gansbaai shark tours

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

Come dive 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 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 great white 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. 

The shark cage diving in Gansbaai is an awesome experience from both above and below the surface. Getting up close to this apex predator leaves you feeling exhilarated to say the least! Book your shark diving trip with us , and get to know the Great White Shark a bit better.

DISCLAIMER – latest sightings (Apr ’24)

• Some bronze whaler (copper) shark action
• Sevengill (cow) sharks
• * MOST RECENT sighting of a great whites next to our boat was on 2 August 2023

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

We are committed to being a responsible and eco-friendly operation that offers small, exclusive White 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.

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 great white sharks and copper sharks. 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: +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.

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)

🌊Easter Dive Extravaganza – Shark Cage Magic! 🐰🦈Dive into an ocean of excitement this Easter with our unbeatable Shark Cage Diving Special! 🌟 For a limited time, save R300 per person – pay only R2200 for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Valid for March & April 2024 tours. Book your spot now and make this Easter egg-stra special! 🐾🦈 

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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Latest Articles

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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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Welcome to White Shark Ventures

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

SHARK CAGE DIVING - GANSBAAI

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BIG 5 MARINE EXPERIENCE

Shark cage diving in Cape Town, South Africa

Gansbaai & False Bay permit holders

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We aim at educating young and old!

We guarantee a shark expert on each of our tours.

An extraordinary diving experience!

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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

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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.

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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.

What can I expect to see on my shark diving trip? We are fortunate to encounter sporadic great white sharks, copper sharks and even stingrays on our trips.

Shark cage diving in South Africa by Great White Shark Tours

We invite you to join us onboard our boat, Apex Predator ,  for the ultimate great white shark cage diving and surface viewing adventure tour in South Africa.

Gansbaai is known as the great white shark capital of the world and is only a two-and-a-half hour scenic drive from Cape Town. It is here that Great White Shark Tours will make your dreams come true! The experienced crew will share their vast knowledge of the water world where they operate when they take you to view great white sharks from the surface or underwater from a cage. This marine wonderland is the closest place in the world where you can safely see these apex predators in their natural environment.

Our boat launches from Kleinbaai , only 12km from the coastal fishing village of Gansbaai , on an exhilarating 20-minute boat ride to where we will start looking for our first sharks. During the summer months, the sharks keep closer to shore and during winter they move to Shark Alley , a nearby channel created by two islands. Dyer Island with its endangered African Penguins and migrating bird colonies and Geyser Rock with its resident colony of 60 000 Cape Fur Seals. This is great white shark diving with added value!

Depending on the weather, our boat departs every day of the year and offers fantastic value-for-money shark cage diving and surface viewing adventure trips. When looking for shark cage diving trips in South Africa , book with a licensed shark cage operator and you will be sure to create memories to last a lifetime!

OUR SHARK TRIP RATES

ADULTS R2200.00 per person

CHILDREN UNDER 12 R1500.00 per person

EXCLUSIVE CHARTERS FOR THOSE WISHING PRIVACY. RATES EXCLUDE TRANSPORT.

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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

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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!* R1650 Adults, R1100 Kids

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 30 april 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 June 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

Shark diving in gansbaai.

Thrilling Adventures Await: Shark Diving in Gansbaai Discover the adrenaline-pumping experience of shark diving in Gansbaai, a world-renowned destination for encountering the majestic Great White Shark up close. Read on to learn how you can embark on an unforgettable [...]

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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 in Gansbaai, South Africa with Marine Dynamics. Experience the exceptional and come face to face with a great white shark! 

The exact world record white shark is a contested issue, but chances are it is between 6-7m. In Gansbaai, the largest white shark ever caught was at Danger Point and measured up to 5.9m.

If you see a white shark in the water don’t panic. Chances are high that the shark has already detected you and isn’t interested. White shark attacks are normally associated with poor visibility, so avoid murky conditions.

White sharks have a unique system called a “counter current heat exchange”, which keeps their body  tempreture +/- 7C above the surrounding water temperature. 

All sharks have an incredibly unique system on the tip of their nose called the “ampillae of Lorenzini”. These are small pores filled with a gel that transmits the electrical currents in the water to the shark’s brain so that it can assess its environment.

White sharks give birth to live young (not eggs), and they give birth to 6-8 pups at one time. Pups are usually between 1.0-1.5m in length and are born with teeth.

Body language has been a well documented form of shark communication and has identified body arching, jaw gaping, and other postures as specific social tactics.

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• About the Dive
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Shark cage diving offers the opportunity for us to witness sharks in their own territory and to come closer to acknowledging that there is more to these animals than meets the eye.

