Cape Town Shark Diving

The boat we will be travelling in an aptly named "Apex Predator" is a custom-built catamaran offering a spacious cabin, covered seating, a dive platform and a separate toilet. The boat itself is inspected by the Department of Marine & Coastal Management annually to ensure that safety is the first concern. The "Apex Predator" is sleek, fast and comfortable.

Before departing on any tour, safety briefings are given, and passengers must pay attention for everyone's safety instructions on board must be obeyed at all times. The company we travel with has 1 of 8 Great White Permits issued annually by the South African Government and has an 18-year unblemished safety record. At Uyaphi.com we offer only the very best, and this company is the very best at what they do.

Let us not beat around the bush on this one; you will need a 100% waterproof camera if you want your own under-water shark photographs and videos. We would recommend for a video camera, a GoPro (use the wide angle setting). For a still camera, any form of waterproof housing will do otherwise look at something like a "Pentax WG-10" or a "Canon PowerShot D10".

Seasickness can be an issue, so best to take a few tablets if you suffer from this. You do not need any scuba certificate, being able to float in water is enough. All under-water equipment is supplied (you can bring your own). You will need a change of underwear (for after the dive as they will be wet), a cap, sun block, camera. A DVD of the day's activities will be made available for purchase.

The best time for Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai is March to September, but on saying that the Great Whites are in "Shark Alley" all year round.

Water visibility in the Atlantic Ocean is again clearest between the months of March to September.

From July to November, Southern Right Whales are spotted.

Dyer Island and the nearby Geyser Rock are +- 8 km offshore from Gansbaai, this equates to a +- 30 to 45-minute boat trip (sea condition dependent). Between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock is the channel called "Shark Alley" and this is the spot we anchor and start the fun. This alley is where we can not only see Great White Sharks but also Cape Fur Seals, Jackass Penguins and in season Southern Right Whales.

From ZAR 1 500.00 pp

Full Day

The tour begins at 10h00 in the morning. After a continental breakfast and a safety briefing, we board the boat destination "Shark Alley". Once the Great Whites arrive, we get to see them from on board the boat as well as from within the Shark Cage. We return to land anytime between 15h00 and 16h00 in the afternoon.