Established in 2023 by shark researcherย Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, ASE provides unparalleled opportunities for the public to experience, discover, and help protect the wonders of sharks through ecotourism and citizen science.
Expeditions serve as a platform for shark science and exploration, inviting guests to experience these remarkable creatures up close, while directly supporting essential research efforts.ย
Each expedition is more than a thrilling adventure; it’s a contribution to vital shark conservation research being conducted onboard. By joining us, you become an integral part of this research, helping to ensure the future of these magnificent creatures.
โข Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias
โข Size at birth: 3.5 ft
โข Maximum size: 20 ft
โข Age at maturity: males: 26 years; females: 33 years
โข Gestation period: more than a year
โข Litter size: 2-10 pups
โข Maximum age: 78 years
โข Diet: Mostly seals, sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, and fishes including other sharks and rays
โข Depth surface to 4265 ft
โข Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 25 mph
โข Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered
โข Scientific name: Isurus oxyrinchus
โข Size at birth: 2 ft
โข Maximum size: 13 ft
โข Age at maturity: males: 8-9 years, females: 18+
โข Gestation period: 15-18 months
โข Litter size: 4-25 pups
โข Diet: Mostly, swordfish, tuna, sharks, and squid
โข Depth surface to 1640 ft
โข Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
โข Global Threat Status: Near Threatened
โข Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered
โข Scientific name: Prionace glauca
โข Size at birth: 1 ft
โข Maximum size: 13 ft
โข Age at maturity: males: 4-6 years, females: 5-7 years
โข Gestation period: 9-12 months
โข Litter size: usually 30 pups, but up to 80 pups
โข Diet: Fishes, including herring, sardines, squid, cuttlefish pelagic octopi
โข Depth surface to 1,148 ft
โข Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
โข Conservation Status in Canada: Not At Risk
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Don’t just take our word for it! Hear from fellow adventurers who have experienced the thrill of our shark expeditions firsthand.
I've needed to do this for nearly 40 years and I wasn't disappointed! Definitely a highlight of my life. I've been 4 times now and will keep going as long as I'm able! The team is knowledgeable and professional, full of interesting and amusing stories. They are doing some amazing and very important work and research for the conservation of these incredible animals. I cannot say enough good things about this operation.
Absolutely incredible experience. I couldnโt ask for anything more. The team was just amazing! Seeing the Great Whites up close was the most awesome thing ever. I canโt recommend this enough for Shark lovers!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the experience! I will be forever grateful I was able to do this here in Canada!
This was seriously the best day of my life! I have wanted to do this for over 30 years and I had an amazing time! The crew were so helpful, caring and knowledgeable. You can tell that they really care about these animals and the work they do. Thanks guys for making my dream come true!
What an absolutely incredible experience! 🤩🤯 I was absolutely blown away by the efforts of the team - not just make us safe and comfortable, but also to engage us in the incredibly important research that they are doing. As someone who has done a LOT of wildlife based tourism to varying degrees of ick - this is absolutely 💯 the gold standard and adds a ton of value to the experience. 🎉 But seriously, how about those sharks ??! 🦈 🦈 🦈 Blown away by the experience. Seeing just one great white shark up close was the thrill of a lifetime, but to see SEVEN and to be able to swim with them?! 🤩😭🤯 Thereโs nothing like being able to see such incredible animals in their natural habitat, with front row seats for their interactions and personalities. (And a 14 foot shark has a LOT of personality 💅✨.) Cannot recommend enough and again THANK YOU! 🙏🏼 🦈
We had an absolutely incredible experience with Atlantic Shark Expeditions! I went with my two daughters (both in their 20s), and from start to finish it was unforgettable. Captain Maggie, Robyn, Calvin, and John were exceptionalโso knowledgeable, professional, and welcoming. Safety was clearly their top priority, which made us feel completely comfortable the entire trip. The highlight, of course, was seeing six different white sharks up closeโan awe-inspiring sight weโll never forget! The crewโs passion for what they do really shines through, and they created such a fun and engaging atmosphere while keeping everything organized and safe. I canโt recommend Atlantic Shark Expeditions enough. If youโre looking for an adventure of a lifetime, this is it!
Saw 8-9 white sharks. Activity started almost immediately when we setup on site and lasted the whole day. Crew were very knowledgeable and inviting. Was a fantastic day on the water and a bucket list item checked off. Thanks ASE!