Slashfin is the first aluminium boat of its kind in the industry, specifically designed and built for low maintenance, stability, speed and superior safety and comfort.

Marine dynamics is the company best geared and equipped to give you a once in a lifetime adrenalin-packed close-up encounter with the legendary Great White Shark.

The crew members on board the Slashfin provide more than professional service and excellent customer care - each one is also a fountain of information and eager to educate, inspire and inform guests about every aspect of the sea 

We know that we work with your dream . . . and Marine Dynamics is the best geared in the industry to make it happen!

Bringing you up close & personal with the Great White Shark

Great white shark diving in south africa.

A trip with Marine Dynamics is a combination of goosebump thrills, education and relaxation on a luxury boat in the company of experienced experts and researchers!

Rates & Special Information

Per Adult:  R2,755.00  Per Kid (Under 12):  R1,570.00 Find out why you should choose Marine Dynamics  and why  YOUR CHOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Our Shark Boat is Purpose Built for Best Performance

Slashfin is the first aluminium boat of its kind in the industry, specifically designed and built for low maintenance, stability, speed and superior safety and comfort.

Marine Dynamics prides itself on the superior standard it sets and maintains regarding unrivalled quality of service, skills and products.

The crew members on board the Slashfin provide more than professional service and excellent customer care - each one is also a fountain of information and eager to educate, inspire and inform guests.

What to take with on a Shark Cage Dive with us

Your safety is our priority. The ultimate adventure of a lifetime under extreme safe and secure conditions.

Celebrate a major event with an exclusive shark cage diving trip for close friends and family or company outing aboard The Slashfin - it is guaranteed to put the wind back in everyone's sails and to create memories and footage that will last a lifetime!  

• Helicopter Transfers

Shark Cage Diving Transfer Options

Marine Dynamics offers transfers from Cape Town to Gansbaai via a shark shuttle bus, helicopter and luxury vehicle. Take your pick and experience one of the most adrenaline pumping experiences: shark cage diving. 

What you need to know

• The biggest & only boat with upper deck for great photography & surface viewing
•  No diving experience is required
• All equipment & refreshments supplied on board
• 100% Safe 100% Adrenalin
• Transfers & Accommodation on request

BOOK ONLINE & Get a FREE VIDEO!

• Why Choose Marine Dynamics
• Great White Shark Cage Diving South Africa
• Shark Cage Diving Cape Town

Save the Ocean

• The Dive Area
• Viewing Seasons
• Gansbaai & Surrounds
• Online Bookings
• Online Booking

Welcome to Marine Dynamics

Based in Gansbaai, South Africa (the home of The Marine Big 5 and great white shark capital of the world) we are a family of organisations dedicated to the marine environment. We embody our mantra 'Discover & Protect' through ecotourism, research, conservation and outreach projects.

You can learn about all these projects via their dedicated websites:

Marine Dynamics Shark Tours

Visit website

Dyer Island Cruises

Dyer Island Conservation Trust

Marine Dynamics Academy

African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary

International Marine Volunteers

Shark cage diving & viewing tours in Gansbaai

• Wetsuit & diving mask
• Transfers to Gansbaai are not included. Please book with transfer option if required.
• Van Dyks Bay, 7220, South Africa We will send the meeting instructions and meeting time the day before the tour, as it is weather dependent. The tour takes place from Kleinbaai Harbour, which is 5 minutes past the town of Gansbaai, which is just over 2 hours from Cape Town.
• We collect from all accommodation in central Cape Town and from Cape Town International Airport. The cost of the transfers are an extra R850 per person.
• Cape Town International Airport, Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• cwigle190312 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing and poor customer service My son went with three of his friends - second visit in two years for my son who was given a voucher after his last visit as there was no sharks I know that a shark presence can’t be gauranteed but again no sharks! This time my son was told he wouldn’t be issued with another voucher - I sent an email to the company to complain but at the time of writing this review I have not had a response! Read more Written March 25, 2024
• E2321QQneilh 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Very disappointed We had this tour booked for a few months. Initially the commas were fine, using WhatsApp with Eileen at shark zone. However, the day before our planned tour, we were informed that the time of the tour had change to 12.00 from 10.00, and as we were arriving by cruise ship, that also potentially left us short of time. However, when we arrived at the offices they were empty. Not just no people, I mean empty - no seats , no desk, no computer, absolutely nothing. There was a cleaner mopping the floor who had no clue what we were talking about and nothing else. We went to a nearby tourist information office and the chap there knew White Shark - he phoned them on our behalf and we were told the tour had been cancelled. The following dialogue between us, Shark and Shark Zone was confused and vague. They tried to suggest the cruise line - Norwegian Dawn - had booked up the morning slots. This was an absolute fabrication. No excursions whatsoever had been booked by the ship later verified when we arrived back on board. So we literally found out the tour was cancelled literally when we arrived at the “offices”, and no one was there. We got our money back without issue, but the point is that the comms were dire, no one contacted us at any point, we were effectively lied to for the reasonings around changing the cruise time. The reason for the PM cancellation was given as weather and sea conditions, which is fair enough as it was windy, but had we been informed in advance , we could have made alternative plans for our stay in Mossel Bay. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• Christopher P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great White in Mossel Bay Had an amazing trip, the crew worked really hard for us. We managed to see some magnificent great white sharks in Mossel Bay. Read more Written April 12, 2023
• JesiJaimes 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Sharks were the only thing missing! 😕 Unfortunately we didn’t see any sharks but the boat staff tried very hard to lure them in for several hours. When we finally gave up they took us on a quick ride to see the seals which was cool. They also provided good snacks and water/juice on the boat. There was also fresh coffee at the meet up location and our shuttle driver was very nice. (Note: first outing was canceled due to weather a couple days prior so we fit this in on our last day in Cape Town) Personally think they should either give a partial refund when that happens or offer a voucher to use at a different time. In addition they charged more than half for our additional 4th person to ride on the boat with us (not diving) and the boat was less than half capacity. (Her son was diving so she wanted to be there to take pictures and watch.) Lastly, they did not provide anyone to take any photos so come with camera ready! 😉 Read more Written July 28, 2022
• RalphO57 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles No communication at all. This company has the worst response time for e mail. We booked a trip for Great White diving. It was cancelled the day before. Was asked if we can move it to another day. Mind you we travelled from the USA to do this. We have other plans booked I was told National Geographic has blood their boats for two weeks. We stayed in Mossel bay as it was on our way to Cape Town. I am not sure whom it is to blame. Jaman booking agency/ Trip advisor or the diving company. I could have saved myself a lot of time and traveled to another town to see sharks (probably not Great whites though ) as they are not found in other locations. Summary get your act together. Read more Written May 3, 2022
• pronarise 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience I highly recommend Shark Zone. They professionally organized our trip and everything was on time. There was great communication and guidance throughout the process. And we had an awesome experience. Thank you so much!😁 Read more Written December 28, 2020
• NYT24 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exhilarating adventure or a lifetime Incredible adventure of a lifetime. Just awesome memories.... exhilarating. Nerve wreaking. Exciting. Into the wild. Patience and anxiety. Its wonderful... must to... The team was friendly and kind.... I must name Ms Kelly, perfect hostess, brains & beauty.... Read more Written December 27, 2020
• marcosa76 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best company ever! I was trying to book the sunset Safari and the transportation from the airport.Stephen made sure everything was taken care of properly.Nice driver,amazing Safari and the best of all:I felt safe outside my country.Highly recommended!Five stars! Read more Written March 17, 2020
• willo1973 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cage Diving Fantastic experience cage diving with bronze whaler sharks and stingrays. Professional staff, very knowledgable. Superb day. Read more Written December 31, 2019
• Happiness24622803092 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Trip 09'11 What an awesome experience it was to see sharks up close. Starting with a nice light breakfast and safety briefing before tour. The boat ride not bumpy at all making it enjoyable. Unfortunately we did not see any great white sharks on the tour due to unforseen factors. However we sore a few bronze whaler sharks who are just humble creatures roaming around the cage and are quite big as well. The wetsuits fit nice and tight making it enjoyable in the water. Make sure to sit with the captain for a few minutes on tour to hear some facts and history. If you lucky, you get to see seals and whales on tour, enhancing the experience even more. Then end of your tour with a nice hot shower and hot meal while watching the video of the day which is available in retail after the tour. If you scared of sharks this tour will change your mindset. Book your shark tour at 81 Longstreet at the Citysightseeing travel depot or online on the shark zone website. Read more Written November 11, 2018
• pedjsantos 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing shark-watch experience!!! Hello all, We had an amazing and very worth full white shark experience!!!! Besides, on our way back to Cape Town we’ve stopped by for a Wale watching which was another memorable experience! Cheers, Pedro & Maria Read more Written October 4, 2018
• Sushil C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome experience! Wonderful option if you want an adrenaline rush & get close to this epic predators! This is a half day hours with an early start & definitely worth the money. Read more Written August 2, 2018
• Whiskey_Tango_01 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Day The staff was great and had an excellent sense of humour! Everything worked well, the security briefs on the boat were very thorough (compared to scuba companies) and we actually saw three different Great Whites. The visibility in the water was poor, so you could actually get better pictures from the boat than from the cage. The company made a video of the whole trip that was for sale afterwards. Very nice. Read more Written April 29, 2018
• Russ D 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles We got Kicked Off the Boat due to Capacity for No Reason!!!!! My girlfriend and I signed up in the beginning of our trip. They physically wrote our names down on a list, we were #3&4 out of 16 people. We asked how much and they said just a deposit of 700 Rand. a week later we went in, got on the boat and then were asked to leave. We thought it was a joke, and asked why? The Captain laughed and said well someone has to go and you are sitting in front. Our flight left that afternoon so we could not reschedule and that was the same for most of the people on the boat, or they had a larger group and didn't want to separate. They were not remorseful at all, as if it happens very frequently. They did a recount and determined one more person had to go, then which one guy had to leave his friend group and not go at all, he was Not Happy. Terrible management, and no organization. The girl at the desk blamed new people, and then the owner for not giving her booking software. It's just a list of 16 people, there's no need for booking software, just don't sign up 19. Don't Use These Guys !!! Read more Written April 25, 2018
• David D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Day I had previously booked through another company online before arriving into capetown, however they left my request pending and wouldn’t answer my calls, so when I arrived I booked this tour at the information desk of the airport. They were very helpful and confirmed my booking immediately. However as other reviews state, they are just a booking agent and you will actually dive with another company, but we didn’t mind at all. The guy I spoke with called Steve was so helpful. We had a great experience over all. We only saw a few sharks and not the big great whites as we had hoped, but that’s Mother Nature for you. The company can’t control what sharks you see on the day. It’s complete luck. I would absolutely do it again. Loved it. Read more Written April 16, 2018

