Relax on your flight between Adelaide and Port Lincoln today. Flight time is approx. 50 minutes and there are typically various departures throughout the day.
Upon your arrival and after picking up your luggage at Port Lincoln airport, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the Lincoln Cove Marina.
There are two prime seasons for viewing great white sharks at the Neptune Islands in South Australia. The first of these is the Australian Summer season where thousands of fur seals congregate for their annual pupping and breeding season. Spring/Summer shark activity starts in November and usually lasts until the end of February. March to early May is usually the most unreliable time for shark activity, despite often having great weather. We are usually cautious about recommending this time, however some years do seem to produce great action and 2011/12 have had great shark action throughout. Advantages of doing this activity at this time include enjoying longer "summery" days, and warmer water up to 20 C. The generally milder weather of this Summer season also allows more opportunities for island shore parties where one can explore the wonder of these remote islands on our expedition tender boat. On many Summery dates bronze whaler and mako sharks also can be seen in addition to the great whites.
The main viewing season however, is in the Austrailian Winter period (from May through to October). This is a time when the growing seal pups that were born in the Summer start to venture out further from the safety of the shore and hunt for themselves. This provides a natural food source for the sharks to target and as a result this time of year more natural predation events can be witnessed. This is the only time of year that we see the very large (and impressive!) bull seals. In the winter, the pups are learning to swim, this is the main season (over 40 years) but recent Summers have equaled if not surpassed on shark activity.
From mid May to late July/early August gives the best chance of the super sized female white sharks. Most shark numbers of all are often recorded in July and August, however September and October do often match July and August and can have clearer water and milder weather and longer daylight hours than earlier months in this season.
The potential downside of the "Winter season" is that there is more of a chance of experiencing blustery winter weather. However with the multi-day itinerary, and from sheltered anchorages and large stable and warm vessel, one can view the generally bigger and more active sharks in comfort at this time. Also note that in the offshore Winter waters around the Neptune Islands, a warm water current does tend to keep the temperature above 15-16 Celsius.
In summary, although there are strong annual trends in both shark reliability, activity and weather conditions, great white sharks can actually be found at the Neptune islands in any given month, and great variations and exceptions to rules can occur in any given season with both the weather and sharks.
The sea surface temperature around the islands ranges from 14-22°C (57-72°F) and the water visibility of over 20m can be experienced in the surface cage and ocean floor diving.
Meet at the Marina Hotel at 7.45PM this evening for the short 15 minute transfer to the Marina where you will board your vessel. Meet the crew and be privy to a boat safety brief before you settle into your quaters for your first overnight onboard.
Detailed specifications of the Princess II vessel are as follows:
• 23 m (75ft) length • 3.5m draught • 6.2 m (20.5ft )beam Gross Tonnage 169
• Surveyed to operate 200nm from Australian Coastline.
• 1.5 tonne deck crane, for lifting/lowering diving and research equipment
• 1 x 80 & 1 x 32Kw generators, power outlets 110/240V 50Hz
• Commercial galley for catering to every culinary need.
• All meals are provided, served in large air- conditioned saloon with bar
• 5500 litre per day water maker 20 days endurance 4000 nautical mile range.
• State of the art sea bed mapping technology
• Latest satellite Furuno navigation systems
• Twin/double en-suite cabins
• Individually air-conditioned cabins
• Two onboard air compressors for scuba tanks & Hookah set up
• Large water level dive platform.
• Deck tables and dry camera table
• Large camera rinse tanks
• Warm freshwater deck shower
• Large upper sundeck with lazy boys
• Satellite communication systems
• Dive tender Naiad 5.8m
• Washing machine and clothes dryer is available onboard for your needs.
Accommodation: Princess II The Princess II vessel is a gerat boat for a small group charter as it provides unmatched comfort, space and facilities to operate safely in the clear, blue, offshore waters of the Neptune Islands. The vessel has been outfitted to be the world's premier great white shark diving vessel. Whilst regular cage diving in surface floating cages for non-certified divers are catered to, Princess II also has the unique facilities to lower certified divers safely down to the ocean floor in a special submersible shark cage. This is a world exclusive feature available only onboard this vessel and the best Great White observation experience is possible. This also gives photographers and cameramen the opportunity to capture the most spectacular and unique great white shark images available anywhere in the world.
All 6 cabins give the privacy of single, twin share, or double bed cabins, each with a private bathroom. There is also a spacious lounge room like saloon for relaxation and special talks. Other features include a separate single person cage and a warm water deck shower. There is also a large tender boat for fascinating island explorations of the offshore islands wildlife and scenery.