Shark Cage Diving South Africa

SIMONSTOWN

African Shark Eco-Charters is a shark diving company based in Simon’s Town. Simon’s Town is in False Bay, Cape Town. We are privileged to host a variety of sharks, from the Great White shark, the Blue and the Mako shark, the Broadnose Sevengilled Cow Sharks to the glossy Bronze Whaler shark. We have also encountered Hammerhead sharks on our dives. 

False Bay is known for Great White sharks to breach in pursuit of Cape Fur Seals. This phenomenon is also called ” AIRJAWS”. This is incredible to witness. Great White Shark season is generally from April to September, with June, July and August being peak season. However, Great White Shark sightings are not guaranteed, and you may encounter other sharks during that time of the year.

We dive at two locations in False Bay-Seal Island and Cape Point. The location will be determined the day before your trip, depending on the shark activity, and the ocean and wind conditions. 

We offer two trips a day to Seal Island, a morning and an afternoon trip. The Seal Island trips are roughly 4.5 hours long, whilst the Cape Point trips are around 5.5 hours. The Cape Point cage diving trips are beautiful trips, as you get to see Cape Point from a different angle, and it provides stunning photo opportunities, so definitely bring your camera along. 

For shark diving, we use the hookah (compressed air) method, and thus no diving qualifications are needed. However, should you wish to, you are also welcome to snorkel in the shark cage. You may also get a birds-eye-view of the sharks from the viewing platform of the boat if you do not wish to cage dive. Snacks and cool drinks are offered onboard.

 Simon’s Town is a quaint town in Cape Town and is home to Simon’s Towns naval base, South Africa’s largest naval base. It is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, only one hour’s drive from Cape Town. For more than two centuries it has been a naval base and harbour. 

There are plenty of things to do in Simon’s Town. You can go kayaking, visit Seal Island, water biking, SUPPING, hiking, shark cage diving, whale watching, and a must-do is to visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, and further on to Cape Point nature reserve. Simon’s Town also has some excellent accommodation and restaurants.

Mossel Bay is well known as a Great White Shark hot spot. It is currently the best place to view Great white sharks. Mossel Bay is situated on the picturesque Garden Route, which is about 5 hours from Cape Town.

 For the trip itself, it is a short boat ride to Seal Island (Robbe Eiland), where shark cage diving takes place. Trips are roughly 4 hours long. No diving qualifications are needed.

Mossel Bay is on the garden route and is about five hours from Cape Town. Mossel Bay is situated on the N2 approximately halfway between the coastal cities of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. We offer shuttle transfers from Cape Town, or you can take a short flight there. Mossel Bay is known for its abundance of Great White Sharks. For adrenaline activities, you can choose from surfing, shark cage diving, skydiving, helicopter rides, scuba, or deep-sea fishing. You can also go sandboarding, quad biking, horse riding, mountain biking, hiking or a safari that might interest you. There are also a few wine farms to go to for lunch and do some wine tasting.

Gansbaai is a fishing town, known for its sharks and whale watching. There are numerous shark diving operators in Gansbaai, and it can be confusing regarding which operator to go cage diving with. We can assist you with your booking as we know the ins and outs of the various shark diving operations, as well as who we feel are eco-sensitive, and so we will book your shark cage diving tour in South Africa with a reputable shark cage diving company.

Shark cage diving in Gansbaai (a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Cape Town), is done in a narrow channel called Shark Alley, which is the open stretch of water between Dyer Island and nearby Geyser Rock. Dyer Island is home to about 50 000 Cape Fur Seals, and so it provides the perfect opportunity for the Great White Sharks to hunt for their prey.

Gansbaai does not experience shark seasons as such and generally have a very high success rate when it comes to shark activity. They have been diving with Bronze Whaler Sharks recently as Great White sharks have not been spotted for a while. Orcas have also been seen in the area.

There are generally two trips a day, however, trips are subject to daily weather and sea conditions and start times will vary accordingly.

Gansbaai is a popular tourist destination, with lovely unspoilt beaches. It is also close to Hermanus, which is a very popular town to visit. Hermanus has numerous wine farms. These wine farms have incredibility good wine and a day spent on a wine tour is a must-do. Hermanus also offers whale watching, kayaking, beautiful beaches, cliff walks, the Fernkloof nature reserve, good restaurants, and excellent accommodation. It really is worth a visit.

The newest spot for Great White shark cage diving in South Africa is Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. 

This is a full day’s outing, starting at 7 am and ending at 5 pm. They launch from Port Elizabeth harbour and go to Black Rocks at Bird Island. It is a three-hour boat ride. 

Algoa Bay is known for its abundant marine life, and you will often see migratory Humpback Whales, hammerhead sharks, schools of Bottlenose dolphins and the biggest breeding colony of African penguins at St Croix. It also hosts the largest colony of Cape Gannets. Black Rocks at Bird Island is where there is a seal colony, and where they will anchor up and look for great white sharks. 

The shark cage is a 3 man cage, and they use the breath held method. As this is a full-day tour, it is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years old. To book your tour, you need to be available for a period of 3 days from which they will choose the best weather day to take you on your marine adventure.

Things to do in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

• Addo Elephant park game safari
• Whale watching trips
• Guided Game Drive at Kragga Kamma Game Park
• Bungy jump from the Bloukraans Bridge
• Visit Amakhala Game Reserve

• A towel
• Your bathing suit/swimming costume
• Comfortable shoes & clothes (warm jacket, warm clothes)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cap or beanie
• Camera/GoPro

Shark operators have a very high success rate, but they are working with wild animals. Please be aware of this, so you do not arrive with unrealistic expectations. Shark sightings and activity are never guaranteed and even during peak season, there may be days when the sightings are lower than expected.

All great white shark cage diving companies in South Africa are licenced operators. The industry is regulated and the operators adhere to strict safety measures. Boats are inspected every two years, and their shark cage has to be tested by an engineer. Shark cage diving companies also have to have public liability insurance. The capacity of the boats is from 12-40 persons on a boat, depending on the shark diving company.

The cost of shark cage diving in South Africa starts from around R1900 per person to R3400 per person, depending on the area and the season you book.

Book now to enjoy a shark cage diving experience in South Africa.

Please Note:

We have a very high success rate, but we are working with wild animals. Please be aware of this, so you do not arrive with unrealistic expectations. Shark sightings and activity are never guaranteed and even during peak season, there may be days when the sightings are lower than expected.

All our crew are highly qualified and have spent years working on boats and with sharks.

So why not tick shark cage diving Cape Town off your bucket list and come and join us for the best shark cage diving experience in South Africa.