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Shark cage diving & viewing tours in Gansbaai provided by Shark Zone

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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

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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! 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

Welcome to Gansbaai, South African Great White Shark Top Destination

Welcome to Gansbaai village which takes its name after a flock of wild Egyptian geese that are alleged to have congregated at the freshwater fountain next to the harbour. Known as the Great White Sharks Capital, Gansbaai is home to the Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks which has made their second home to the cold  Atlantic waters of the Danger Point Peninsula and are a major drawcard for the town tourism industry. Situated between the towns of Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies in Walker Bay at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains with a magnificent coastline rich in fynbos vegetation.

Dyer Island,  a stone throw away from Gansbaai, is the breeding ground of the african penguin, cormorants and other sea birds and a second island in the vicinity of the village is Geyser Island, home to some 60 000 Cape fur seals. It is the passage between these islands that scientists believe attracts the Great White and has become known as ‘shark alley’.

Highlights:

• Great White Shark diving
• Swim with Sharks
• Marine Safari
• Dine at Grootbos
• Danger Point Lighthouse

Gansbaai remains the one spot in South Africa to go to for Shark cage diving. Another place where these activities take place is in Mossel Bay along the Garden Route.  Winter months are the best time to go to see the great white sharks. Gansbaai offers some of the best trails in the Western Cape and an amazing tidal pool which is a great place for the entire family to cool off.

When to Go?:

Although Gansbaai is an all-year-round destination for great white sharks, the best times are early winter to early summer. These months will be from May to December.  Summertimes are superb as the sea is relatively calm.

Where to Go?

If you are to take a vacation in Gansbaai, surely the prime activity will be to take a boat trip to do Shark Cage Diving. There are a number of local tour operators such as the White Shark Project, the Shark Lady, Unlimited Shark cage Diving, Apex and many more who run the day to day sharks trips right away from Gansbaai harbour. 

Besides the Shark cage diving, you could explore some of the hiking trails. You could opt for the option of a private guide to explore Platbos Forest, Klipgat, Panorama Mountain or even better opt for the fynbos trail. Your private guide will recommend which trails are easy and which ones are challenging. You can plant a tree in the Platbos forest, which is situated in the Baviaanspoort Hills on the Grootbos Road, between the village of Stanford and Gansbaai. Here, you will find some trees dated back to 1000 years alongside the newly restored forest damaged by fires.

The Gansbaai tidal pool is the ideal location to cool off with your family. The tidal pool is located on Kus Weg in Perlemoenbaai, between Gansbaai town and De Kelders. There are some great nooks in the rocks where you can snorkel and see some fish. 

