Great White Sharks like leopards, tigers, bears and eagles that occur in the wilderness are free to roam. Although we would like to guarantee sightings, and on each trip we do our absolute best to find the sharks, we cannot “make” the sharks appear at our boat.

Great white sharks all have their own unique personalities, some choose to interact and some don’t. All are affected by weather and seasons. Add to this that there may be as few as 2500-3000 individual Great whites left in the world’s oceans today and you understand that it is a privilege to see even one of these sharks in the wild.

That said, False Bay does offer one of the world’s best opportunities to see great whites in the wild, especially in the high season of June, July and August. Outside of this time, the chances can still be good but they do vary from year to year. In False Bay our company prides itself, probably at least as much as any other marine based tourism company in South Africa, on the fact that we adopt an “entire eco-system” approach to all of our trips and not focus solely on being species specific. What this means is that you have a crew that is always on the look-out for all forms of wildlife from penguins and other marine birds to seals, dolphins and whales or any other special fauna we may encounter on any day outing. So if we do see any of these other animals we will take the time to show them to you, without compromising our chances of seeing sharks. We want you to enjoy False Bay and all it has to offer, not just the sharks.

For more information on this please see our blog on“Serengeti of the Sea” which we wrote to illustrate not only the seasonal changes in diversity and abundance in False Bay but also just how much this bay has to offer if you look around and don’t just focus on seeing one species.

Please refer to our sightings table to help you make an informed decision about your planned travel dates with us.

Please note that this is a guideline only based on the previous 16 years data at Seal Island. There are annual variations in sightings so please feel free to email or call us to find out what it is like now or if the season is panning out like others. We will always do our best to realistically inform you of what we are seeing and try our hardest to find you marine wildlife. Having said this we hope that you understand that these are wild animals and it is up to you to make the most of anything we may be lucky enough to see on each expedition and acknowledge the vagaries, intricacies and unpredictable nature that working with truly wild animals brings with it.

Also if you wish to really read up on what is truly special about our area have a look at the various scientific papers we have written, check out our scientific research papers.

We are confident in our knowledge and ability to find you sharks and other marine wildlife but if you approach your time with us as an expedition that looks at the entire eco-system and you enjoy whatever we might encounter on each day then you are bound to have a great time with us.

The shark is one of the oldest and most misunderstood residents of the ocean. Having inhabited the planet for 440 million years, this steely swimmer has already survived some of the world’s largest natural extinctions; so why is it that the shark is currently on its way to extinction?

Have you heard of Chris Fallows? If you love Great Whites, then you undoubtedly have. Chris is a well-known shark specialist and the discoverer of the now-famous breaching behaviour that the incredible predators use to hunt. He and his wife, Monique Fallows, run a shark cage diving company called Apex Shark Expeditions which operates in the scenic region of False Bay.

Sharks have been around for almost 450 million years – ancient, enigmatic and powerful, the apex predators are the indisputable rulers of the sea. Shark cage diving is one of the best ways to enjoy a phenomenal up-close encounter with the incredible animals; watch in awe as they suddenly appear from the murky depths, mouths turned up in a seemingly permanent smile, revealing rows of jagged, sharp teeth.

05:30: Pick up from your hotel – Exact time to be confirmed the day beforehand

06:45: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier.

Guests are welcomed aboard and a full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

07:00: Depart for Seal Island. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)

07:35 to 12:30: Arrive at Seal Island shortly before sunrise. This is the optimum time to have a chance of observing the natural predation behavior that makes Seal Island so unique. The great whites of Seal island are now world famous for their highly athletic breaches in pursuit of Cape Fur seals which they hunt in the area.

We will observe natural predatory behavior for as long as possible; however it is usually the first hour and a half that is the most intense. After this period we will try a short decoy tow using a fake cut out carpet seal where we try to get the sharks to breach. It is a very unique way to elicit predatory behavior and has been very useful to help us learn different strategies adopted by the different sharks.

After the decoy tow, we do an inspection lap around Seal Island looking for any signs of bitten or injured seals which are recorded for research and conservation purposes. It is also a great opportunity to get close to the 64 000 strong Cape fur seal colony that has made Seal Island their home.

We will then choose the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches our boat, a small bait is put in the water to keep the sharks interested around the boat for identification and viewing purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. We do not use shark livers or any other attractants that have a negative impact on the environment and all efforts are made to avoid the sharks coming into contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favorable, i.e. good visibility and workable seas, the cage is lowered into the water for cage diving.

Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to the diver wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. So for those not wishing to dive they will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

Lunch which usually consists of rolls with cold meats as well as a vegetarian option, accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water and a variety of snacks are available throughout the course of the day.

12:30: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbor depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

12:30 onwards: Tea and coffee available at our home base in Simon’s Town where payment is handled. You will also have an opportunity to browse through our unique range of shark related merchandise.

