About Us

Apex Shark Expeditions is a licensed Great White Shark Cage Diving Company. Founded over 20 years ago by Chris and Monique Fallows, our aim is to provide the most natural encounter with sharks.

To ensure the tours are as ecologically and sustainable as possible, we specialize in small groups ensuring the least impact on the environment.

Apex Shark Expeditions extensive work in the field has helped us to understand not only the sharks but this very special environment the sharks inhabit. Education and awareness plays a vital role in effective shark conservation, and Apex Shark Expeditions aims to shift perceptions and create a better understanding of sharks.

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Apex Shark Expeditions Operations

Each year we operate several specialized expeditions to view natural predation. Over the years, these trips have become very popular as a way to see the incredible behaviour seen in so many iconic documentaries.

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What Makes Us Special!

Our dedicated team – they love what they do, and they bring passion into the personalized and highly rewarding tours. The team strives to place shark conservation and education foremost.

Our crews are extremely knowledgeable in the field that they work and adopt an eco system approach that focuses on showing guests as many different aspects of the shark world rather than just focusing on the sharks. This gives you a far greater understanding and appreciation of these magnificent animals.

Meet your Hosts

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Chris Fallows

Chris Fallows

Chris began tagging sharks in 1989 and started a tag and release program with local beach net fishermen that saw the release of over 1500 sharks and rays. His Great white shark work started at Dyer Island in 1992 at the start of the Great white shark cage diving in South Africa. He worked at Dyer Island until 1996 and thereafter co-founded African Shark Eco-Charters in False Bay. In 1996, together with a colleague, Chris discovered and documented the now famous breaching and natural predation in False Bay. He was the first photographer to capture a breaching Great white shark image at Seal Island. In 2000 Chris formed Apex Shark Expeditions.

Monique Fallows

Monique Fallows

Monique co-founded Apex Shark Expeditions in 2000 and now has 20 years’ experience working with Great white sharks. Her particular enjoyment comes from learning the unique personalities of the sharks that regularly visit Seal Island and she loves sharing her experiences and knowledge with guests.
She has dived with over 20 species of sharks and travels extensively with Chris.
18 years ago, Monique began a monthly newsletter "Shark Bytes" where she passionately shares her shark and wildlife experiences as well as advocating the conservation of animals. Monique is a qualified skipper, registered tour guide, open water diver and is a level 3 First Aid responder.

Karyn Cooper

Karyn Cooper

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Karyn Cooper is the General Manager of Apex. Karyn has more than 11 years in the Marine tourism industry. Prior to joining Apex, she was the publisher of Dive style magazine. She has sound knowledge of all the shark hotspots locally and abroad having visited many of these destinations personally. She is passionate about sharks, wildlife and the conservation and sustainability of all living things.

Renee Barnard

Renee Barnard

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Renee manages our Shark Centre in Simon’s Town. Her professional and friendly service is welcomed by all our guests. No task is too great or small and she really goes out of her way to make each guest feel at home. Long stay guests are always appreciative regarding the extra activities that can be recommended and booked by Renee, helping them to make the most of their Cape Town visit.

Bernie Ward

Bernie Ward

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Bernie joined Apex in 2011 and assists Renee in the day to day duties at the Shark Centre. She loves nature and is a conservationist. Her professionalism and attention to detail ensures you are well taken care of.

Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller

Captain of the boat, Ryan started his career at sea at the tender age of 18 years old as a deckhand on a charter fishing vessel taking guests out to catch various fish species in and around the Cape coastal waters. Thereafter he worked in the domestic traditional hand-line fishing industry. Looking for a fresh start, Ryan joined Apex 6 years ago as a deckhand. We saw Ryan's potential and his training to upgrade his skipper’s ticket began. Today he operates a tight trip and his knowledge and passion for the ocean and sharks is refreshing.

Talishia

Talishia Langenhoven

Talishia is bubbly, warm and friendly. She grew up close to the ocean and has always had a passion for animals. She has actively worked with whales, sharks and many other species, learning from marine biologists, marine-activists and seafarers as she went. She dedicated 8 months to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in 2009/10 where she helped protect all marine life. Those 8 months opened her eyes and she became more determined to doing more towards saving our oceans and the beauty it holds.

Lunga Makunga

Lunga Makunga

Lunga, who hails from East London, is in his ninth season which means there is loads of experience with the sharks of False Bay and offshore Cape Point. He has an upbeat, sparkling personality with a huge smile. Lunga is a qualified Great white shark cage diving guide, Fire Fighter and a First Aid Emergency responder.

Bongani team

Bongani Makati

Bongani has been with Apex for 7 years as a deckhand and shark handler. His strong, relaxed demeanour calms nerves as he gently assists guests in and out the cage. Bongani is a registered White shark cage diving guide, a qualified Fire Fighter and First Aid Emergency responder.

Season Guides

In addition to our permanent staff, we also host enthusiastic wildlife lovers who guide on our vessel each high season. These team members are all experienced in working with sharks, either with a biological background or having undertaken field work elsewhere. They give a great insight into being able to compare shark behaviour from other locations to that seen in False Bay.

Wildlife Sightings Cannot Be Guaranteed.

We Will However, Give You Realistic Expectations before Making A Booking.

The First Choice Shark Cage Diving Operator For:

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TRIP STATUS

TOMORROW

Tuesday
27 June 2023

Next trip 28 June
11h45

*Trip status updated daily at 16h00 SAST