CALYPSO I FULL CHARTER I 3 NIGHTS I RODNEY FOX GREAT WHITE SHARK EXPEDITIONS I AUSTRALIA

THE CALYPSO

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions is an amazing live-on-board shark tour – the only one in South Australia. You’ll be our guest for 2-5 days (depending on the tour you choose), and we’re sure you’ll love every moment of it.

The  Calypso is a substantial, ocean-worthy vessel – over 23 metres (77ft) in length and weighing in at 170 tonnes. She has three levels – observation, diving/dining and accommodation. There are decks on the observation and diving levels. Both are fantastic places to view the Sharks (and the Stars). We like to think of the Calypso as a floating Bed & Breakfast (rather than a hotel), because she has a warm, welcoming feel, heaps of character, and a cosy spaciousness. There are plenty of places to relax, read a book or just ‘shoot the breeze’.

The characteristic that makes this boat unique is the submersible cage to see sharks that can be lowered to the bottom of the ocean loaded with divers (certification required).

CABINS

The Calypso can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins. Each cabin is a twin share set up with easily accessible larger single bunks. These full-size singles are even wide enough for couples to still have a comfortable snuggle! Bathrooms onboard are shared and have unlimited hot water showers.

AMENITIES

There is a spacious air-conditioned Lounge with Bar where meals are served, and a Ssndeck where guests relax and chat about the amazing sights they have seen.

FOOD

Meals are served – buffet style – in the Saloon (with its hand-carved timber posts).

OUR CREW

However, the best thing about the Calypso is our fabulous crew. They are friendly, easy-going professionals, who don’t mind having a chat and a laugh. But, more importantly, they’re fully qualified Dive Professionals who ensure everything on board is ‘ship shape’ – you couldn’t be in safer hands. No matter how long your stay on-board, the experience will never leave you, and you’ll forever be a part of the Fox - Shark family marrying the thrill of diving with a Shark-first approach to ecology, habitat and environment.

STORY OF THE COMPANY

Our reputation has been built over the last 50 years, thanks to the pioneering spirit of Rodney Fox, and it’s something we are very proud of. It’s why we’ve made promises to ourselves and to our guests: To be open and honest about the Great Whites – we’d like to say there’s a 100% chance of seeing a Great White. In reality, it’s a 99% chance – sometimes nature throws us a curve ball. If you are one of the very unlucky, your next tour is half-price. 

FOUNDERS

Andrew and Rodney with Dr. Rachel Robbins established the Fox Shark Research Foundation. It was also the time Andrew began taking over the helm from his father, and making Shark Tours more of a full-time, tourist experience. The research required funding, and Andrew reasoned the best way to fund it was to offer people an unforgettable live-aboard Great White experience – they had pioneered the Surface Shark Cage, and had the only Ocean Floor Shark Cage in the World. If you’d like to know more about Rodney Fox’s incredible journey, his autobiography, ‘Sharks, the Sea and Me’

BEST SEASON TO COME

To be open and honest about expectations – seasons are a determining factor for a lot of guests. We run longer expeditions in autumn and winter (April to August) because the days are shorter and the weather is more variable. The Great Whites are seasonal too – you’ll see males all year round, but the giant females are only around in autumn and winter. To be open and honest about who we are – our driving force has always been, and always will be, the Sharks. From this has come knowledge, and an understanding of our responsibility to protect the world they inhabit. We love sharing our passion with our guests as well as providing them with an unforgettable adventure. 

The Calypso has two types of cabins, some on the lower deck and others on the upper deck. The cabins are the same inside

This boat offers 3 types of packages along with cabin

TWIN SHARE OCEAN FLOOR SCUBA DIVER PACKAGE

Twin bed cabins (double bed and single bunk) on the lower deck , with shared bathrooms. All the cabins have: Individually controlled air conditioning Portholes. Mains outlet 110 volts (US standard) - 24 hours per day.

