Shark Cage Diving
As scary as it sounds, Shark Cage Diving is probably the safest way to see a Great White. Not only is this an opportunity of a lifetime but it's a chance to learn more about this fascinating predator. If you think you have the chutzpah for this intense experience, then its best that you book with a reputable and licensed operator.
These operators will take you out to sea in their boats and lure the Sharks with bait or chum (fish heads and livers). Once the Sharks have arrived, the fun will begin and the diving cage will be lowered into the water. The diving cage is very safe and can even withstand the bite of a Great White.
An average dive will last 10 - 15 minutes and if the weather is good you can get a few dives in per day. The trips will often last 4 - 5 hours with the first hour spent finding the Sharks. If Shark Cage Diving is just not for you, then boat based viewing is.
Visitors will be able to watch the Sharks from the safety of the boat. Did you know that Sharks are actually surface feeders by nature, insuring excellent surface action? Keep your camera on hand, because this is a moment you want to capture!
Best Time to Shark Cage Dive
The South Africa winter, which is from May to October is the best time to Shark Cage Dive. These months are considered to be the high season, but Sharks are generally seen throughout the year. The weather in South Africa can be quite unpredictable, so its best to book a tour that lasts a few day.Best Locations for Shark Cage Diving
Dyer Island & Geyser Rock Dyer Island is situated 12km off the coast of Gansbaai and is a protected nature conservation area for 7 000 Jackass Penguins. Just south of Dyer Island lies Geyser Rock, a spot that is favoured by Cape Fur Seals.
This area has become the ideal feeding ground for Great White Sharks. Visitors to these parts will often see the Great Whites searching for their prey between these two areas (also called 'Shark Alley') and what a sight this is. The Sharks put on quite a show with some spectacular breaching.
Aliwal Shoal One of the most popular diving sites in South Africa, is Aliwal Shoal which lies just off the coast of Umkomaas, a small coastal town on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Aliwal Shoal is on the inner edge of the warm Mozambique current, often providing excellent visibility for spotting Sharks. The most popular Shark in this area is the Ragged Tooth Shark, who looks scary but is quite gentle by nature.Greater St Lucia Wetland Park About a 4 hour drive from Durban, is South Africa's most exciting dive location. Divers can choose from Sodwana Bay and Cape Vidal. Visibility at Sodwana Bay can be anything between 15 and 40 metres and divers will be able to see Whale Sharks and Ragged Tooth Sharks. Divers at St Lucia will be able to spot Whale Sharks.Mossel Bay Mossel Bay is a very rich area with its abundant sea life of diverse fish, Seals, Whales, Penguins, other sea birds, Dolphins, the occasional Orca and, of course, a plentiful supply of Great White Shark.Find a Hotel in Mossel Bay
Fast Facts about Sharks
- Sharks become immobile when upside down
- Sharks have an endless supply of teeth
- The Great White is the only Shark that sticks its head out of the water to look around
- Only a few Sharks jump out of the water including the Great White Shark
- The Great White Shark can smell one drop of blood in 100 liters of water
- The Great White Sharks must swim constantly or they would sink to the bottom of the ocean
