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The Official Shark Dive Xtreme Website
About Shark Dive Xtreme
Diving with sharks at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary, Sydney, is an exhilarating experience, and one of only a few experiences worldwide where you're guaranteed an underwater encounter with sharks. Our colony of Grey Nurse Sharks range in size from 1 to 3 metres, and when you do your shark dive with us, you get to enter their domain - without cages!
About our sharks
Grey Nurse Sharks are highly endangered on the east coast of Australia, with recent estimates putting the figure at less than 500 along the entire coastline. Grey Nurse Sharks were hunted to near extinction last century, mainly because of their fearsome appearance, which lead to them wrongly being labeled as man-eaters.
The reality is that Grey Nurse Sharks are fish eaters, and their rows of thin, sharp protruding teeth are perfectly designed for grabbing slippery fish. Unlike species such as Great White Sharks and Tiger Sharks, Grey Nurse Sharks are unable to tear flesh with their teeth, meaning larger prey items that don't fit in their mouth in one go are well and truly off the menu.
A safe shark dive experience
Grey Nurse Sharks are the perfect shark for diving with; big enough to provide the 'wow factor' of being up close to a large shark in its own environment, but passive enough to ensure your encounter is an entirely safe one.
Also in the tank during your shark dive at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary are huge turtles, massive stingrays (and we mean MASSIVE), along with hundreds of fish and other species of smaller sharks and rays.
To ensure your safety, we ask that you read these rules VERY CAREFULLY. If you are ineligible to dive we will not permit entry to the shark tank.
A glimpse of what to expect on your Sydney shark dive...
SHARK FEED XTREME
Are you prepared for the ultimate diving adventure?
Imagine being just metres away from huge sharks while they are feeding!
Shark Feed Xtreme provides an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have front row seats while our sharks, stingrays, turtles and fish are hand-fed by our experienced staff. Shark Feed Xtreme is suitable for first time divers, as well as being an amazing thrill for experienced divers.
Your Shark Dive Xtreme experience begins when you are introduced to and learn about the animals from the safety of the viewing tunnel. For introductory divers, there is then an introduction to SCUBA diving commences with a briefing on SCUBA equipment, required skills and safety aspects from one of our expert instructors. Before entering the Oceanarium, you will learn how to breathe underwater with personalized tuition from our instructors.
Once you are comfortable with the SCUBA equipment and breathing underwater its then time to watch the feed!
The dive begins with a feeding frenzy of fish, stingrays, turtles and small sharks. Divers will stand amongst the animals watching while our staff hand-fed the crowds of animals. Following this divers will move to a different section of the tank ready to watch huge Grey Nurse Sharks being fed.
Shark Feed Xtreme is ONLY available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, and is limited to 2 customers per dive. The experience takes around 2.5 hours, including a 40 minute dive in Shark Harbour.
Shark Dive Xtreme and Shark Feed Xtreme are available to all people 14 years and older. Medical conditions do apply and bookings are essential. Check the rules here.
DIVES AND PRICES
Amazing Experience, Amazing Prices!
For the opportunity of a lifetime, don SCUBA gear and enter the habitats of our deep water friends, coming face-to-face with our critically endangered Grey Nurse Sharks, turtles and stingrays.
Your Shark Dive Xtreme experience includes:
- All dive equipment and training
- 30 minute dive in 'Shark Harbour'
- Free entry to Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary
- 20% off entry for your friends and family to watch
- Optional in-water photography
- De-brief & certificate
Shark Dive Xtreme is suitable for first time or experienced divers. Perfect conditions are guaranteed, with great visibility and loads of animals on every dive.
Shark Dive Xtreme is a must-do for travellers and visitors to Sydney and the perfect gift for thrill-seekers. Group and corporate dives are also available, and special sessions can be organised during the day or evening by prior arrangement.