Ocean Floor Scuba Diver Package

Choose this package to watch action from Ocean floor. Package terms and conditions - Ocean floor scuba diver, up to three guests and a Dive Professional descend approximately 20 metres (66ft) into world that will captivate and spell-bind – a blue aquarium of rocky outcrops teeming with reef fish, white sand and swaying sea-grasses

• Size:  6 m²
• Beds:  1 Double + 1 Bunk
• Max occupancy:  2
• Shareable:  Yes
• Private bathroom:  Yes
• Air Conditioning:  Yes

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SINGLE OCCUPANCY PRIVATE LOWER REAR CABIN

Twin bed cabins (double bed and single bunk) on the lower deck , with shared bathrooms. All the cabins have: Individually controlled air conditioning Portholes. Mains outlet 110 volts (US standard) - 24 hours per day.

Guest booking a private cabin means that they are the sole occupant of the cabin. This purchase gives them access to all the diving packages

• Size:  6 m²
• Beds:  1 Double + 1 Bunk
• Max occupancy:  2
• Shareable:  Yes
• Private bathroom:  Yes
• Air Conditioning:  Yes

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TWIN SHARE TOPSIDE SPECTATOR

Twin bed cabins (double bed and single bunk) on the lower deck , with shared bathrooms. All the cabins have: Individually controlled air conditioning Portholes. Mains outlet 110 volts (US standard) - 24 hours per day.

Topside Spectator Package Choose this package to watch action from boat. Package terms and conditions- Topsider spectator (non diver) stays on boat to observe the action.

• Size:  6 m²
• Beds:  1 Double + 1 Bunk
• Max occupancy:  2
• Shareable:  Yes
• Private bathroom:  Yes
• Air Conditioning:  Yes

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TWIN SHARE SURFACE CAGE DIVER

Twin bed cabins (double bed and single bunk) on the lower deck , with shared bathrooms. All the cabins have: Individually controlled air conditioning Portholes. Mains outlet 110 volts (US standard) - 24 hours per day.

Surface Cage Diver Package -Package terms and conditions. Surface cage diver, the surface cage holds four divers comfortably. You enter the steady, super-strong cage from the lower platform of Dive Deck, and are completely safe at all times. .

• Size:  6 m²
• Beds:  1 Double + 1 Bunk
• Max occupancy:  2
• Shareable:  Yes
• Private bathroom:  Yes
• Air Conditioning:  Yes

MOST RELEVANT INFORMATION

• The trip begins in Port Lincoln and ends in Port Lincoln
• The closest airport is Port Lincoln Airport (PLO)
• Meeting point is Marina Hotel Port Lincoln at 13:15 ; from here you will be escort to the boat
• You can check in on the boat as of 13:30

EMBARKATION AND DEPARTURE

• The boat departs Port Lincoln early in the afternoon on the same day
• The vessel is equipped with Power socket adapters

ARRIVAL AND DISEMBARKATION

• Your last dives will be on the last day early in the afternoon
• The boat docks back in Port Lincoln around 20:00 on the last day
• Check out and disembarkation is around 20:00 on the last day.

GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE ITINERARY

• You can choose between 2,3,4,5 nights trips
• This expedition is perfect for people who are looking for an intimate Great White Shark experience (and want to maximise their time at sea) and learn a lot about great white sharks.
• There is a possibility of still seeing large female great white sharks as the larger male sharks start to appear.
• This time of year Winter/Spring often gives best water visibility.
• On this Expedition, we launch the world’s only Ocean Floor Cage (for qualified scuba Divers). However, all guests are able to get up-close and personal with Great Whites in our Surface Cage.
• It is an Expedition for people who are very interested in sharks and their behaviour, experienced divers, adventurers, shark photographers and anyone who has a passion for these incredible creatures.
• It is an Adventure for people of all ages, although we recommend children are at least 8 years old, and able to cope in an adult environment.
• There are 3 type of packages available to watch the shark action
• Topsider spectator (non diver) stays on boat to observe the action.
• Surface cage diver (four divers comfortably) in a super-strong cage, entrance from the lower platform of Dive Deck
• Ocean floor scuba diver, up to three guests and a Dive Professional descend approximately 20 metres (66ft) into a world that will captivate and spell-bind – a blue aquarium of rocky outcrops teeming with reef fish, white sand and swaying sea-grasses
• We do one dive (weather permitting) with the Australian Sea Lions for an hour. 
• Unlimited time in the surface cage
• In the Floor cage scuba each dive is approx. 40 mins with 30 minute bottom time and a 5 min safety stop.

