Cap de Creus Experience Program (snorkeling with blue sharks)

PROGRAM PRESENTATION

This program supports the Blue Shark Monitoring Study in Cap de Creus and helps fund the costs of the project.

The Cap de Creus Experience program is open to the public during June, July, and until August 15th.

It is especially designed for underwater photographers and videographers, as well as shark enthusiasts who want to experience sharks in the Mediterranean Sea.

This is not a scuba diving program, as the experience takes place through snorkeling.

It is not a program for children. The minimum age for participation is 16 years old.

Other participation requirements are:

• Must know how to swim
• Personal underwater activity insurance (daily insurance can be purchased at the center)
• Use of snorkeling equipment, including mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit or lycra. Dark colors are recommended. Long wetsuits are required. No shorty suits or short sleeve lycras allowed.

The trips are conducted on a 7.5m rigid inflatable boat, so space is limited. It does not have a canopy, so participants need to bring a cap or hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

The trips are in open sea, and sea conditions can be tough with rough waves. It is recommended to take anti-seasickness measures before departure (e.g., Dramamine, Coccouline, etc.).

The trips are long (approx. 5 hours). To attract sharks, "chumming" techniques are used. Blue sharks may take from 1 to 4 hours to arrive. Sometimes, they may not come at all (note that the blue shark or "tintorera" is critically endangered in the Mediterranean according to the IUCN).

The success rate in June 2022 was 88%, and in July 2022, it was 75%.

In June 2023, the success rate was 100%, and in July 2023, it was 82%.

In June 2024, the success rate was 44%, and in July 2024, it was 65%.

When sharks come close to the boat, THE EXPERIENCE IS UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE, whether interacting with them while snorkeling or from the boat.

During the trip, participants help Sotamar Shark Tour staff collect data for the Blue Shark Monitoring Study in Cap de Creus.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SNORKELING WITH BLUE SHARKS

We have developed a mandatory code of conduct for everyone who wishes to practice snorkeling with blue sharks.

Before entering to the water, this code will be explained to all participants to ensure the activity is safe for them and does not disturb the sharks.

PHOTOS OF THE ACTIVITY

PHOTOS OF SOME OF THE SHARKS

OTHER SIGHTINGS

Although the main goal of the Cap de Creus Experience program is to sight blue sharks and try snorkeling with them, encounters with various pelagic species are also possible. These include moonfish, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, fin whales, mobula rays, tuna, llampugas, and seabirds.

VIDEOS