south africa shark tour

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours

Come Face-To-Face With The Oceans Apex Predators

Shark cage diving adventure

ZAR 3050.00

ZAR 1730.00

The above cost excludes a R100 conservation fee, which is a direct contribution to the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and critical to the continuity of the conservation and community work.

ZAR 1900.00

Custom built-boats & Experienced crew​

Best value for money guaranteed​​, certified by fair trade tourism​​​, your adrenaline filled adventure of a lifetime awaits, diving experience overview.

Your Experience Begins

The journey to shark alley.

Once you have boarded the vessel, our experienced skipper will ensure you are prepared for the conditions on the day. After setting out from the harbour, guided by our knowledgeable and experienced team, look out for other marine life such as whales, dolphins and penguins along the way

Up Close and Personal

Shark species.

Discover more about our shark tour

Don't take our word for it​.

Book your adventure of lifetime

Conservation partners.

Dyer Island Conservation Trust

African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary

Department: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Cape Nature

Overstrand Municipality

Plastics SA

Tourism partners, fair trade tourism.

Cape Town Tourism

Cape Country Routes

Gansbaai Tourism

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

Come do cage diving with the pioneers of the industry, small, exclusive, educational trips, why dive with us, we care | protect | educate, about your experience with us, “ small, exclusive and informative shark cage diving trips ”.

Sharklady Adventures offers small exclusive shark cage diving trips and educational tours twice daily. This means that the trip is more informative AND you’ll have more time in the cage. 

We’re committed to being responsible and eco-friendly. We do not interfere with the sharks and we do not pollute the environment.

Sharklady Adventures complies with the strictest code of conduct and safety for our clients, our boat, and the sharks, as laid down by local Marine & Coastal Management.

We are dedicated to creating awareness of Great White Sharks through education, especially to the local children who are the future of our country. 

Shark cage diving in Gansbaai is an awesome experience from both above and below the surface. Getting up close to these apex predators leaves you feeling exhilarated to say the least!

Book your shark diving trip with us , and get ready for the thrill of your life!

DISCLAIMER – latest sightings

• Some bronze whaler (copper) shark action
• Sevengill (cow) sharks
• * MOST RECENT sighting of a great whites next to our boat was on 14 JUNE 2024

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

We are committed to being a responsible and eco-friendly operation that offers small, exclusive Shark diving trips and educational tours. This means that the trip is more informative AND guests have more time in the cage.

We offer cage diving & surface viewing trips twice daily. Surface viewing for non-divers is excellent from the boat. No diving experience necessary for breath hold diving.

Breakfast and light lunch included. All diving equipment supplied. Tour is +/-4 hours. Sharklady Adventures crew are all well trained and experienced on the sea, and qualified.

*TRANSPARENCY: one has to remember that there are no fences in the ocean, but on most of our trips we encounter various shark (and other aquatic) species. These are: Bronze Whaler Sharks, Cow Sharks, Great Whites, Stingrays, Cape Fur Seals. As it is nature after all, we can NOT guarantee any sightings. You can view on our various social media channels what recent sightings were made. Get in touch with us via email, WhatsApp or phone call, and we’ll be 100% transparent with you with regards to what sightings we’ve had recently, and you can make your own decisions and plan accordingly.

Check out our FAQ section – most of your questions will be answered there 🙂

Responsible & Eco-friendly

Small & exclusive, excellent gear & facilities, friendly staff, here are some stats on our history of shark cage diving in gansbaai, care | protect | educate.

We care because we are privileged to enjoy a large number of marine species along our coastline.

We protect so as to conserve and keep our marine resources and species alive for future generations to appreciate as well.

Education is where it starts. We educate our youth as they are our future and only hope in saving our magnificent yet fragile planet.

WHAT WE STAND BY

Our mission statement.

Owing to massive negative media publicity over the years, the Great White Shark has become one of the most maligned, misunderstood, even hated animals on our fragile planet. It has been pursued, hunted and indiscriminately killed, over the years, to the point where its continued existence hangs in precarious balance.

If we can dispel some of the hype and myth, and the fear which surrounds this magnificent creature, and even if through our operation, we only introduce some element of objective perspective to the people that we come into contact with, then we have, at least, made some contribution to maintaining the natural balance in at least one ecosystem, in our communal home, Earth.

Find out more about the trip

You might have some questions:.

Cozzie (swimwear), sunblock, towel, hat, dry clothing, warm jacket.

The boat sets off on a 15-20 minute journey before anchoring either in the famous Shark Alley or nearby. 

The boat is at sea for roughly 2,5 to 3 hours depending on the weather and ocean conditions. Onboard you can enjoy the complimentary mineral water, snacks and drinks. No alcohol or smoking is allowed on any of the shark cage diving boats in Gansbaai.

No. Many guests choose not to cage dive – the viewing from the boat is exceptional and as a non-diver, you will also have an awesome experience!

Absolutely. We are the oldest operator in the industry (RSA) with over 30 years experience. We have a 100% safety record. We are professionals, and know exactly how to operate in a safe and responsible manner.

The boat is operated by qualified and competent crew members. The crew includes a skipper, divemaster and deckhand. The crew members are also trained in skills such as firefighting and first-aid.

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH THAT BUCKET LIST ITEM!

Join sharklady adventures on an epic shark cage diving experience., we’ve been in business for 30 years, and pioneered shark cage diving in south africa. , you can enjoy being up close and personal with various shark species. make your holiday a memorable experience with us, unforgettable  wildlife encounter.

Get UP CLOSE and PERSONAL with marine wildlife!

Bronze whaler sharks, stingrays, sevengill cow sharks, seals, seabirds, and more can be seen!

This could be your view…

What others are saying, we had such a great time here, very cool experience, wow. what a day out., experience of a lifetime.

CALL US NOW!

• Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town
• Our Facilities
• Our Accomodation
• Shark Diving & Viewing
• Shark Facts
• Did You Know?
• Conservation
• Project Aware & Education Efforts
• 2021 Rates – Dyer Island, Gansbaai
• 2021 Rates – Seal Island, False Bay
• General Information
• FAQ’s

OFFICE +27 21 531 7815

MOBILE +27 78 783 8272

EMAIL: [email protected]

BOOK NOW – GAANSBAAI

BOOK NOW - FALSE BAY

Welcome to White Shark Ventures

Leaders in Shark Diving & Whale Watching experiences in Cape Town! - Book Now

SHARK CAGE DIVING - GANSBAAI

SHARK CAGE DIVING - FALSE BAY

BIG 5 MARINE EXPERIENCE

Shark cage diving in Cape Town, South Africa

Gansbaai & False Bay permit holders

BOOK NOW - GANSBAAI

We aim at educating young and old!

We guarantee a shark expert on each of our tours.

An extraordinary diving experience!

See our TripAdvisor reviews.

CHECK REVIEWS

Your shark diving choices make a difference

We Care About Conservation & Social Responsibility in South Africa

CONSERVATION & EDUCATION

One of a kind custom built Catamaran

Designed and built for comfort, safety, speed and stability.

OUR FACILITIES

An experience that is sure to get your heart racing!

Join us today for an adventure of a lifetime!

MEET THE SHARKS

Our entire excursion is based on educating our clients.

Our staff regularly visits local schools to give educational presentations.

BOOK NOW – FALSE BAY

Yes sharks, whales and dolphins – all in one tour! Take advantage of this fantastic limited introductory offer! This once-off all inclusive Big 5 Marine package, is offered by the longest established and most reliable shark cage diving company in the industry. White Shark Ventures were the pioneers and founders of the shark diving industry with a 29 year accident-free track record. Today we are proud to also add Whale- and Dolphin viewing tours to our portfolio.

Our Combo Tour (also known as the Big 5 Marine tour), therefore consists of the following;

1. GREAT WHITE SHARKS ; Although Gansbaai is known as the “Capital of the Great White Shark”, our tours also offer highly successful dives with Copper Sharks (Bronze Whalers) as well as large stingrays. Our Copper Sharks are fairly large in size and reach lengths of up to 3.5 metres. Same as the Great Whites, Copper Sharks are also inquisitive by nature and like to get up close and personal, right next to the boat and cage.

2. WHALES ; Walker Bay Hermanus/Gansbaai, is known as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. The best time to enjoy close-up whale viewing is between the months of June to December, when the Southern Right Whales migrate from the Antarctic to calve and mate along our coast. Brydes Whales and Humpback Whales are also often spotted.

3. DOLPHINS ; We have a large resident pod of Common Dolphins in our Bay and they can pretty much be seen all year round. These dolphins are playful and would often swim with the bow of the boat. We also often spot the Bottlenose Dolphin, which is a larger specie and are often seen surfing the waves.

4. CAPE FUR SEALS ; Geyser Rock has a huge population of around 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. The males weigh in at a hefty 200 – 300 kgs, while the females are a little smaller and weigh around 75 kgs. The females give birth between the middle of November and the end of December, when it is pupping season in “Shark Alley”, the narrow channel that runs between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island. Each female will only birth one pup.

5. AFRICAN PENGUINS ; Dyer Island hosts many bird species as well as a colony of African Penguins. Dyer Island used to be the most important breeding site for African penguins in the world, but currently they are struggling to breed successfully. The main reason for this is the historic removal of guano between 1840 and the mid-1900’s. Penguins on the Island in 1978 numbered 70 000 with about 27 000 breeding pairs. African penguins can swim up to 20km/hr, travel 20-40km in a day, and have been recorded at 180m depth!

Book Now – False Bay

Book Now – Gansbaai

Regardless of when you want to take the tour, book and pay before 30 April 2021 in order to qualify for these special deals. Whale Season: May – December

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White Shark Ventures Statement on Coronavirus “COVID-19”

Book now and qualify for our promotional 20% discounted offer of R1600.00 pp (valid until 31st August 2019 – activity date)

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BOOK THIS TOUR

• SHARK EXPERT ON EACH TOUR
• NO DIVING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
• 100% SAFETY RECORD

WHY ARE WE A CUT ABOVE?

• We pioneered shark cage diving in cape town 24 years ago, making us the industry leaders.
• We have a shark expert on each tour.
• South African Government awarded us with the highest score during the shark cage diving permit application and evaluation process.
• Winners of 2014 Trip Advisor Excellent Service Provider Reward.

Read More About us  

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

• Our Managing Director is acknowledged worldwide as an international wildlife facilitator and rehabilitator and an expert in oiled wildlife.
• We aim at educating young and old about shark cage diving in Cape Town.
• White Shark Ventures was the first company to provide job opportunities to local people in underprivileged communities.
• We actively participate and support Project AWARE.

Make a difference

GREAT WHITE RESEARCH FACTS

• Great white shark videos, photos and facts.
• Project Great White Shark – Oceans Research
• Shark information including, habitat, distribution, feeding, reproduction, senses, communication, evolution and shark social structure.
• Data gathered by the Shark Research Committee over the last five decades on sharks.

Follow the links above

QUICK ENQUIRY

OR CONTACT Us

As a sustainable boat operator in Cape Town, White Shark Ventures were the second shark diving boat worldwide, to have received this prestigious award.

WHY SHARK ALLEY?

Due to various geographical reasons, water temperatures and easy access to food, this area has earned worldwide fame and recognition as the single most successful area to view the great white shark within a very short period of time.