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• Primary number 087 813 3887 " >Click Here
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• Email Click Here
• Website http://www.sharkwatc... http://www.sharkwatchsa.com/
• Booking URL: https://marinedynamics.activit...
• 07:00 to 19:00 Open
• Address <span>5 Geelbek Street</span><span>Kleinbaai</span><span>7220</span> " >Click Here 5 Geelbek Street Kleinbaai 7220
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Marine Dynamics Shark Tours is passionate about making a difference through research, conservation and education.

• African Responsible Tourism Award 
• Fair Trade Tourism Certified 
• Blue Flag Certified Vessels 

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Marine Dynamics Shark Tours uses a purposely built vessel.

Slashfin is spacious, and her state-of-the-art cage is GoPro-friendly. 

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Marine Dynamics Shark Tours has a qualified crew with years of experience.

• Marine Biologist
• Wildlife Videographer

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Marine Dynamics Shark Tours offers 5-star service from the moment you meet at its headquarters at The Great White House in Kleinbaai.  

Package Includes:

• Breakfast / Lunch Before Your Trip (depending on your booking time)
• Light Refreshments Onboard
• Homemade Soup and Bread (post-trip)
• Pre-Trip Dive Brief
• Shower Facilities
• Free Entry Into the Penguin Sanctuary

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Marine Dynamics Shark Tours has two pricing packages.

• R1,900 per adult
• R935 per person for kids under 12 
• Free for children under five
• Excludes an additional R100 per person conservation fee (including infants)
• R3,050 per adult
• R1,730 per person for kids under 12
• 1 - 8 Passengers - R55,150
• 9 - 20 Passengers - R83 710

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Marine Dynamics Shark Tours answers the most frequently asked questions:

Q: Do I need a diving certificate?

A: No. The cage is attached to the side of the boat above the surface and extends two meters underwater. As a shark approaches, you will be instructed where to look and when to go down to see the shark below the surface.

Q: Can I go outside the cage?

A: No, and that goes for your arms and legs too.

Q: Do I need to get into the cage to see sharks?

A: No. The high viewing deck on Slashfin makes surface viewing a pleasure.

Q: Do I need to bring a wetsuit, a mask, weights and a towel?

A: No. All you need to bring is your bathing suit, sunscreen, a camera, and something warm to wear. Even on a hot day, it can get chilly out at sea. Everything else is supplied.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: No. The oldest cage diver was 100 years young, and the youngest shark enthusiasts have still been in nappies.

Q: What time will the sharks arrive?

A: Sharks are just like any other wild creature. They come and go as they please so there is no roster.

Q: Do you feed the sharks?

A: No. We use a scent trail of fish products called “chum” to attract the sharks in the area to our vessel. Once nearby, we keep the sharks' short attention span by using a bait and seal decoy. While sharks can get the bait, this is not done to provide them with food.  

Q: When is peak viewing season for white sharks?

A: We consider our winter months, April - September, the best time of year to cage dive with white sharks because they frequent the seal colony at that time of year. However, winter is also the worst time of year weather-wise, so plan a few possible days during your holiday for your cage dive.

Q: How long does a trip last?

A: Typically, trips last three to four hours. However, the duration of a trip depends on shark activity, weather conditions, and tides. Set aside a day for this adventure.

Q: Do you offer a shuttle service to and from Cape Town?

A: Yes! The shark shuttle runs return trips to Cape Town city centre daily.

Q: Should I take anti-motion sickness medication?

A: If you are worried about it, yes, rather be safe than sorry. Anti-motion sickness medication is inexpensive and readily available over the counter at any South African pharmacy. 

Q: Does cage diving benefit sharks?

A: Like all wildlife activities, it depends on the operator. Every client that dives with Marine Dynamics directly supports white shark conservation by automatically contributing to the locally registered non-profit organisation, Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

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Daily Blog: 17 April 2024 | Shark Cage Diving in S...

Our trips today were cold but the water visibility was very clear!! 

Next Marine Dynamics Shark Cage Diving Trip: 18 Ap...

Ready for an adrenaline-packed Thursday? 

Daily Blog: 09 April 2024 | Shark Cage Diving in S...

We were all excited to get out on the water after a few no sea days in our bay!

Next Marine Dynamics Shark Cage Diving Trip: 10 Ap...

Ready for an adrenaline-packed Wednesday? Join us for an unforgettable shark tour on 10 April 2024 at 06:30 an...

Marine Evening April 2024

Marine conservationist and acclaimed South African surfer, Natasha van Greunen, joins us for the April Marine ...

Next Marine Dynamics Shark Cage Diving Trip: 9 Apr...

