Additional Info 
When is the best time to see White Sharks?
South African is one of the few White Shark hot spots in the world, offering the best opportunities to observe these Sharks in their natural environment. Seal Island, False Bay‘s season for seeing sharks is April to mid-September. Thereafter we advise us booking your dive in Gansbaai. Keep in mind the Western Cape is known for its huge storms so to avoid disappointment, if possible schedule a few days for your White Shark experience, as the cage-diving boats will not be able to launch during the sea storms.
How cold is the water?
Generally 13 -17 degrees Celsius
Do I need to go into the cage to see White Sharks?
No. This is one of the great advantages with White Sharks in that they are very active at the surface and can be observed from the boat without having to go into the shark cage. Actually surface viewing from the boat can be better than from the cage, as the underwater visibility can be limited You will always be able to see more from the boat than from the cage. Surface viewing is great and provides you with the best opportunities to capture these amazing and beautiful animals on camera!
How long do we have to wait for the Sharks to appear?
Patience is one of the most important prerequisites to see wildlife, but this is especially true with marine wildlife. Sometimes we wait a few minutes, while at other times, we are still waiting several hours after anchoring, and occasionally do not see any White Sharks. Nature and wildlife are unpredictable, and large top predators like the Great White Sharks are elusive and cautious creatures.
How long do the Sharks stay around the boat?
We cannot give any definite answer to that question. We believe that White Sharks have different personalities, probably the result of previous experience. One shark might come up to the lure, have one quick look and not feel confident about the situation, and leave after only a few seconds. While the next Shark might be much more relaxed, and remain around the boat for hours. Remember that White Sharks are curious animals, but their caution is a much stronger instinct. This is wildlife watching at its best, and we are always very happy to see at least one White Shark for a few seconds.
Is it safe?
Yes. The South African cage-diving industry is regulated by a Code of Conduct and regulations from Marine and Coastal Management (DEAT - Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism).
How do I get to Seal Island, False Bay?
45 minutes from Cape Town - Simon’s Town Pier – Wharf and Main Street – Simon’s Town.
Take M3 Southbound highway towards Muizenberg. (It will be best to get directions from the hotel to the highway).Once off the M3 follow the signs to Muizenberg.
From Muizenberg follow the signs to Fish Hoek and then Simon’s Town. This is all on one road with the sea on the left hand side.
When in Simon’s Town you will pass the train station on the left side.
Approx 1 kilometer from here on the main road you must turn left into Wharf Street.
This will take you into the large parking lot with Simons Town Pier in front of it.
All trips depart from the end of the Pier.
Is Shark viewing and cage-diving a good thing?
Yes, only if it is done properly, with respect towards the Sharks, the other wildlife in the area and the general ecosystem according to the regulations in place. Apex Shark Expeditions endeavours to respect the guidelines and regulations in place for your safety and that of the Sharks. Our ethical commitment toward the Sharks and their conservation determine our every decision, and we will not in anyway jeopardize the wildlife and ecosystem. Our mission through our educational encounters is to change people's mindset and attitudes towards Sharks. This change in the public's perception is vital to establish an appreciation of, and thus conservation of this amazing species.
Can you organize transport and accommodation?
We most certainly can organize transport and accommodation. The transfers start from R 300 per person return. We would however recommend that you stay at least one night in Simon’s Town, preferably the night prior to your trip as our trips depart at 6h50.
We can arrange accommodation tailored to your needs, and budget. Simon’s Town offers many options from backpackers to guest houses and B & B, to exclusive lodges. Prices range from R 300 per person per night.
How many days should I book?
As many days as your budget allows... Some of our crew have worked with these Sharks for 5 years to 20 years, and they still get excited and happy to observe White Sharks. Great White Sharks are intelligent animals presenting very different behavioural patterns and attitudes. They display different characteristics; some being very shy or extra cautious, while others are seemingly playful and curious in the extreme. Everyday is different at sea, and we can never forecast what the conditions, situations or encounters will be like. If you just want to see a Great White Shark, then one day should be enough, although you might regret only spending one day with these amazing animals once you have encountered them. If you are a Shark lover, then we would highly recommend that you spend at least five or more days to get a better feel for the different personalities of White Sharks. The weather is volatile and trips are all weather permitting. By booking a longer stay this will ensure that if your trip is cancelled due to inclement weather, you still have other trips booked.
What can I do during my stay in Simon’s Town?
Simon’s Town is a quaint naval town with restaurants and shops. Activities include excursions to Cape Point 20 minutes away or a brisk walk to the Penguins at Boulders Beach. Ocean Kayaking, Hiking in the surrounding mountains, Baboon walks only 45 minutes from Cape Town.
Do you respect the Sharks?