Shark diving hotspots in South Africa include Gansbaai , Mossel Bay , Cape Town , Port Elizabeth and Durban .

Shark cage diving in Gansbaai should be on the top of your bucket list this year! The top-rated destination to cage dive with great white sharks remains Gansbaai . This small fishing village is also known as the Capital or Mecca of the Great White Shark.   Gansbaai is a beautiful 2 ½ hour drive from the Cape Town International Airport . Shark operators also offer return transfers from your Cape Town or Hermanus hotel . Group discounts available.

Gansbaai Quick Book *No Card Needed!* R1450 p/p

No Credit Card Details or Advanced Payment Needed.  DAILY TOURS | NO MINIMUM NUMBERS

You will receive a confirmation WhatsApp/Email shortly after submitting this form.

Gansbaai Special Offer

Shark diving gansbaai voucher sale ends 31 august 2024.

Buy and download your Gansbaai Shark Cage Diving ticket instantly for a massive discount at only R1450 per person . Vouchers are fully customizable and payable with a credit card or EFT.

Children only R1100 – contact us directly to book.

Valid until 1 December 2024

Gansbaai Shark Diving

Was R2300 – Now Special Offer R1650

Location: Gansbaai

Cage Diving

Boat-based Viewing

No scuba qualification needed

Children and Non-divers Welcome

Breakfast & Light Lunch

Transport Available (extra cost)

Shark Sightings Update

So far into May , Gansbaai shark boat operators have seen and cage-dived with some amazing GREAT WHITE SHARKS . Some days produced no less than 3 great white sharks with the largest being 4.5 meters . Mossel Bay Great White Shark Sightings peaked up to 5 sharks per tour. Updated May 2023.

What will you see Shark Diving Gansbaai and South Africa?

Shark diving Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, Durban or Port Elizabeth will bring you up close and personal to some very big sharks. On the Gansbaai tour, you can look forward to seeing great white and/or copper sharks.  You might also  see penguins and seals  on this  dedicated shark cage diving trip in Gansbaai . There is also an  excellent chance of seeing whales on this tour during whale season June to November.

Great White Shark Diving in Mossel Bay

If you find yourself in the Garden Route area of South Africa , then cage diving in Mossel Bay should at the top of your adventure list! Mossel Bay only has one operator that goes out daily as the weather permits . Mossel Bay has reported fantastic great white shark sightings since resuming operations in September 2020.

Shark Cage Diving and Scuba Diving in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town also offers s hark cage diving tours from nearby Simon’s Town harbour however most tourists take a day trip to Gansbaai as this is a wonderful adventure out of the city and much easier on the pocket! In Gansbaai you can cage dive with Great White and/or Copper sharks. Should you wish to stay in Cape Town you can cage dive with massive 7-gill cow sharks . These sharks look quite prehistoric and reach an impressive 3 meters in size . You do have a chance of spotting a great white shark here however these species have seemed to elude the area for some time now. Cape Town is also an excellent location for scuba diving .

Cage Dive with Oceanic Blacktip Sharks in Durban

Durban is all about fun, sun, beaches, and shark diving . The Durban area showcases many incredible shark species like the tiger shark , bull shark, blacktip, spinners, dusky sharks, and more . Unfortunately, sightings rarely include great white sharks.

Shark Diving Gansbaai

This adrenaline-filled activity is a must-do activity for any traveller to the area! In Shark Diving Gansbaai , near Hermanus, you can get up close and personal with some magnificent creatures. No qualifications needed – all visitors are welcome aboard our boats which launch daily from Kleinbaai Harbour. Tours run throughout the year.

Shark species in Gansbaai include Great White and Copper Sharks

VIEW GANSBAAI

Shark species in Mossel Bay include Great White and Hammerhead Sharks

VIEW MOSSEL BAY

Shark species in Durban include Oceanic Blacktip  and Tiger Sharks

VIEW DURBAN

Port elizabeth.

Shark species in Port Elizabeth include Great White  Sharks

VIEW PORT ELIZABETH

Shark species in Cape Town include Great White, Sevengill, Blue and Mako Sharks

VIEW CAPE TOWN

What do copper sharks eat copper shark diet.

Understanding the Copper Shark Diet: What Do Bronze Whaler Sharks Eat? The Copper shark, also known as the Bronze whaler, is a fascinating marine predator known for its sleek appearance and dynamic hunting skills. Found in temperate and tropical [...]

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SOUTH AFRICA SHARK CAGE DIVING OPEN

The beautiful coastline of South Africa is dotted with some of the hottest shark diving spots globally , including the famed Gansbaai known as the Capital of the Great White Shark . Shark dive spots not to miss also include Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban, and Port Elizabeth .

Day-trippers and unqualified divers can enjoy the thrilling experience of coming face to face with a great white shark, copper shark, 7-Gill Cow shark and Blacktip reef sharks , all from the safety of a custom-built steel cage.

Please  contact us  for information, updates, and trip schedules. 

Family-friendly shark diving in Gansbaai

Shark cage diving is an awesome family adventure. Shark diving takes place daily in Gansbaai if the weather permits. Currently, shark divers can expect to see sharks growing up to 5.5 meters. On most days you can see Copper Sharks and, on other occasional days, you can see Great White Sharks. Children from the age of 10 can cage dive. Shark cage diving is an awesome family adventure because it is safe and it is a great way to see sharks up close. Shark cage diving takes place daily in Gansbaai, so you can always find a time that works for you and your family. The tour usually lasts about 2.5 hours on sea, but it can vary depending on the number of sharks that are seen as well as the weather conditions. Shark diving gives you the chance to see these amazing creatures up close in their natural environment. If you are looking for an exciting adventure that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than shark cage diving in Gansbaai!

Want to see more species of sharks?

Want to experience all the best shark diving experiences South Africa offers in one incredible 12-day package? Visit Scuba Mozambique by Shark Divers for this thrilling adventure holiday.

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• SHARK CAGE DIVING
• ACCOMMODATION & ACTIVITIES

Welcome to Shark Cage Diving

Our 15 years of Experience in the Shark Cage Diving Industry, using only the Highest Quality Operators with 100% Safety Records and highest customer service rankings, coupled with an incredible Shark Diving and Accommodation Deal means when you book with us, you are Guaranteed to enjoy an Unforgettable experience – For all the Right Reasons!

Diving with Sharks takes place in Gansbaai which is on the coast of the Western Cape of South Africa, near to Hermanus.

Cape Town to Hermanus is 1.5 hours approx.

Hermanus to Gansbaai: 45 mins approx

Cape Town to Gansbaai: 2.5 hrs approx

All Shark diving trips launch from Kleinbaai Harbour, which is a couple of kilometers from Gansbaai – the Shark capital of the world. The drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai will take you 2.5hrs (165km) or if you are staying in Hermanus, the journey is only 45 minutes by car. The trip will make its way out to the famous Dyer Islands and Shark Alley. The islands are covered in seals and penguins, the sharks are migratory and will be in this area for food.

We do not feed or handle the sharks, to do so would jeopardize the ecology and our permit to run these tours. We are merely observing the shark in it’s natural environment whilst educating as many people as possible about this incredible predator.

If you don’t have your own transport, we can easily arrange a transfer for you. Return from the City of Cape Town, R650 per person. Return from Hermanus, R500 per person.

Shark Cage Diving in South Africa takes place throughout the year Best Underwater Visibility: April, May, June, July, August, September Good Underwater visibility: January, February, March – October, November, December

Chance of seeing sharks: 97% All year round

Shark Cage Diving in South Africa takes place throughout the year with the best visibility being during the South African winter months, although visibility is still excellent during the Summer months. Diving with Sharks tours are weather dependent so should the weather be inclement, the tour will be postponed for your safety and enjoyment We have 97% sightings, so you’ll more than likely see sharks. The very best time to see sharks in numbers is during the South African winter months (May-August). A few months either side of winter are also excellent times for viewing. During the peak middle of summer (Christmas/New Year) the number of sharks seen is usually less, this is due primarily to the colder water temperatures of mid-summer. We do get the very occasional day during peak summer when we might not see a shark, if this happens during your trip, you will receive a voucher to go out again for free.

Sharks mostly seen – Bronze Whaler Sharks – occasional sightings of White Sharks possible, but they are endangered, so sightings of them are a real bonus.

Make a booking

Accommodation

Book Shark Diving in South Africa

Cape town | gansbaai | mossel bay | durban.

Shark Bookings has been in operation since 2003 as a central bookings office for the most reputable shark diving operators in South Africa . We have by far the most competitive prices for shark cage diving in Cape Town & Gansbaai , and we offer trips to Mossel Bay  and Durban . We work with only the best operators, all of whom are fully licensed and registered. And best of all, bookings are in real time, with instant confirmation , there is no waiting around, just book , and go shark diving . 

Shark Bookings has been in operation since 2003 as a central bookings office for the most reputable shark diving operators in South Africa . We have by far the most competitive prices for shark cage diving in Cape Town & Gansbaai , and we offer trips to Mossel Bay  and Durban . Now with instant confirmation : just book , & go shark diving .

Our Most Popular Day Trips

Most popular day trips, gansbaai shark diving.

Gansbaai is called the capital for shark diving in the WORLD! We are running a *summer special* , book soon there’s limited availability. This is an excellent destination to visit to see sharks and Whales with a huge Whale population visiting the shores between June – December

From ZAR 1800

Cape Town Shark Diving

Shark Cage Diving morning and afternoon trips in Cape Town. Visit Seal Island in False Bay and dive with the Bronze Whaler and pre-historic Seven Gill Cow sharks in the cage.

From ZAR 2995

Mossel bay shark diving.

Shark Cage Diving morning and afternoon trips in Mossel Bay. Visit Seal Island in Mossel Bay and dive with the Great White Sharks in the cage.

From ZAR 1900

 cape town vs gansbaai vs mossel bay.

Shark Diving in Cape Town takes place in False Bay out of Simon’s Town: All Year, Unfortunately there are no sightings of Great White Sharks this year but we are cage diving with Bronze Whale Sharks and Seven Gill Cow Sharks

Gansbaai , was the undisputed home of the Great White Shark until Orcas displaced the population out of this Hotspot. Since then Bronze Whaler sharks are here in large numbers and are excellent to dive with. Gansbaai is also the best place to come and view the Whales when in season (June – December) Prices are lower and there’s the additional attraction of whale viewing trips. View Our Gansbaai Summer Special Offer

Mossel Bay is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Cape Town, so not a day trip option, but definitely worth considering. The water is warmer than Gansbaai & Cape Town, and Mossel Bay is also a year-round White Shark diving destination. This is the only location currently that does have Great White Sharks but it is worthwhile checking with us prior to booking what the sightings are like at the time. 

 Cape Town, Gansbaai or Mossel Bay?

Cape town vs gansbaai vs mossel bay, where do you want to go.

We also offer a large selection of other day trips or overnight shark diving packages in Cape Town, Gansbaai, Mossel Bay and Durban.

We also offer a large selection of other day trips or overnight shark diving packages in Cape Town, Gansbaai, Mossel Bay and Durban. All trips can be booked instantly, in real time – no waiting for confirmation.