Ready for an adrenaline-packed Tuesday? Join us for an unforgettable shark tour on 9 April 2024 at 11:30. ...

SA Special: 35% Discount on Shark Cage Diving Tour...

Marine Dynamics invites you to join them on an adrenaline-filled, shark cage diving adventure!

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Gansbaai: visitors guide plus shark cage diving lowdown

Gansbaai is the best destination in the world for cage diving with great white sharks . Picture it: the ocean’s greatest predator in the water with you. It’s wild. It’s mesmerizing. And it’s what you do when in Gansbaai.

The magnificent hunter jumps from the water, gnashing its teeth. Crashing back down it creates its own waves. And then it’s gone, cruising effortlessly into the ocean blue.

This article has all the essential information for planning a trip to Gansbaai , including shark cage diving and things to do out of the ocean.

Where is Gansbaai?

Gansbaai is an old Afrikaner fishing town on South Africa’s southern coast. It’s roughly two hours by road away from Cape Town .

How long do you need to go shark diving?

Shark diving takes half a day so you don’t need to stay in Gansbaai. However, the town is pretty cute and the best shark experiences are usually in the morning. So consider spending the night in Gansbaai before your dive.

How do you get to Gansbaai?

All the shark dive operators offer pickup services from Cape Town , making it a day trip from the city. This is the cheapest option if you are traveling alone. If you’re three people then an Uber or private transfer will be cheaper.

There is no convenient public transport from Cape Town to Gansbaai. To get out here you would need to travel in a succession of local minivans, which would take most of a day.

From Cape Town it’s a stunning journey. An hour after leaving the city you zigzag up Sir Lowry’s Pass , with majestic views down into False Bay . Cross the pass and urban life is replaced by wild landscapes, taking you south to Gansbaai.

Destinations to combine with Gansbaai

Hermanus is only 30 minutes down the road and is one of the world’s best destinations for land-based whale watching .

Almost everyone visiting Gansbaai passes through Cape Town , perhaps the most beautiful city on the planet.

Gansbaai is also an ideal and easy stop on a trip from Cape Town to the Garden Route . The town is roughly halfway between Cape Town and the start of the Garden Route, making it an obvious stop on a self drive tour.

Things to do in Gansbaai (except for shark diving)

• Go drinking in an Afrikaner bar: the locals will give you a funny look but they are very friendly!
• Eat fresh seafood . There are some good local restaurants but it’s more authentic to buy catch from the harbour and cook it on a braai (barbecue).
• Search for jackass penguins on a boat trip to Dyer Island (it’s less touristic than on Boulders Beach ).
• Visit jackass penguins and rescued seabirds at the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary.
• Stand at Danger Point Lighthouse and listen to the crashing of waves.

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai – The Essential Planning Guide

What is shark cage diving?

It’s not actually diving . There is no scuba gear, not even a snorkel!

A cage is attached to the side of a boat. Lower yourself in and stand on the safety bar, with your head above the water.

Guides on the boat will shout out when a shark is coming past . Take a big breath, duck under the water, and watch the ocean’s biggest predator swimming past.

Is it safe?

Erm, yes. Well, kind of . Three tourists died a few years ago but not because of sharks – the boat they were on capsized.

Are the sharks wild?

Oh yes they are wild! Bearing razor teeth and measuring some four metres across, these are intimidating giants .

They live in close to Gansbaai because of seals . A colony of 60,000 Cape fur seals occupy Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, just off shore.

When the seals want to go fishing they must swim a gauntlet of great white sharks. It’s a dramatic show , as Sir David Attenborough narrates.

Guides chum to attract sharks towards their boats. This is a mix of fish blood and discarded fish parts. It’s the smell that lures in the sharks, meaning you are able to see them from very close quarters.

Where do shark cage diving tours leave from?

The most popular tours leave from Gansbaai . Each operator has a different address close to Gansbaai Harbour. You’ll receive a safety briefing upon arrival, pick up a rental wet suit, then head out to the boat.

Shark cage diving is also possible in Mossel Bay , on the Garden Route further along on the coast. There are less sharks here but the bay is more sheltered, so there are less tour cancellations.

How close do you get? How much do you see?

As the sharks swim past they often crash their bulky bodies into the cage . You could literally stick your hands out and touch them (not advisable if you want to keep your hand).

Sharks are stealthy predators and don’t hang around . They swim past, inspecting the smell, then swim off in their continued search for food.

On a safari you could watch the same lion or elephant for hours. With great white shark diving you see one for about as long as you can hold your breath for!