Apex Shark Expeditions is dedicated to respecting the Sharks above and beyond any other consideration (except our guests' safety of course). We strive to show you the real and true Great White Shark, not the image all too often used in magazines, newspapers, documentaries or movies. White Sharks are very curious animals which can lead to some amazing moments.... but they are also extremely cautious animals.
White Sharks have very distinctive personalities, and this trait is what makes every encounter with a White Shark so special... no two Sharks are alike in their behaviour, and you can easily distinguish White Sharks by the characteristic notches and pigmentation patches present on their dorsal fin, and the markings and scars present on their body.
How deep is the cage in the water?
The cage remains afloat and about 70 centimetres of the cage floats above the water at all time. The cage is also solidly attached to the boat with two thick ropes that further prevent it from sinking or drifting away from the boat. The bottom of the cage is lying about two meters below the surface.
Will I scuba dive in the cage or just breath hold?
We prefer not to use scuba equipment which produces a lot of noise and bubbles under the water, which often keeps the Sharks from coming close. You will have a better chance of seeing the Sharks if we can communicate the direction the sharks are coming from, especially when the water visibility is poor. However if you prefer using scuba equipment, and you are a qualified scuba diver, we will provide you with a regulator to dive in the cage once everyone else has had their dive.
Am I allowed to scuba dive in the cage having just a PADI Open Water scuba certification?
Yes, but we recommend that you do not use scuba equipment in the cage due to the potential negative effect that the bubbles and noise create, keeping the naturally cautious Sharks at a distance. In clear underwater visibility conditions, this becomes less of an issue, but when the visibility is reduced, we discourage the use of scuba equipment in the cage, until everyone else has seen the Sharks underwater by snorkeling.
Is the cage attached to the boat?
Yes. The cage is designed to float at the surface, leaving a free board of about 30cm or one foot. But the cage is always solidly attached to the side of the boat with two thick ropes that prevent the cage from drifting away from the side of the boat.
How many people can go into the cage?
We have a three man cage however only two guests enter the cage at any time.
Does the cage have a lid?
Yes, our Shark cage has a lid which is closed once you are safely in the cage.
How long can I stay in the cage?
This will mostly depend on the number of guests on the boat and especially the number of guests who wish to go into the cage. Two guests can enter the cage at a time. Your first cage dive will be relatively short, just long enough for you to see a White Shark. We will then alternate all the guests who wish to dive in the cage, and once everyone has had a chance to see the Sharks from the cage, you then can return for a second dive, time allowing. You should get 20- 30 minutes in the cage.
Is the cage safe?
Yes. 100% safe. The Shark cage is constructed with galvanized steel and is equipped with many independent flotation devices to keep it aloft. It is attached to the boat with solid ropes and closed by a lid.
What is your policy regarding children?
We do not recommend our trips for children under 10 years of age. Children are prone to get sea sick as do adults, but the effect of sea sickness on children is much more pronounced with dehydration being a big factor. They also have a lower threshold for pain and discomfort.
Do you allow children in the Shark cage?
Only children 12 years old and more will be allowed into the cage. Parents will have to vouch that their child has previous snorkeling experience and is comfortable in an aquatic environment.
How far is Seal Island from the departure point?
It generally takes between 25 - 30 minutes from Simon’s Town Pier to Seal Island, False Bay. This time will also vary depending on the sea and weather conditions, as strong seas and/or strong headwind conditions can lengthen this time considerably.
Can you guarantee White Sharks?
No. We cannot guarantee that you will see White Sharks from the surface or from the cage. Wildlife can never be guaranteed, nature is unpredictable. However our success rate is higher than 90% throughout the season.
Is the cost lower if I only wish to surface view without going into the cage?
No. Our guests pay for the space on the boat, whether they remain on the boat or decide to go into the Shark cage.
How long will we stay at sea?
We generally return to shore between 4 and 5 hours after departing?
What vessel will we spend the day on?
White Pointer II is the name of the 32 ft catamaran vessel that Apex Shark Expeditions is operating for their Shark trips. This boat was built in 2008 specifically for the purpose of working, viewing and diving with Great White Sharks in the waters of the Western Cape. The boat carries all the necessary safety equipment and is certified by SAMSA, the authorities responsible for maritime safety in South Africa, on an annual basis. The vessel is powered by two large four-stroke 225hp outboard engines, and is equipped with the best electronic equipment to navigate the area. The boat carries a three-man cage, offers a large cabin where you can safely store your personal belongings and a large top deck which offers a bird's eye view over the Sharks and the action in the water. This is the ideal boat to discover Great White Sharks!
Can I bring alcohol on the boat?
No. Alcohol is probably the best sea-sickness inducer, and we would recommend that you severely reduce your alcohol intake the night before your trip to avoid any disappointing and uncomfortable conditions on the boat.
Will I get sea sick?
Hopefully not, but unfortunately sea sickness may be part of the experience. You may have spent some time on boats before and believe that everything will be fine, but you probably have never spent time on an anchored boat, and that is where the problem may occur. The dangerous time to get sea sick is during the waiting period before the Sharks arrive.