Shark Dive Xtreme also makes a fantastic gift for Birthdays, Christmas, Anniversaries, Bucks days, Fathers Day, farewells or any other occassion! Gift Certificates are available and will be posted out in plain envelopes. Call us on 8251 7878 to purchase a Gift Certificate.
Shark Dive Xtreme is located at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary, West Esplanade, Manly, NSW.
Click on a Shark Dive Type Below...
Intro Dive - From $216
Our Introductory Dive requires no previous SCUBA experience - we teach you everything you need to know to dive with the sharks.
Your Shark Dive Xtreme experience begins when you are introduced to and learn about the animals from the safety of the viewing tunnel. Your introduction to SCUBA Diving commences with a briefing on SCUBA equipment, required skills and safety aspects from one of our expert instructors. Before entering the Oceanarium, you will learn how to breathe underwater with personalized tuition from our instructors.
Once you are comfortable with the SCUBA equipment and breathing underwater its then time to meet the sharks!
During the 30 minute dive, your safety is our number one priority. The instructors will do their best to capture some fabulous underwater photos while you are face to face with 3.5 meter sharks. Following the dive, warm up with a hot shower and debrief. You'll have the opportunity to see the photos of your dive, which are available for you to purchase.
Tune-Up Dive - From $176
Our Tune-Up dive is suitable for qualified divers who have logged less than 15 dives, or haven't dived in the last 6 months.
Your Shark Dive Xtreme experience begins when you are introduced to and learn about the animals from the safety of the viewing tunnel .You will then undertake some refresher training, including a reminder on SCUBA equipment, required skills and safety aspects from one of our expert instructors. Before you enter the Oceanarium, you will run through your skills in our training pool under the supervision of an instructor. Once you are comfortable with the SCUBA equipment and breathing underwater its then time to meet the sharks!
During the 30 minute dive, your safety is our number one priority. The instructors will do their best to capture some fabulous underwater photos while you are face to face with 3.5 meter sharks. Following the dive, warm up with a hot shower and debrief. You'll have the opportunity to see the photos of your dive, which are available for you to purchase.
Certified Dive - From $155
Our Certified Dive is suitable for qualified divers who have logged more than 15 dives AND have dived in the last 6 months.
Your Shark Dive Xtreme experience begins when you are introduced to and learn about the animals from the safety of the viewing tunnel. Before you enter the Oceanarium, you will briefly demonstrate your skills competency to our instructors, its then time to meet the sharks!
During the 30 minute dive, your safety is our number one priority. The instructors will do their best to capture some fabulous underwater photos while you are face to face with 3.5 meter sharks. Following the dive, warm up with a hot shower and debrief. You'll have the opportunity to see the photos of your dive, which are available for you to purchase.
Shark Feed Dive - $395
Our Shark Feed Dive gives you the opportunity to dive with the animals whilst they are hand-fed by our qualified staff.
This dive is suitable for first time and qualified divers, and includes:
- SCUBA diving and shark awareness brief
- 40 minute Oceanarium dive during the feed!
- All equipment supplied (can bring own mask and full length wetsuit)
-De-brief and certificate
Shark Feed Xtreme will have you just centimetres away from the animals as they are hand-fed by qualified aquarists!
About the Feed Dive
Your experience begins when you are introduced to, and learn about the animals from the safety of the viewing tunnel. Your introduction to SCUBA Diving commences with a briefing on SCUBA equipment, required skills and safety aspects from one of our expert instructors. Before entering the Oceanarium, you will learn how to breathe underwater with personalized tuition from our instructors.
Once you are comfortable with the SCUBA equipment and breathing underwater its then time to meet the sharks!
During the first part of the dive, you will be right in the middle of the fish feeding frenzy, with stingrays, turtles and some small sharks coming nice and close! Next it is time to watch as the sharks are fed. Moving into shark feeding territory, you'll be underwater, face to face with the sharks during their feeding session.
During the 40 minute dive, your safety is the number one priority. The instructors will do their best to capture some fabulous underwater photos while you're face to face with the sharks. Following the dive, warm up with a hot shower and debrief. You'll have the opportunity to see the photos of your dive, which are available for you to purchase.
Contact Shark Dive Xtreme
You can reach us on +61 02 8251 7878 or email at SharkDive@merlinentertainments.com.au
Gift Vouchers
Gift Vouchers - Important Info
Give the ultimate gift - send someone into our shark tank!
Shark Dive Xtreme lets you dive into the main oceanarium at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary and come face-to-face with sharks, stingrays, turtles and more! It's a truly breathtaking experience and is one of the world's only guaranteed underwater shark encounters!
No scuba diving experience required!
Never scuba dived before? No problem - this dive is suitable for first time divers and includes tuition and safety training.
*STRICT MEDICAL AND HEALTH & SAFETY RULES APPLY*
Here is a list of medical conditions that may prohibit you or your gift recipient from taking part in the Shark Dive for your/their own safety:
- Asthma
- heart disease
- epilepsy
- diabetes
- chest conditions (including pneumothorax)
- sinus conditions
- ear problems/surgery
- high blood pressure
- pregnancy (pregnant woman are NOT permitted to dive)
If you suffer from or have suffered from any of the above medical conditions OR If you suffer from any other medical conditions, including recent injuries, surgeries or psychological conditions, then you will be required to obtain a fully completed medical clearance form from your doctor prior to booking in for the dive.
< Click here to download the medical form >
< Click here to read the restrictions >
All forms are also available on arrival at Shark Dive Xtreme. All paperwork will need to be completed prior to the dive commencing.
Booking the Dive
Upon receipt of the gift voucher in the mail (see below for delivery info), recipients of gift vouchers must telephone Shark Dive Xtreme to book in a specific date and time for their dive.
When calling, they will need to provide their details and confirm that they meet the requirements for the dive. If they do not satisfy the requirements another person can be nominated as the diver at this stage (a $15 admin fee applies). However, the diver details CANNOT be changed again on the day of the dive. Dives are not refundable.
Delivery Information
The gift voucher will be mailed free of charge via Australia Post. When checking out your basket in the online store, you can select to have the gift voucher/s sent to yourself, or directly to your intended recipient. Please allow up to 10 days for delivery, although we will dispatch the gift vouchers within a maximum of 48 hours of your purchase with the aim to get them to you much sooner.
Alternatively, you can call us to order:
Telephone +61 2 8251 7878
IMPORTANT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
No Diving Experience Required!
IMPORTANT NOTE: All divers MUST be able to speak English. We regret for health and saftey reasons we are unable to allow non-English speakers to dive with our sharks.
Scuba Diving is physically demanding and can be dangerous if you suffer from certain medical conditions. It is very important that you, the diver, do not suffer from any contraindications to diving.
Here is a list of medical conditions that may prohibit you from taking part in the Shark Dive for your own safety.
Asthma Heart Disease Epilepsy Diabetes, Chest Conditions incl. Pneumothorax Sinus Conditions Ear problems/surgery High blood pressure Pregnancy (Pregnant woman are not permitted to dive).
If you suffer from or have suffered from any of the above medical conditions OR If you suffer from any other medical conditions, including recent injuries, surgeries or psychological conditions then you will be required to obtain a fully completed medical clearance from your doctor prior to booking in for the dive.
DOWNLOAD THE MEDICAL FORM HERE.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL the night before your dive.
DO NOT fly in an aircraft within 24 hours after your dive.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
IMPORTANT NOTE: All divers MUST be able to speak English. We regret for health and saftey reasons we are unable to allow non-English speakers to dive with our sharks.
It is a requirement that all divers arrive at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary to "check in" for their dive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Late arrival or non-attendance will result in non admittance to the Dive session. Missing your scheduled dive time is non-refundable.