13:00 to 13:45: Lunch in Simon’s Town or chat to your guide as to the luncheon options en-route and depart earlier at 13h00. Lunch is for your own account.

10 minutes from Simon’s Town: Arrive Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – Home to 3000 African penguins, so called for their hilarious braying. See these delightful creatures up close and personal in their own inhabitant.

15:00+-: Arrive Cape Point –Witness the majestic meeting of the two oceans. Breathe in the cleanest air and see the cleanest ocean. The area is of rich cultural and historical significance and includes monuments to early explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Bartholomeu Dias. Visit the curio shops and restaurants or relax.

17:15: Transfer to your hotel via Chapman’s Peak

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08:30: Pick up from your hotel

09:30: Arrive Cape Point –Witness the majestic meeting of the two oceans. Breathe in the cleanest air and see the cleanest ocean. The area is of rich cultural and historical significance and includes monuments to early explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Bartholomeu Dias. Visit the curio shops and restaurants or relax.

11:30: Arrive Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – Home to 3000 African penguins, so called for their hilarious braying. See these delightful creatures up close and personal in their own inhabitant.

12:30: Arrive Simon’s Town – Apex Shark Expeditions shop – Afternoon Shark trip The sole focus of this afternoon trip is cage diving and surface viewing. Although you stand a chance of seeing the natural predation and breaching, this behavior mostly takes place in the early morning. We do on most days observe good numbers of sharks around the boat and this is a great opportunity for cage diving and surface viewing.

12:45: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier. Guests are welcomed aboard.

13:00: Depart for Seal Island. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)

13:30 – 16:30: We decide the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and we attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches our boat, a bait is placed in the water to keep the sharks interested and around the boat for identification and viewing purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. If the weather conditions are favourable, the cage is lowered into the water for cage diving. Safety precautions are then explained to the diver wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat, so for those not wishing to dive, they will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark. Snacks accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water are available.

17:00: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

17:15: Transfer to your hotel.

Enquire now

05:30: Pick up from your hotel – Exact time to be confirmed the day beforehand

06:45: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier. Guests are welcomed aboard and a full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

07:00: Depart for Seal Island. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)

07:35 to 12:30: Arrive at Seal Island shortly before sunrise. This is the optimum time to have a chance of observing the natural predation behavior that makes Seal Island so unique. The great whites of Seal island are now world famous for their highly athletic breaches in pursuit of Cape Fur seals which they hunt in the area.

We will observe natural predatory behavior for as long as possible; however it is usually the first hour and a half that is the most intense. After this period we will try a short decoy tow using a fake cut out carpet seal where we try to get the sharks to breach. It is a very unique way to elicit predatory behavior and has been very useful to help us learn different strategies adopted by the different sharks.

After the decoy tow, we do an inspection lap around Seal Island looking for any signs of bitten or injured seals which are recorded for research and conservation purposes. It is also a great opportunity to get close to the 64 000 strong Cape fur seal colony that has made Seal Island their home.

We will then choose the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches our boat, a small bait is put in the water to keep the sharks interested around the boat for identification and viewing purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. We do not use shark livers or any other attractants that have a negative impact on the environment and all efforts are made to avoid the sharks coming into contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favorable, i.e. good visibility and workable seas, the cage is lowered into the water for cage diving.

Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to the diver wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. So for those not wishing to dive they will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

Lunch which usually consists of rolls with cold meats as well as a vegetarian option, accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water and a variety of snacks are available throughout the course of the day.

12:30: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbor depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

12:30 onwards: Tea and coffee available at our home base in Simon’s Town where payment is handled. You will also have an opportunity to browse through our unique range of shark related merchandise.

13:00 to 13:45: Lunch in Simon’s Town or chat to your guide as to the luncheon options en-route and depart earlier at 13h00. Lunch is for your own account.

14:00: Arrive at Cape Point - Once in the Nature Reserve the high performance mountain bicycles are unloaded from the shuttle. Cycling through this area is easy and is an awe inspiring experience, smell the unique scent of the Protea, get close to the indigenous animals, feel the sea breeze in your face, and feel truly alive! What better way to experience the southern Peninsula and Cape Point Nature Reserve by combining a morning shark trip and a cycle through the spectacular setting of Cape Point Nature reserve?