What can I do to avoid sea-sickness?
There is no general rule to avoid this terrible feeling, but here are some tips which can help you prevent it:
1. Do not consume any alcohol the evening before your trip, or at least drink with moderation. Alcohol and hangovers are a near guarantee for sea-sickness.
2. Take an anti-motion sickness tablet the evening before your trip, and another one in the morning an hour before boarding the boat (these are available at any pharmacy without prescription – we recommend Dramamine or Sturgeon).
3 During the trip, stay outside of the cabin, remain in the fresh breeze, and avoid the toilet. Keep your eyes on the horizon from the start, and try not to look through your camera's view finders for too long (most compact digital cameras offer a screen, use this option). If the sea is choppy, avoid going on the top deck where the boat's movements will be accentuated. Wear comfortable and loose clothing items, or just make yourselves as comfortable as possible by opening buttons or belts.
Do you serve food and refreshments onboard?
Yes. We will offer you a food and drinks on the boat for lunch and snacks, ranging from sweets and fresh fruits to a variety of rolls and a range of soft drinks and bottled water. We can also organize specific food depending on your dietary requirements or preferences, but this need to be organized and booked in advance and may carry additional costs.
Can I smoke on the boat?
No. White Pointer is a non-smoking vessel. This is for the comfort of all passengers, as well as for safety hazard reasons due to the amount of petrol carried on the boat.
What do I wear and what must I bring.
Warm clothing in winter – June to September – Closed shoes, long pants, waterproof jacket and cap/beanie. In summer October – April - a wind breaker, cap/hat. All year round – bathing suit, camera and plenty of film (the sharks jump very fast).
What do we supply?
We provide sandwiches, snacks and refreshments while on board. If you do not have your own wetsuit (5mm recommended) we supply all required dive gear, both for free diving and for scuba.
How many guests do you take onboard?
We take a maximum of 12 guests onboard offering the smallest trips in the industry.
What dive gear is required?
Mask & snorkel, wetsuit, hoody and booties
Where do the trips depart from?
Simon’s Town pier
When do you require payment for the trip?
If it is a morning excursion – after the trip or before the afternoon trip.
What experience do your guides have?
Our guides have worked for long periods with the sharks and wildlife around the island and in the bay. They are passionate about the animals and will give you an educational encounter.
Will the trip be just about sharks or will it include other wildlife as well?
We like to think of our trips as Ocean Marine Safari’s as we observe and enjoy all the wildlife we come across including dolphins, whales, penguins and seabirds.
Do you feed the sharks?
In South Africa, the cage-diving industry is not allowed by law to feed the Sharks. We are also committed to avoid feeding the Sharks for ethical and general conservation reasons. We use a point of interest to attract sharks to the boat – like a tuna head that is attached afloat and a rope and pulled away from the sharks. This bait is used solely as a lure however some sharks will manage to take the bait.
Is free diving offered on the Mako and Blue Shark Trip?
We realise many of the guests may not want to cage dive in the open ocean and indeed for 11 years since we were the first to offer pelagic free diving with Makos and Bluesin South Africa all we did was free dive.
Today we cage dive for reasons we will outline below.
- We operate anywhere between 30 to 50km offshore in an area where a helicopter med evacuation is almost impossible. A simple easily treatable bite inshore can be a serious and potentially fatal bite offshore.
- Currents in the area where we work run on average at about 1 to 1.5knots making almost constant swimming necessary especially if this is exacerbated by wind which is the case on most trips. This means guests need to swim constantly to keep up with the boat and seldom adhere to safety rules we have in place and often drift away from the boat. By using a cage our guests are in an environment free of current and can comfortably take pictures without swimming or hanging on to a rope. We can also still work in conditions that are fairly rough as the cage is still an option for diving (albeit bumpy). The
- By using a cage we do not have to be concerned about how many sharks we have around us. Pelagic sharks are not like many other species, they will bite and to have 10 or more sharks around you whilst free diving is a lot to be concerned about.
- Chris or Monique would always accompany guests while in the water but with 6 or more people taking turns two at a time this made for a lot of time in the water, the cage negates this and guests can therefore have longer time with the sharks.
- The cage in no way deters the sharks and we can actually get divers very close to multiple sharks at one time, so rather than fending off sharks, the guests enjoy viewing them in a relaxed manner.
We realise our operation has done an about turn on conventional wisdom with regards to starting this trip offering free-diving and now only cage diving. We have come to understand the conditions and wildlife we work with better. Our success rate and knowledge of the offshore environment has also improved greatly.
Remember also that the pelagic trip is not just about sharks but a huge assortment of wildlife that we try to showcase and hope people enjoy. The birds alone are worth the trip if people are really into nature. We also place an emphasis on showing guests as much of everything as possible.
