Fauna, Scuba News, Underwater Environment

Diving among sharks in a self-propelled cage

Listen to this article Lawrence Groth of Shark Diving International has designed a self-propelled ocean cage that is self-propelled and allows you to explore the deep in a unique way. This unusual cage has its own propulsion system, and a ride in it is one of the unusual underwater attractions waiting for divers visiting the

ByMarcin Pawełczyk

Published: February 23, 2021 - 09:00

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 22:03

Diving among sharks in a self-propelled cage

Listen to this article

Lawrence Groth of Shark Diving International has designed a self-propelled ocean cage that is self-propelled and allows you to explore the deep in a unique way.

This unusual cage has its own propulsion system, and a ride in it is one of the unusual underwater attractions waiting for divers visiting the volcanic island of Guadalupe, located off the coast of California. Interestingly, the original purpose of the device was completely different, but with time it was expanded to include a commercial aspect.

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Traversing the ocean in its interior is an extraordinary adventure, during which guests gain a completely new perspective on the local waters and the white sharks that migrate to the area every year.

We first took the cage to Guadalupe in 2009. Back then everything was still in its infancy and a lot of things had to be done to ensure safety. It’s not a submarine, as many people think – it’s a self-propelled cage with four propellers, six propellers and two afterburners that weighs over 1,000 pounds. It is about 10 feet long and allows us to follow the sharks underwater without disturbing them.

Initially, the cage was built with the intention that it would be used to document feeding, fighting and breeding events, so that the animals could be approached in complete safety, as well as for scientific purposes and film projects. Today it is also part of the tourist offer in the tours organised by Pelagic Fleet.

Typically, we dive to a depth of around 10 metres and can stay there for 45 minutes. However, this is not an experience available to every diver, and certainly not to an inexperienced OWD certificate holder with only a few logged dives. In order to dive in a cage, the diver must feel comfortable while wearing a full face mask, as it is essential for communication between pilot and passenger, as well as for talking to the crew on the boat.

In the end, however, it seems worth taking the opportunity. Apparently, the vehicle offers the observation of representatives of marine fauna from a unique and inimitable perspective, and the experience is not only indescribable, but also unforgettable.

About author

Marcin Pawełczyk

Marcin’s journey with diving has been an adventure. Starting as a recreational diver, he soon found himself drawn to the fascinating stories and mysteries of Baltic wrecks. After gaining experience, Marcin decided to go beyond just leisurely exploration and took his training up a notch by completing the TMX course, allowing him to explore even deeper and uncover the secrets of inaccessible places. His next challenge has been cave diving, where he is honing his skills to become a certified diver. Not content to simply take in the breathtaking beauty of underwater life, Marcin has also embraced underwater photography since 2018, capturing stunning shots that bring these worlds alive for those who are unable to experience them first-hand. Marcin’s passion for the underwater has taken him far and is sure to continue doing so as he dives into new depths and captures breathtaking images.