The staff were incredible! The kindest and sweetest people we have ever had on tour. John was especially patient and helpful when teaching how to use the respirator. The researchers are very concious about the environment and made the experience extremely special.
Beyond amazing experience! I donโt care if in the future, I get married or have a child this will always be the best day of my life! Thank you for the awesome trip and making my life long dream come true! And the bonus of this trip is thereโs an opportunity to get in the cage more than once!
I saw five great white sharks. What more could I want? It was a dream come true. Thanks to the wonderful team!
Cage diving, specifically with great white sharks, has always been on my bucket list but it was so important to me to find an ethical company that offered it. Atlantic Shark Expeditions was exactly that! Theyโre knowledgeable, friendly, funny but more importantly: the trip is about education and conservation with the added benefit of cage diving. We saw a total of five sharks, the first within nine minutes! I cannot recommend this experience enough!
The experience of a lifetime! The crew were all great and the sharks were magnificent. Still can't believe I got to see them so close.
Atlantic Shark Expeditions offers an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond a typical ocean adventure. This fantastic research body has created a program that allows you to get up close and personal with Great White sharksโthe beautiful, gentle giants of the seaโin a way that is both safe and profoundly moving. What makes the experience stand out is its balance of immersion and education. From the moment you step aboard, you are welcomed into a world where science, conservation, and awe-inspiring encounters come together. The teamโs expertise and passion shine through as they guide you to understand not only the biology of great whites but also their importance in maintaining the health of our oceans. Perhaps the most incredible part is realizing that every shark has its own personality and behaviors. Watching them glide effortlessly through their natural environmentโsometimes curious, sometimes cautious, always powerfulโis humbling. There is truly no better way to see these animals than in their own home waters, behaving as they would without interference. Atlantic Shark Expeditions isnโt just about the thrill of seeing a great white up closeโitโs about shifting perspectives. You come away not only with breathtaking memories but also with a deeper appreciation for sharks as vital, intelligent beings that deserve our respect and protection. If youโve ever dreamed of connecting with the oceanโs most iconic predator in a way that is meaningful, respectful, and unforgettable, thereโs no better choice than Atlantic Shark Expeditions. Hands down one of the best days of my life! See you next year for another unforgettable day on the sea!
What a great experience. Crew was great from the second we arrived. Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful! 2 great whites for the day but โBennyโ gave an awesome show all day! Loved every minute!
Fantastic Experience! The crew was incredibly knowledgeable and made me feel safe and welcome. Everything was well organized and seeing the sharks up close was absolutely unforgettable. Highly recommend.
We had an incredible morning excursion in August. The crew (Maggie, Jon & Robin) were great, always fun to chat / learn about sharks! They really prepared everyone for what the excursion will entail, leading to no surprises. As an inexperienced diver, I felt completely safe. While seeing sharks isn't in control of the team, a BEAUTIFUL 17ft Great White Shark graced us with his presence! Truly was a dream come true. Can't thank Atlantic Shark Expeditions enough, see you in 2026!
I only wish i did it sooner. The staff were very knowledgeable and cared about everyone being safe. They take their time to explain what to do. I loved the whole experience!
This was a great experience. My whole family enjoyed the experience. The crew was amazing, kind, compassionate and very knowledgeable. Learned a lot about sharks.
We are so grateful to have had this amazing experience, which has been a dream of mine since a child, and I was able to share it with 2 of my sons ❤️ and an incredible team on board! The Atlantic Shark Expeditions crew were very knowledgeable, accommodating and all around wonderful!! They made sure our experience was fun and were so kind and engaging to guests! We got to meet a beautiful blue shark, that stayed and played with the bait for hours! She was such an entertaining beauty! Thank you so much for our experience!!!!
Literally just finished an expedition. Wow. The whole team is amazing. The Captain was an expert, the dive instructor was awesome, the media camera guy was fantastic, they have a student as well. And all of them are professional, fun, and extremely knowledgeable. We got amazing footage of a blue and had an amazing time. If you are even remotely worried or care about sharks or the largest ecosystem on the planet I would 100% support this research team. Thank you everyone on the team (sorry terrible with names) i appreciate all the efforts you all do on a daily basis trying to protect the most wonderful creatures on the planet.
Got my beautiful shark tooth pewter key chain and so in love with it! Can't wait to get into the cage when in NS next!
We cannot say enough about how amazing this experience was! Maggie, Heather, Geraldine and Robin were so welcoming, kind and knowledgeable. We got the pleasure of meeting 2 beautiful blue sharks! And learning about the research is truly inspiring. If you have ever wanted to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful creatures in the ocean this is the excursion to do it! Thank you again crew!! See you in Yarmouth next! 🦈❤️
An unforgettable experience from start to finish! Shark cage diving with Atlantic Shark Expeditions was hands down one of the most incredible things Iโve ever done. But what made it truly special wasnโt just the thrill of seeing three beautiful blue sharks up close it was the amazing team that made the whole trip unforgettable. They werenโt just guides, they were passionate, knowledgeable, and clearly dedicated to both the safety of their guests and the wellbeing of the sharks. I came for the adventure and left with a deeper understanding and respect for these incredible creatures. If you're thinking about doing it do it. Youโll come away with memories, photos, and a newfound appreciation for the ocean and its wild, misunderstood beasts. Canโt recommend them enough!
Fantastic excursion! I have been on a few shark/cage diving outings and this is one of the best. The boat is well appointed, the cage brand new with a unique design that is partly clear acrylic to allow for maximum viewing and the crew went out of their way to make sure everyone had plenty of time to see sharks. A media package was offered at a very affordable price along with fun merch at the end of the trip... but without a doubt, seeing so many sharks up close totally made my day. I also enjoyed knowing that part of the fee I paid goes toward shark research and the crew, along with a student onboard, had amazing artifacts to show us. GOOD TRIP!!!
Wow what an amazing day out on the water! It was such a thrilling and educational once in a life time experience! The crew were so kind, accommodating, and so informative! I learned all about sharks, sea creatures, and current shark research happening in Nova Scotia. We saw a beautiful Mako, Blue Shark and a huge pod of dolphins! Its definitely a day to remember! Thank you so much for such a wonderful day!
My 10-year-old daughter and I had an amazing experience with Atlantic Shark Expeditions (ASE)! The crew was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We went out with Dr. Neil Hammerschlag (Marine Ecologist), Maggie (Captain), John (Dive Master), Geraldine (Summer Research Student) & Robin Fisher (photographer) & Natalie Wannamaker (Drone Operator). They put us at ease, and we felt safe and confident in their capable hands. John is an amazing dive master and helped us get easily in and out of the water and make sure our gear was ready to go. We were blessed to see a beautiful 11-foot white shark which Neil generously allowed my daughter to name! Hopefully we see "Helm" on Shark Week! When we were not in the cage, we learned lots of interesting facts and really enjoyed our time on the water with this amazing crew. Robin the photographer really captured the spirit and essence of the trip in such a beautiful way and put it all together in an amazing video which my family and friends can all enjoy. I have nothing but compliments and gratitude for the incredible time we spent with ASE. We literally had one of the best times of our lives and left with fond memories to last a lifetime. Thank you so much ASE!
This expedition was an amazing experience! We were lucky enough to see a few blues and even a mako. The staff were super kind and informative, always willing to help out and answer questions, offering little bits of their own information along the way as well. There was a more formal trivia style information session as well as some artifacts passed around and explained. Light snacks and hot chocolate was provided near the end of the trip to those interested. Puffy jackets were also supplied to anyone needing a little extra warmth. I have zero diving experience and had a bit of difficulty convincing my brain that I could, in fact, breathe under water with the regulator on the first 2 attempts to submerge and the staff were nothing but patient and supportive. I also got sea sick (it was a rough day for me okay? lol) as did some others on our trip and they were checking in with people and quickly supplying paper towels and gravol as needed. Someone even wrapped a jacket around me at one point while I was sick so thank you to that crew member! The photo package is a great idea if you are inexperienced with handling a camera in such conditions. It includes above and below surface images/videos and some of you while on board. I highly recommend this trip and crew to anyone who is interested in such excursions. I myself hope to have the chance to do it again in the future. Itโs so worth it for the opportunity to see these beautiful creatures in their natural environment!
My husband and I did a shark excursion a couple weeks ago. It was truly amazing. Definitely the best part of our Maritimes trip. The whole crew was super supportive. The first time I went in the cage I became really nervous. They reassured me how normal it was and gave me all the time I needed. They never once showed any irritation. I tried again and it was incredible. You could feel the teams excitement for us. Dr Neil, Captain Maggie and First mate Heather were all amazing. Natalie was the onboard photographer and she was great. I really canโt express how amazing of an experience this was for us. We will definitely do this again. The bonus was that we saw 10 sharks that morning around the cage!
