Great White Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai | Western Cape | South Africa

Click here to book your Great White Shark Diving trip through Marebella

Shark Cage Diving with Great White Shark Tours: Marebella supports Brian McFarlane's Great White Shark Tours as we value their highly experienced and professionally run shark diving trips. They are highly recommended and with our good relationship we are able to arrange your seat on the boat at prices at least the same and sometimes better than you would pay anywhere else. Viewing Season for the Great Whites in 'Shark Alley' is all year round. The best time to view sharks is from June to September. The high season corresponds to the South African winter and trips are weather dependent, so you may want to allow for a few additional days in the area incase you need to wait for good weather.

The trip begins from Kleinbaai harbour, which is two km along the coast from the village of Gansbaai. Here you board the boat Apex Predator for the five mile voyage to Dyer Island. After dropping anchor, they begin attracting Great Whites with a specially-formulated “Chum” mixture, made from completely legal ingredients, which has taken Brian years to perfect, and is a highly-guarded trade secret. Sharks are seen on 99.9% of their trips!

Once the Great Whites arrive, you will have the opportunity to photograph these awe-inspiring animals at the surface, right alongside the boat. If you have got the guts … this is when you enter the cage!

It is recommended that you book well in advance and allow at least two days diving in case of adverse weather conditions. Passengers are exposed to the open sea while traveling to and from the islands. At the islands the boat is anchored off the lee sides and protected bays. The boat usually leaves the docks at ten in the morning, and returns at three in the afternoon.

It is recommended that you book well in advance and allow at least two days diving in case of adverse weather conditions. Passengers are exposed to the open sea while traveling to and from the islands. At the islands the boat is anchored off the lee sides and protected bays. The boat usually leaves the docks at 10 in the morning, and returns at three in the afternoon.

The Boat, Apex Predator, Brian's new (2007) hi-tech custom-built catamaran is the envy of every boating enthusiast. Fitted with a spacious cabin and sheltered seating, dive platform, toilet and wash basin. It is sleek, fast and comfortable. Apex Predator is inspected by the Department of Transport annually. The boat and the entire operation have been diligently scrutinised by the controlling bodies of the South African government and have been awarded one of only eight licenses available in this part of Africa to take you down to see these giants.

Only snorkeling experience is required if you want to go down in the cage. Sometimes the water will be extremely rough or far too murky to use the cage, viewing from the boat is still an awesome experience, with excellent photo opportunities. The cage is of the floating-variety and is custom-made with 12mm galvanised steel mesh. The sharks cannot get inside, and they don't try. The air is fed from the boat, so you don't have to worry about a tank strapped to your back. All diving equipment is supplied. All of our wetsuits are new and leak-free... just like their boat. The cage floats right next to the boat, so you can climb out at any time if you get scared and want to call your Mummy.

Passenger Requirements & Equipment: Cage diving does not require a scuba certification. Minimal snorkeling experience is all you need to go down in the cage. Everyone is welcome for surface viewing of the White Sharks as they are surface feeders and can be observed closely from the boat. All diving equipment is supplied free of charge, including towels. Warm clothing, a cap, sun block, camera & film are essential items for the trip. A light lunch, cool drinks, fruit & other snacks will be provided on board.

Shark Cage Diving with Marine Dynamics: Marine Dynamics have a smaller boat and therefore carry less passengers. Photography and film making: Marine Dynamics are particularly sensitive to the needs of serious underwater photographers and film makers, their crew is familiar with special requirements and always prepared to help get that special shot or footage. They supply diving equipment however, serious photographers and filmmakers usually bring their own drysuits. Marine Dynamics was chosen by: National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, Granada Films, Amos Nachoum, Tom Campbell, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Steve Irwin, Charles Maxwell, Doug Perrine, Erich Ritter, David Doubilet, Peter Benchley, Klaus Jost, Rob Torelli, Jeff Rottman, Thomas Behrend, Nigel Marvin, Rodney Fox, Kurt Amsler, Jeff Kurr (Shark Productions), Stuart & Michelle Westmorland (Time Magazine), Peter Cook, ZDF Films, Peter Schoons, Steve Lichtag, Jim Watt & Oktupus.

Marine Dynamics staff will meet you in the Marine Room at the Great White House in Kleinbaai before your trip. Every trip is preceded by a brief introductory talk about the route and what to look to out for. Passengers are fitted with comfortable inflatable life-jackets. Safety is of the utmost importance. They usually launch around 9:00 am in the morning (note that launching times may vary due to tide and weather conditions), arriving at the anchoring spot in 20 to 25 minutes. The anchor is lowered, the cage goes into the water and a scent trial is made. Final preparations for the diving are made, and the rest of the day is spent watching, diving and enjoying the day.

After spending time with the sharks, you make your way to Dyer Island - depending on the tide and sea conditions. At Dyer Island they can approach close enough to view African penguins, Cape cormorants and many other species. They also often spot giant petrels, Cape gannets, whitechinned petrels and storm petrels. Neighbouring Dyer Island is Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. The stretch of water between the two islands is Shark Alley. They visit Shark Alley to view the seals. The colony is thriving and there is always lots of activity, especially around November time when the tiny pups are born. After about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the day, you head back to land. Should you wish to return to shore earlier, a transfer can be arranged.

Included in the price: snacks and soft drinks, required diving equipment such as wetsuits, weight belts and masks, waterproof/windproof jackets and towels. You should bring: warm clothing as it is cooler at sea than on land, sunscreen & cap/hat. Please use anti-seasick medication well in advance if you are prone to motion sickness.

Great white shark viewing is better at certain times of the year. When dealing with wild animals every day is different and even in low season it is possible to have amazing shark sightings. Boat trips are dependent on weather conditions and it is advisable to have more than one day set aside for shark viewing. Serious shark enthusiasts and photographers/videographers should book for a few boat trips. Best sightings are May to September. The chances of seeing sharks are 90% or more. During winter stormy weather is a fact of life, and this can prevent them from going out to sea. December to March is considered the "low" season. Sightings can vary daily from very good to below average. With wildlife there are no guarantees.

The cage is made out of a 25 mm galvanised mild steel frame and covered with 10 mm galvanised mild steel security mesh. It has no sharp edges on which a shark can injure itself. The cage is secured to the side of the boat. Buoys keep the top of the cage above the water surface. The cage can accommodate 5 divers at a time. The sharks do not try and attack the cages or try to bite the divers inside the cage. They do sometimes bite the cages in an exploratory manner, and sometimes also have a good look at the divers inside the cage. It is not in the nature of the shark to attack the cage or the diver inside.

Click here to book your Great White Shark Diving trip through Marebella