From ZAR2 800 Shark diving in Cape Town takes place in Simon's Town on the False Bay coast.

From ZAR 1500 Gansbaai, shark diving capital of the world is an easy day trip from Cape Town.

From ZAR 1900 Mossel Bay Great White Shark Diving.

From ZAR 1000 Shark diving in Durban takes place around the world famous Aliwal Shoal.

Shark Bookings is the oldest central booking office for shark diving trips and tours in South Africa, operating in Cape Town , Gansbaai , Mossel Bay and Durban . We’ve been arranging shark diving tours for the past 16 years and counting, and so we feel confident in saying that we really know the industry.

Shark Bookings is the oldest central booking office for shark diving trips and tours in South Africa , operating in Cape Town , Gansbaai , Mossel Bay and Durban . Bookings for day trips or overnight packages can be made in real time, with instant confirmation .

Licensed & Insured Operators

Are You Ready For Shark Diving?

There are a couple of ways to “take the plunge” , if you’re not sure exactly what you want, contact us below and we’ll gladly advise you, or browse to an overnight package or day trip of your choice and book live and in real time . In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life.

Popular Combo Packages

We arrange either day trips, overnight and combo packages or longer tours including all the most popular shark diving destinations. These are our favourites.

Gansbaai Packages

Combine Shark Diving with:

• Fatbike Dune Tour
• Boat Based Whale Watching
• Land Based Whale Watching
• Horse riding on the beach
• Crocodile Cage Diving
• E-bike tours
• World Class Beaches

Sardine Run Packages

Join in the hunt for the  2019 Sardine Run  action along  South Africa’s Wild Coast , we are offering 3 & 5 day packages.

Why Book With Us?

Best service assured.

Our mission is to offer you the best experience possible so you go away with life-long memories of our beautiful sharks!

On Site Office

We are in Gansbaai overlooking the ocean, so we know which boat is having success and where the sharks are located.

Price Match Guarantee

Should you receive a better price please contact us and we will offer the same price relative to service and quality experience.

About Shark Cage Diving

Shark cage diving in Cape Town and Gansbaai and Great White Shark Cage Diving in Mossel Bay , South Africa is the number 1 for most on their bucket list! This is one of the greatest experiences that you will ever experience being only inches away from a Great White Shark protected by a steel cage.

Shark Bookings has a selection of the best shark dive trips in the world. Easy to browse and book we specialise in giving you the dream dive with your preferred shark.

Since 2017 the Great White Sharks along the cape have been impacted by the appearance of 2 male juvenile Orcas hunting them. Many White Sharks have been killed and when the roaming Orcas pass through the area the Great White Sharks quickly relocate and move from the area. We have seen a huge decline in White Sharks in the historical hotspots along the coast in Cape Town, Gansbaai and Mossel Bay. Mossel Bay however is still seeing White Sharks but are not here all of the time so it is best to book (No Pre-payment taken, we only guarantee places on the boat with guarantee using a credit card. The card is not debited when booking to allow you to cancel within 24 hours before the day should the sightings be poor. In Cape Town and Gansbaai we are enjoying diving with many Bronze Whaler sharks which are large up to 3.5m long and very active around the boats and cages. People are loving diving with this beautiful species. 

What was the best place in the world for the shark cage diving is Gansbaai at Shark Alley which is a channel of water between two Islands Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, 4 miles offshore from Kleinbaai. This has seen a decline in White shark populations as well as at Seal Island in Cape Town in False Bay from Simons Town . Fish heads, Pilchards, Anchovy oil and other fish products are used to entice the sharks to the boat to encounter these beautiful sharks.

The Sharks are already in the area and the crew on the boat work hard to attract the sharks and keep them interested in the boat and the divers in the cage rather than looking for prey. 

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• South Africa Shark Cage Diving: 10 Things to Know Before You Go 

by Nichole | Last updated Jul 26, 2024 | Best Snorkeling Africa , Bucket List , South Africa

There are only a handful of places in the world that allow you top to participate in this adrenaline-pumping adventure. South Africa is one of them. Do you think you have the stomach for staring eye to eye with a 15-foot, 4,000-pound fish? Honestly, I was 50/50 whether I was actually going to do the South Africa shark cage diving once I got on the boat. But, I am happy to say I did it and survived to tell you about it! Thankfully, I kept all of my fingers and toes. 

Read on to find out the 10 things you need to know before doing this epic experience, which is #5 on my ultimate couples bucket list .

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

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South Africa Shark Cage Diving Video

01- differences between the 3 dive sites, 02- how to pick the best cage diving site, marine dynamics, apex shark expeditions, great white shark tours, 03- three booking tips, #1- book when you are within a week of your trip, #2- be flexible, #3- book towards the beginning of your trip, 04- best shark cage diving tour, #1- multiple chances in the cage, #2- one of the best reputations, #3- owner brian mcfarlane, #4- super friendly & helpful staff -, 05- no cage required to see the sharks, 06- what to expect from a cage dive, 4:30 am: pick up, 8 am: arrival + safety briefing, 9 am: load up on the boat, 10 am: dive 1, 12 pm: dive 2, 12:45 pm: back to the harbor, 2:30 pm: drive back to cape town, 07- shark cage diving is “relatively safe”, 08- no snorkeling/ scuba experience required, 09- know what to bring & wear, warm fleecy top, windproof jacket, nonslip shoes, looser fitted pants, travel size shampoo + conditioner, polarized sunglasses, 10- great white shark sightings are decreasing, #1 south african demersal shark longline fishery (dsl), final thoughts on south africa shark cage diving, related content .

What does it feel like bobbing up and down in a shark cage waiting for that thrilling moment when a great white shark graces you with its presence as it swims by the cage?

Check out our video below.

YouTube video of our shark cage diving experience

• SEAL ISLAND, FALSE BAY
• DYER ISLAND, GANSBAAI
• SEAL ISLAND, MOSSEL BAY

Distance from Cape Tow n: 45 minutes

Dive operators : 3 companies operate

Highly rated dive operators : Apex Shark Expeditions, Africa Shark Eco-Charters (this company offers scuba gear using a hookah system so you do not have to mouth breath the whole time)

Best time to go shark cage diving (depends on the shark):   May-August but recently mid June/July has been the best chance to see great white sharks (may see breaching). Breaching is when a great white shark swims at high speeds and launches out of the air to catch fast-moving prey like a seal. South Africa is one of the few places in the world to witness this event. 

You can see seven gill cow sharks year-round.

November-March is the best time to see mako and blue sharks

Distance from Cape Town : 2 1/2 hours

Dive operators : 8 companies operate

Highly rated dive operators : Marine Dynamics, Great White Shark Tours, White Shark Diving Company, White Shark Projects 

Best time to go shark cage diving : You can go year-round, but June-September has better water visibility and a higher chance of seeing quite a number of great white sharks (although huge storms can occur during this time).

Gansbaai is known as the shark capital of the world. Why? Because of Dyer Island (home to many South African penguins) and Geyser Rock (home to 60,000 Cape fur seals). The channel between these two islands is known as Shark Alley , where the great white sharks enjoy their drive-through meal. 

Distance from Cape Town : 4 hours 15 minutes (not feasible to do as a day trip from Cape Town but it would be convenient if you are already doing the Garden Route)

Dive operators : 1 company operates

Highly rated dive operator : White Shark Africa

Best time to go shark cage diving : June-September

Mossel Bay tends to have calmer and warmer seas than False Bay and Dyer Island since it sits in a protected bay. Great for those who tend to get seasick! The dive site is only 10 minutes from the shore.

Great white shark breaching in South Africa

Which location is best? False Bay? Gansbaai? Mossel Bay? 

Pick your location based on which area is having more GREAT WHITE SHARK SIGHTINGS during the time of your trip to maximize your chances of seeing one.  

How do you know who is getting more great white shark sightings?

By reading some of the dive operators’ blogs! 

I would highly suggest reading the following blogs to get a sense of which location is getting more sightings around the time of your trip:

This highly rated and reputable shark cage dive company provides comprehensive daily reports on Gansbaii shark sightings.

This well-regarded company reports on shark sightings in all 3 locations (Gansbaai, False Bay, and Mossel Bay), but it does not report every day.

They did not have a blog at the time we went, but now they are providing one that gives reports on their great white shark sightings in Gansbaai. 

Which location did we pick?

Gansbaai! Why?

Because the blogs we read were showing they were getting almost daily sightings of the great white sharks in Gansbaai.

Apex Shark Expeditions, however, said they had not seen a great white shark since 2019 in False Bay.

Mossel Bay was just too far for us to drive since we were not doing the Garden Route on this trip.

Only do this though AS LONG AS THE COMPANIES SHOW PLENTY OF AVAILABILITY .

Most of the dive operators’ booking systems will show how many available slots are left. That way you can continue to check the blogs for sightings right up until your trip to figure out which location you want. Plus, then you can try to pick the “better” weather day by checking the forecast.

Set aside several days for possible shark cage diving in case they cancel due to bad weather. Consider letting the company know you are willing to change the day if a “better” weather day comes up than the one you picked. Rocking seas are no joke.

If you book towards the beginning of your trip, you still have options if they have to bump you to another day.

There are several highly-rated shark cage diving companies in False Bay, Dyer Island, and Mossel Bay that are highly recommended.

I’ve listed several of these companies earlier in this article under the differences between the diving sites .

Most people will say Marine Dynamics is the best, but we picked GREAT WHITE SHARK TOURS for several reasons:

More cage time = more of a chance of seeing a great white. I could have gone in three times but chose to go in twice. It is freezing!

If you read the TripAdvisor reviews on Marine Dynamics, you go in once and if you are lucky, maybe a second time.

At the time of writing this article, Great White Shark Tours has almost 2,000 reviews with a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor.

The owner, Brian McFarlane, is a well-known professional diver and skipper and has a wealth of experience working with great white sharks. Although he is semi-retired now, he is personally involved with daily operations.

On the website, he states he believes that “every tourist who dives is entitled to have a great white shark swim past him or her an acceptable number of times, even though this means that the average trip length may be longer than other operators.”

I can vouch for this statement firsthand. As we were out at sea, we saw other diving vessels come and go. Not us.

Of course, great white shark sightings are unpredictable, but the staff really tries hard to make sure you get to see a great white shark.

They help you suit up, get in and out of the cage safely, answer all questions, provide snacks and commentary, etc. Very professional and friendly!

Great White Shark Tours Boat “Apex Predator”

Shark cage on back of boat fits 8 people

Expert Divemaster

Master Chummer

The only other factor I would consider when you are selecting a company is if you prefer to do a shark cage dive using scuba gear.

At the time we went, I was only aware of Africa Shark Eco-Charters offering this option. They operate out of False Bay. Since False Bay was not seeing great white sharks when we went, I ruled them out.

After doing research for this article, I found out the highly rated White Shark Diving Company offers a Shark Cage Hookah Dive with only 12 people per dive on select days.

This allows divers to stay underwater without scuba tanks. I’ll be honest, constantly going up and down in the water does get tiring and you may miss some quick shark action.

Some say the bubbles from the scuba gear scare away the sharks, but I could not find any evidence to back this claim. The next time I go, I would like to try the shark cage dive using the scuba gear and hookah system to see if it makes a difference in your experience. 