Biking allows you to participate holistically rather than observing from a window of a bus/car. This unique mode of transport will allow close sightings of ostriches, antelope, baboons and mountain zebra. The nature reserve has spectacular costal views, beautiful indigenous flora, over 1100 different species of Fynbos and a 300 - 500 meter cliff view from the most southerly tip of the Cape Peninsula

17:15: Transfer to your hotel via the Atlantic Seaboard

Enquire now

The ethos behind our business is based very firmly on our love for the wildlife we encounter. Our staff, like us, are equally passionate and that is why they work for our company. Chris has worked with sharks and other wildlife on an almost daily basis since 1989 when he started a shark tagging project with local subsistence fishermen in our area. In 1996 Chris researched Seal Island False Bay as a possible shark cage diving eco-tourism location and incidentally discovered, with his friend Rob, the now famous breaching shark behaviour seen on the many documentaries we have facilitated, worked on or presented. We have been here ever since favouring this location above all others.

Nearly 40% of our clientele are return guests.  A large percentage of our guests being long stay guests, participating in 7-10 day expeditions led by some of the world’s most respected shark scientists and field biologists. This gives aspiring biologists, keen naturalists or just those with a passion for nature, a great opportunity to really experience these animals holistically.

Apex’s knowledge of wildlife photography is well known and Chris’s work has been seen in most mainstream newspapers and magazines globally. As such our ability and that of our crew allows any photographers, amateur and professional alike to be in the best possible position for light and the action without compromising the animals. This is why Apex has been the first choice for many of the world’s top wildlife photographers and film crews.

BBC’s Planet Earth, Discovery Channels Air Jaws 1, 2, Ultimate Air Jaws and Air Jaws Apocalypse, Various National Geographic shows, 60 minutes and nearly 40 other documentaries have all been exclusively or in part facilitated by Apex Shark Expeditions.

Both Monique and Chris actively go to sea whenever possible. They have done this for the past 16 years in False Bay alone, not because they have to, but because their passion for marine wildlife is unparalleled.

False Bay truly is a very special place and it is a privilege to do what we do. Based on this it is our aim that above all your shark cage diving trip is one in which you will come away with an appreciation for the wildlife we are fortunate to encounter. Whilst the sharks are our primary focus we adopt an eco-system style of approach to our trips much like going on an African safari, so all marine wildlife is observed and appreciated to give you a more complete experience.

Seeing the Great White Shark is and should be a highlight in anyone’s life. As such we believe that this experience should not be rushed and you should have the opportunity to really take in the majesty of the animal. Consequently, our shark cage diving trips are longer than any other operators with the smallest group sizes in the industry. Weather conditions and shark behavior can be unpredictable, so shark sightings are not always guaranteed. However, we will try our best to offer you the best possible chance to see these creatures.

Many claim, including ourselves, to be the best or most conservation orientated in the shark cage diving industry, however the best yard stick for you is to let our previous clients and record of projects we have been involved in be a measure for you.

A checklist you may wish to consider when booking.

1. Departure point of the trip. How far are you from your accommodation?
2. What other activities are in the area? What can I do before or after the shark cage diving trip?
3. Is this the high season for seeing great white sharks? Great Whites are seasonal animals.
4. What will be the likely temperature and visibility in the water?
5. Will it only be shark cage diving, or is there a reasonable chance to see breaching and natural predation as well?
6. How many people will be on the boat with me? How personalised will the experience be?
7. How many people will be in the cage with me? Once again, will it be a personalised experience?
8. How experienced are the skipper and crew? What knowledge do they have of their subjects, and will I be given any educational material to read about the area?
9. How ethically does the operator conduct itself in terms of the following:
   
   • Whilst sharks do occasionally unavoidably steal bait, are the sharks intentionally fed? Does the crew purposefully or conveniently let the sharks take bait at any time?
   • Are sharks pulled so close to the cages that they bash themselves on the cage or against the boat injuring themselves in the course?
   • Does the operator chum, and if yes does he/she use shark livers that have been obtained through the killing of other sharks for the purpose of attracting great whites, or use other environmentally insensitive methods?
10. With regards to safety, what are the weather limitations that the operator works under, and how safe and seaworthy is the vessel?
11. What other wildlife do I have a reasonable chance of encountering on any given trip at the time of year I wish to book, and how knowledgeable is the crew in helping gain a better understanding of the species encountered?
12. What has the operator done in terms of protecting the wildlife they work with? Many talk a good game and have lots of badges and affiliations but what have they actually done to help sharks/wildlife from being poached, harmed or exploited?

If you are allowing a booking agent/concierge or any other 3rd party to book your shark cage diving trip be sure that they ask these questions as many booking agents work purely on commission and some may book you with any company that offers a good kick back irrespective of the service provided.

The bottom line is this:

Make sure that the operator you choose can deliver on what your expectations and required ethics are when working with animals whilst being realistic as to the uncertainty that comes with any true wildlife adventure.

The great white shark is without a doubt the most interesting and mesmerising shark in the ocean. It’s ferocious and aggressive nature is what makes this shark feared by millions, but its beauty is undeniable and its presence in the waters surrounding the Western Cape is famous worldwide.