr with sharks) • All snorkeling and SCUBA equipment • Marine biologist guide • Hot shower and towel provided • Restaurant lunch and drink • Personal expedition DVD
Optional add-ons:
• SCUBA on the reef • Shuttle from Durban • Lunch for non-divers in the group
Excluded:
• MPA permit for SCUBA divers • Motion sickness medication
FAQ’s
1. Are shark sightings guaranteed? The simple answer is YES. If we fail to see the Blacktip sharks on our expedition, you get a 50% refund - no questions asked.
2. Do you attract sharks? Sharks are naturally skittish of humans and we rarely observe them without assistance from chum. So yes, we use a submerged drum with sardines and anchovy oil in it. This allows our guests to observe them without scaring the sharks away.
3. Is it dangerous? Going out to sea and interacting with sharks always has a small risk associated with it. The primary shark that we view is the Blacktip shark, and we have never had an accident between a Blacktip and a guest… a 100% safety record!
4. What if I am scared of getting seasick? If you are prone to sea sickness or inexperienced in the water, then it is highly recommended that you take a sea sickness tablet the night before, and again 1 hour before launch. These can be picked up at any chemist. Remember to mention any allergies to the chemist first! FAQ’s - Continued
5. What will we see? Except for the Blacktip shark that we always encounter, there is also the possibility of seeing Tiger, dusky, whale and hammerhead sharks , Manta rays, dolphins , turtles and whales on the expedition.
6. What qualification do I need? No qualification is required and the expedition is open to anyone who can swim. Children 8 years and older are also welcome, but for young children under 14 we request adult supervision.
7. Do you use a cage? No, Blue Wilderness advocates for cageless shark diving at Aliwal due to not wanting to propagate the myth that it is dangerous to swim with our sharks. We feel Blue Wilderness’ education and conservation mission is best represented by going cageless!
8. Do you offer group discounts? Yes, if you have a group of 8 guests or more, we offer discount.
FAQ’s - Continued
9. Cancellation? • If our skippers determine the weather means it is unsafe to launch, then Blue Wilderness will either transfer your trip date to another suitable date or refund your deposit.
• If conditions to snorkel or dive prove unsafe after having travelled to sea, Blue Wilderness will offer you a 50% discount on the next equivalent trip with Blue Wilderness.
• Should you cancel your trip less than 24 hours before the expedition date, or don’t show up, the deposit is not refundable
Bookings
Booking with Blue Wilderness can be completed via contacting us directly. Bookings are only seen as confirmed once you pay a 20% deposit.
Website: www.bluewilderness.co.za Email: [email protected] Phone: +27 (0) 83 303 1515
Allow us to show you the wonders of the Aliwal Shoal through our eyes!