TRAVEL PROGRAM

DAY 1

• Safety Briefing,  Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork, Cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departing the Harbour.
• During the journey to our first dive site for a check dive, please take this opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the vessel and make yourself comfortable. 
• After leaving the Marina, we'll pass through the stunning Thorny Passage to cruise to the famous Neptune Islands Marine Park.
• We'll anchor and test out our dive kit for the shark diving. There is time to relax, unwind, talk about the day while feasting on the buffet, engage in the Great White Shark Research Talk (really interesting, with some fantastic photography), check out the amazing night-sky, retire to your cabin.
• Please note that no shark attractant is used on this day.
• Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforseeable factors

DAILY PLAN

• Divers are briefed, and the Surface Cage hits the water, ready for action. The priority is for everyone to see the sharks in the surface cage before we descend deeper with the scuba diving guests in the ocean floor cage.
• Hop in the tender boat, check out the New Zealand Fur Seals and go walking around the Neptune Islands. Here, there are many bird species to watch and the elusive Australian Sea Lions can also sometimes be spotted.
• More shark talks in the evening and then time for bed ready for the next days big adventure.
• More time with the great whites viewing topside, in the surface cage or down on the ocean floor and by now your shark identification skills will be finely tuned.
• The evening brings more opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Neptune Islands, listening to the sounds of the seals with a chilled glass of white.
• There is plenty time to chill out and rest. Hit the hay when you feel like it.

LAST DAY

• More time to spend Surface and Ocean Floor diving – there is no time limit  in the cages, as long as everyone has their fair share.
• You can also do some Shark and Wildlife watching from the observation deck, relax with a book – anything that floats your boat. Leave the 
• Neptune Islands by 3:00pm and enjoy some lovely local South Australian ‘wine on the bow’ usually with common dolphins joining us for company. 
• We arrive back in Port Lincoln to disembark.

INCLUDED

• Full board, including snacks between meals and after dives, water , tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks
• Harbour fees
• On board White Shark experts
• Transfer from/to Marina hotel in Port Lincoln and the boat
• Cage dives
• Australian wine with dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Transfer from/to local hotels (round-trip)
• Transfer to/from the airport (round-trip)
• Tips for the crew (recommended)
• SCUBA regulator 80 AUD per trip
• Wetsuit, vest, hood and boots 100 AUD per trip
• National park fee 114 AUD
• Wine and beer

CANCELLATION FEES

What if I need to cancel my booking?

Your reservation request is obligation free and you can cancel anytime within the first 72 hours. During this time you can easily find matching flights and get answers from our reservations team to any further questions you may have. After you have confirmed and paid for your reservation, the following cancellation policy applies: 

• 90 days there will be a $250 cancellation fee per person
• 90 days, forfeit 30% of trip fee per person
• 60 days, forfeit 50% of trip fee per person
• 30 days, forfeit 100% of trip fee per person

In case of cancellation the refund will be transferred to your bank account, credit card or paypal account within 10 working days

BEFORE TRAVELLING

• Make sure you meet the requirements corresponding to your nationality and entry into the country you are visiting,
• Make sure your passport is valid at least six months after the date you plan to leave the country
• Diving insurance is mandatory for divers of all ages on all our trips: bring your certificate as proof
• It is strongly recommended to hire travel insurance that is appropriate for the type of diving holidays booked
• Check the electrical standards (such as which plugs are used) in your destination country before traveling and bring the appropriate adapter if necessary.
• The itinerary and the number of dives are indicative and are subject to weather conditions and conditions: safety always comes first
• All divers must provide their diving certification card
• Diving computers are compulsory
• Local rates, fuel surcharges, distance rates, port fees, etc. may change without notice due to changes in government policy, changes in the price of oil, etc. The changes are beyond our control and the increases must be paid if the boat requests them. We will endeavor to inform you of any changes as soon as possible. A change in these rates does not entitle you to cancel the trip