Shark diving hotspots in South Africa include Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban.
Shark cage diving in Gansbaai should be on the top of your bucket list this year! The top-rated destination to cage dive with great white sharks remains Gansbaai. This small fishing village is also known as the Capital or Mecca of the Great White Shark. Gansbaai is a beautiful 2 ½ hour drive from the Cape Town International Airport. Shark operators also offer return transfers from your Cape Town or Hermanus hotel. Group discounts available.
What will you see Shark Diving Gansbaai and South Africa?
Shark diving Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, Durban or Port Elizabeth will bring you up close and personal to some very big sharks. On the Gansbaai tour, you can look forward to seeing great white and/or copper sharks. You might also see penguins and seals on this dedicated shark cage diving trip in Gansbaai. There is also an excellent chance of seeing whales on this tour during whale season June to November.
Great White Shark Diving in Mossel Bay
If you find yourself in the Garden Route area of South Africa, then cage diving in Mossel Bay should at the top of your adventure list! Mossel Bay only has one operator that goes out daily as the weather permits. Mossel Bay has reported fantastic great white shark sightings since resuming operations in September 2020.
Shark Cage Diving and Scuba Diving in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town also offers shark cage diving tours from nearby Simon’s Town harbour however most tourists take a day trip to Gansbaai as this is a wonderful adventure out of the city and much easier on the pocket! In Gansbaai you can cage dive with Great White and/or Copper sharks. Should you wish to stay in Cape Town you can cage dive with massive 7-gill cow sharks. These sharks look quite prehistoric and reach an impressive 3 meters in size. You do have a chance of spotting a great white shark here however these species have seemed to elude the area for some time now. Cape Town is also an excellent location for scuba diving.
Cage Dive with Oceanic Blacktip Sharks in Durban
Durban is all about fun, sun, beaches, and shark diving. The Durban area showcases many incredible shark species like the tiger shark, bull shark, blacktip, spinners, dusky sharks, and more. Unfortunately, sightings rarely include great white sharks.
Shark Diving Gansbaai
This adrenaline-filled activity is a must-do activity for any traveller to the area! In Shark Diving Gansbaai, near Hermanus, you can get up close and personal with some magnificent creatures. No qualifications needed – all visitors are welcome aboard our boats which launch daily from Kleinbaai Harbour. Tours run throughout the year.
GANSBAAI
Shark species in Gansbaai include Great White and Copper Sharks
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MOSSEL BAY
Shark species in Mossel Bay include Great White and Hammerhead Sharks
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DURBAN
Shark species in Durban include Oceanic Blacktip and Tiger Sharks
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PORT ELIZABETH
Shark species in Port Elizabeth include Great White Sharks
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CAPE TOWN
Shark species in Cape Town include Great White, Sevengill, Blue and Mako Sharks
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SOUTH AFRICA SHARK CAGE DIVING OPEN
The beautiful coastline of South Africa is dotted with some of the hottest shark diving spots globally, including the famed Gansbaai known as the Capital of the Great White Shark. Shark dive spots not to miss also include Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.
Day-trippers and unqualified divers can enjoy the thrilling experience of coming face to face with a great white shark, copper shark, 7-Gill Cow shark and Blacktip reef sharks, all from the safety of a custom-built steel cage.
Please contact us for information, updates, and trip schedules.
Family-friendly shark diving in Gansbaai
Shark cage diving is an awesome family adventure. Shark diving takes place daily in Gansbaai if the weather permits. Currently, shark divers can expect to see sharks growing up to 5.5 meters. On most days you can see Copper Sharks and, on other occasional days, you can see Great White Sharks. Children from the age of 10 can cage dive. Shark cage diving is an awesome family adventure because it is safe and it is a great way to see sharks up close. Shark cage diving takes place daily in Gansbaai, so you can always find a time that works for you and your family. The tour usually lasts about 2.5 hours on sea, but it can vary depending on the number of sharks that are seen as well as the weather conditions. Shark diving gives you the chance to see these amazing creatures up close in their natural environment. If you are looking for an exciting adventure that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than shark cage diving in Gansbaai!
How to Prepare for Your Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, South Africa
Gansbaai shark diving is a thrilling adventure that attracts thrill-seekers from around the world. Located in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape, Gansbaai is known as the “Great White Shark Capital of the World.” If you’re gearing up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, here’s how to prepare to make the most of your dive.
Understand the Weather and Conditions
The waters off Gansbaai can be unpredictable. Weather conditions greatly influence visibility and sea conditions, so it’s wise to book your dive early in your trip. This gives you flexibility in case of cancellations due to poor weather. Make sure to check the weather forecast and stay in touch with your diving operator.
What to Wear
For your Gansbaai shark diving adventure, you’ll be provided with a wetsuit and mask, but it’s important to bring your swimwear to wear underneath. Depending on the time of year, mornings can be chilly, so packing a warm jacket and some dry clothes for after the dive is advisable.
Health and Safety Considerations
Before embarking on your shark diving adventure, make sure you’re in good health. If you have any medical conditions, especially those related to heart or respiratory issues, consult with your doctor beforehand. Seasickness is common, so consider taking motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to it.
What to Expect During the Dive
During your dive, you’ll be lowered into the water in a sturdy cage, where you’ll come face-to-face with some feisty sharks. It’s an exhilarating experience but be prepared for cold water and close encounters with these majestic creatures. The dives are usually short (roughly 20 minutes per turn – you are likely offered a second or third turn depending on conditions) but intense, giving you enough time to fully appreciate the sharks in their natural habitat.
Bring a Camera
Bringing your waterproof camera can help you capture personal memories of your Gansbaai shark diving experience. Just make sure it’s securely attached to your gear to avoid losing it in the ocean. Shark divers also offer GoPro rentals which you can book when booking your shark diving experience.
Respect the Sharks and Marine Life
It’s important to remember that you’re a guest in the sharks’ natural environment. Follow the instructions provided by your guides, avoid unnecessary movements that might disturb the animals, and respect the local marine life. This ensures that future generations can also enjoy Gansbaai shark diving.
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Finally, the most important tip is to relax and enjoy your dive. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, but trust in the expertise of your guides and savour every moment of this unforgettable adventure.
With proper preparation, your Gansbaai shark diving experience will be safe, exhilarating, and something you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Want to see more species of sharks?
Want to experience all the best shark diving experiences South Africa offers in one incredible 12-day package? Visit Scuba Mozambique by Shark Divers for this thrilling adventure holiday.