What an experience!! First off the weather couldn't have been better. We saw two sharks!!! Success! The crew was absolutely fantastic. So knowledgeable and made sure that we were safe and comfortable every step of the way, from feeling safe getting into the ocean to offering us hot chocolate and warm jackets to wear once we were done diving. I also am so appreciative that this is run by marine biologists and researchers. You could tell how passionate they were about their love of the sea and these beautiful animals. Worth every penny.
I travelled from British Columbia for the second time this year and once again my experience with Atlantic Shark Expeditions was nothing short of incredibleโan unforgettable adventure that brought my dreams to life. From the moment I stepped onto the boat, the excitement was electric, but nothing could compare to the moment I entered the cage and locked eyes with a sleek, curious blue shark gliding effortlessly through the water. The water was alive with movement, and just when I thought it couldnโt get any better, a powerful mako shark appeared, its speed and presence absolutely breathtaking. Being face-to-face with such majestic creatures in their natural environment was surreal, and I feel incredibly privileged to have witnessed them up close. I thank all the crew who made this possible, I will definitely be back!
Unforgettable Experience with Atlantic Shark Diving! From start to finish, my experience with Atlantic Shark Diving was nothing short of incredible. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and made me feel completely safe the entire time. Their passion for sharks and ocean conservation is contagious โ itโs clear they truly care about what they do. Being able to see sharks in their natural habitat was nothing short of amazingโ something Iโll never forget. The crew explained everything thoroughly and made the whole experience exciting, educational, and truly unforgettable. If you're thinking about doing this โ do it. It was one of the best adventures of my life, and I canโt recommend Atlantic Shark Diving enough. Canโt wait to come back
An Unforgettable Shark Encounter in Nova Scotia! I went out with Atlantic Shark Expeditions on July 1, 2025 and can honestly say it was one of the most incredible experiences Iโve ever had. The staff were professional, kind, and helpful every step of the way. The boat was comfortable, the setup was smooth, and the energy on board was equal parts excitement and awe. One of the most impressive parts of the tour was learning about the scientific work happening in real time. The team of researchers onboard are collecting shark data using non-invasive techniques like lasers and cameras, and theyโre even training AI to help so this work can be done around the world. It was fascinating to witness. We travelled about 1.5 hours offshore and ended up seeing 3โ5 blue sharks. I had two swimming right in front of me for a good chunk of time! The clear acrylic pipe cage gave an unobstructed view. It was surreal seeing them up close in such a safe and respectful way. If youโre thinking โThis isnโt something I could do,โ think again. This is the only place in Canada where you can cage dive with sharks and trust me, itโs worth it. Sharks arenโt scary. The disappearance of them is. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experienceโฆ unless youโre like me and already planning to go again.
What an excellent time and the crew made the time so much fun. It is an experience Iโd recommend anyone to do and to try. Seeing 4 sharks, live was just absolutely surreal. I plan on doing it again
I attended the Edu-Enhanced 3 day session in October, and had an amazing experience. The morning lectures with Dr. Neil were informative and great stories from field research were shared. Everyone on the boat crew (Llewelyn, Maggie, Natalie) were friendly, passionate about their work, knowledgeable, and kept all of the guests comfortable and safe during our afternoon cage dives. Shark conservation efforts rely on the hard work of these marine biologists. The data collected from their studies drives policy for protection of our marine ecosystems. I would highly recommend supporting them in any way you can!
Amazing time with ASE. The crew is amazing and knowledgeable. Always ready to answer any questions and give assistance when required. Definitely recommend them and hope to be back in 2025 to dive with them again.
This was by far one of the best days of my life! I had such a great experience. The crew was amazing, knowledgeable, and very helpful. Was awesome to participate in shark research and conservation for the day ๐ Seeing a shark swim by the cage was a memory I wont soon forget! Thank you Atlantic Shark Expeditions, and hope to see you again next season! -Candace
Fantastic experience with Atlantic Shark Expeditions! The crew was wonderful - friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole trip safe and exciting. Learned a lot about sharks while having an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommend - looking forward to my next trip!