A maximum of two changes in the dive date, dive time or diver identity can be made up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled dive. These changes are dependent upon availability and at the discretion of the Shark Dive Xtreme booking Coordinator. An administrative fee of $15 for the first change and $30 for the second will apply and is payable at the time of the change. Changes within 72 hours of the dive date will NOT be permitted.
Divers must be at least 14 years old, must speak a satisfactory level of English and satisfy our medical restrictions. Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary reserves the right to refuse admittance to any person who does not satisfy these requirements. Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary will refuse admittance to any person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or behaving in an offensive/ uncooperative manner.
All Scuba Equipment will be supplied by Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary. Personal dive Masks & wetsuits are the only items that will be permitted to be used in the aquarium. Personal underwater cameras are not permitted on Shark dives.
Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary will take underwater photographs and footage during Shark Dive sessions at its discretion. Please note however that Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary staff's primary responsibility is guest safety, not photos.
Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary reserves the right to cancel any dive session should Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary decide that participation in a Dive is unsafe, or for any other reason which is at the absolute discretion of Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary.
Should a Dive not proceed, then Divers will be re-booked at the
earliest possible time at the convenience of the Divers, taking
into account available places.
Gift Certificates are non-refundable however they are
transferable. Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary must be notified prior to
any transfer.
A Gift Certificate must be redeemed within 3 months from date of purchase and the Dive must take place within the 3 months.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS HERE.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything You Need to Know...
Important note: It is an essential health and safety requirement of Shark Dive Xtreme for divers to be able to speak ENGLISH.
How can I contact the Shark Dive Xtreme team?
You can reach us on +61 2 8251 7878 or email at SharkDive@merlinentertainments.com.au
When can I dive with the sharks?
- 7 days a week, several times a day. Please note bookings are
essential.
- Shark Feed dives only run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
How long will the whole program take?
- Shark Dive Xtreme - approximately 2.5 hours
- Shark Feed Xtreme - approximately 3 hours
What is the cost?
When booking online, you can save up to $54 off the below standard walk-up prices:
- Introductory Program - $270 (online from $216)
- Scuba Tune Up - $230 (online from $176)
- Shark Feed Program - $395.
- Certified Program - $195 (online from $155)
- Corporate/Group Dives - price supplied by arrangement.
Pricing correct until 31/12/13. Save up to $70 when you book online now!
I'm a Merlin Annual Pass holder - how do I get my discount?
- Merlin Annual Pass holders are entitled to 20% off our standard walk-up prices, Monday to Friday (subject to availability). To get your Merlin Annual Pass discount, please call us on +61 2 8251 7878. We regret that presently we are unable to automatically apply the Merlin Annual Pass discount for online bookings.
Can I take a camera into the tank?
- No, but friends and family can take photos through the viewing
tunnel.
- Option of purchasing an underwater souvenir photo or video
footage after your dive.
Can I feed the sharks?
- No, but with Shark Feed Xtreme you can be in the tank at feed time whilst our aquarists hand feed sharks, stingrays, turtles and fish.
Is there a shark cage for the dive?
- There are no cages for a Shark Dive Xtreme experience.
- For Shark Feed Xtreme, whilst divers are in the sharks feeding
territory they are in an open cage to provide protection if the
350kg animals get too close!
What do I need to bring?
- Swimming costume, towel and toiletries.
- Certified and Tune Up divers must bring dive certification
card.
Can I bring my own equipment?
- All equipment is supplied, but you can bring own your full length wetsuit and mask.
Can I buy a dive as a present for friends and family?
- Gift certificates are available for purchase.
Can my friends watch me dive?
- Friends and family can watch from the safety of the viewing
tunnel and wave, blow kisses and take photographs.
- They'll also receive 20% discount on admission to Manly SEA LIFE
Sanctuary to watch you dive.
- You will enter the Oceanarium approximately one hour after your
dive starts, so for a 9am dive friends can still see all of your
dive when Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary opens at 10am.
