Shark Information Shark Info
Shark Information
Whether you would like to learn more about shark cage diving, or you are seeking resources on specific shark species, Apex Shark Expeditions offers a range of information on sharks and marine life. For nature fans wanting to expand their knowledge, students seeking information for assignments or those who simply have an interest in sharks and the many other species that share their underwater world, our information guides give you everything you ever wish to know about sharks, cage diving, dolphins, whales, pelagic birds, game fish and so much more.
Sharks
Learn more about Bull sharks, the world-famous breaching Great Whites, shark cage diving and how it works, shark photography and a host of other shark related information. Our guides give you comprehensive information on a host of shark topics, so that you can learn more about these fascinating and often misjudged citizens of the ocean. Complete with beautiful images from the Chris Fallows photography galleries, these information guides are the ultimate resource for anyone with a passion for sharks.
Dolphins, Whales and Game Fish
While sharks play the biggest role at Apex, there are a number of other marine species inhabiting our rich coastlines in South Africa. Here is where you can discover everything you wish to know about a range of marine animals including dolphins, whales and game fish. To access the guides, simply choose the animal that you wish to learn more about, and click the link to open the information page.
Pelagic Birds
Sea birds play a key role in marine balance, and bird watchers continuously return to the Cape coastline to view the wide array of pelagic species that can be found within the area. These range from the ever-present seagulls to albatross’, shearwaters and petrels to name but a few. To learn more about South Africa’s pelagic birds, read our handy information guide below.
By collecting research data and whale pictures on all the whale and dolphin sightings we have been able to see over the last twelve years we have been able to identify certain times and seasons for seeing the different species. On our offshore trips we have seen the following species Humpback whale, Sperm whale, Pilot whale, False Killer whale, Brydes whale, Melon headed whale, Pygmy Sperm whale, Southern Right Whale, Minke whale and several species we have not been able to get a positive ID on.
Shark cage diving started in South Africa in 1991 in Gansbaai at Dyer Island. For 4 years we worked at Dyer Island in what was at the time an unspoilt setting. With the advent of large scale shark cage diving came a very different atmosphere and so we chose to move to Seal Island in 1995.
Whether you would like to learn more about shark cage diving, or you are seeking resources on specific shark species, Apex Shark Expeditions offers a range of information on sharks and marine life. For nature fans wanting to expand their knowledge, students seeking information for assignments or those who simply have an interest in sharks and the many other species that share their underwater world, our information guides give you everything you ever wish to know about sharks, shark cage diving, dolphins, whales, pelagic birds, game fish and so much more.
On our offshore trips we are right in the middle of one of the world’s best bird watching areas for pelagic sea birds and as such we offer specialized and personalized bird trips focusing on smaller groups. On virtually any given day 1 or more albatross species will be seen with up to 7 species been seen in one day. Not only do ocean currents and sea mounts in our area result in upwelling, creating favourable conditions for feeding but large commercial fishing vessels attract these birds by the thousand and upwards of 5000 birds have been recorded behind one boat.
Yellowfin tuna and Longfin tuna (also known as albacore) are the two species we most commonly dive with. Yellowfin tuna fishing is very popular off Cape Point. Catching yellowfin tuna is no doubt a challenge and we do offer tag and release game fishing, however we spend most of our time diving with these magnificent game fish which can grow upwards of 100kg in our area. On some occasions we have had more than 50 yellowfin tuna (all over 100lbs) around our boat for more than 4 hours while we dive within an arms length of them. Although they do on occasion come close they are always moving fast and photographing yellowfin tuna is testing to say the least.
For Monique & I Seal Island is unquestionably the best spot on earth to be able to photograph and view all aspects of great white shark behaviour and it has been our privilege to have been able to work here since 1995.
Sharks pictures always create interest and none more so than great white shark pictures. Pictures of great white sharks usually show these magnificent animals
Looking for shark information? Apex Shark Expeditions has the answers and links to your burning, shark-related questions.
What do sharks eat?
Most sharks feed on bony fish of some sort, mostly related to where they occur. Large, highly predatory sharks such as the Great White shark., Bull, Tiger, Oceanic White Tip and a few others can also eat mammalian prey such as seals and sea lions as well as scavenging whale carcasses and other large prey items. The shark that probably has the greatest variety is the Tiger shark, which will eat pretty much anything it can find from fish, turtles and fledgling albatross to car number plates, boots, cans and a range of other strange items.
Grant Butler interviews Chris Fallows about Ultimate Air Jaws show on the Discovery Channel
Click here to read the full interview: Chris Fallows Interview
The Flying Great White sharks of Seal Island are now legendary and have been the subject of over 35 documentaries since we started working with them in 1995.
The most famous of these must be Air Jaws 1 & 2 although they have been on BBC, National Geographic and many other channels. Nowhere else on earth can such spectacular hunting behaviour be seen and on some days over 40 natural predatory events have been witnessed.
Each year from May onwards the white shark return to seal island to feed on young Cape fur seals which now head offshore on their own to fend for themselves.
The area around Seal Island has steep drop offs and it is in this area that the white shark patrol stalking the young seals as they leave the safety of the island and shallow areas. With a rapid surface rush these sharks ambush the seals on the surface and in about 48% of all interactions the sharks are successful.
