FAQ'S
BLUE SHARK EXPEDITION
Is it safe to swim with Blue Sharks?
At NZE we have a 100% Safety record; no one has ever been bit or injured in our expeditions. Always have in mind that sharks are wild animals and that we’re entering their habitat, caution and respect are key, our shark expert guides will brief you on the proper techniques to safely snorkel with these beautiful animals assuring a safe, fun, and educational shark snorkeling experience.
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Are we snorkeling inside a cage?
Negative. This is a cage-less adventure.
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What kind of behavior can we expect from the blue sharks?
Blue sharks, although cautious, are naturally inquisitive. With the proper techniques in place, they will approach us cautiously until they get more comfortable with our presence.
When a calm and curious shark comes to check you or your camera out is a wonderful treat you will likely never forget.
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I Don't have a wetsuit , mask or fins. Can I rent one from you?
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We work with a third party provider offering fitting rooms located at just 6 miles from our marina where you can try and rent all the snorkeling gear you'll need for this trip.
Depending on your needs, the kit rental cost ranges from $30.00 to $40.00 per day. Please let us know if you'll need to rent equipment and we'll point you in the right direction.
Can I touch the sharks?
Human skin is coated with oils and bacteria, which can damage marine wildlife. Touching sharks or any other wildlife is strictly prohibited (Even when using gloves). Please remember, we are guests in their environment, bring your ocean etiquette.
What is the minimum age required for this expedition?
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this activity. *We may be able to make exceptions for younger diver certified guests accompanied by their legal guardians.
Do I need to be certified as a diver?
This is a snorkeling experience, as such, you are not required to be certified as a Diver. However, we require you to be in good physical shape, comfortable in the water and familiarized with snorkeling. If in doubt, please reach out to us. We reserve the right to provide this service if we deem you unqualified. The safety of our guests and the wildlife we visit is paramount, thank you for understanding.
Which other species of sharks we might encounter on this expedition?
This is a Blue shark expedition however, we might also encounter and snorkel with Mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus). Especially in the summer months when the water is warmer. Although uncommon there’s also the chance to see hammerheads.
PELAGIC OFFSHORE EXPEDITION
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What does pelagic mean?
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The word "pelagic" is derived from the Ancient Greek πÎλαγος (pélagos) 'open sea'.
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What is the minimum age required for this expedition?
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this activity. *We may be able to make exceptions for younger guests accompanied by their legal guardians.
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I Don't have a wetsuit, mask, or fins. Can I rent one from you?
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We work with a third-party provider offering fitting rooms located at just 6 miles from our marina where you can try and rent all the snorkeling gear you'll need for this trip.
Depending on your needs, the kit rental cost ranges from $30.00 to $40.00 per day. Please let us know if you'll need to rent equipment and we'll point you in the right direction.
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Are we getting in the water? / Do I need a diver certification?
This is an open ocean snorkeling experience, as such, you are not required to be certified as a Scuba Diver. However, we require you to be in good physical shape, comfortable in the water, and familiar with snorkeling.
If in doubt, please reach out to us. We reserve the right to provide this service if we deem you unqualified. The safety of our guests and the wildlife we visit is paramount, thank you for understanding.
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Which species can we expect to find in this expedition?
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That's exactly what we love about this expedition. The possibilities are endless. We typically find dolphins, multiple fish species at the kelp paddies, whales, and when lucky sharks and mola mola (sunfish) as well.
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WHALE WATCHING EXPEDITION
Which is the best month to go Whale Watching in San Diego?
There’s no specific 'whale season' in San Diego as there are opportunities to watch whales year-round.
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Here’s a brief guide of the species most likely to see on any given season;
Year-Round: With a large local population of dolphins the San Diego offshore area offers the opportunity to encounter dolphins in most of our expeditions, although less common, fin and minke whales can also be found year-round.
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Spring: Spring offers the opportunity to watch Humpbacks, grey whales, fin whales, and Blue whales in May!
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Summer: Summer brings the largest creature on the planet to feed on the nutrient-rich waters of offshore San Diego, the magnificent blue whale.
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Autumn: Autumn is prime time for humpback whales and if very lucky Eastern Tropical Orcas can be seen as well.
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Winter: This is the peak of the Gray whale season; we typically find them close to shore in their annual migration.
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How many species of whales can be seen in San Diego?
Up to fourteen different cetacean species can be seen in the biodiverse waters of the San Diego area.
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The list includes:
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Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Pacific White-sided dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, Orca (Killer Whale), False Killer Whale, Common Dolphin, Pilot Whale, Bryde’s Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Sperm Whales.
Will I get seasick?
Our low-profile RIB Zodiac offers less rocking than large vessels which reduces rocking motion and the possibility of getting seasick. However, if you are prone to seasickness we recommend you to take sea sickness medicine one night before your expedition, have a light breakfast/ meal, and take another dose before boarding our boat.
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What is the minimum age required for this expedition?
4 years and up, If 18 years or younger, you must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
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*Please let us know if you have children younger than 4 years.
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BLUE WHALE EXPEDITION
When is the best time in the year to find Blue Whales?
We only run this expedition in the peak of the Blue Whale Season happening in June and July as this is the best time of the year to find Blue whales offshore San Diego.
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How long are this expeditions?
This expedition typically lasts four to six hours. However, plan for a full day at sea as this trip can last up to eight hours, with the duration depending on sea conditions, wildlife encounters and our guest preferences.
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How many species of whales can be seen in San Diego?
Although this expedition specializes in Blue Whales there are chances for sightings of a wide variety of whale species.
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The list includes:
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Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Risso’s dolphin, Orca , False Orca, Common Dolphin, Pilot Whale, Bryde’s Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Sperm Whales.
Will I get seasick?
Our low-profile RIB Zodiac offers less rocking than large vessels which reduces rocking motion and the possibility of getting seasick. However, if you are prone to seasickness we recommend you to take sea sickness medicine one night before your expedition, have a light breakfast/ meal, and take another dose before boarding our boat.
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Do you offer food / drinks onboard?
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This expedition doesn't include any drinks or food. However, we encourage our guests to bring their own non alcoholic drinks, lunch and snacks.
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Is there a restroom on the Boat?
We don't have a restroom onboard. We ask our guests to use the on-site restrooms before boarding our vessel.
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What is the minimum age required for this expedition?
4 years and up, If 18 years or younger, you must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
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*Please let us know if you have children younger than 4 years.
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