Great White Shark Cage Diving Operators
The operators that offer Great White Shark diving, all have excellent safety records and offer similar tours. The price differences usually reflect how many people they are willing to take at one time. The cheaper the tour the more likely that you will have a little less diving time as there may be more divers. Remember that seeing the Great White Sharks isn't always guaranteed although in the high season the success rate of all these companies is above 90. It is therefore recommended that if you have the time, it's best to book a tour that lasts a few days.
Gansbaai/Dyer Island
- White Shark Diving Company. This company has a nice boat and they limit their passengers to just 10 per trip (so book in advance). Their shark cage fits up to four people at one time. You are expected to have at least some snorkeling experience if you want to see the sharks underwater. You can book your dive online as well as accommodation in the company guest house or other area bed and breakfasts.
- White Shark Ecoventures. Established in 1992 this is one of the first companies in the area to offer Great White Shark diving and viewing. Their boat is a newly built catamaran offering extra stability at sea. Their most popular tour is the one day tour which costs around USD 185 per person. The price incudes transport to and from Cape Town, meals, drinks, boat trip, cage diving as well as viewing seals, penguins and whales (in season). There is an online booking form for your convenience. The cage they use can hold up to six people at a time.
- Shark Lady Adventures. This company is run by Kim Macklean, the "shark lady" herself, a pioneer of White Shark cage diving in South Africa. The boat is a large catamaran with enough space to suit up and relax. The diving cage holds two divers at a time. Experienced divers are allowed to wear scuba gear, for those who are not experienced you can still get into the cage using snorkeling equipment. There's a phone number and e-mail for bookings. The basic package offered is a day diving and transport to and from Cape Town as needed. Shark Lady Adventures will be glad to help book your accommodations as well.
Mossel Bay
- Shark Africa offers diving off Mossel Bay. They are the sole operator in this area so you won't bump into any other boats. The price for one day of cage diving is USD 130.00. Their success rate is as good as those operating near Dyer Island (all tour operators above). They take only ten people per trip and two at a time in the diving cage. Their boat is a 15 meter sailing catamaran.
False Bay
- African Shark Eco Charters. The first company to operate shark watching and cage diving tours out of False Bay near Cape Town. The False Bay Great White Sharks are famous for breaching themselves on seal island and are featured in several shark documentaries. This is a less "touristy" option since less than four divers are allowed on board their 26 ft catamaran and there are only two operators in the area. The success rate equals that of Dyer Island tours in the high season. They offer one day and ten day trips. Since you have to be a licensed scuba diver for any of these trips why not try their Blue Water Predators package which includes swimming with the Mako shark and the Blue Shark (October through May).
Shark Diving Tours Throughout South Africa
- Dive South Africa. This tour company offers several shark viewing opportunities including dives with Bull sharks, Hammerheads, Tiger Sharks, Whale Sharks (in Mozambique) and of course the cage diving with the Great White at Gansbaai and Mossel Bay.
- Africa Shark Dive Safaris offers Great White cage-diving packages as well as many other shark viewing tours. They offer single day to 8 day tours. Most of the longer tours include sightseeing on dry ground as well.
- Adventure Diving Safaris also offers a variety of shark diving experiences as well as whale-watching. The site also offers a handy table as to when the best chances are of seeing these beasties.
Page One: A Guide to Great White Shark Cage Diving in South Africa