We had a few people who did not go in the shark cage and instead took pictures of the sharks as they poked their heads above the surface.

There is an upper-level viewing platform to watch and take photos from.

Pictures from the surface can be pretty incredible, especially when the sharks breach the surface and flash their toothy grin as they try to take the bait or nibble on the fake seal decoy.

The visibility in the cage is pretty poor, only about 1-2 meters.

It is still spectacular to see these magnificent creatures while in the water, but the sharks have to be close to the cage for you to see them.

Great white shark seen breaching from the surface

Upper level viewing platform

Bronze whaler seen from the surface trying to catch the bait

The tour in Gansbaai can start anywhere from 6 am – 12 pm depending on the weather.

I received an email the day before our trip notifying me the pickup time was 5 am the next day.

Hearing my alarm go off at 4:30 am was painful.

However, the excitement of possibly coming eye-to-eye with a great white shark allowed me to peel myself from the warmth of my bed.

Our van arrived promptly at 5 am at our hotel, the highly-rated Derwent House . We picked up a few more passengers along the way and then began the 2.5-hour journey to the shark capital of the world, Gansbaai.   

Once we arrived, we were provided a light continental breakfast.

TRAVEL TIP : Don’t drink too much at breakfast. It’s near impossible to try to go to the bathroom on the boat when you have a wetsuit on. Also, wear your bathing suit before arrival. It just makes it easier.

After a safety briefing, we were loaded up on the boat by 9 am.

The boat takes up to 40 people.

It was cozy but never felt too crowded. They provide you with big windproof jackets, which were lifesavers. It is cold and super windy! 

So glad we were provided these jackets!

About 20 minutes later, we set up anchor, and the shark cage was unloaded and securely fastened to the boat.

The crew started their chumming process. They helped us get into our wetsuits, which was no easy feat to wiggle into.

There is a watertight container to put all your belongings in to keep them dry. Then we anxiously awaited to see if our toothier swimmers would arrive. 

It can take minutes to hours (or not at all) for the sharks to show up.

Luckily, the feisty bronze whalers also known as copper sharks arrived within minutes of getting the shark cage set up.

The crew lured the sharks to the cage using bait tied to a rope or by using a fake seal decoy. I NEVER once saw the sharks being fed.

Seal decoy to attract the sharks

We were in the second group to go into the shark cage.

As we waited, I got some great shots from the surface of the bronze whaler sharks getting close to the cage. 

Is it illegal to chum the water for sharks?

Chumming is legal (with regulations) in most parts of the world, but there is debate if it is ethical.

Sharks tend to be shy. To encourage them to come near the cage, the companies throw out bloody fish parts as bait, which is known as chumming.

This practice is used by tourism operators, fishermen, scientists, and videographers. Chumming does not attract sharks from great distances; it only concentrates on those that are close according to Dr. Robert Hueter, Director of the Center for Shark Research in Florida.

A lot of times these fish parts are tied to a rope, which is then pulled toward the shark cage.

The goal is to attract the shark BUT not to feed them. Occasionally the shark will be quick enough to consume the bait. 

Fish bait used to attract the sharks (but never feeding them)

Bronze whaler shark trying to catch the bait

Each person in our group had 3 opportunities to get into the 12 mm galvanized steel mesh cage.

Eight could enter the 13.7 feet (length) x 3.2 feet (width) cage at a time. That may seem like a lot of people, but once you are in the cage everyone spaces out nicely.

I went twice.

The water is freezing! I could not get my teeth to stop chattering, but the thought of possibly seeing a great white shark overrides your discomfort with the freezing sea temperature. 

View from inside the shark cage

I had the pleasure of seeing multiple bronze whaler sharks swimming around the cage on my first cage dive, but no great white sharks.

The visibility is poor, but the bronze whaler sharks will come right up to the cage, so there’s no missing them.

The cage felt very sturdy. They close the lid after everyone is in. There are two bars inside the cage: one for your hands to hold on to and one to rest your feet on. 

Bar to rest your hands on

Bar to rest your feet on

The cage bobs about a foot above the water, which allows plenty of room to take breaths in between popping your head in the water to see the sharks up close. 

Eye to eye with a bronze whaler shark

Bronze whaler shark almost catching the bait

Great mouth shot of a bronze whaler shark

Bronze whaler shark getting close

Nose shot of bronze whaler shark

Then it happened!

A great white shark was spotted hanging out by a nearby diving vessel because of a lone seal swimming around the boat.

Luckily, the seal swam towards us, and the shark followed in hot pursuit.

We jumped in the cage for dive #2.

Seal swimming for his life from a great white shark in South Africa

Trying to attract a great white shark with a seal decoy in South Africa

When the crew knows the shark is very near, they yell “down! down! down!”

With your hands and feet resting on steel bars within the cage, you hold your breath and poke your head down in the water.

There it was!

A massive great white shark !

The video I shot was only a few seconds, but I’ll take it. The photos below are screenshots from the GoPro footage I took. I came eye to eye with this magnificent creature I have been fascinated with for years.

So exhilarating.

Beautiful great white shark right next to the shark cage in South Africa. Visibility is not great, but spectacular nonetheless.

Great white shark coming in to view

Wow, the girth of this magnificent creature is massive!

He was not too interested in us today … still trying to find his seal

And he is gone.

I climbed out of the cage grinning ear to ear. My initial fear turned to great respect for this top ocean predator.

After drying off with the towel they provide, we then had the challenge of getting out of the wetsuits and into dry clothes while the boat sped off back to the harbor.

Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the trip. The round boat trip to/from the harbor was close to  4 hours.

After a hot shower plus some lunch at the company’s headquarters at the harbor, I was a happy lady. 

Then it was nap time as we made our 2 1/2 hour trip back to Cape Town.

We arrived back in Cape Town around 5 pm.

It is advised not to plan anything else the day you are doing the shark cage diving tour because they cannot guarantee a start or finish time.

This was the only night we did not make dinner reservations in Cape Town since we did not want to risk being late because of the shark cage diving tour.

We are big foodies, and since Thali required no reservations, this was the perfect restaurant to check out on the day we did the great white shark tour.

A free video of your trip is included if you book online. FYI, the video quality was not that great, and there was no underwater footage. Bring a GoPro !!!

There is always a risk; you are putting yourself in a steel cage and coming eye to eye with a 4,000-pound fish.

I do believe though you can minimize your risk by selecting a reputable responsible tour operator that practices in an eco-friendly manner such as no feeding of the sharks, no bait bags on the cage, etc.

It is also important to note companies have to qualify for a shark dive permit to operate.

This permit is issued by the South African Government’s Department of Environmental Affairs (D.E.A.) and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (D.A.F.F.).

This permit shows the dive operator has complied with a strict set of rules, ensured their staff is properly trained and qualified, and has proven the safety of their boat and equipment.

I researched extensively and found a total of 5 SHARK CAGE DIVING INCIDENTS from around the world.

There was a famous incident that occurred off Guadalupe Island, Mexico in October 2016. You can easily find it on YouTube.

A great white shark did not slow down after she grabbed on to the bait and crashed into the side of the cage. The shark broke the window area of the shark cage and was able to enter the cage.

Luckily, the one diver present thought quickly and slipped out the escape window of the cage until the shark got out. Then he went back in the cage and exited.

No harm was done to the diver, and the great white shark did not have any serious injuries. 

Another incident occurred off Guadalupe Island right around the same time as Incident 1 where a great white shark was lured to a submerged shark cage. The shark then got stuck inside the cage.

As it thrashed around, it cut off the air hoses of the divers inside. The divers were not harmed due to the quick thinking of a divemaster who turned the emergency air valve on.

Unfortunately, the great white shark later died from its injuries. The dive company was in violation of the rules because they had anchored a chum bag to the shark cage.

Cage diving operators are more cautious now and have reinforced the cages and enforced a wider no-bait area around the cages when operating. No bait is allowed on or near the cage. The feeding of sharks is strictly prohibited. 

SOUTH AFRICA

In 2005, a great white shark rammed a shark diving cage shortly after a diver entered the cage. It then bit one of the buoys that helped to keep the cage afloat, which caused it to sink.

The captain tried to distract the great white shark by hitting it with an iron pole. However, the diving company reported that the tourist exaggerated the event that took place. Luckily, the diver was able to be pulled from the cage without harm.

In 2008, 2 Americans and 1 Norwegian drowned after a freak wave capsized a shark cage diving boat as they were waiting to get the cage in the water. There were no sharks in the immediate vicinity at that time.

In 2013, a great white shark ignored the bait and instead swam right towards the shark cage. It squeezed its head through the bars of the shark cage and thrashed around right next to several divers. No one was harmed.

By the way, I have never paid for travel insurance prior to this trip.

Since my husband and I decided to do some higher-risk activities such as swimming in Devil’s Pool in Zambia, sleeping in an open treehouse in the African bush,  and shark cage diving with great white sharks, we purchased it (you know, just in case).

We picked the Explorer Plan offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance.

For $291.82, the plan gave us peace of mind for 2 weeks of travel in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

INTERESTING FACT: 

Which country has the most recorded shark attacks from 1580 to the present?

Not Australia.

Not South Africa.

It’s the United States .

You are breath-holding . No snorkeling or scuba diving experience is required.

Even the dive companies who offer the hookah system scuba dive do not require prior experience.

I love Athleta for super comfortable athleisure wear like my crewneck sweatshirt . Perfect for when you are trying to warm up after the cold cage dive.

You are on a boat. The floor can get wet. Wear shoes with a little grip. I brought my trail runners .

I wish I had brought my beanie ! It was freezing especially when we came out of the water.

I wore spandex athletic capris which were nearly impossible to put back on after I got out of the water. Don’t do what I did. My Athleta joggers would have worked perfectly since they slide up and down easily.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You are going to want to capture it. Bring a GoPro , which is my favorite underwater camera ! The company gives you a free video, but it does NOT capture any in-the-cage or underwater footage.

Great for water activities.

It is well known the number of great white shark sightings started to significantly decrease in South Africa starting in 2015.

There are two theories on why this is occurring.

Some blame the DSL.  

This fishery lays down a baited fish line on the ocean floor and targets smaller shark species, which make up part of the great white shark’s diet. 

The bulk of these smaller sharks then get exported to Australia and are served unknowingly to the public as “ flake and chips .”

Flake is supposed to be made from the sustainable gummy shark that is from Australia and New Zealand, but due to the illegal shark trade mislabeling often occurs.

Orcas feed on great white sharks.

At least 8 great white sharks were killed in 2017 near Gansbaai, South Africa, with missing livers and torn pectoral fins.

Most recently this same pair of orcas nicknamed Port and Starboard killed a whopping 19 sharks in one day in South Africa. 

Orcas love shark livers , which are rich and fatty! Their liver can make up a quarter of its total body weight.

If a great white shark knows orcas are in the area, they will avoid that area for up to a year! Wow, one of the most fearsome predators of the ocean is scared to death of the killer whale.

This was our second shark cage diving experience.

Our first shark adventure was in Hawaii in 2009 on our honeymoon. We went shark cage diving with Galapagos sharks.

