Overview
Experience the sharks of Nova Scotia from above and below the water. This expedition is all about exploration, giving participants the opportunity to experience the Ocean’s apex predator, while learning from shark experts and contributing to shark research that occurs onboard every trip. Witness the sharks above the water from the comfort of our boat or dare to experience them face-to-face underwater in our specialized shark cage; scuba-certification is not required. Air is supplied to divers in the cage via a hooka system.
Sharks that may be encountered include Blue Sharks, Great Whites, Mako, and Porbeagle, with the most common being Blue Sharks. ASE is authorized to conduct scientific research with Great White Sharks via a permit by the Canadian Government under the Species at Risk Act.
About
- Daily Cage Diving Expeditions run from July through the end of October
- Boat departs and returns daily from Cable Wharf on the Halifax Waterfront
- Timings: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (5:30 pm return for Edu-Enhanced Expeditions)
- Educational briefings from our onboard marine biologists
- Shark viewing from above or below water from the safety of our cage
- Contribute as a Citizen Scientist by sharing trip photos and info collected onboard
What's Included
- Shark viewing and participation in citizen science
- Experienced captain and crew
- Onboard snacks and refreshments
- Shark cage diving (weather permitting)
- Mask and snorkel; wetsuits (sizes: S-3XL), gloves, dive hood, and boots
- Surface supplied air to cage divers via hooka system
- Lectures on shark biology by Dr. Neil Hammerschlag (only Edu-Enhanced Expeditions)
- Breakfast and lunch (only Edu-Enhanced Expeditions)
Not Included
- Flights
- Accommodations
- Transfers to hotel or dock
- Meals (except breakfast and lunch included in Edu-Enhanced Expeditions)
Reserve Your Spot
Book online or call to reserve: 902-943-6139
Daily Cage Diving Expeditions
Daily expeditions departing from the Halifax Harbour
1-Day Package
3-Day Package
5-Day Package
Edu-Enhanced Expeditions
Cage diving trips + land-based lectures; 3-day package; Only offered July 29-31, Sept 27-29, Oct 18-20
Edu-Enhanced Package
Please note: The boat is in constant motion on the open seas and may experience swells, waves, and sudden movements. It’s important for all guests to be prepared for these conditions.
What Our Adventurers Say
Don’t just take our word for it! Hear from fellow adventurers who have experienced the thrill of our shark expeditions firsthand.
sharks of Nova Scotia
Great White Shark
• Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias
• Size at birth: 3.5 ft
• Maximum size: 20 ft
• Age at maturity: males: 26 years; females: 33 years
• Gestation period: more than a year
• Litter size: 2-10 pups
• Maximum age: 78 years
• Diet: Mostly seals, sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, and fishes including other sharks and rays
• Depth surface to 4265 ft
• Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 25 mph
• Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered
Shortfin Mako Shark
• Scientific name: Isurus oxyrinchus
• Size at birth: 2 ft
• Maximum size: 13 ft
• Age at maturity: males: 8-9 years, females: 18+
• Gestation period: 15-18 months
• Litter size: 4-25 pups
• Diet: Mostly, swordfish, tuna, sharks, and squid
• Depth surface to 1640 ft
• Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
• Global Threat Status: Near Threatened
• Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered
Blue Shark
• Scientific name: Prionace glauca
• Size at birth: 1 ft
• Maximum size: 13 ft
• Age at maturity: males: 4-6 years, females: 5-7 years
• Gestation period: 9-12 months
• Litter size: usually 30 pups, but up to 80 pups
• Diet: Fishes, including herring, sardines, squid, cuttlefish pelagic octopi
• Depth surface to 1,148 ft
• Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
• Conservation Status in Canada: Not At Risk
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Browse our FAQs to find information on booking, safety measures, wildlife encounters, and more.
No. In fact, some of the best shark viewing is above water, watching these amazing animals cruise by the boat.
No. Experiencing the sharks underwater from the safety of the cage does not require scuba diving or scuba certification. Cage divers are supplied with surface air via a hosed hookah system.
The closest major airport is Halifax Stanfield International Airport (airport code: YHZ)
- From Boston MA ~1h 19m
- From New York NY ~1h 46m
- From London England ~ 6h 45m
- From Toronto CA ~ 2h 10 m
July to end of October
Get in Touch
Have a question or need assistance? Reach out to our friendly team. We’re here to help you plan your next adventure.