Question 1

HOW COLD IS THE WATER?

Accepted Answer

It averages around 55 degree’s.

Question 2

HOW MANY DIVES ARE NEEDED TO GO ON A TRIP?

Accepted Answer

All diving tours are "intermediate" and require at least an advanced open water certification.  Proof of your “C-card” or countries equivalent is absolutely requested at the lodge or you will not be able to dive.  You also need to be physically and medically fit to do these cold water dives.  Guests will also need to sign several waivers before they are allowed in the water.

Question 3

NON DIVERS WELCOME?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  However, we do ask that you are healthy and active enough to swim/snorkel/dive, as well as climb up and down the dive ladder to access the water without issue.

Question 4

WHAT GEAR IS PROVIDED?

Accepted Answer

Tanks and weights.

Question 5

DO YOU HAVE NITROX OR TRIMIX?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 6

WHAT KIND OF TANKS DO YOU HAVE?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum 80's

Question 7

HOW MUCH TIME IS SPENT WITH THE SHARKS ON A SHARK TRIP?

Accepted Answer

The morning time is dedicated to shark interactions. Weather will ultimately be the deciding factor on how long we are able to keep interacting with them during the day.  Wind and barometric pressure play a big factor in the success of each day’s shark snorkeling.  If sharks are not seen at the surface we will shift gears to snorkeling with jellyfish along the shore until more favorable weather conditions appear.  Guest must be patient as some sharks my quickly pass by the boat, while others will stay up to an hour.

Question 8

DO YOU PROVIDE A SNORKEL GUIDE WITH THE SHARKS?

Accepted Answer

No. The captain is also the shark wrangler and is talking to you from above.  He directs the sharks and keeps snorkelers informed to the location of each shark.  The sharks are shy by nature and spook easily if not listening to the shark wranglers directions.

Question 9

HOW LONG DO SHARK ENCOUNTERS LAST?

Accepted Answer

Sharks are easy to spot at the surface, but tricky to bring to the boat and even tricker when snorkelers are in the water.  Its taken years to develop tactics on how to bring sharks in and how to make the interactions last.  Sometimes the sharks may just pass by giving only a few photographic opportunities.  Sometimes it can last up to 60 mins.  But do not expect to be surrounded by sharks all day long.  There are many factors outside of the sharks that can ruin interactions with them.  This includes guests not following the shark wranglers directions.

Question 10

IS IT EASY TO FILM/PHOTOGRAPH SALMON SHARKS?

Accepted Answer

Short answer is no and can be frustrating at times.  Although you will see many sharks on the surface when conditions are good, expect alot of time to find the right "player" to interact with.  Everyone always thinks that its easy to jump in and have a shark approach.  But Salmon Sharks are shy by nature and you may get frustrated getting a shot immediately.   The biggest advice that can be given is already be ready for an encounter.  Expect one or two days of great interactions during the week but be patient with these sharks and you'll have a great time and get great photo's!

Question 11

IS IT EASY TO FILM/PHOTOGRAPH SLEEPER SHARK?

Accepted Answer

Although we've had tremendous success, we are still learning a great deal about these sharks.  We've had incredible encounters with nearly every group that is willing to try, but there is much pre-planning and preperation involved.  So patience is also needed.

Question 12

DO YOU PROVIDE INSTRUCTION ON THE SHARKS BEFORE GETTING IN THE WATER?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We will have a safety orientation at the lodge the first night covering what to do, how to approach and body language of the sharks.

Question 13

DO YOU GUARANTEE SHARK OR ANIMAL SIGHTING?

Accepted Answer

No.   Remember that these animals are free to roam the open ocean or land. They are not caged and thus not released by us at specific times during the day to ensure sightings.  So please keep in mind that interactions are highly likely during the week, but not guaranteed.  Its taken us years of development to find out peak migration periods.

Question 14

DO YOU PROVIDE A DIVE GUIDE WHEN DIVING?

Accepted Answer

No. You will receive a briefing from the captain on the dive boat and use the “buddy system” for all dives.  His job is to keep an eye on all divers from the boat deck, answer questions and help with divers entering and exciting the boat.

Question 15

CAN YOU PROVIDE A GUIDE WHILE DIVING?

Accepted Answer

Dive guides can be provided only with advance notice before your trip.  There is an extra cost for this.  Fee’s vary so check with us for details.  If you have your own instructor ask him or her to contact us for special offers.

Question 16

WHAT IF I DONT SPEAK ENGLISH?

Accepted Answer

All instruction, directions and interactions are conducted in English.  Guests must understand English to ensure your safety.  You or your group must bring an interpreter if you don't understand English or you will not be permited to pertake in any activities.

Question 17

CAN I RENT GEAR AND GET DRY SUIT CERTIFIED?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We work with a dive shop in Anchorage that offers trips that you can take ahead of time to rent gear and get certified before coming on our big dive adventure.

Question 18

DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN RENT A CAMERA?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  There are many websites that rent gear for relatively low cost for a week trip.  You can find cameras, telephoto lens and underwater housing's.  Search camera rentals to see a plethora of websites that offer loads of gear to fit first timer photographers to seasoned professionals.  I can't stress enough the cost vs what you can capture with a telephoto lens on a once in a life time trip.

Question 19

HOW CAN I PAY IF I’M INTERNATIONAL?

Accepted Answer

Bank transfer or credit card. There is a fee for this.

Question 20

ARE THE INSECTS BAD?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No. The lodge is located directly on the beach so there is always a slight breeze knocking the insects down, so insects are not an issue.  However, on evening skiff rides when we go into coves where wind is blocked, insects can be harsh at times.  We recommend a small bottle of insect repellant AND a “head net” to be comfortable.

Question 21

WHEN TIME DO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS SHOW UP?

Accepted Answer

When the sun sets on a cloudless night but is not guaranteed.  Please remember that this phenomenon is space weather and like all weather is hard to predict.  Spring and Fall are the best times to catch a view of the Northern Lights.  May 1st, the sun will set at 10pm and May 31st the sun sets at 11pm.  August 1st, the sun will set at 11pm and August 31st the sun sets at 10pm.  Earth weather plays a huge factor as well and clouds can spoil your success to capture a solar storm erupting into a beautiful and colorful display.  But we are far enough north to be able to offer this to our guests.  So if you’re an avid photographer or just a sky watcher, brave the cold night and set your clocks to wake up and see earth's greatest natural spectacle.

Question 22

WILL I NEED TO BRING WARM CLOTHING?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always be prepared we have been known to get four seasons in one day.

Question 23

HOW FAR ARE THE SHARKS FROM THE LODGE?

Accepted Answer

That is the million-dollar question.  We keep this a secret do to the thriving shark fishing that continues in our area.  But we do have to travel further out into Prince William Sound during the day to meet them in deep water.

Question 24

WHERE IS THE LODGE?

Accepted Answer

The lodge is 35 miles, south of Valdez, AK in a very remote part of Prince William Sound.

Question 25

HOW LONG IS THE WATER TAXI FROM VALDEZ TO THE LODGE?

Accepted Answer

About 2 hours on average.

Question 26

DO YOU OFFER LUNCH ON THE FIRST DAY WHILE TRAVELING TO THE LODGE?

Accepted Answer

No.  You will want to pick something up or eat ahead of meeting at 12pm to start your adventure.  We may stop to see wildlife on the way to the lodge and take longer to get there.  When we arrive, you’ll be checked into your room and your first meal will be dinner, served at 6:30pm.

Question 27

DO YOU OFFER GUEST LAUNDRY SERVICE?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  There is a fee for this service.

Question 28

DOES THE LODGE HAVE A BAR?

Accepted Answer

No.  But you are welcome to bring alcohol from town to the lodge.

Question 29

CAN I BRING ALCOHOL ON THE BOAT DURING DIVE DAYS?

Accepted Answer

No.  Alcohol is probably the best sea-sickness inducer and we would recommend that you severely reduce your alcohol intake the night before your excursion to avoid any disappointing and uncomfortable condition on the boat.

Question 30

WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID SEA-SICKNESS?

Accepted Answer

Sea sick tablets can be purchased ahead of time or at the pharmacy in Valdez.

Question 31

IS THERE INTERNET SERVICE?

Accepted Answer

No, the lodge does not provide internet service.  But there is a cell booster for guests to make phone calls or make their phone a "hotspot" for internet.  International guests that want internet will need to but a $50 smart cell phone from Radio Shack in Valdez and make it a "hotspot".  Data plans can be purchased at Radio Shack as well.  We recommend sorting this out ahead of time if you will require internet service while traveling to/from or staying at the lodge.

Question 32

WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK AT THE LODGE?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your carrier, you may get signal.  We have repeaters at the lodge that carry Verizon and AT&T and some smaller carriers.  You can use the repeater to make calls or make your phone a hotspot to get online.  If you need to make a call and don’t have a phone that works, the lodge has one that your welcome to use for emergency calls.

Question 33

DO YOU CATER FOR VEGETARIANS OR VEGANS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, let us know what your dietary requirements ahead of your trip so we can plan to cater to you.  But please understand that we are limited to what we are able to find in Valdez, AK.

Question 34

IS THERE 24 HOUR ELECTRICITY?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Each room also has A/C power.   (please no hair dryers allowed)

Question 35

ARE THERE SHOWERS AND INDOOR BATHROOMS?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We have community showers and bathrooms located at the bunkhouse.

Question 36

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?

Accepted Answer

We will determine on a case by case basis for children under the age of 18.  They will need to be qualified/certified divers and/or strong swimmers for snorkeling adventures and ALWAYS accompanied by one parent or guardian at all times.  Parents and/or legal guardians will need to sign a separate release for each under age child.

Question 37

DO YOU REQUIRE DIVE INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We recommend - DAN DIVE INSURANCE

Question 38

DO YOU REQUIRE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

No, but we highly recommend it.  DAN TRAVEL INSURANCE or IMT

Question 39

SHOULD WE TIP?

Accepted Answer

Tips are not included in the price of any trip.  If the crew takes care of you a tip is welcome.  Remember that tips are shared among all crew members.  Gratuities are totally discretionary, however, here are some common practices:
Guides and the Cook - tip at the end of the week.  Common tips are 10-15% of the cost of your trip.
Housekeeping and lodging staff - tip at the end of the week.  Common tips are 2-5% of the cost of your trip. 
Tips do not dictate the level of our service.  We are professionals and promise excellent service no matter the size of a tip if any.

FAQ (INTERNET IS NOT PROVIDED, SEE BELOW)