I had so much fun with Atlantic Shark Expeditions. Everyone on the boat was top notch. I felt safe the entire time and will definitely be back! Thank you so much for a fun and educational adventure.
I had an absolutely amazing experience with the Atlantic Shark Expeditions crew. They were all so welcoming and knowledgeable and they made the experience feel safe and enjoyable. I was so lucky to be able to see 5 Blue Sharks who decided to hang around with us for about 2 hours. They are beautiful and fascinating to observe in their natural habitat and I can't wait to join the crew for another trip next year. Big up to Maggie, Llewelyn, and Natalie. You all are going to be tired to see my face because I intend to make this excursion my new summer tradition!
An incredible experience! The crew was very knowledgeable and passionate about their work.
Absolutely amazing experience! We seen 2 Blue sharks and they came up right to the cage and side of the boat for all to see and enjoy! I would go back everyday if I lived in Halifax. Thanks again Captian Maggie and your crew, it was a day to remember forever!
Best. Experience. EVER!!!! I genuinely started crying when I saw my first shark it was a magical experience I will never forget!!! The crew were extremely kind and knowledgeable, you can tell they are so passionate about sharks and the research they are conducting! I had the most amazing time - I could not stop smiling, it was a fantastic day! Thank you for making it possible to live out my dream!
It was an amazing experience. Everyone was so kind, helpful and supportive would definitely go again. Be sure to take the seasickness meds though. While I was there I saw not just a shark, but a submarine, dolphins, seals, Atlantic white porpoises! Great entertainment
Amazing 3 days out on the water. Crew was fantastic and sharks were amazing!
My son and I had the most amazing 3 days with Atlantic Shark Expeditions. Maggie, Louwellen and Natalie were awesome! All 3 days were full of amazing experiences and lots of learning. Maggieโs expertise, knowledge and extraordinary leadership was outstanding, Louwellen was a fantastic guide, enthusiastic and encouraging (while my son and I are certified divers, it had been years since either of us had done any) and so helpful (I have a hip that needs replacing and would have really struggled getting out of cage without Louwellenโs strength) and Natalie was full of energy and determination to get great pictures. All 3 days we saw sharks. Today we saw a Great White, we have no words to do justice to this beauty; we were in awe of its magnificence. It was a spiritual experience. Highly recommend this for anyone who loves sharks and adventure.
My daughter and I went on this trip. We will be back and highly recommend the experience. My daughter said she would remember this for the rest of her life. The crew were professional and open to explaining anything about the trip or the science behind it. Nothing was tough or technical it was just an exceptional experience.
This Was amazing. Iโve been interested in sharks since I was a little kid. When me and my dad went Everyone was so friendly being out On the water was so nice and sing a shark on the ocean for the first time was a lifetime experience. I was never scared This is amazing. I highly recommend it I can say Iโll never stop talking about this trip. Iโll definitely go again at some point
Llewelyn, Maggie, and Natalie made this experience spectacular. This was a bucket list of mine and I am glad this team was the one we went with. The sea that day was a bit rough so be prepared beforehand so you don't get seasick because many said they don't, and well... they did. It took awhile to see a shark but the wait was worth it. The crew was so kind and helpful during the entire experience. They had snacks and items to help with seasickness, taught us about shark trivia, and were really passionate about helping these beautiful sharks. The crew also made sure to really learn who everyone was as a person and were so encouraging to us first timers. We will be back and hope to have the same wonderful team! Highly recommend!!!
The crew were extremely knowledgeable and helpful during the trip. I really wasn't expecting to actually see a shark, but a blue shark paid us a visit! The boat's captain was right: shark trivia really does bring out the sharks!
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Browse our FAQs to find information on booking, safety measures, wildlife encounters, and more.
Yes! From July through October, we offer almost daily shark cage diving expeditions departing from Halifax Harbour. Find the information here.
Yes, we like to say that our cage protects the sharks from the people! Our cage is made of reinforced aluminum, and we have a dive safety officer on board to supervise the cage diving.
The closest major airport is Halifax Stanfield International Airport (airport code: YHZ)
July to end of October
๐ Cage Diving โ Halifax
๐ Great White Expeditions
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. USD amounts shown are estimates. Check with your bank or card provider for the current rate. No additional international fees are charged by Atlantic Shark Expeditions. Early Bird and promotional pricing available for limited time only, there is no guarantee promotional pricing will be available at the time of booking.