Shark Cage Diving Cape Town

The deep blue waters of False Bay are intoxicating. You scan the depths as the rugged outline of Seal Island draws closer, or watch the wave’s crash upon the rocky, mammoth headland of Cape Point as you head out into the Atlantic Ocean for shark cage diving in Cape Town. In every sharky location, a diverse abundance of wildlife surrounds, Southern Right whales exhaling through their blowholes, comedic African Penguins and thousand-strong pods of Common Dolphins patrolling for schools of fish. Yet the species you yearn to see most are always solitary; evolutionary masterpieces perfectly adapted to their habitat. Without warning – a movement catches your eye; the faintest shimmer, the merest glint of white teeth and an agile, powerful body. Could it really be? You have waited so long to see one. The incredible shark species found in these waters include Sevengill, Bronze Whaler, Blue and Mako shark, together with the occasional sighting of a Great white shark. No matter the species – your perspective will have been changed forever, way beyond your wildest imagination.

We see a variety of shark species throughout the year according to the seasons, weather, water temperature and other factors. Trips are confirmed dependant on weather and not species dependant.

• Location
  Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town
  15 minutes from the Cape of Good Hope 2 minutes from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
• Meeting
  The first launch meets from 06h30 – 10h00AM The second launch meets from 10h00 – 14h00PM The meeting times are subject to change based on weather and, sightings. The exact time will be confirmed with you the afternoon before your trip
• Transfers
  Door to door transfers arranged upon request
• Duration
  Half day trips – 3 to 4 hours at sea
• Guest Numbers
  12 guests maximum
• Surface Cage
  4 – 5 guests
• Diving
  We use breath – hold or snorkel. No Experience needed for either method. Air for certified divers upon request
• Age Restrictions
  8 years old to board and 10 years to cage dive
• Water Temperature
  53 – 68 ºF Don’t worry! Our wetsuit will keep you toasty warm
• Water Visibility
  7 – 65 feet
• Videographer
  No
• Includes
  Light lunch, snacks and refreshments
  Dive gear
  Towel
  Educational book

• The crew welcomes you to the Apex Shark Expeditions Centre in Simon’s Town a mere 45 minutes from Cape Town. Guests will receive a safety and sighting briefing aboard White Pointer II before departure.
• Depart for historical Seal Island which is a 25 to 35 minute boat ride based on sea and weather conditions. Should amazing Cape Point be the location for the trip, the boat ride is +- 50 minutes.
• Arrive at anchor destination
• Based on the weather, we will decide on the best spot to weigh anchor and begin attracting sharks to the vessel. The shark cage is then deployed, where it floats tied next to our vessel.
• The crew will brief the guests on shark cage safety and shark behaviour around the vessel.
• Once a shark approaches our boat, bait is kept in the water to keep the shark around long enough for identification, viewing and cage diving purposes.
• We practice modern non-invasive methods of monitoring, documenting and observing local shark populations, interspecies dynamics (social cooperatives) and interactions with pinnipeds (seals), cetaceans (dolphin and whales), fish and sea birds in a way that can be shared with scientists for the future conservation of sharks and marine wildlife.
• Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to any guest wishing to enter the shark cage.
• It is important to know the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to cage dive in order to see the sharks. Those not wishing to dive will have excellent views of the sharks from the boat’s viewing deck.
• White Pointer II will arrive back in Simon’s Town harbour.
• The total duration at sea is 3- 4 hours depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.
• Tea and coffee are available at our shark centre in Simon’s Town. Browse our unique range of shark-related merchandise and check out our wall of fame. There may be a familiar face or two.
• Offsite showers are available at an additional fee. Please request this upon booking.

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

• When making a booking for shark cage diving in Cape Town, South Africa, it is important that you have realistic expectations.

If you want to see a specific shark, we’ll happily advise you on the best times to book for the best chance of seeing that shark species. Check out the latest sightings.

We offer the best possible shark diving packages based on the greatest abundance of any of the following three species at the time: Great white shark, Sevengill shark, Mako shark and Blue Shark.

By being flexible you have the best chance of a great shark interaction rather than just a fleeting glimpse if we offered just one species. All of the species we focus on are large, powerful and active predators sure to give you an incredible once in a lifetime experience.

• Sevengill Cow Shark
  Sevengill sharks are seen all year round and are the ancient undertakers of the sea. Growing to at least 10 feet these massive sharks with their disproportionately large heads filled with heavily serrated hex comb cutting teeth are the dinosaurs of the deep. There are few places on earth where they occur in shallow water with reasonable visibility. Seal Island is one such venue and this is one of the great shark species we see on many of our expeditions to this famous Island that has been the subject of so many documentaries.
• Great White Shark
  The Great white shark sightings were highly variable in 2019 especially in False Bay and Gansbaai. That said, due to our flexible options of booking in all three Great white hotspots, we can advise on the best location that will give you the best shark encounter possible. Historically mid- June to end of July is the best time period for Great white sharks at Seal Island.
• Blue and Mako Shark
  The Open Ocean is a realm that is visited by few. It is in this inky blue world of free ranging nomads where two great shark species, the Mako and Blue sharks, ply their trade. Scenery is breath taking as you pass Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope and it not long before you see your first albatross as you head out into the open ocean. Curious, sometimes bold, and incredibly beautiful, Mako and Blue sharks are the apex predators of the open ocean. 
• Bronze Whaler Shark

  Seen all year round, the Bronze Whaler shark is a large and powerful predator. Reaching 3.3 meters (11 feet) long and weighing about 305 kilograms (672 lbs.) this is a fast-moving shark. 

  They are known to be somewhat aggressive to humans when they sense food or prey close by. And though they usually remain solitary, these sharks will often form groups to hunt prey more effectively.

  They eat cephalopods like squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. Also bony fish like catfish, salmon, tuna, sardines, and anchovies, then cartilaginous fish like dogfish sharks, stingrays, skates, electric rays, and sawfish.

  They don’t typically hunt marine mammals, but they will feed on the carcass of dolphins when found. The South African population follows the famous Sardine Run every winter. This prey gathers in their millions and as a result, they attract a variety of predators including many species of shark.

  In such cases where prey is abundant, these sharks will form groups and herd the sardines into a tight ball (bait-ball). They then take turns swimming through these balls with their mouths open to feed.

  Though the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Bronze whaler as Near Threatened worldwide, their conservation status still varies depending on the specific locality in question.

• Common Dolphin
  Common dolphins pods are usually seen from March to July and can be seen feeding on bait fish. We occasionally see Bottlenose and Dusky dolphins too
• Southern Right Whale
  From August to November up to 3,500 Southern Right whales mate and give birth along the South African coast. Humpback whales may also occasionally be seen.
• Brydes Whale
  These whales are endemic and can be seen all year round although they are shy and usually keep their distance.
• African Penguin
  Boulders Beach is home to 3,500 African Penguins and we pass by this colony on our voyage to Cape Point. We often encounter hunting parties of penguins out on feeding sorties. There are a few African Penguins that live on Seal Island. It is rather odd to see these creatures living amongst so many seals. Perhaps they lost their way.
• Cape Fur Seal
  Seal Island is home to 64 000 seals, you will have close views of this, the largest island based seal colony in Africa as well as various sea birds (Cape cormorant, Bank cormorant, and Black Backed kelp gull).

  Remember this is a guideline only and that sightings on any trip can never be guaranteed – we’re sure you’ll appreciate that working with sharks is as wild as it gets!

Day before confirmation and shark species will depend on weather conditions. All trips are confirmed weather dependent and are not shark species dependent.

• Guided Shark Cage Diving Tour
  Our qualified shark cage diving guides are especially trained for this very experience you are about to book. They are passionate and eager to share their knowledge with you, of not only the sharks, but all the marine wildlife you will encounter on your shark tour.
• Educational Booklet
  You will receive a beautiful illustrated educational eBook (or hard copy) on the marine life you may encounter on your shark tour from the apex predators in the ocean to the sea birds above.
• Light Meals
  Lunch consists of fresh fruit, delicious home baked quiches, gourmet sandwiches including chicken with pecan nuts amongst others. We will include a vegetarian option upon request. To quench that adventurous thirst, fruit juice and mineral water are on tap with a variety of snacks that are more on the indulgent side. All food is hygienically prepared and individually packaged using natural recyclable materials that are environmentally friendly.
• Dive Gear
  We guarantee a clean dry wetsuit for every guest of Apex Shark Expeditions. Each guest will receive dive equipment and a wetsuit that has been thoroughly disinfected and rinsed with fresh water and dried before use. Every piece of squeaky clean dive equipment will be used by one guest only per day. They say sharing is caring but we’ll leave that to Barney.
• Towels
  We do provide clean, dry towels however it is our goal is to reduce the consumption of natural resources in laundry and therefore we ask where possible, to provide your own towel.

  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.

• Dress in layers as it can get very chilly at sea. We advise a warm weather jacket, sneakers or closed shoes, a beanie and a hat/cap
• Polarized sunglasses – these really help to block the glare thereby increasing sightings of the sharks from the boat. They also provide protection from harmful UV rays
• If you are prone to the cold. a rash vest will help with extra insulation
• Towel
• Water Bottle
• Lip-ice and Sunscreen SPF 50 – the African sun is beautiful but harsh
• Camera, of course! GoPro’s are great for stills and video and are easy to handle in the shark cage. Bring an extra SD card. You’re going to need it!
• For those with poor eyesight, we advise wearing contact lens whilst cage diving with sharks. If you own a prescription mask, please bring it with you
• If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend Sturgeon or Dramamine. Take one the night before your trip and another an hour before the meet time.
• 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.

* Concession prices for South African passport holders.

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.

If no sharks are seen , a voucher for a FREE return trip is issued