Exclusive Natural History Expedition

Apex Shark Expeditions has run specialty Great white shark predation and breaching trips for over a decade. Many of the world’s most famous breaching Great white shark images have been taken during these expeditions and our personalized and small group sizes offer our guests the ONLY photographic and natural history opportunity like this available in South Africa.

Chris and Monique Fallows together with our staff and crew have contributed to, or co-authored, more than 10 peer reviewed scientific papers on predatory behaviour and our work has been seen in more than 50 world renowned wildlife documentaries including all ten episodes of the famous Discovery Channels Air Jaws series.

After 20 + years of operation we have an extensive array of connections along the South African coastline that allow us to get the best real time information on where to see the best behaviour. Based on the best activity at the time of the expedition we may position ourselves at one or more of the famous Great white shark locations in South Africa.

The expedition also focuses on other amazing photographic opportunities and if conditions allow open ocean pelagic shark, whale, dolphin and seabird viewing and photographic opportunities may be undertaken on one or more days. This highly flexible expedition recipe has resulted in us getting some remarkable images in the past few seasons despite the unpredictability in exactly where and when the best Great white shark activity can be expected.

• Location
  Land based on the Cape Coastline – South Africa
• Guides
  Chris and Monique Fallows
• Transport
  Included
• Duration
  10 days
• Guest Numbers
  6 guests
• Diving
  We use breath- hold or snorkel. No Experience needed for either method Air for certified divers upon request in False Bay
• Age Restriction
  12 years old
• Water Temperature
  53 – 68 ºF
• Water Visibility
  7 – 65 feet
• Includes
  Accommodation
  Light breakfast, tea/coffee, snacks and refreshments
  Dive gear
  Educational book

Our expeditions, by virtue of the fact that our groups are small, allow us to be extremely flexible and mobile in terms of where we position ourselves each year so as to maximize our likelihood to see and photograph predatory and breaching behaviour. 

• You will arrive in Cape Town the day before the start of the expedition. Should you require additional accommodation before or after your expedition, we will gladly book it for you
• The expedition consists of 10 days of shark trips 
• As this expedition is heavily focused on seeing and photographing the famous breaching Great white sharks, either on a decoy or actively engaged in natural hunting behaviour, most trips, weather permitting depart prior to sunrise and stay out for roughly 2-3 hours depending on activity
• There will be three scheduled shark cage diving trips (this trip will be with other guests)
• On weather affected days or if conditions allow, visits to Plettenberg Bay may be undertaken to unobtrusively observe the interactions between Great white sharks and Cape fur seals from cliffs above the sea
• After the morning Great White breaching trip on the 24 July, you will be transferred to Cape Town International airport. Please schedule a late evening flight to ensure you have sufficient time to check in
• We offer guided tours and safaris in all the locations you will visit. These can be booked prior to your arrival (request list of activities) or you may book this in our shark centre when you are here

Based on the best activity at the time of the expedition we may position ourselves at one or more of the famous Great white shark locations in South Africa.  The locations can include False Bay departing from Simon’s Town, Mossel Bay, Robberg Peninsula in Plettenberg Bay and Bird Island off Port Elizabeth.  Also known as the Garden Route, this area provides a coastline of mountains close to the shoreline dotted with beaches and bays, and vividly coloured wild flowers to delight the eye. Such beauty is worth seeing.

We have a variety of accommodation establishments from Airbnb, Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouses and Hotels. Our set package accommodation options are clean, spacious and within the 3 – 4 star grade

Simon’s Town

Holiday Court – Our Self- Catering Apartment

Located above Simon’s Town village with sea views of False Bay, this two-bedroomed upmarket apartment is a home away from home. The apartment boasts a King Size extra length bed, walk-in shower, fully equipped kitchen, Dstv and Wi-Fi.

Grosvenor Guest House

Located on the mountainside of Simon’s Town, the Grosvenor Guest House offers guest 4-Star accommodation with stunning views across the bay. Each guest will have their own en-suite room.

Facilities include Wi-Fi (at an extra cost), Satellite TV, a safe, laundry services and a well equipped kitchen.

Gansbaai

White Shark Guest House

Located directly opposite the meeting point of your trip, the White Shark Guest house offers a ‘home from home’ a taste of a true South African Experience. The balance of old and new provides a warm ambiance.

This 4 star guest house is clean, comfortable and spacious and is centrally located.

Aquamarine Guest House

Aquamarine Guest House is a 4 star graded guest house offering an exclusive five bedroom gem, with a fresh modern touch. It is centrally located in the main street of Mossel Bay, with secure off-street parking and remote controlled gate. The Guest House is within easy walking distance (10 minutes) to the trip meeting point.

• Species
  Great white shark, Sevengill shark, Mako Shark, Blue Shark, Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, Brydes Whale, Southern Right Whale, Common Dolphin and a variety of sea birds
• Number of Guests
  Due to the nature of the expedition, we accommodate a maximum of 6 guests to ensure an intimate experience for you
• Diving
  The diving is on breath-hold or snorkel and no previous diving experience is needed. If you are SCUBA certified, air is available in some of the locations. This expedition focus is on natural predation and cage diving will be offered on suitable weather days only
• Dive Gear
  We have 5mm wetsuits from small to 6XL, as well as booties and hoodies. We do have masks and snorkels, but if you are able to bring your own, then do so
• Weather affected days
  Should inclement weather prevent us from proceeding with a trip, an excursion will be arranged at no additional cost. There are no refunds for bad weather days.
  
  Excursions could include:
  • Cape Point Nature Reserve – The world’s richest floral kingdom
  • Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
  • The Cape’s famous Wine Route
  • Table Mountain
  • A visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island
  • Botlierskop Game Reserve- Mossel Bay
• Sightings
  We are dealing with wild animals, and even though we offer this expedition in our peak shark season, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Refunds are therefore not considered in the event of non-sightings. Due to variable weather conditions and shark activity, diving may not be possible.

US $ 5100.00 per person sharing

US $ 5400.00 solo traveller

• Airport transfers
• Transfers between Cape Town International and all locations
• 10 night’s accommodation
• 10 shark trips. Subject to weather conditions
• 3 shark cage diving trips. Subject to weather conditions
• Dive gear
• Light breakfast at meeting point
• Light lunch and snacks on board in Simon’s Town only
• Land based tours on weather affected days

Excludes

• Flights
• Lunch & dinner

Booking

• A 50% non-refundable deposit via wire transfers upon booking, with balance due 120 days before the start of the expedition.

Cancellation policy

• Less than 120 days before start date: 100% of the fee.
• No show: 100% of the fee.
• No credits will be given for cancellations beyond our control.

Book with Confidence Terms

If travel restrictions are implemented by your local government or the government of South Africa due to COVID 19 (Coronavirus) which means you are unable to travel, then FREE cancellation applies   up to 14 days before trip date.