How do I book?
- Click here to book your dive
online, or call +61 2 8251 7878 to book a dive or purhcase a
gift voucher.
- If you received a gift certificate you cannot book it in online,
please give us a call on +61 2 8251 7878 and quote your certificate
number.
Are there change rooms?
- Changing rooms and shower facilities are available.
How warm is the water?
- Ambient temperature with extra warm wetsuits in winter.
Ladies...
- Please note if you have your menstrual cycle, it does not affect our sharks or your ability to dive.
SHARK DIVE XTREME PHOTOS
Capture the Moment Forever
We've told you that Shark Dive Xtreme is the opportunity of a lifetime to come face-to-face with huge critically endangered Grey Nurse Sharks, turtles, stingrays, and loads of amazing fish… but don't just take our word for it!
Throughout the dive, our expert instructors capture the experience with in-water photography available to view and purchase following the dive. Every day we select a 'photo of the day' that can be viewed over at our facebook page.
Monthly top 10 photos
As well as our daily Facebook pics, each month we pick out our top 10 favourite shots of you guys diving with our amazing animals.
Click on the buttons below to view the 3 most recent monthly galleries - you could be in the next one!
Guest Testimonials
Tony, Sydney
Thank you so much for making the Shark Dive Xtreme adventure something that I will always remember. Your patience and professionalism are a credit to you and the whole team at Shark Dive Xtreme. I really thought it would be fantastic and it was and it will be a Fathers Day gift that I will never forget. So thanks again to you and Wayne and maybe one day I will do it again as my daughter would love to give it a go, and now being a diving expert(ha, ha) I might try the feeding adventure.
Jess, Queenscliff
Quite simply the best experience of my life!
The Duffy Family, VIC
My family and I took the Shark Dive Xtreme at Manly on Sunday. I wanted to say what a great experience it was and what terrific people we had as guides. They were very professional, and despite this being their 4th dive of the day, were very enthusiastic, friendly and informative. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Please pass on our appreciation.
Ajay, UK
Unbelievable! Amazing life experience
Jamie, Newcastle
Absolutely excellent. Brilliant! Great job!
Alex, Manly
I am writing to say how much my goddaughter and her friend enjoyed their shark dive last Saturday. The staff were courteous and friendly and our family also very much enjoyed watching the girls dive. We took many photos and bought the disc with the video afterwards. We all had a great day and will recommend the experience to our friends. Thanks again and best regards.
Mika, Cronulla
Best birthday present ever!
Dave, San Francisco
Sensational. Definitely do it again!
Ralph and Donnalynn, Vancounver
Just want to thank you, again, for the great experience I had on the SDX dive with you, Katie and the other four divers. I've been back home here in Vancouver Canada for three weeks now and many people have asked and seen the pictures and video from the dive. I'm educating them on the true nature of grey nurse sharks they are not vicious man-eaters but rather a wonderful creature worthy of survival. Best wishes to you and the SDX staff!
Neil, Mosman
Great dive, great instructors
SHARK DIVE XTREME VIDEOS
Filming Your Dive Experience
On every dive at Shark Dive Xtreme, one of our qualified dive guides will film your experience from start to finish, giving you the opportunity to savour the moment forever that you came face-to-face with our huge sharks, turtles and stingrays.
Purchasing your Video
We have various options available for purchasing both video footage and photos of your dive experience. Enquire on arrival about the various packages available ahead of your dive.
Click on the buttons below to view in-tank footage of recent dives and see for yourself just what an incredible experience Shark Dive Xtreme really is.
Book Online and Save up to $70
Book your Shark Dive Xtreme experience here on the official Shark Dive Xtreme website and you can save up to $70* compared to the standard walk-up prices.
Click Here to Book Your Shark Dive NOW!
*Shark Dive Xtreme prices vary by date, time and season. Full pricing for each dive is clearly shown when you select your specific dive session in our online booking platform.