Since then, we have been snorkeling with nurse sharks in Belize and blacktip reef sharks at Le Meridien and the Outrigger in the Maldives.

Incredibly fun, but coming up close to a great white shark was on a whole different level.

It was both exhilarating and scary. I have a new respect for these powerful creatures. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss out.

If you are looking for more fun things to do on your South Africa trip , don’t miss my 2-week itinerary below:   

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Questions about our South Africa shark cage diving experience?

Let me know in the comments below!

Hi, Great article. What date was your cage dive? Thanks

Thanks for reaching out. We went in September 2019.

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Call: +27 82 559 6858

Certification of Excellence:

WHITE SHARK DIVING COMPANY

Premium shark cage diving operator, shark cage diving tour, destination: gansbaai, duration: 1 day, price: r2,500 - winter special - r1875 - save r625 per person.

Non-divers: R2,200

Local, family & group rates available on request

Children: R1,500

Transport: R750 pp from Cape Town and close surrounds (Round trip)

🌊Experience the thrill of winter with White Shark Diving Co's extraordinary "Hello Winter" Special! 🦈 Dive into the invigorating, icy waters of Gansbaai and witness the majesty of sharks at a remarkable 25% discount – now only R1875! Don't miss this limited-time opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure and save R625 per person. Valid for tours booked and attended from 1 May - 31 August 2024 ❄️🦈 

Recent shark sightings have mainly featured an abundance of beautiful schooling Bronze Whaler Sharks, averaging 3-3.5 meters. The last Great White Shark sighting was in December 2023. Great Whites are critically endangered in South Africa, with fewer than a few hundred individuals remaining. Gansbaai offers unique viewing opportunities, but sightings are unpredictable. Encountering a Great White is a privilege, not guaranteed. Your support aids in research and protection efforts.

Competitive private charter rates provided on request. Private charters include the use of our onboard air supply system at no extra cost – enjoy uninterrupted views of sharks and other marine life in the blissful privacy of an exclusive private charter shark cage diving experience.

E-mail us  with your enquiry.

Booking your tour with us is easy! We offer two options for your convenience. You can book and pay now using our live availability system with a secure payment gateway. Or, you can use our book and pay later option by filling out a pre-authorization form that requires valid credit card details to secure your spaces. Payment will only be taken on the day of your dive or the day before your tour via a secure payment link.

Please discuss your preferred payment method with our reservations team who are ready and waiting to help you secure this once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventure.

Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai trip and transport times

WSDC operates 1 to 3 cage diving trips per day, with trip meeting times ranging from early morning to midday.

White Shark Diving Company limits the number of passengers on board each trip for a personalized, exclusive experience with increased shark diving time in the cage.

The duration of the Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai excursion from your time of arrival at our premises to your time of departure is approximately four and a half hours. The time spent at sea from launch to return to the harbour is approximately 2 – 3 hours, and the exact dive/cage time as well as the number of dive sessions differ from day to day, depending on shark activity and sea conditions. When making your booking, please ensure that you have the full day available for this excursion as we cannot guarantee start or finish times in advance.

Travel time from Cape Town is roughly 2.5 hours.

If you opt to make use of our transport service, collection times will be confirmed on the day prior to your trip.

*Exact times vary due to seasons, tides, sea and weather conditions, number of daily trips, shark activity, etc.

The final/24-hour weather and sea report will be reviewed on the day prior to the dive and the trip time schedule and subsequent transport pick-up times will be advised via e-mail on the day before the dive.

Please note

Additional information about our shark cage diving excursion.

• We lower the floating cage into the water and secure it to the side of the boat. We then issue wetsuits and equipment to our guests. Our videographer and Marine Expert captures all the excitement on video once the diving and shark activity begins. The captain is authorized to make any changes to on board trip activities based on safety measures and shark activity.
• Shark activity takes place on and just below sea level. No scuba gear or diving certification is required as the free-floating cage is attached to the side of the boat and guests use a simple breath-holding technique for effective underwater viewing as sharks pass the cage.
• Kindly bring your own towel as we are deeply committed to all conservation efforts during the current water crisis and will have minimal towels available.
• Video footage of your trip available for purchase.
• Alternative meal options for passengers with specific dietary requirements, by prior arrangement only.
• We generally have shark sightings through the year, however, please bear in mind that sightings of wild animals can never be guaranteed. In the unfortunate event that no sharks were sighted during your trip,  we do not offer refunds  but, we will provide you with a non-transferable voucher (valid for two years) allowing you to join us for another trip free of charge on a date of your choice (dependent on availability).

Round-trip transport

• From Cape Town or close surrounds in our air-conditioned vehicles with free WiFi
• Private vehicles/road transfers or helicopter transfers are available on request.

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Wow Just wow! Our original tour with a different company was cancelled due to bad weather but this experience was simply superb! The crew were all lovely and we saw so many sharks it was simply incredible.

Worth the Trip! Amazing experience! I was traveling with a family member with mobility issues and they were extremely accommodating. Tash, Tian and Jeff were all awesome and would gladly go again! We saw some 24 sharks and even whales on the trip, was a highlight experience

Best Experience! Amazing, professional, dedicated. Great team, who really sent the extra mile to ensure the best experience for all onboard. Highly recommended.

The experience was amazing. The staff knew their stuff. Lots of sharks. And service and food was above expectations. ???????????? From pick up to dive to drop back everything went smoothly. Was able to see heaps of sharks. And staff and crew were very helpful. Definitely would recommend for anyone who wants to see some sharks.

Safe and Secure! Super! That was an awesome experience! Make sure to get sea sickness medicine if you are weak for that… Safe and secure diving!

Birthday with the sharks. What a lovely way to celebrate my birthday! I was pleasant surprised by how well fed we were. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. We felt safe at all times and we even got the opportunity to purchase an awesome video of the experience to as a keepsake. Definitely recommend this!

Shark Cage Dive. Amazing experience. Still felt safe. All the crew and team were very nice and welcoming. Highly recommended.

Great Experience! I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion just 2 hours outside Cape Town. Clint, our driver and excursion ambassador, exceeded expectations. His punctuality, friendliness, and detailed explanations heightened the overall experience. The shark cage diving, with a quick check-in, light breakfast, and insightful briefing, offered a fantastic encounter with bronze sharks. We even had two opportunities in the shark cage. Returning to shore, a delightful lunch awaited.!

Great Experience! It was a blast!!! We saw many sharks up close! We joined the combo tour with whale watching as well, both boat trips encountered so many wildlife. Staff is professional, smooth experience. Shuttle service is also arranged seamlessly. Our driver Shaheen is a big plus! A very nice guy and took good care of us. I would recommend this company to all of my friends!

Unbelievable day! What an incredible experience. 3.30am pick up from cape town to get there for 6am. Our driver Clint was so chill and informative. Perfect conditions for the shark diving the guys were so experienced and knew exactly where to go. Then we had a 3 hour wait until the whale watching but Clint took us to the penguin sanctuary and afrikanos where we had lunch and done a alligator tour to fill in the time. Again whale watching was amazing, the driver knew his stuff, we saw so much activity. Then to the drive back where we dozed off after a long and fantastic day! One of the highlights of our trip to cape town can’t recommend enough. Cheers to everyone.

Absolutely brilliant! A must see and do!! Today we had our shark diving adventure with white shark diving company, it was the first day of our honeymoon and we were picked up at 3:30, so prepare yourselves for an early start! We arrived to breakfast laid out for us to help ourselves to, we met all the team and crew and were given a health and safety demonstration, it is so clear to see all of the staffs passion for the marine life that they work with! The boat ride out was fast and fun and not once did we not feel safe. We arrived at the diving point and were given all of the gear we needed (definitely bring with you an underwater camera or filming gear) after only minutes there were a good amount of sharks circling the boat and they put the cage out ready for us. The dive was INCREDIBLE! We saw copper sharks today with the biggest being 3.2metres! They were such beautiful animals and it was a genuine pleasure to be able to see them in their natural habitat.

PERSONALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM WITH SHARKS in Gansbaai! From the time I was picked up at my hotel in Cape Town to when I was dropped off, I was impressed by the personality and professionalism of the crew of White Shark Diving Company. The booking staff answered all the questions I had prior to booking. And every communication I received informed me that the last time a white shark had been observed. The driver Shaheen was friendly and open to questions and conversation about South Africa. Mrs. Mary had nice breakfast waiting for us when we arrived and had nice hot lasagna waiting for us after we returned from the cols waters of Shark Alley. Each of boat crew were great in their roles.

Simply amazing!!! I went with my wife and my 2-year-old son. We were very well received by the team. During the trip my son remained asleep but when he woke up he was welcomed by the boat captain. The experience of diving and seeing the sharks was incredible! After the tour we were served lunch which was very tasty. We recommend the White Shark company to everyone!

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Cape Town Day Tour: Shark Cage Diving (full day)

1 days, cape town to cape town.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

This full-day tour is sure to leave you breathless. Head to the fishing town of Gansbaai and learn all about Great White Sharks from some of the foremost experts on shark cage diving in this region. Take in your surroundings, marvel at the sharks, and opt to get face-to-face with these incredible animals during your tour.

Cape Town to Cape Town

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Day Tours

Age requirement: 7+.

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 1

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Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Places visited

• South Africa

Day 1 Cape Town

Duration: 9-10 hours

Meeting Point: You will be picked up at the hotel you are staying in. The exact time will be confirmed the night before. Please make sure that we have a valid contact number for you on file so that the company can reach you to confirm the pick up time.

Finish Point: You will be dropped back off at your hotel.

Take your Cape Town experience to the next level with this adrenaline pumping shark cage diving experience. Enjoy breakfast and included transfers from your Cape Town hotel to view the great white sharks in Gansbaai, South Africa. Learn from some of the area’s foremost experts on these massive creatures while being taught about the conservation and ethical practices of shark cage diving. Then it’s bombs away as you can opt to get up close and personal with a great white on this once-in-a-lifetime activity.

Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers. Packing essentials: Swimsuit/bathing costume, change of warm clothes, camera, sunscreen, hat, motion sickness medicine—if you are prone to it.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meals included:, what's included.

• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Shark Cage Diving, Cape Town
• Full-day shark cage diving excursion
• Return transfer to and from Cape Town hotel
• Breakfast and lunch in Gansbaai
• Diving gear with snorkel only

1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Transportation

Supplier van

Staff & experts

Professional English Speaking Local Guide

SHARK DIVING

Shark Dive Tours

Unbaited shark diving up close and personal • Mozambique Flying Great White Sharks • South Africa Flying Great White Sharks & Safari in Kruger in South Africa --> Great White Shark Cage Diving • Farallon Islands, USA • Guadalupe, Mexico • Gansbaai, South Africa • Seal Island - False Bay, South Africa • South Australia Hammerheads • Cocos Islands • Galapagos Islands • Socorro Islands • Tahiti Tiger Sharks & Other Sharks • Alaska: Salmon Shark Snorkeling • Alaska: Sleeper Shark Diving Trip • Cuba: Gardens of the Queen • Fiji • Mexico: Mako and Blue Shark Expedition • Mexico: Silky Shark Aggregation Expedition • South Africa: Reef/Wreck & Shark Safari • South Africa: Sardine Run with Sharks

DIVE DESTINATIONS

Africa Africa -->    • Madagascar    • Malawi    • Mozambique    • São Tomé and Príncipe    • South Africa    • St Helena Island    • Tanzania Atlantic Ocean    • Portugal Caribbean    • Costa Rica    • Cuba    • Dominica    • Dominican Republic Central & Western Pacific    • Australia    • Fiji    • French Polynesia - Tahiti    • Micronesia    • Papua New Guinea    • Philippines    • Solomons    • Tonga    • Vanuatu Eastern Pacific    • Cocos Islands    • Galapagos    • Guadalupe    • Malpelo Island    • Mexico    • Socorro Indian Ocean    • Indonesia    • Malaysia    • Maldives    • Seychelles      • Alphonse Island    • Sri Lanka    • Timor-Leste Others    • Arctic & Antarctica Djibouti -->    • Red Sea - Egypt - Sudan Sharks, Whales, etc    • Sardine Run    • Shark Diving        • Mozambique        • South Africa        • South Australia        • Farallon Islands, USA        • Guadalupe, Mexico    • Whale Watching

ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS

Africa    • Active Africa    • Ethiopia    • Morocco Asia    • India    • Myanmar in Focus South America    • Argentina    • Brazil    • Chile    • Ecuador    • Guyana & Suriname    • Peru Others    • Italy    • New Zealand

Home > Diving South Africa > South Africa Dive Tours

Flying Great White Sharks

Seal island - false bay, cape town, south africa.

Seal Island, False Bay is unquestionably one of the world's famous great natural history locations and the first choice for any serious shark enthusiast wanting more than just an adrenalin rush.

It is the only place on earth where on many days you will have the chance to see multiple predatory events (hunting behaviour). Witnessing a one ton shark flying out of the water in pursuit of an agile and formidable prey, the Cape Fur seal is truly a spectacle to behold.

Twenty five minutes boat ride from Simon's Town, Seal Island is a vibrant breeding colony and home to 64 000 Cape Fur seals as well as various sea birds including Cape & Bank Comorant and Jackass Penguins.

Having witnessed more than 6000 predatory events in the last 16 years at the island, we have a considerable respect and field knowledge for both predator and prey. Our emphasis is to make sure we do our best to put the wildlife first and whilst you will be close enough to get a great viewing opportunity we will not push the limits to interfere with the event.

Whilst the primary emphasis is on natural predation and breaching you will also have the opportunity to do a cage dive should conditions.

Great White Shark Trip - 5 to 10 day Packages

If you are a serious shark lover and it is a life's dream to experience the great white shark the best way to do this is to book a longer stay.

Not only will this allow for bad weather but it will also give you the most opportunities to see all the different shark behaviour.

The high season for great white sharks at Seal Island, False Bay is from June thru September. We tailor packages to suit your requirements and these packages can be taken from February to September.

Our trips are limited to 12 people only with 60% of all trips being hosted by world renowned Chris & Monique Fallows who offer an intimate and educational encounter.

Also available:

• Flying Great White Sharks - One Day Tour
• AIRJAWS Shark Breaching Trip

For more information Contact: Dive Discovery @ 1 800 886-7321 (415) 444-5100 or Request Info

DIVE DISCOVERY 655 Irwin St Suite B #1030, San Rafael, CA 94901 phone: 1-800-886-7321, (415) 444-5100 Email Us | Site Map

© Dive Discovery

• [email protected]
• + 27 79 051 8558
• + 27 21 786 5717

TRIP STATUS

Great white false bay morning trip, south africa, great white morning trips at false bay.

Imagine a one-ton Great white shark patrolling the depths, eyeing the surface, quickening its pace to track its prey; perfectly camouflaged, rising through the waters of False Bay, at forty-five degrees then vertical, flicking its powerful caudal fin to erupt from the ocean before your very eyes; the water exploding like a depth charge, its jaws agape, body pirouetting mid-air as the chase between hunter and hunted unfolds. Believe it – it can happen! The Cape fur seal bounces clear, escaping by inches. Both gladiators crash back to the water, and, through the ocean spray, the seal scrambles to the back of the shark’s head – the position of immediate safety – fighting for its life, but the duel has only just begun; the shark twisting and turning, snapping and biting, churning the surface as the battle reaches its climax. Watching a Great white shark breach on one of our great white False Bay morning trips on a seal at Seal Island is unforgettable, and, as humans, we tend to choose sides. Who will you root for?

The Great white shark morning tours are an amazing experience, offering you a chance to not only observe breaching Great white sharks, but to also cage dive. The afternoon trips are incredible too, again with exceptional opportunities to observe these wonderful animals as their behaviour changes and they move closer toward Seal Island. We also offer Shark cage diving Gansbaai and  kelp forest cape town .

• Location Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town
• Meeting The first launch meets from 06h30 onwards The meeting times are subject to change based on weather and sightings. The exact time will be confirmed with you the afternoon before your trip
• Transfers Door to door transfers arranged upon request
• Duration Half day trips – 3 to 4 hours at sea
• Guest Numbers 12 guests maximum
• Surface Cage 4 – 5 guests
• Diving We use breath – hold or snorkel. No Experience needed for either method. Air for certified divers upon request
• Age Restrictions 8 years old to board and 10 years to cage dive
• Water Temperature 53 – 68 ºF-Don’t worry! Our wetsuit will keep you toasty warm
• Water Visibility 7 – 65 feet
• Videographer No
• Includes Light breakfast, tea/coffee, light lunch, snacks and refreshments Dive gear Towel Educational book

We’ll arrive early at Seal Island as this is the optimum time to view the sharks actively hunting the Cape Fur seals. Our data indicates that half an hour before sunrise to one and a half hours after sunrise is the best time to witness this natural event. The early bird catches the worm and this most certainly applies at Seal Island.

• You’ll meet our experienced shark cage diving crew at the Apex Shark Expeditions centre. After a light breakfast of home-baked delicious croissants, you’ll board White Pointer 11 where your skipper and captain will brief you on safety and weather for the day.
• Thereafter we’ll head out to the famous Seal Island in False Bay which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride based on sea and weather conditions. In this time, the crew will brief you on the fascinating predatory behaviour of the sharks and this will help you to identify any predations in progress as the boat arrives in the vicinity of Seal Island.
• The hunting behaviour can go on for an hour or two or much less. It depends on many factors including the light on the day, currents, wind and the animals themselves of course.
• Once the hunting quietens down and based on what the weather is doing, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel. The shark cage is then deployed, where it floats tied next to our vessel.
• Once a shark approaches our boat, bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and cage diving purposes. The data that is collected is used for conservation of the Great white shark and contributes to the scientific white papers that can be found on our site.
• At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled and all efforts are made to prevent the sharks from coming into contact with our vessel. We operate to our own very strict code of ethics and we will in no way endanger or hurt an animal.
• Shark cage diving safety precautions and operational procedures are briefed to the cage divers. It is important to know Great white sharks come very close to the boat, and are surface feeders and therefore it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. Those not wishing to dive will still have incredible views of the Great white shark. At times the views from the shark boat far outweigh the views from the shark cage.
• A tasty light lunch of gourmet sandwiches (including a vegetarian option) and fresh fruit, accompanied by fruit juice, mineral water and a variety of indulgent snacks are available throughout the course of the morning. Relax and enjoy the day as we take care of you.
• After an unforgettable experience, White Pointer II will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour. The duration of the trip is between 3 – 4 hours depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.
• Tea and coffee are available at our Shark centre in Simon’s Town. Take this opportunity to browse through our unique range of shark-related merchandise. If you would like to freshen up, we can arrange cash showers offsite. Let us know when making your booking.

White Pointer II is the name of our 32 ft. catamaran. This boat was specifically built for the purpose of working, viewing and diving with Great white sharks in the waters of the Western Cape. She complies with all safety requirements and Great white shark permit conditions. She carries all the necessary safety equipment and is certified on an annual basis by SAMSA, the authority responsible for maritime safety in South Africa. We are committed to achieving and maintaining a high standard of health and safety both on land and at sea. We will always strive to set the standards of a safe boat-based operation, going beyond our legal obligations to manage any potential risks effectively and provide a safe environment for all involved.

• She takes a maximum of 12 guests on board, the smallest trips in the industry
• Built with photography in mind, the vessel allows guests 360 degree walk-around opportunities, as well as a fly bridge for alternate angles
• The upper viewing deck comfortably accommodates 6 guests
• She is powered by two 250 HP, 4-stroke Honda engines. These match a quiet, stable ride with speed and fuel efficiency thereby saving on our carbon footprint
• She boasts a fully enclosed wrap-around cabin. The curved windscreens offer superb visibility from inside the cabin and the cushioned seats offer comfort
• Flush toilet
• Dry storage lockers

Hygiene and Safety

• Our boat surfaces and frequently touched areas are sanitized before you board the vessel, as well as during and after every excursion
• Hand sanitizer is conveniently positioned aboard
• All items utilized by you on board will be appropriately sanitized and cleaned during excursions
• Handling of any necessary equipment on board will be carried out by the skipper and crew and not by our guests
• The crew are registered tour guides trained in first aid, fire – fighting and are subjected to stringent monthly safety drills
• Safety equipment includes life jackets, first aid kit, radio and cellular phone

Shark Cage Diving – the Safe Way

Our shark cage is constructed with galvanized steel and certified by a registered engineer. Further to this the South African cage-diving industry is regulated by a code of conduct and regulations from Marine and Coastal Management DEAT – Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Our equipment meets all the required safety standards and the experience of our crew ensure that you’re in good hands.

No experience is required to shark cage dive. We use the breath-hold technique as visibility can be limited and eyeball time with the animals’ underwater usually only lasts a few seconds at a time.  Our experienced and professional crew will give you direction to ensure maximum shark viewing whilst cage diving. A hookah scuba system is available for certified divers upon request. Please indicate when making your booking.

Boat Based Viewing

If you don’t want to get wet, the boat based viewing is excellent as many of the sharks swim at the surface. Our surface viewing deck offers 360 degrees view and our enclosed cabin offers cover and protection from the elements.  As the boat based viewing is equal if not better than the cage dive viewing, divers and non-divers pay the same price for the shark trip.

• Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are disinfected, rinsed in fresh water and dried before every use.
• Each guest will receive equipment that has been thoroughly disinfected and rinsed
• Upon removal of wetsuits, booties, gloves, masks and snorkels, all items are immediately put into a disinfectant solution
• Each piece of equipment is only used once per day
• Guests are not allowed to share any equipment or towels that belong to Apex Shark Expeditions.

Safety First

• All shark cage diving is done under the supervision of an experienced crew who have first aid & oxygen management, scuba & commercial skippers’ qualifications and have expert knowledge of the behaviour of sharks around the cage
• The cage is designed to float, leaving a free board of about 30cm (about one foot). The cage is solidly attached to the side of the boat by two thick ropes that prevent the cage from drifting away and equipped with several independent flotation devices which keep it buoyant
• Our cage has been designed to ensure there are no sharp edges on which a shark can injure itself in the event one should touch the cage accidentally
• The shark cage we use is a surface cage. It is not a submersible shark cage. Our crews are close to cage at all times and will ensure any guest in distress is quickly and safely removed from the cage.
• You may end your shark cage dive at any time as we operate surface cages only. Your head is never more than half a meter below the surface and you can decide when and how long you want to stay underwater
• Specially designed doors ensure ease of access for divers. Getting into the cage is as simple as stepping off the boat
• Our cage comfortably accommodates a GoPro camera and is equipped with steel hand and foot bars inside offering grip and stability when filming

Yes. The lid is closed once you are safely in the cage however it is easily opened either by yourself or the crew

We advise donning your bathing suit under your clothes when getting dressed for your trip. A second skin may add extra warmth for the guests who are prone to the cold. Wetsuits and all other dive gear will be provided.

