Swimming inches away from sharks sounds like one of the most dangerous things you can do. But it doesn’t have to be – in fact, it can be an extremely exhilarating and incredibly rewarding experience, helping you get in touch with these fascinating marine creatures.
Of course, we wouldn’t recommend you jump into the sea unattended and get too close to them, which is why shark cage diving has emerged as a safer, more practical option. It involves being lowered into an underwater cage, attached to either dry land or a boat, so that you can get up close and personal with the sharks with a robust layer of protection in place.
And if you think that you’ll have to travel to Australia or the Caribbean to enjoy this most unique of extreme leisure activities, think again. There are several great shark cage diving locations across the UK, either in aquariums or offshore. This blog highlights why shark cage diving in the UK can be such an adventure, and the best places in this country to give it a go.
Why should you try shark cage diving in the UK?
Shark cage diving in the UK offers an extraordinary opportunity to step into the underwater world of these majestic creatures. The experience provides a unique combination of excitement, education, and the thrill of encountering one of the ocean’s most iconic predators.
Swimming among sharks is more than just an adrenaline-pumping adventure; it’s a chance to observe these magnificent animals up close and gain a deeper appreciation for marine wildlife. You’ll witness their grace, power, and beauty in their natural habitat or simulated environments, challenging the common misconceptions that portray sharks as merely fearsome predators. It’s a memorable way to contribute to marine conservation awareness by understanding these often-misunderstood creatures.
Choosing a UK facility for your shark cage diving adventure also offers convenience and affordability. Without the need to plan an international trip, you can save on travel expenses and easily fit the dive into a weekend getaway or even a single day trip. This makes it an accessible and flexible option for those who want a taste of adventure without straying too far from home.
With prices ranging from £100 to £150 depending on the location and season, shark cage diving in the UK is an investment in an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking to try something extraordinary, diving among sharks promises memories that will last a lifetime.
What are the risks around shark cage diving in the UK?
As with any adventure activity, shark cage diving involves some inherent risks, but they are often overstated or misunderstood. One of the most sensationalised risks is the possibility of a shark breaching the cage. While such incidents have been recorded globally, they are exceedingly rare. In fact, there is only one documented fatality related to cage diving, and providers in the UK adhere to stringent safety regulations to ensure such events are almost impossible.
It’s essential to understand that sharks typically do not view divers as prey. Breaches are often due to curiosity or unintentional behaviour rather than aggression. Nonetheless, UK facilities implement rigorous measures to protect divers, including robust cage designs, strict operating procedures, and comprehensive staff training.
Interestingly, the greater risks associated with shark cage diving are unrelated to the sharks themselves. These include the potential for slips and falls on wet boat surfaces, navigating the steel cage, or adjusting to the physical demands of breathing through an oxygen mask. Prolonged periods underwater and the motion of a boat can also challenge your endurance and balance, particularly if you’re not accustomed to such conditions. Proper preparation, attentive listening during briefings, and following safety instructions are crucial for minimizing these risks and ensuring a smooth dive.
Where are the best UK shark cage diving locations?
The UK is home to several excellent shark cage diving locations, each offering a distinct experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, these destinations provide opportunities to interact with marine life in a safe and controlled environment.
Skegness Aquarium
For novices, Skegness Aquarium offers one of the most beginner-friendly shark cage diving experiences in Europe. Utilizing full-face masks that simplify breathing, the facility ensures even those without prior diving experience can enjoy the thrill. You’ll encounter blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, bat rays, and unicorn fish, all while maintaining constant communication with your instructor through a built-in system. Its location on the Lincolnshire coast makes it an ideal choice for a day trip or weekend escape.
Newquay Sea Safaris
If you’re seeking an authentic and wild experience, Newquay Sea Safaris in Cornwall offers a chance to see blue sharks in their natural habitat. You’ll venture 15–20 miles offshore to enter a cage attached to the side of a boat, equipped with a snorkel to observe these elusive creatures below the surface. While the experience is highly immersive, it comes with unpredictability—shark sightings aren’t guaranteed, and trips are dependent on favourable weather and sea conditions. Still, for those willing to embrace the adventure, this can be one of the most rewarding options.
SEA Life Manchester
Perfect for families or groups, SEA Life Manchester combines affordability with an interactive marine experience. Prices start at just £140 for a group of four, making it a cost-effective option for a more relaxed adventure. You’ll snorkel among approximately 1,000 sea creatures, including sharks, tropical fish, and green sea turtles. With a detailed briefing beforehand and 20 minutes in the water, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a shorter yet fulfilling underwater encounter.
Each of these locations offers a unique perspective on shark cage diving, ensuring there’s an option for every level of interest and experience. Whether you prefer the controlled environment of an aquarium or the open waters of the Cornish coast, the UK has something to offer for every aspiring shark adventurer.
10 best destinations for shark cage diving worldwide
While the UK offers some fantastic opportunities for shark cage diving, there’s a whole world of thrilling underwater experiences waiting beyond its shores. Whether you’re after the adrenaline rush of encountering great whites in the wild or the serenity of swimming alongside reef sharks, here are ten of the best global destinations for shark cage diving.
1. Gansbaai, South Africa
Destination overview: Known as the “Great White Shark Capital of the World,” Gansbaai is located just a couple of hours from Cape Town.
Why it’s good: This is one of the few places where great white shark sightings are almost guaranteed. Crystal-clear waters and experienced operators make it a bucket-list dive.
2. Isla Guadalupe, Mexico
Destination overview: A remote volcanic island off the coast of Baja California, reachable via liveaboard boats.
Why it’s good: Its visibility is unmatched—up to 40 metres—offering spectacular views of massive great whites in the wild. Cages can even be submerged for a more immersive experience.
3. Farallon Islands, California, USA
Destination overview: Located 30 miles west of San Francisco, these islands are part of a protected marine sanctuary.
Why it’s good: Late summer and autumn bring great whites to this area in pursuit of seals, making it a prime time for thrilling encounters.
4. Neptune Islands, South Australia
Destination overview: A rugged group of islands near Port Lincoln, known for their resident great whites.
Why it’s good: It’s the only place in Australia where you can cage dive with great whites—and it’s done with a strong focus on conservation and education.
5. Beqa Lagoon, Fiji
Destination overview: A pristine coral reef system surrounding Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu.
Why it’s good: Known for shark feeding dives, you’ll encounter up to eight shark species, including bull sharks, in warm, tropical waters.
6. Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Destination overview: Located just a few miles off the North Shore, this dive is accessible from Honolulu.
Why it’s good: With no baiting or feeding involved, you’ll witness Galapagos and sandbar sharks behaving naturally in open water.
7. Bahamas (Nassau & Bimini)
Destination overview: Multiple dive sites across the islands, offering encounters with tiger, reef, and hammerhead sharks.
Why it’s good: The Bahamas are a global leader in shark tourism, with calm, clear waters and reputable operators offering safe experiences year-round.
8. Malapascua Island, Philippines
Destination overview: A small island in the central Visayas region, known for thresher shark sightings.
Why it’s good: One of the only places in the world where you can reliably dive with rare, deep-water thresher sharks in relatively shallow conditions.
9. Similan Islands, Thailand
Destination overview: A national park comprising a chain of islands in the Andaman Sea, known for rich marine biodiversity.
Why it’s good: Leopard and reef sharks are common here, making it ideal for those who prefer gentler species in a beautiful tropical setting.
10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Destination overview: One of the world’s most biodiverse marine reserves, located 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador.
Why it’s good: Hammerheads, Galápagos sharks, and even whale sharks roam these waters, providing an unmatched variety of sightings in a single dive.
Get shark cage diving insurance with SportsCover Direct
Whilst all of the above providers take the utmost precautions to keep you safe during your dive, there is always the risk of a non-shark-related accident, as is the case with any leisure activity. That’s why you should make sure you have good-quality, activity-specific insurance cover in place before you go.
At SportsCover Direct, we offer focused policies for shark cage diving that apply to both aquarium and offshore dives. Incorporating personal accident cover, public liability insurance and a number of other areas, we’re one of the few UK insurers that offer shark cage diving cover that’s specialist to the activity. Take a more detailed look at our policy options here.