Slipping into the chilly waters off Port Lincoln, South Australia, I can feel my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The cage around me offers some reassurance, but I know I’m about to finally come face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most feared predators – the great white shark.

Making this trip has been on my bucket list since the beginning and to be finally achieving it was extremely satisfying.

The drive up from Adelaide yesterday had not been at all eventful and arriving at the ‘Y’ last night, I tried to sleep as best I could knowing that today would be a big day.

As I descend into the blue depths, the visibility is surprisingly good. Schools of fish dart by, seemingly oblivious to my presence. I grip the bars of the cage, scanning the waters for any sign of movement. The anticipation builds with each passing moment.

Suddenly, a massive shadow emerges from the gloom. My breath catches in my throat as I realize it’s happening – a great white shark is approaching. Its sleek, grey body glides effortlessly through the water, power and grace personified. As it draws closer, I’m struck by its sheer size. It must be at least five meters long, with rows of razor-sharp teeth visible in its slightly open mouth.

The shark circles the cage, its black eye seemingly fixed on me. I feel simultaneously terrified and awestruck. This magnificent creature, so often misunderstood and vilified, is right before me in all its prehistoric glory. I remind myself to breathe, not wanting to miss a single moment of this encounter.

As the shark passes within arm’s reach of the cage, I can’t help but notice its rough skin, marked with scars along its flank, testament to the battles it has fought in its years patrolling these waters.

Time seems to stand still as the shark continues to investigate our presence. I’m acutely aware of my vulnerability, yet I feel an unexpected sense of calm. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of such a perfect predator, honed by millions of years of evolution.

The shark eventually loses interest and swims off into the blue. As it disappears from view, I’m left with a profound sense of privilege. Few people ever get to witness these incredible animals in their natural habitat, and I’ve just had a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows.

As I ascend back to the boat, my mind is reeling from the experience. I know that this encounter has changed me, fostering a newfound respect and admiration for these misunderstood creatures.

Wow, that was an amazing experience and most definitely worth the effort and cost. It was ver far too quickly but it is an experience that will will never forget.