We prefer not to use scuba equipment which produces a lot of noise and bubbles under the water. This often keeps the sharks from coming close. You will have a better chance of seeing the sharks if we can communicate the direction the sharks are coming from, especially when the water visibility is poor. However, if you prefer using scuba equipment and you are a qualified scuba diver, we will provide you with a regulator to dive in the cage once everyone else has had their dive.

This depends on the number of guests on the trip who wish to go into the cage. Your first cage dive will be relatively short, just long enough for you to see a shark. Once everyone has had a chance to see the sharks from the cage, you can then return for a second dive, time allowing. You should get 20 – 30 minutes in the cage

The best time of year for Great White Sharks at Seal Island, False Bay departing Simon’s Town was traditionally mid- June to mid-August.

Historically mid- June to July was the peak season for heightened levels of predation.  As winter rolled in the seal colony blossoms, the sharks began to change their behaviour and began actively hunting Cape fur seal pups. These months were the best to view natural predation and breaching events.

Over the last 5 years the sightings in all the great white shark hotspots in South Africa have become increasingly unpredictable and sporadic. This is largely due to overfishing and increased Orca activity, leaving this species critically endangered. The good news is there were a few great white shark sightings in Cape Town recently, however we are yet to have a sighting around the boat. Currently, we and any other operator cannot confidently offer a great white shark tour.

We are operating half day shark tours and cage diving with other shark species in Cape Town. All the species we focus on are large, powerful, and active predators sure to give you an incredible once in a lifetime experience.

We have been enjoying sightings of the bronze whaler shark (growing to 3.5 meters) close to Seal Island in False Bay. These large predatory sharks are generally very interactive, coming close to cages and are very inquisitive. The trips these past months and years have been equally successful and guest feedback on dives with these other species has been outstanding. 

As such you will have an excellent chance to see sharks on any dive you do with us as well as a whole host of other spectacular large marine megafauna. Whales, dolphins, and many species of sea birds are often encountered on this adventurous expedition. As we adopt an eco-system style of operating our trips, going to sea with Apex is like going on a safari game drive and we will try to take in as much marine wildlife as possible on our trips.  As trips are based on natural events every trip is different and sightings are not guaranteed.

• Guided Great White Shark Cage Diving Tour Our qualified shark cage diving guides are especially trained for this very experience you are about to book. They are passionate and eager to share their knowledge with you, of not only the sharks, but all the marine wildlife you will encounter on your shark tour.
• Educational Booklet You will receive a beautiful illustrated educational eBook (or hard copy) on the marine life you may encounter on your shark tour from the apex predators in the ocean to the sea birds above.
• Light Meals Lunch consists of fresh fruit, delicious home baked quiches, gourmet sandwiches including chicken with pecan nuts amongst others. We will include a vegetarian option upon request. To quench that adventurous thirst, fruit juice and mineral water are on tap with a variety of snacks that are more on the indulgent side. All food is hygienically prepared and individually packaged using natural recyclable materials that are environmentally friendly.
• Dive Gear We guarantee a clean dry wetsuit for every guest of Apex Shark Expeditions. Each guest will receive dive equipment and a wetsuit that has been thoroughly disinfected and rinsed with fresh water and dried before use. Every piece of squeaky clean dive equipment will be used by one guest only per day. They say sharing is caring but we’ll leave that to Barney.
• Towels We do provide clean, dry towels however it is our goal is to reduce the consumption of natural resources in laundry and therefore we ask where possible, to provide your own towel. We pride ourselves on offering sustainable eco-friendly marine tourism and adventure with conservation, research and education taking place on every shark cage diving tour we are fortunate to operate.
• Dress in layers as it can get very chilly at sea. We advise a warm weather jacket, sneakers or closed shoes, a beanie and a hat/cap.
• Polarized sunglasses – these really help to block the glare thereby increasing sightings of the sharks from the boat. They also provide protection from harmful UV rays.
• If you are prone to the cold. a rash vest will help with extra insulation
• Water bottle
• Lip-ice and Sunscreen SPF 50 – the African sun is beautiful but harsh
• Camera of course! GoPro’s are great for stills and video and are easy to handle in the shark cage. Bring an extra SD card. You’re going to need it!
• For those with poor eyesight, we advise wearing contact lens whilst cage diving with sharks. If you own a prescription mask, please bring it with you.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend Sturgeo n  or Dramamine. Take one the night before your trip and another an hour before the meet time.
• For your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend that you do not over indulge in alcohol the night before as this may result in being very sea sick the next day.

At Apex Shark Expeditions, we strive to offer the best, most professional and sustainable shark cage diving and ecotourism experience in the world from the moment you make contact with us to long after your experience with us is done. We strive to give you an unforgettable experience rather than just a trip!

40% of all Apex Shark Expeditions guests are repeat guests.

Our small group size of 12 guests only, allows us to provide a superior one on one personal service to you, our guest that is unrivalled in the shark cage diving industry.

The Best Shark Cage Diving in South Africa!

You have the power to make a difference when selecting your shark diving operator. Apex Shark Expeditions fights the fight for the Conservation of the Great White Shark.

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site. It rewards top performing hospitality businesses with a Certificate of Excellence. Now in its eighth year, the award celebrates exceptional hospitality and is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on the site.

APEX SHARK EXPEDITIONS HAS WON THIS AWARD NINE YEARS IN A ROW.

The award is the result of consistently great reviews from the people that matter the most — our guests.

WHY CHOOSE US

Wildlife Sightings Cannot Be Guaranteed.

We Will However, Give You Realistic Expectations before Making A Booking.

The First Choice Shark Cage Diving Operator For:

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Tuesday 27 June 2023

Next trip 28 June 11h45

*Trip status updated daily at 16h00 SAST

The Shark Diving Trip

Overview of our shark cage diving trip.

• The shark cage diving boat trip starts between 6h00 and 12h00 in the morning from Kleinbaai harbour, depending on the tides and the weather.
• A trip normally takes between 3 -4 hours, depending on the shark activity.
• PLEASE NOTE: Times may vary due to the tides and expected sea conditions.
• The person making the booking will be notified either by text message to the mobile number or email address provided when making the booking, between 17:00 - 18:00 the day before your dive, about the time you must meet at our crew house.
• After a continental breakfast (no greasy foods which will result in possible seasickness), payments can be made in either cash or VISA/MASTERCARD  and indemnities signed.
• We will give a full safety briefing on land during which you will be informed of the route, the boat, and the possible marine wildlife you might encounter during the trip.
• After a 2 minute walk to the harbour, you will board our custom-built vessel,  Apex Predator
• We will then launch to Dyer Island, Joubert's Dam or an anchor spot chosen at the discretion of the skipper based on current sightings and weather conditions.
• The round boat trip to and from the harbour normally takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the shark activity.
• After dropping anchor, we begin attracting great whites  with a specially - formulated ‘Chum’ mixture, made from completely legal ingredients, which has taken Brian McFarlane years to perfect and is a highly-guarded trade secret. Although the exceptional conditions the shark cage diving industry has experienced lately, our crew is known for their patience and skill to attract sharks!
• MANDATE AGAINST THE USE OF SHARK PRODUCTS – Great White Shark Tours do not at any stage feed the sharks nor use any part of a shark product in their ‘secret chum mixture’ and have signed a mandate to this effect.
• Once the great white sharks arrive, you will have the opportunity to photograph these apex predators in their natural environment searching for the food source on the surface, next to the boat. At this stage, you will enter into a shark cage - for most divers, it is a dream come true!
• We recommend that you book well in advance and allow at least 2 days for diving in case of adverse weather conditions. Passengers are exposed to the open sea while travelling to and from the chosen anchor spots which might be the 2 islands, Dyer Ialsnd & Geyser Rock.  Once at the island, the boat is anchored off the lee sides and protected bays.
• Tourists are exposed to the open sea and we, therefore, provide jackets for protection against the elements while travelling.
• The vinyl side curtains give additional protection from the wind and sea spray.
• In Shark Alley, the boat will be anchored off the lee sides and protected bays.

Safety with Great White Shark Tours

• Safety briefings are given and passengers must pay attention. For your own safety, the skippers' instructions must be obeyed at all times.
• We have a 23+ -year unblemished safety record
• We hold a $500million policy covering us for negligence whilst you are on the boat or in the cage.
• Great White Shark Tours is a licensed operator. There are only 8 licensed shark cage diving operators. Be aware of GHOST OPERATORS who are not authorized to operate in this industry.
• A certificate with substantial shark info will be handed to each participant on completion of the trip.  View PDF
• Great white sharks are surface feeders and can be seen and photographed from the boat.
• Our cage, manufactured of 12mm galvanized steel, is of the floating type and is attached to the boat at all times.
• The divers are no more than half a meter below the surface.
• Two highly skilled Dive Masters and a Level Three Medic with O² Management supervise all the dives.
•  The boat has two qualified skippers on board.
• The boat and operations are monitored by SAMSA ( South African Marine Safety Association), MCM ( Marine & Coastal Management)
• This ensures that our guests experience the most spectacular Great White Shark viewing and diving in complete safety.

The Boat – Apex Predator

• Apex Predator, Brian McFarlane’s latest modern hi-tech custom-built catamaran is the envy of every boating enthusiast. The vessel is fitted with a spacious cabin and sheltered seating, a dive platform, separate toilet. It is sleek, fast and comfortable. The boat can take as many as 40 passengers per trip, but you will never feel crowded.
• Apex Predator is inspected annually by the Department of Marine & Coastal Management. Our boat and entire operation have been diligently scrutinized by the controlling bodies of the South African Government and have been awarded one of only 8 permits available in this part of Africa to take you down to see these giants.
• A new galvanized steel cage was recently put into service and is routinely inspected and certified by a qualified engineer.
• Our friendly and experienced qualified divemasters will help you at each step of the dive.

The Shark Cage Dive Procedure

• No experience is required if you want to go down in the cage.
• It is breath-holding and going under the water for no more than half a meter.
• Sometimes the water will be extremely rough or far too murky to use the cage. However, viewing from the boat is still an awesome experience, with excellent photo opportunities.
• The cage is of the floating-variety type and is custom-built to the highest quality standard with 12mm galvanized steel mesh. The sharks cannot get inside.   Our viewing gap is now 230mm.
• The cage is 4.2 meters long and can hold 8 divers at a time
• The cage is attached with ropes to the boat at all times.
• All diving equipment is supplied. All of our 7mm wetsuits are in good condition, leak-free and easy to put on and take off.
• Every diver will be provided with a dry, clean wetsuit.
• We also supply dry towels after the dive.
• The cage is attached to the boat at all times and is easy to access, so you can climb out at any time.
• In the event of negligence, we are covered by a policy up to $500million.