No operator absolutely guarantees seeing great white sharks. However, you must be incredibly unlucky to miss out . Most tours see between four and 12 sharks.

You don’t only see sharks when in the cage. You’ll watch the apex predator from the deck as well , a spectacular sight when they jump clear of the water.

How does it work when you’re on the boat?

On every group tour there are too many people for the size of the cage . It’s like a conveyor belt. You get in the cage from one end and out at the other end. As one person gets out another gets in, and so on and so on.

Rather than a time limit, guides try to ensure everyone has encounters with the sharks . So you could be in the water for five minutes or 30, dependent on the action. On most tours you’ll go in the cage twice.

Important : Different Gansbaai tour operators have different boat capacities and different sized cages. On most (cheaper) boats the cage only takes four people. If there are 24 people on the tour that means you hardly get any time in the water. More expensive boats have a better ratio , with eight-person cages that provide more time with the sharks.

When is the best time to go shark diving?

Gansbaai’s seals move to different locations for the summer and winter . The sharks move with them and so do the boat tours.

There’s no difference in the wildlife experience dependent on the time of year. Summer (especially December to February) is peak season so the boats can be busier. Winter (especially June to August) is colder and wetter with more cancellations.

The great white sharks are most active earlier in the day . Most tour operators run three boat tours a day. The earlier tour almost always encounters more sharks and more dramatic action.

Important : Tours are cancelled in bad weather. The ocean swell gets too big when there’s a cold front so the boats can’t go out. This means cancellations on around 100 days of the year (including in summer). If your tour is cancelled you’ll be booked onto the next day or given a refund.

Try to stay flexible with your itinerary and contact the boat tour company four days before your dive . They will know the weather forecast and can advise on the probability that your tour will be on or off.

Tips for Booking a Shark Cage Diving Tour in Gansbaai

There are eight different boat tour companies and their prices vary. More expensive tours typically provide more time in the water : are you willing to spend 20% more for double the time with sharks? Ask the operator how big the cage is before you book.

Every hotel or hostel in Cape Town and the Garden Route has a link with a shark cage operator in Gansbaai. The price is the same whether you book directly or through your hotel.

Important : Every hostel or hotel makes a 20% commission on a shark cage diving tour. You can negotiate a discount by calling a Gansbaai tour company direct and asking them to remove the commission. It’s a great tactic if you are a group and can get you a 5 – 20 % discount .

We don’t recommend one company over another (though Sharon’s post provides  “ethical” options in Kleinbaai ). This article is purely to inform you about what happens in Gansbaai, helping you to book your own adventure.

So jump in, connect with your wild side, and get ready for those big predatory fish!

About The Author

Editorial Team

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Great White Shark Tours

Great White Shark Tours is an excellent operator that offers 5* service. The price tag of R1970 per person is justified by the service quality and passion you receive from the owner Brian McFarlane. The trips are the longest at sea between the operators and even though the boat takes a maximum of 35 people it is very large and spacious. More people means more prime at sea and not less time in the cage.

Note: You won’t pay any more by booking with us than you would with the operator directly, we’ve negotiated excellent rates with them, and you get the added benefit of our Awesome Support , Real Time Availability , Instant Bookings and Immediate Confirmation .

• Boat and Cage
• Trip Details
• About The Operator

Apex Predator is a fantastic purpose-built boat for the shark cage diving and viewing. There is plenty of space on the boat to move around and you can view the sharks from the lower and upper decks giving you excellent vantage points to get that ‘money shot’. The boat is very wide and it’s centre of gravity is low making it very stable on the sea thus reducing the chances of seasickness.

• Length: 13m
• Width: 5.1m this gives maximum stability whilst on anchor at sea.
• Engines: 4 x 200HP Suzuki 4 strokes for safety, reliability and power when required
• Viewing platform: Spacious upper-level viewing platform
• Seating: Comfortable padded seats with backrests
• Storage space: Individual lockers for customer bag storage
• Toilet Facilities: Men’s and Ladies with Latest flush technology
• Change rooms: Spacious areas to change into and out of wetsuits
• Safety Equipment: Two 25 man Life rafts
• Spray covers: Vinyl roll downsides to keep wind spray off passengers
• Wet suits: 7mm
• Electronic equipment: GPS/radios/depth echo sounder/SatNav
• Fuel tanks: Stainless steel tanks built to highest ISO Standards
• Smoking: No smoking allowed on the boat (ISO standard)

The boat was designed to easily accommodate 40 passengers

No experience is required if you want to go down in the cage. Sometimes if you are unlucky the water may be extremely rough or far too murky to use the cage but even if this is the case the viewing from the boat is still exceptional. The cage is made with 12mm galvanized steel mesh. This is ample to protect the divers from the sharks, but they have never tried to get to divers in the cage. The cage is attached to the boat at all times and is easy to access, so if you are too scared then you can climb out at any time. There is a lid on the cage which comes down over the divers to protect them from the top.

