We specialize in small groups and take a maximum of 12 guests per trip. As the groups are small we are able to provide an intimate experience as well as having the opportunity to pass on our knowledge and passion for the sharks and the area.
A smaller group also allows for better viewing opportunities and a longer cage dive. The cage is fixed to the boat and guests are allowed to snorkel in the cage. In view of this, a diving certification is not necessary.
All trips include:
- dive gear (sizes small to XXL are available).
- light lunch, snacks, fruit and refreshments on board.
A return transfer can be organized from Cape Town
Bookings are essential as space is limited. All payment is to be made in South African Rand. We require credit card details to secure a booking. Please make sure to watch the exchange rate as this can fluctuate.
Please note: Great white sharks are completely wild animals and as such sightings cannot be guaranteed. We will use our best knowledge in order to give you the most realistic expectations before making a booking.
Great White Shark Morning Itinerary
The main focus of this tour is a natural interaction with the sharks and we make our very best efforts to treat these animals with the respect they deserve and at the same time try to share our passion for these animals with you, our guest.
06h50: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier.
Guests are welcomed aboard and a full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.
07h00: Depart for Seal Island, False Bay. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)
07h35 to 12h30: Arrive at Seal Island, False Bay 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 identify 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. These observations are recorded for research & conservation purposes. This is a great opportunity to get close to the 64 000 strong Cape Fur seal colony that has made Seal Island their home.
Thereafter we choose the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches, 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 shark 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 guests 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.
12h30: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbor depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.
12h30 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.
Enjoy the trip!