When is the best shark viewing season?

• 1) sharks are more plentiful,
• 2) visibility is generally superior to the summer months,
• 3) the temperature of the water is normally higher due to North Westerly winds.
• Great White Sharks are not always resident in 'Shark Alley' but we search for them in surrounding areas.
• Shark sightings are better in winter as there are more sharks in around because the water temperature is warmer and there is no algae bloom during this time.

 Shark Alley - The famous great white shark island

• Dyer Island lies 5 miles (8 km) offshore, near the village of Gansbaai is home to the endangered African Penguin and various migrating birds.
• Nearby, Geyser Rock supports a colony of 60,000 Cape Fur Seals….these guys are the reason the Great White Sharks move to this area.
• Shark Alley is the channel between 2 islands,  Dyer Island and Geyser Rock and is protected from the worst of the Southern Atlantic’s weather…this is where we normally anchor our boat, Apex Predator.
• The islands and Shark Alley itself are teeming with life. Cape Fur Seals, Jackass Penguins, and a wide variety of sea birds are commonly seen from the boat. From July to November, Southern Right Whales are spotted almost every day as well! Dolphins very often swim next to the boat.
• As per Lonely Planet’s 2011 BEST IN TRAVEL: The best places to go and things to do all around the world right now: No 1 Best Underwater Experiences Diving with Great Whites, Gansbaai, South Africa.

Passenger requirements and equipment

• If you are prone to motion sickness we recommend that you contact a pharmacist prior to the trip and acquire the necessary medication which should be taken prior to the trip.
• Pregnant women should consult their physician prior to their trip.
• You do not require any previous diving experience or qualifications. You hold your breath and view the white sharks swimming past you. You simply hold your breath and go underwater for a few seconds.
• We do not use air; it is believed that the bubbles keep the sharks away from the cage.
• Surface viewing of the Great White Sharks is just as spectacular as the great white cage diving, as sharks are surface feeders and can be observed closely and photographed from the boat.
• All diving equipment such as wetsuits, booties, masks, wet weather-protective jackets and clean dry towels are provided and are included in the tour price.
• On return to our crew house, a hot shower is available at no charge.
• Warm clothing including a change of underwear, a cap, sunblock, a camera & film is essential items for the trip.
• A variety of fresh bread rolls, water, cool drinks, fruit & other snacks are provided onboard. Please help yourself.
• If you book ONLINE, you will receive this video link FREE OF CHARGE.

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Information

Contact details.

No. 8 Swart Street, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai, South Africa <

GPS: 34° 36'52"S - 19º 21'18"E

Phone: +27 (0) 28 384 1418

Mobile: +27 (0) 83 300 2138

E-Mail:   brian@sharkcagediving

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10 Best Things To Do In The Coastal City Of Durban, South Africa

T he typical tourist visiting South Africa has an itinerary that looks something like this: Fly into Johannesburg, head to Kruger for a safari, and then head to Cape Town for some wining and dining. While that’s got the makings of a fantastic trip, it does mean most visitors miss out on Durban, the third-largest city in the country. Often overlooked in favor of Cape Town or Johannesburg, Durban is quite possibly South Africa’s best-kept city secret.

Joburg may be trendy and Cape Town may be glamorous, but Durban is cool. Best known for its beaches and Afro-Indian culture, Durban has plenty to see and do. An hour by plane from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Cape Town, Durban is a great place to visit year-round thanks to its fantastic weather. So, if you are planning a trip to South Africa, make sure to add Durban to your itinerary.

Let’s delve a little deeper into Durban and discover some of the best things to see and do.

1. The Golden Mile

Probably the best place to start is the Golden Mile, which takes its name from a series of golden sandy beaches that stretch for 3.7 miles along the edge of the city’s business district. The paved promenade is the perfect place to walk, run, cycle, skateboard, or do a segway tour. The sandy beaches are a massive playground; take a dip in the blue Indian Ocean, stroll along the beach, try your hand at a sandcastle, or relax and work on that tan. This is probably the safest surfing spot in South Africa; hundreds of surfers take to the water here every day and there are shark nets and lifeguards year-round. Even if you’re not a surfer, this is a great place to watch the action.

Too hot for a stroll? Then “take the back seat” in a Zulu rickshaw. A century ago, more than 2,000 of them crowded Durban’s streets and docks. Now, only about 20 registered pullers remain, all wearing beaded headdresses and pulling similarly decorated rides.

The Golden Mile is also home to uShaka Marine World and Moses Mabhida Stadium (more about them below). You can take care of any souvenir shopping at the Amphitheatre Flea Market, held every Sunday at the beachfront.

2. uShaka Marine World

At one end of the Golden Mile is The Point, overlooking the mouth of Durban’s harbor. Once infamous for its gangsters and dockside prostitutes, The Point is now home to high-end condos. The main attraction here is uShaka Marine World — a water park, the largest aquarium in the country, and one of the most popular attractions in Durban. The highlight of a uShaka visit is the Ocean Walk experience, when you get to walk across the bottom of the Open Ocean Exhibit and observe all sorts of marine life, including several species of shark, tons of sardines, and rays. You can actually do more than just watch; uShaka also offers several snorkeling and scuba-diving activities. And if you fancy a bite, book a table at The Cargo Hold and you’ll be dining underwater!

3. Moses Mabhida Stadium

At the other end of the Golden Mile is the city’s sports complex, dominated by the Moses Mabhida Stadium built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium is now used for a number of events, including concerts, cricket, football, golf practice, motorsports, and rugby games. If there’s no match on, it’s worth climbing the 500 steps, or riding the Sky Car to the top of the arch that stretches over the field, giving you unrivaled 360-degree views out over the coast and the city. Looking for an adrenaline high? Jump into the void 347 feet above the pitch and swing out in a huge 720-foot arc under the iconic arch; this is the world’s highest rope swing. It’s also the only stadium swing in the world and is even open for children under 18 (as long as they weigh over 90 pounds), should you have an adventurous teenager in tow.

4. Durban Botanic Gardens

The oldest surviving botanical gardens in Africa, founded in 1849, the Durban Botanic Gardens provides a captivating insight into the flora of the region. The property also has some captivating smaller gardens, like the breathtaking Orchid House, the award-winning Sensory Garden, the tea garden, and the herbarium. There’s an impressive collection of living fossil plants — pre-dinosaur cycads — known to have existed for more than 250 million years and now at risk of extinction. The gardens are also home to more than 50 species of resident birds. The gardens regularly host musical concerts, exhibitions, and an indigenous plant fair every September. Entry to the gardens is free and paid guided tours are available.

5. KwaMuhle Museum

The KwaMuhle Museum documents Durban’s urban growth as well as celebrating the efforts of those who fought to end apartheid. It’s a great place to learn more about the history of the city. The museum is housed in the former Native Affairs Department building, an infamous place responsible for enforcing apartheid legislation. Exhibits include photographs, documents, and video testimonials of township life, black migration, the apartheid years, and the contributions made by people responsible for the city’s development. It is one of four museums in Durban that tells the story of the city’s past. The other three are the Old House Museum, the Port Natal Maritime Museum, and the Old Court House Museum.

6. Florida Road

Florida Road used to be an elephant trail to the marsh that is now Durban’s Greyville Racecourse. Known for its well-preserved, 100-year-old Victorian and Edwardian buildings, today, this is one of Durban’s trendiest areas. Lined with cafés, cocktail bars, designer boutique stores, galleries, and eateries, the street comes alive after the sunset with locals and tourists who come to eat, shop, and enjoy Durban’s endless summer. Art lovers can enjoy the African Art Centre , Elizabeth Gordon Gallery , and the Artisan Contemporary Gallery. This is also one of the best places in the city to taste “bunny chow,” a staple Indian-Durban dish made from a loaf of bread that’s hollowed out and filled with curry.

7. Muthi Market

The muthi (traditional Zulu medicine) market in central Durban is an outdoor network of stalls stocked with everything from herbs to animal carcasses. Inyanga (traditional healers) offer lotions, potions, medicines, and other treatments for various ailments. You can purchase “ingredients” like snake skins, crocodile teeth, plants, bird claws, powders, talismans, and more. This tour is definitely not for everyone — the carcasses can be gory and the smells pungent — but it’s an interesting way to learn about Zulu culture and the world of traditional African healing. It’s best to go with a guide, as many vendors are not fluent in English. Street Scene is one tour company that offers visits here.

8. Indian Quarter

Durban has a large Indian community and lots of Indian heritage. It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in Durban is explore its Indian Quarter. Encompassing Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque (the largest in the southern hemisphere), Durban’s Indian Quarter is a multicultural mix of sights, sounds, and exotic aromas. Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and Somali vendors haggle along the narrow pavements, selling spices, saris, incense, intricate handmade jewelry, embroidered fabrics, beaded sandals, and more. Savvy shoppers will get some bargains here and the restaurants boast some of the most authentic Indian cuisine in Durban — make sure to sample the tasty street food.

9. Inanda Township And Heritage Trail

About 20 minutes northwest of Durban is the Inanda Valley, a densely populated semi-rural settlement that played a large role in shaping the history of South Africa. This is where Mahatma Gandhi came up with his passive-resistance philosophy in 1904. It’s also where one of South Africa’s oldest girls’ schools — the Inanda Seminary — was founded by American missionaries in 1869. President of the African National Congress, Dr. John Dube, was born here in 1871 and Nelson Mandela cast his vote here in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. If you are not self-driving, join a tour like the one offered by African Angel .

10. Umhlanga Rocks

Ten miles north of Durban is Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umshlanga), a popular, upscale resort town where water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are just some of the activities on offer.

There are long golden beaches and a terrific promenade for runs and walks. The Umhlanga Pier has been called one of the most beautiful in the world, with “whale bones” forming a ribcage over the walkway, colorful mosaics, grates where you can watch the water underfoot, and a lovely viewing platform at the end. One of the nicest sights in the area, particularly at sunset, is the lighthouse, which you can spot on a walk along the beach or from the terrace at the Oyster Box Hotel — one of South Africa’s best spots for a sundowner. The Oyster Box is also renowned for its curry buffet, where you can choose from at least 11 curries, including the traditional Durban lamb curry and red-hot beef vindaloo, as well as naans and homemade chutneys.

Thanks to safety nets, shark attacks at Durban’s beaches are rare. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board maintains the nets that protect the city’s beaches and, while you are in Umhlanga, it’s possible to book an early morning boat ride with the crew that maintains them. It’s rare to see a shark around the nets, but for those that really want a Jaws moment in their lives, there are public shark dissections at the Board’s visitor center.

Pro Tip: A useful resource for your Durban travels is to download the Durban Walking Tour – South Africa’s Melting Pot audio tour guide. It allows you to play and pause as you wish and provides a day or two of entertainment for less than $5. The guide includes maps and directions, as well as insider tips and photos. It’s like having an expert guide in your pocket, who’s available 24/7 on your schedule!

Related Reading:

• 9 Best Things To Do In Johannesburg, South Africa
• 6 Best Places To Stay In Johannesburg, South Africa
• Why The Most Luxurious Train In Africa Should Be On Your Travel List

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits