Shark Biology with Professor De Maddalena

The Great white shark expedition together with the shark biology course is operated by Apex Shark Expeditions. The expedition is hosted by Professor Alessandro De Maddalena, one of the world’s foremost shark experts, who has worked with Apex Shark Expeditions since 2010. The guests will have the possibility of encountering Great white sharks in their habitat and learn about biology, ethology and ecology of these predators. There will also be excellent chances to observe other species of sharks including Blue, Shortfin Mako, Bronze Whaler and the Broadnose Sevengill shark.

• Location
  Land based on the Cape Coastline – South Africa
• Guide
  Professor Alessandro De Maddalena
• Transport
  Yes
• Duration
  7 days
• Guest Numbers
  11 guests maximum
• 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

• Transport from Cape Town airport to Simon’s Town.
• Great white / Broadnose Sevengill / Bronze Whaler shark trip at Seal Island or Blue and Mako shark trip off Cape Point. Night in Simon’s Town
• Great white / Broadnose Sevengill / Bronze Whaler shark trip at Seal Island or Blue and Mako shark trip off Cape Point. Transport from Simon’s Town to Gansbaai in the afternoon
• Great white / Bronze Whaler shark trip off Gansbaai. Transport from Gansbaai to Mossel Bay in the afternoon. Night in Mossel Bay
• Breaching Great white shark trip off Mossel Bay. Great White shark cage diving trip off Mossel Bay. Night in Mossel Bay
• Breaching Great white shark trip off Mossel Bay. Transport from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay. Spotting Great White sharks from the cliff at Robberg. Transport from Plettenberg Bay to Mossel Bay in the afternoon. Night in Mossel Bay
• Breaching Great white shark trip or Great white shark cage diving trip off Mossel Bay in the morning. Transport from Mossel Bay to Cape Town Airport in the afternoon
  This itinerary is merely indicative and subject to change at the discretion of the operator.

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.

• Target species
  Great white shark
• Other shark species
  Blue , Shortfin Mako , Bronze Whaler, Broadnose Sevengill shark 
• Other animals
  Cape fur seal, Southern Right whale, Brydes whale, Humpback whale, Long-Beaked Common dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Ocean sunfish, African Penguin and the Chacma baboon
• Diving
  Everyone can cage dive, no scuba qualification is needed. All diving is on snorkel
• Number of participants
  We need a minimum of 6 guests for this trip to depart and a maximum of 11
• Bad weather days
  Where a shark trip has to be cancelled due to bad weather, there will be no refund, and a half day excursion will be arranged at Cape Point Nature Reserve, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town or Table Mountain
• Sightings
  Sightings of sharks are not guaranteed. The expedition takes place during the peak season for White shark predation on seals in the area. However we are witnessing a dramatic decline in shark numbers off the South African coast, due to fishing activities. The Blue and Mako shark trip off Cape Point can only be operated in perfect weather conditions

Cost

R 42 160.00 per person sharing

Cost Includes

• Airport transfers and all transport pertaining to the expedition locations
• 6 night’s accommodation
• Course in biology, ethology and ecology of sharks presented by Professor Alessandro De Maddalena
• 7 trips (weather permitting) from False Bay, Gansbaai and Mossel Bay to observe Great white sharks (and possibly other species of sharks) and to cage dive (snorkelling) or to witness the Great white shark breaching behaviour
• Wetsuit, hood, booties, mask and weight belt
• Sandwiches and soft drinks on board as well as breakfast on early morning sea trips

Cost excludes

• Flights
• Transfers to cage dive operations and restaurants
• Transfers not pertaining to the expedition
• Meals

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.