Shark cage diving is a popular activity in Cape Town, South Africa, where you can experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with one of the world’s most notorious predators, the Great White Shark. We will be covering everything you need to know about shark cage diving in Cape Town, including some of the best companies to use, safety tips, and what to expect on a shark cage diving tour.
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The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
About Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town 🦈
There are quite a few places in Cape Town where you can go for cage diving, but the most popular location is Gansbaai, a small fishing village located about two hours from Cape Town. Gansbaai is known as the Great White Shark capital of the world, making it an ideal location for cage diving. Other popular locations include False Bay and Mossel Bay.
The best time to go cage diving in Cape Town is during the winter months, from August to October. During this time, the water is colder, and the sharks are more active, making it easier to spot them. However, cage diving is possible all year round in Cape Town. While cage diving in Cape Town, you can expect to see many species of sharks, including the Great White Shark, Bronze Whaler Shark, and Shortfin Mako Shark. The Great White Shark is the most common species of shark that you will see, and it can grow up to 20 feet in length.
Top Companies for Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town 🥽
Shark cage diving in Cape Town is an absolute must-do for thrill-seekers and anyone who’s into marine life. The area is famous for its amazing ocean wildlife, especially the great white sharks that roam the Atlantic waters. It’s become a go-to spot for people looking to experience the adrenaline of being up close to these incredible creatures. These Shark cage diving companies are all about combining heart-pounding excitement with learning about marine conservation. Not only do you get the thrill of a lifetime, but you also gain a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world. Now, let’s take a look at the best companies to visit for this epic adventure.
Shark Explorers 🛥
Shark Explorers is a smaller, boutique cage diving company in Cape Town, that offers a more intimate and personalized experience. They offer half-day and full-day cage diving tours to False Bay, as well as shark diving expeditions to other locations around the world. Based in Simon’s Town, they’re all about getting you face-to-face with majestic great white sharks in their natural playground. Just imagine diving into the chilly waters of False Bay and watching these incredible creatures glide past you from the safety of a cage.
But it’s not just about great whites. Shark Explorers also offers snorkelling and scuba trips where you can hang out with sevengill cowsharks, blue sharks, and mako sharks. The team knows where to go and when, so you’ll have the best chance to meet these amazing animals up close. Whether you’re new to diving or a seasoned pro, they’ve got trips that suit everyone. It’s the perfect mix of thrills and chills for anyone keen on a truly unforgettable ocean adventure.
Address: 62 St George’s St, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7975
Website: https://www.sharkexplorers.com/
Contact Number: 082 564 1904
White Shark Diving Company ⚪
The White Shark Diving Company is one of the oldest and most experienced cage diving companies in Cape Town. They have been operating for over 25 years and are known for their excellent safety record and knowledgeable guides. They offer half-day shark cage diving tours to Gansbaai, departing from Cape Town. They’re all about making sure you’re safe while giving you an epic adventure with the great white sharks right in their own backyard.
The tours are not just thrilling but also teach you about shark conservation and let you see these amazing creatures up close. Plus, they provide all the gear and onboard air supply to make the experience smooth and fun. If you’re in it for the thrills and some marine life awe, this company is a solid pick.
Address: Van Dyk’s Bay, 9 Kus Dr, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai, 7220
Website: https://www.sharkcagediving.co.za/
Contact Number: 082 559 6858
Marine Dynamics 🐟
Marine Dynamics is another reputable cage diving company in Cape Town, known for its ethical and sustainable approach to shark conservation. They offer half-day and full-day shark cage diving tours to Gansbaai, as well as eco-tours and whale-watching tours. What makes Marine Dynamics stand out is its luxury tour boats and a team of expert marine biologists who ensure safety and a unique experience.
Beyond the thrill, the company focuses on marine conservation, working closely with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust on research and education projects. When you dive with them, you’re not just getting up close with great white sharks, you’re also supporting important conservation work. With top-notch gear and a friendly crew, Marine Dynamics promises an unforgettable dive that mixes heart-pounding excitement with a chance to learn about and help protect these amazing creatures.
