FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Calypso Star Charters has for over 20 years operated Cage Diving Charters to view the magnificent Great White Shark.

Our base in Port Lincoln, South Australia puts us only 2 ½ hours from the Neptune Islands;
one of the best places in the world to see these predators in their natural environment.

Nothing can really prepare you for the unique experience and overwhelming feelings of coming face to face with a Great White Shark from the comfort of our vessel, MV Calypso Star 2 and the safety of the Shark Cage!

IS DIVING QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED?

No diver qualification is required for Shark Cage Diving. The top of our shark cage remains at the surface at all times, with the bottom being just a couple of metres below the surface. The Island's clear waters offer the ultimate GREAT WHITE Shark Cage Diving and fantastic photographic opportunities.

DO YOU GET SEASICK?

Part of our journey to Neptune Island is in open ocean. We strongly suggest you consider using Sea Sickness remedies available from any chemist even if you don't usually suffer from sea sickness. Start the course of tablets the night before departure for best results. If unsure, please consult your doctor.

For more information on Seasickness please download the PDF SEASICKNESS DOCUMENT

WHEN & WHERE DOES THE BOAT LEAVE FROM

Please meet the boat at 6:30am at the Marina Hotel in Port Lincoln. If you are staying at the Port Lincoln Hotel you will be transferred to the Marina on the day of your charter. If you are staying anywhere else you will need to make your own way to the Marina Hotel.

The boat departs the Dock at 7am- No exceptions. Don't forget to bring a towel.

Due to our early departure, guests will need to arrive in town the night before the charter if flying. Our Travel Info page will help with how to get here, where to stay as well as numerous other activities and tours in Port Lincoln.

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TOUR PACKAGE WHAT'S INCLUDED?

All meals, tea & coffee and soft drinks are provided. Early morning snacks for breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided onboard. Please ensure you advise us of any food allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking, to ensure we cater for the same.

WHAT TIME DO WE RETURN?

We cannot guarantee our arrival time back to Port Lincoln after the charter as this is weather and shark action dependant. We therefore recommend that you plan to leave Port Lincoln the day after your charter. Our Travel Info Page lists numerous other attractions in Port Lincoln if you choose an extended stay. We take no responsibility for late arrival which results in missing flights etc.

IS THERE ACCOMMODATION?

Calypso Star Charters have exclusive deals with the award winning Port Lincoln Hotel. You can find out more about the options they have available by visiting www.portlincolnhotel.com.au or phoning 1300 766 300.

Guests on our 1 day charters will need to find their own accommodation. Port Lincoln offers accommodation from Caravan Parks, Self contained Cabins, waterfront Town Houses to 4.5 Star Hotels. We suggest contacting the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre should you require additional information.

HOW DO I GET AROUND?

The journey from the airport to town is approximately 14km. From the CBD to The Marina Hotel is approximately 5km.
Lincoln City Taxi's 131008 or West Coast Mini Cabs 0447 231 951 are available for hire.
We advise to book early morning fares the night before.

IS THERE CHILD CARE SERVICES AVAILABLE?

Kiddywinks Child Care Centre - Centrally located at 17 Freeman Ave.
Bookings Essential. 08 8683 1500. Click here for more details.

Katherine Higgins - Fully Qualified Child Care & Foster Care Worker.
Bookings Essential 08 8683 3625 or 0411 429 692

Do you offer a spectator price?

Yes, we offer our popular spectator price at $395 per person. You are more than welcome to upgrade onboard if you wish to dive. However you will be required to pay the difference ($100) onboard.

What is the best time to view the sharks?

Due to the nomadic habits of Great Whites, the best time does vary year by year. Over the past 10 years we have statistically found that winter (May-Nov) provides a higher average number of sharks per day than the remaining months, however they are an unpredictable species and have been elusive several times in this period. Also in the past 11 years there is no particular month/season that has consistently produced no sharks. Of all our 2010 trips we encountered Great Whites 85% of the time and in 2010 we had 136 days of 100% success rate.

Will I be guaranteed to see a shark? And if I don't see one will I get a refund?

We don't guarantee seeing a shark! As most people can appreciate we cannot restrict them in any way to stay put but we can surely do our utmost, within specified guidelines, to entice them to the area. If, in the event, a shark is not at all seen throughout the day a 'Return for Half Price Gift Voucher' will be offered to you on board. These vouchers cannot be exchanged for a refund or redeemable for cash due to the high costs associated with running the charter. The wonderful thing about these creatures is their spontaneity and impulsive actions.

What is the water temperature? Will I freeze?

The Neptune Islands are located 15 Nautical Miles from the mainland. The water depth surrounding the islands is 90+ metres. This keeps the water temperature fairly stable (a cold snap in winter won't be reflected by colder than usual water). The water temperature varies between 18-20C in summer, down to 14C at the end of winter.

My son would love to come on a trip with me. Do you have an age limit?

We like to see everyone experience the thrill of the cage at least once during their trip. We do not have an age limit as such, but do have additional conditions for people under the age of 18. If a participant is aged under 15 years they are required to use a snorkel whilst in the cage and not the regulator and require the consent of a parent/guardian. If under the age of 18, consent is required from a parent/guardian. The youngest person in the shark cage so far was a 9 year old boy and the oldest lady was in her 70's. In fact the boy took to life in the cage better than his Father!! We were delighted to accommodate for a paraplegic man in the cage and another chair bound gentleman had a fantastic 5 days of fishing with us last year.

What is the visibility when diving?

The Water clarity at the Neptune Islands is usually very good, often over 25m. Rough weather does reduce the visibility but never below 15m. We have a number of dive sights around the islands to allow us the clearest water and best shark action possible.

I don't have an underwater camera, what are my options?

No problems. We understand that underwater photographic equipment is a significant investment, especially if you will only use it a couple of times a year. We offer a 'Highlights Pack' which is a CD and DVD of the entire days' events including underwater footage and still shots. Disposable underwater cameras are available on board and produce quality photos, especially when the sun is shining but their disadvantage is they don't have wide angle lenses. If you are considering purchasing a camera and housing we use Sea Optics in Adelaide and highly recommend their services. Contact Sea Optics Australia for a great deal on an underwater package.

Cancellation policy

If a customer wishes to cancel a charter up to 3 weeks prior to departure for ANY reason once payment has been made a 20% deposit will be lost. If a customer wishes to cancel a charter between 3 weeks and 1 week prior to departure once payment has been made a 50% deposit will be lost. If a customer cancels a charter less than 1 week prior to departure once payment has been made 100% will be lost.