The cage can accommodate 7 divers comfortably and there is plenty of space and opportunity to dive multiple times on the trip. The floats on the cage are carefully positioned to enable divers excellent viewing space underwater and on the surface when the sharks are passing.

White Shark Diving Trip

The trip normally begins at 9-10am at the great white shark tours crew house in Kleinbaai which is 2 km along the coast from Gansbaai.

You will receive a breakfast spread and then safety briefing before heading down to the boat ‘Apex Predator’. The ride out to the Island takes approximately 15 minutes and then they will find a suitable place to drop anchor and start chumming. The crew use a special chum mixture and drift the chum slick towards the reefs where the sharks are roaming.

Once the Great Whites arrive, you will have the opportunity to photograph these awesome animals feeding at the surface next to the boat. This is when you will kit up in your dive gear and cimb into the cage! It is recommended that you book well in advance for your trip and allow at least 2 days diving in case of adverse weather conditions.

Vinyl side curtains are on the boat on the lower deck to give additional protection from the wind and water spray.

Trip Itinerary

Please note that this is just a rough guideline and that the times are confirmed each day before the dive. On busy days there will be 2 or possibly 3 trips depending on the time of year and shark activity.

Morning Trip (In winter times run 30-60 minutes later) 

5:30  – Pick up from Cape Town Address (If shuttle from Cape Town is booked)

8:00  – Meet at Shark Diving crew house in Kleinbaai – Breakfast & Briefing

9:00  – Launch from Kleinbaai harbour – 15-minute boat ride to the site

9:15  – Estimated 3-4 hours at sea for the shark dive tour (All gear included and drinks & snacks on the boat)

13:00  – Return to the harbour and up to the crew house

13:15  – Light lunch whilst watching a video of the day. (Option to purchase DVD @ R350 per copy)

14:00  – Finished at the crew house & Return to Cape Town

16:30  – Return to Cape Town

Afternoon Trip (Only if there are enough clients to run 2 trips) 

9:00  – Pick up from Cape Town Address (If shuttle from Cape Town is booked)

11:30  – Meet at Shark Diving crew house in Kleinbaai – Breakfast & Briefing

12:30  – Launch from Kleinbaai harbour – 15-minute boat ride to the site

12:45  – Estimated 3-4 hours at sea for the shark dive tour (All gear included and drinks & snacks on the boat)

14:30  – Return to the harbour and up to the crew house

16:45  – Light lunch whilst watching a video of the day. (Option to purchase DVD @ R350 per copy)

17:30  – Finished at the crew house & Return to Cape Town

20:00  – Return to Cape Town

• Return transfers from Cape Town (Optional extra R450)
• Breakfast on arrival
• Drinks & Snacks on board
• Coffee & Cookies after the trip (Soup in the winter)
• All gear inclusive – Mask, Booties, Hoodie, 7mm wetsuits
• Hot showers
• DVD of the day (Optional extra)

Optional Extras

• Alcoholic Beverages – Not permitted on any of the Shark Cage Diving Boats

What to Bring

• Rain/wind jacket
• Sunblock and Hat
• Take seasick tablets

2019 – Shark Dive

ZAR 2050 Per Person ZAR1500 Per Person (Under 12)

Transfers From Cape Town

R500 Per Person

2020 – Shark Dive

ZAR 2300 Per Person ZAR1750 Per Person (Under 12)

R550 Per Person

Brian McFarlane, owner of Great White Shark Tours, was a professional diver and skipper who spent his lifetime at sea as an abalone, fisherman, wreck diver and diamond diver. Brian as many other divers in these waters, has had many encounters with the great white sharks and many other types of shark. He was one of the old time Shark fishermen when this was accepted and Great White Sharks were not protected. He caught 33 great white sharks but he sorely regrets killing them and now spends his time and efforts into showing people the beauty of the sharks with his cage diving company.

Brian is the only owner of a shark cage diving company that goes out on the boat daily. This shows his passion for the sharks and also showing people the beauty of the sharks! His presence on the boat makes the difference and client service and focus is second to none. All operators are trained in CPR Management and have a media flow chart on board in case of an emergency.

All Gansbaai Operators

White shark diving company.

More Information

Marine Dynamics Shark Diving

White shark projects dive trips, need to know more.

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