Great White Sharks
Experience the thrill of diving with great white sharks off the Western Cape coast of South Africa. For it is here in the cold waters off the Cape coast, near Gansbaai, that the Great White Sharks are found in large numbers.
Where exactly are these sharks found?
Between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock - 5 miles (8 km) offshore from the village of Gansbaai at the southern tip of South Africa.
Geyser Rock supports a colony of 40,000 Cape Fur Seals.... why else would these majestic predators stay in this area?
Shark Alley is the channel between the 2 islands, and is protected from the worst of the Southern Atlantic's weather...this is where you will witness these beautiful creatures that rule the seas.
When to go Great White Shark spotting?
The best time of the year to cage dive OR to simply enjoy boat based viewing as the Great White Shark is a surface eater is:
June to October. These months are considered to be the high season, but sharks are generally seen throughout the year with sharks seen on 9 out of 10 trips. Not a bad success rate hey?
What else can you see?
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! October to December are the months when some 35,000 seals drop their pups on Geyser Island, resulting in an ample food supply in the surrounding coastal waters. Although great whites may be sighted during the low season, the abundance of food in the area makes luring to the boat more difficult.
The water temperature at this time of the year ranges between 55° and 65° F & visibility is ranges 5m to 8m on average, but may exceed 15m on a clear day.
The Boats
Two boats are used:
A luxurious, 30ft Dive Cat, deep-sea cabin cruiser will transport you to the dive site and is powered by two 200hp Yamaha outboard motors. Groups of up to twenty can be accommodated at any one time, but for your comfort and to enhance your overall experience, numbers are limited to 12 passengers.
This craft is equipped with state of the art navigation aids & systems, a toilet and even beds to rest on in between dives.
PREDATOR, a new (2003) hi-tech custom-built catamaran is the envy of every boating enthusiast. Fitted with a spacious cabin and sheltered seating, dive platform, toilet & wash basin...it is sleek, fast, and comfortable. This boat can take as many as 22 passengers per day, but you will never feel crowded. The Predator launches from Klein Baai, 2km from Gansbaai.
Passenger Requirements
Do you have to be a qualified diver? NO, cage diving does not require a scuba certification. Minimal snorkling 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.
Is diving equipment supplied onboard? YES, all diving equipment is supplied free of charge.
What to take with you for your day at sea. 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.
The Experience
Each diver will stay in the cage for approximately 15-20 minutes, allowing everyone to meet eye to eye with these formidable kings of the sea. You can expect to make two/ three dives per day if a good weather & sea condition, together with shark activity and visibility prevails. Up to 18 GREAT WHITE SHARKS have been encountered in one day, but 4 to 5 in a day is normal. Sharks may brush the cage, but to date, an attack on the cage has not been reported.
Let ABSOLUTELY AFRICAN TOURS & SAFARIS take care of your every need. TRANSPORT, ACCOMMODATION & THE BIG DAY OUT!!
CONTACT US NOW TO TAILOR-MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME
