Do I need scuba certification?

Diving options require at least Open Water certification; snorkel-only seats are often available for non-divers.

What safety protocols are used around sharks?

Crew enforce distance limits, no-chase rules, and anchor-free approaches to minimize stress and maintain safe interactions.

Will I be able to rent camera gear?

Many operators have partnerships for local rentals—ask before booking so you can reserve housings, strobes, or lenses.

How many people are on a typical trip?

Trips keep group sizes small to controlled interactions; exact numbers vary by boat but expect guided teams rather than large charters.

What are visibility and sea conditions like?

Visibility varies seasonally and by site; offshore bluewater can offer clear conditions but swell and plankton blooms occasionally reduce clarity.

Is this activity suitable for kids?

Age limits depend on operator policies and certification; youths with certification and mature comfort in open water may join under instructor guidance.

San Diego Shark Diving and Underwater Photography Excursion

Hawaii Shark Diving & Underwater Photography Excursion operates out of San Diego, California, United States, and delivers a high-adrenaline, education-first approach to getting face-to-face with large pelagic sharks. From the moment the boat slips its lines on the Pacific, the focus is on clear, composed underwater images and responsible shark interactions framed by experienced dive crew. The trip centers on a dramatic offshore environment: bluewater columns, nearshore reefs and kelp beds that funnel baitfish and the predators that follow them. Divers and snorkelers encounter a variety of species—sleeper sharks to mako and thresher sightings are possible—alongside rays, sea lions and dense schools of forage fish. The underwater terrain shifts between rocky outcrops, sandy gullies and vertical drop-offs where currents concentrate life and create photographic opportunities. What sets this excursion apart is its combination of underwater photography coaching and structured shark approach protocols. Crew members coach camera settings, lens choices and buoyancy positioning while enforcing safety distances and anchor-free approach techniques that reduce stress on animals. For photographers, there’s practical instruction for shooting in variable light, using strobes and composing against open blue-water backgrounds to accentuate size and motion. This operator is a notable part of San Diego’s maritime recreation scene because it brings predator-focused diving into a rigorous conservation and storytelling framework. Trips emphasize data-driven practices used by local researchers and contribute observational photos that help scientists track seasonal movements. The experience also showcases the Pacific offshore ecology that shapes Southern California’s coastline, highlighting kelp forest edges and submarine canyons that feed the food web. Practical details: excursions typically launch from San Diego harbor; participants need basic open-water scuba certification for diving options, though snorkel options exist. Small group sizes keep interactions controlled; expect briefings, photo tutoring, and multiple sea sessions in a single day. Weather and swell dictate exact sites—conditions can swing from glassy to choppy—so flexibility is essential. Onboard, expect a compact platform optimized for stability and camera work: dedicated camera tables, rinse tanks and covered staging areas to protect gear between dives. Crew members conduct thorough briefings on boat procedures, animal behavior signals and emergency protocols; they also provide camera troubleshooting. Many guests rent housings and strobes, so ask about equipment lists before arrival. Sea conditions can limit visibility; patience and repeated passes often reward photographers with the shot they came for. Why book it? For photographers eager to capture predatory behavior, for divers wanting an organized, safety-minded shark encounter, and for travelers curious about the offshore ecosystems that define Southern California’s seascape. This is an experience that pairs raw ocean energy with methodical instruction, leaving guests with compelling images and a clearer sense of how humans and large marine predators can share the same waters responsibly.

About Just Get Wet

Just Get Wet is a San Diego–based ocean adventure company specializing in freediving, spearfishing, and small-group wildlife trips. With a menu of focused experiences — from pool-only beginner freediving to two-day advanced freediving retreats and a Sea of Cortez liveaboard spearfishing trip — the company serves learners and experienced divers across Southern California and beyond.

All programs emphasize safety, skill development, and local ecosystem awareness. Certified instructors lead hands-on spearfishing courses covering breath-hold techniques, fish identification, and sustainable catch practices. Freediving offerings span beginner pool sessions, intermediate courses, an Intermediate Freediver Plus Spearfishing combo, and two-day advanced training that mixes classroom theory, controlled pool work, and open-water practice.

For boat-based adventures, small group sizes ensure personalized attention. The whale watching adventure caps at six guests aboard a fast, stable boat with an experienced captain guiding 2–2.5 hour excursions to observe whales and dolphins. The Coronado Islands spearfishing day trip and San Diego shore dives explore kelp forests, Wreck Alley, and Zuniga Jetty under expert supervision.

Equipment guidance and tailored coaching help participants build confidence and measurable improvements in bottom time, depth access, and relaxation. Specialty offerings include women-only dives, surf survival courses, and pool training sessions that focus on technique and endurance.

Just Get Wet partners with certified instructors and experienced captains to deliver focused, safe, and memorable marine experiences for divers, spearfishers, and ocean enthusiasts seeking skills, adventure, and stewardship. Booking options include single trips, combined course packages, and specialty clinics designed to match varied skill levels and scheduling needs today.