Ocean Adventure Promo

False Bay is more than a destination — it’s a living, breathing marine wonderland. Nestled between the Cape Peninsula and the Hottentots Holland mountains, this bay is your gateway to South Africa’s Marine Big Five: sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins. 

 A lesser-known fact is that False Bay is the gateway to the Marine Big Five – Seals, penguins, sharks, dolphin and whales.

Apex shark expeditions have operated in False bay for over a quarter of a century and have built up an unsurpassed understanding of the wildlife of the Capes oceans.  The crew are qualified and trusted guides that are well-connected with local fishing and marine communities which mean instant communication on sightings as they happen. This first line of communication will take you right to the action fast. 

What Makes Apex Shark Expeditions the Top Choice for an Ocean Safari 

For over 30 years, Apex Shark Expeditions has been the trusted name in ethical marine tourism. Our Cape Town-based team offers curated, family-friendly ocean safaris that are both thrilling and educational. We’re deeply embedded in the local marine community, ensuring real-time updates on wildlife sightings and responsible interactions with nature.

Why False Bay is a Must-Visit for Families in South Africa 

According to Cape Tourism, False Bay is one of the most accessible marine ecosystems in the Western Cape. It’s home to: 

• Over 8,000 marine species 
• The largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals 
• Seasonal visits from southern right whales (June–November) 

The bay’s calm waters and rich biodiversity make it ideal for families with children, especially those seeking a local, lekker experience that’s both safe and unforgettable. 

What Makes an Ocean Safari Special 

Our “Local is Lekker” package celebrates South Africa’s marine and cultural treasures. Choose between two curated experiences: “A Gift to Those Who Love the Sea” or “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea”. Enjoy shark cage diving in False Bay, Cape Town’s vibrant markets, and whale watching. Apex Shark Expeditions, with over 30 years of experience, ensures sustainable adventures compliant with the Marine Living Resources Act.  

Our 5-star TripAdvisor rating reflects our commitment to unforgettable experiences. 

Reasons to Choose an Ocean Safari in Cape Town? 

Our shark cage diving in Simon’s Town, 45 km from the city center of Cape Town, offers thrilling encounters with bronze whaler and sevengill sharks in False Bay’s Marine Protected Area. No experience is needed, and children can dive under adult supervision. Our 35 ft. catamaran, White Pointer II, is SAMSA-certified with a 100% safety record, carrying up to 12 guests for intimate trips. Galvanized steel cages meet DEAT regulations, and our crew, trained in first aid, share conservation insights. Data from each trip supports the Mammal Research Institute (MRI). Water visibility ranges from 2–10 meters, with wetsuits provided. 

Cultural Experiences to Enjoy in Cape Town? 

Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s heritage at Simon’s Town’s Jubilee Square markets, offering handcrafted curios and local treats like koeksisters. Dine on Cape Malay dishes like bobotie at restaurants such as The Lighthouse Cafe. Visit Boulders Beach to see 3,500 African penguins, a colony grown from two breeding pairs in 1982, per SANParks data. These experiences capture the “local is lekker” vibe, with 71% of South Africans preferring mobile-friendly local businesses (Statcounter.com, 2017). 

Apex Shark Expeditions Commitment to Conservation in South Africa 

Apex records shark and environmental data on every trip, contributing to MRI’s research. Our small-group tours (maximum 12 guests) minimize environmental impact, complying with the Biodiversity Act. Operating in False Bay, we promote sustainable tourism, protecting over 1,000 marine species. Our eco-friendly practices, like recyclable packaging, align with Apex’s conservation ethos. 

Trip Overview

Cage Diving Details

Your curated voyage of discovery starts in historical Simon’s Town at our marine centre located in the waterfront. Your exact discovery route will be determined by our skippers’ understanding and observation of the environment, the marine activity and the ever changing weather patterns on the day and should include the following.

All marine wildlife will be approached according to the legal distance as required by Marine Living Resources Law

White Pointer II is the name of our 32 ft. catamaran. This boat was specifically built for the purpose of working, viewing and diving with Great white sharks in the waters of the Western Cape. She complies with all safety requirements and Great white shark permit conditions. She carries all the necessary safety equipment and is certified on an annual basis by SAMSA, the authority responsible for maritime safety in South Africa. We are committed to achieving and maintaining a high standard of health and safety both on land and at sea. We will always strive to set the standards of a safe boat-based operation, going beyond our legal obligations to manage any potential risks effectively and provide a safe environment for all involved.

Hygiene and Safety

• Our boat surfaces and frequently touched areas are sanitized before you board the vessel, as well as during and after every excursion
• Hand sanitizer is conveniently positioned aboard
• All items utilized by you on board will be appropriately sanitized and cleaned during excursions
• Handling of any necessary equipment on board will be carried out by the skipper and crew and not by our guests
• The crew are registered tour guides trained in first aid, fire – fighting and are subjected to stringent monthly safety drills
• Safety equipment includes life jackets, first aid kit, radio and cellular phone

Boat Based Viewing

If you don’t want to get wet, the boat based viewing is excellent as many of the sharks swim at the surface. Our surface viewing deck offers 360 degrees view and our enclosed cabin offers cover and protection from the elements.  As the boat based viewing is equal if not better than the cage dive viewing, divers and non-divers pay the same price for the shark trip.

Safety First

• All shark cage diving is done under the supervision of an experienced crew who have first aid & oxygen management, scuba & commercial skippers’ qualifications and have expert knowledge of the behaviour of sharks around the cage
• The cage is designed to float, leaving a free board of about 30cm (about one foot). The cage is solidly attached to the side of the boat by two thick ropes that prevent the cage from drifting away and equipped with several independent flotation devices which keep it buoyant
• Our cage has been designed to ensure there are no sharp edges on which a shark can injure itself in the event one should touch the cage accidentally
• The shark cage we use is a surface cage. It is not a submersible shark cage. Our crews are close to cage at all times and will ensure any guest in distress is quickly and safely removed from the cage.
• You may end your shark cage dive at any time as we operate surface cages only. Your head is never more than half a meter below the surface and you can decide when and how long you want to stay underwater
• Specially designed doors ensure ease of access for divers. Getting into the cage is as simple as stepping off the boat
• Our cage comfortably accommodates a GoPro camera and is equipped with steel hand and foot bars inside offering grip and stability when filming

We pride ourselves on offering sustainable eco-friendly marine tourism and adventure with conservation, research and education taking place on every shark cage diving tour we are fortunate to operate.

Is This Experience Suitable for Kids? 

Yes! Our trips are designed with families in mind. Children aged 5 and up are welcome on the boat. Life jackets are provided, and our crew is trained in first aid and child safety protocols. 

For your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend that you do not over indulge in alcohol the night before as this may result in being very sea sick the next day.

At Apex Shark Expeditions, we strive to offer the best and most professional shark cage diving and ecotourism experience in the world from the moment you make contact with us to long after your experience with us is done. We offer an unforgettable experience rather than just another trip!

40% of all Apex Shark Expeditions guests are repeat guests. Why? It is our personal, intimate and incredible educational experience our professional shark cage diving company and guides deliver.

As we operate with the smallest group size of any shark diving operation in the world, 12 guests only, this enables us to provide that one on one personal service to you, our guest.

The Best Shark Cage Diving in South Africa!

You have the power to make a difference when selecting your shark diving operator. Apex Shark Expeditions fights the fight for the Conservation of the Great White Shark.

• We need a minimum of 6 guests for this trip to go
• Children from 5 years old permitted under adult supervision

Join us in the Mother city to experience her oceans, mountains and her diverse flora and fauna. Our packages are especially for guests who love nature in all her glory, big marine animals, and wide open spaces.

WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA

From R 11 995,00 per person sharing

Your exclusive getaway includes car hire, 4 night accommodation and 4 activities.

Get your adrenalines pumping as you embark on your Curated Ocean Adventure Exploration from Simon’s Town. Enjoy the big ocean animals and stunning views of the Cape Peninsula from off shore.

The next day you’ll drive 3 hours and bit from Cape Town, to the most exclusive sector of De Hoop Nature Reserve to find Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop.

Undoubtedly one of the most glorious coastal reserves in Africa, the area’s extraordinary beauty and blissful seclusion led ex-President FW de Klerk to choose the location for his ‘Camp David.’ The reserve is also famous for some of the best land based whale watching on the planet. It’s not simply whales either and you’ll also spot sizeable pods of dolphin and all sorts of marine life in this – the ultimate, land-based marine safari.

Each of the seven rooms is located right on a six-kilometre stretch of private beach, complete with stunning rock pools and fish life. There are curated walks with experienced naturalists, an array of fynbos to be discovered, a plethora of marine life to be explored, and a rare vulture breeding colony to be spotted (and that’s without mentioning the whales)

ITINERARY

Cape Town and surrounds has plenty to offer both locals and tourists, Apart from our action packed ocean and nature lover itineraries, you can go for a scenic drive. The city has some of the most amazing roads, which wind around the mountains and offer stunning sea views. Cheers to the weekend or longer.

The below packages are made up of elements of each other and can be tailored to your specification.

• Catch your flight to an adventurous odyssey in Cape Town and surrounds. When you arrive at Cape Town International airport, collect your wheels for the weekend. If you have booked the ‘A Gift to those that Love the Sea‘ package, it could be a zippy Suzuki Swift or a Hyundai i10 GLS Motion or similar, manual 5door hatch-backs, power-steering, radio/CD and air-conditioning, 300kms included per day, excess km charged at R2.00 per km. Standard insurance included
• If you have opted for the ‘Where the Mountains meet the Sea’ package, your vehicle needs to be high clearance for those dirt roads in and around the De Hoop Nature Reserve. A 4 x 4 is not necessary therefore you’ll be driving either a Ford Eco Sport, a Renault Duster or similar, 5-Seater, manual, radio/CD, air-con, power-steering, ABS, central-locking, etc. with 300kms free per day. (Lekkerwater in De Hoop Nature Reserve is only 277 km from Cape Town) excess km charged at R4.00 per km. Standard insurance included
• Transfer to Simon’s Town accommodation. The accommodation establishment will be a 4 star guest house or hotel and will be confirmed in your final itinerary subject to availability. Pre- check in online for your curated ocean adventure exploration scheduled for the next day.
• Unpack and head down to the village of Simon’s Town for a pre-dinner drink in one of the quaint pubs. Then select a restaurant of your choice. The Lighthouse Cafe offers a lovely ambience and dishes you will want to return for
• Don’t paint the town too red, you have an early start tomorrow
• Enjoy an early morning breakfast before heading down to the Apex Shark Expeditions shark centre where you will be met by the Apex crew for your Ocean Adventure. The meeting time of the trip will be confirmed with you the afternoon before your trip and is dependent on weather and tides
• The Ocean Adventure is about 4 hours in duration and light lunch is served on the boat.  Thereafter your afternoon and evening is at leisure. Visit the Naval museum. Explore the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony; hike The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. There is so much to do in and around Simon’s Town
• After breakfast, those guests who booked the ‘A Gift to those that Love the Sea‘ package will embark on their journey to Hout Bay for their Seal snorkelling experience. Seal snorkelling takes place at Duiker Island, Hout Bay. This island is surrounded by cold water, shallow kelp forests and home to relatively fewer seals (5000) than colonies elsewhere on the coast. The duration of this activity is 3 hours. Thereafter you will have time to explore the Atlantic seaboard and the Mother city to take in the highlights of Table Mountain or Robben Island. Watch the sunset on Chapmans Peak before heading back to Simon’s Town for your last night.
• Breakfast is scheduled at your request before heading to the airport the next day
• ‘Where the Mountains meet the Sea‘ package guests will enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on the 3 and a bit hours from Cape Town, to the most exclusive sector of De Hoop Nature Reserve to find Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop where you’ll be spending the next two nights.  This place is truly a piece of heaven on earth
• From July to November, Southern Right whales and their offspring flock here in their hundreds from Antarctica. Year round pods of bottlenose dolphin are also to be seen as well as all sorts of marine life in this, making Lekkerwater the ultimate land-based marine safari
• Activities include walks with experienced naturalists, an array of fynbos to be discovered, tidal walks to the caves and rock pools and a plethora of marine life to be explored
• After a hearty breakfast, wind your way slowly back to Cape Town or you could extend your stay for a night or two and take in the beautiful Robertson Wine Valley