Address: 5 Geelbek St, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai, 7220
Website: https://sharkwatchsa.com/en/home/
Contact Number: 082 380 3405
Apex Shark Expeditions
Apex Shark Expeditions is a luxury cage diving company in Cape Town, that offers a unique and personalized experience for its guests. They operate from False Bay and offer half-day and full-day shark cage diving tours, as well as private charters. Apex is big on doing things safely and with respect for the ocean, so you get to dive into a world where you can learn about these amazing predators and enjoy a real thrill.
Their trips are pretty small, with only 12 people max, so you won’t be just another face in the crowd. Whether you’ve been diving for years or it’s your first time, they’ll make sure you have an awesome, unforgettable time in the cage, inches away from these incredible creatures. Apex isn’t just about the adrenaline rush, it’s also about getting to know the ocean’s top predator up close and personal.
Address: Board Walk Centre Shop 5/6 Corner Wharf and, St George’s St, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7975
Website: https://apexpredators.com/
Contact Number: 079 051 8558
African Shark Eco-Charters – Shark Cage Diving ⛴
African Shark Eco-Charters in Cape Town offers an adrenaline-pumping shark cage diving experience. Operating out of Simon’s Town, they’ve been around since 1996 and are known for their eco-friendly approach to shark encounters. The experience is all about getting up close and personal with sharks, safely and thrillingly. You don’t need to be a scuba diver to join in, thanks to their hookah system, which lets you breathe from a surface air supply while in the cage. This makes it perfect for anyone, whether you’ve dived before or not.
On these dives, you can catch sight of incredible creatures like Great White Sharks and Bronze Whalers. The crew is all about safety, giving you all the guidance you need to enjoy the adventure without worry. What’s cool about African Shark Eco-Charters is that they focus on protecting the environment. While you’re having an unforgettable encounter with sharks, you’ll also learn about their behaviour and how important it is to protect them. So, it’s not just an amazing thrill, it’s also a chance to understand and appreciate these awesome ocean giants.
Address: 4 Wharf St, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7975
Website: https://ultimate-animals.com/
Contact Number: 082 674 9454
How Much is Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town? 💵
Shark cage diving in Cape Town offers an exhilarating adventure for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. The prices for shark cage diving experiences in Cape Town typically vary depending on various factors such as the season, the tour operator, and any ongoing specials or discounts. On average, the cost of a shark cage diving excursion in Cape Town can range from around about R1500 per person for a half-day trip.
It’s important to note that prices may differ, and it’s advisable to check with different tour operators to find the best shark cage diving Cape Town specials and prices that suit your preferences and budget. Regardless of the cost, the experience of witnessing these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.
What to Expect on a Tour 🚤
On a shark cage diving tour, you will typically be picked up from your accommodation in Cape Town and driven to the shark cage diving location, which can take up to two hours depending on the location. Once you arrive, you will receive a safety briefing and be provided with wetsuits and other equipment. You will then board the boat and head out to sea, where the crew will start chumming the water to attract sharks.
When a shark is spotted, the crew will lower the cage into the water, and participants will take turns getting into the cage to view the sharks up close. Sharks can be unpredictable, so there is no guarantee that you will see them on your tour. However, most operators have a high success rate and offer a guarantee that you will see a shark or your money back.
Safety Considerations for Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town 🦺
Cage diving can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience, but it’s essential to remember that it is an activity that involves wildlife, and there is always an element of risk involved. It is essential to choose a reputable operator with an excellent safety record and to follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided. When selecting a cage diving company, consider factors such as the company’s safety record, the condition of its equipment, and its experience and qualifications.
You should also ensure that the company is licensed and insured and that its boats and equipment comply with local regulations. It is important to note that cage diving can be physically demanding, and participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. The activity involves getting in and out of the cage and being exposed to the elements for an extended period, so participants should be prepared for this.
Cage diving is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that allows you to get up close and personal with one of the world’s most notorious predators. Cape Town is one of the best places in the world to go cage diving alongside sharks, with reputable operators offering tours to some of the best shark diving locations in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town and want to experience the thrill of cage diving, be sure to choose a reputable operator, follow all safety instructions and guidelines, and be prepared for a physically demanding experience. With the right preparation and precautions, cage diving in Cape Town can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
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