Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town – Everything You Need To Know!
Thinking of taking the plunge (pun intended, haha!), and going Shark cage diving in Cape Town? Here’s everything you need to know about it!
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Contents:
Why Go Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town?
Why go Shark cage diving in Cape Town? Shark cage diving in Cape Town has long been one of the area’s most well-known wildlife experiences, and for good reason. The coastline offers easy access to deep water, a rich marine ecosystem, and, historically, one of the best places in the world to see large sharks in the wild.
For years, areas like Shark Alley near Gansbaai were famous for regular great white shark sightings. This reputation is what originally put shark cage diving here on the map and continues to attract visitors. However, in recent years, sightings of great whites have declined significantly, and most trips now focus on bronze whaler sharks (also known as copper sharks). There are also many other species to be spotted here – I saw stingrays and seals. Of course, sometimes there will be a great white sighting, as when I participated in January, the most recent was in October.
While this is a noticeable change, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Bronze whalers are still large, powerful sharks that often come very close to the cage, giving you a clear and unobstructed view. In many cases, you actually get longer and more frequent sightings of great whites than people used to. Also, bronze whalers are deadly, too, so you will still feel a thrill!
One of the main reasons to go shark cage diving in Cape Town is accessibility. Compared to many other shark diving destinations worldwide, it’s relatively easy to reach, with operators located within a couple of hours of the city. This makes it possible to do as a day trip without needing extensive travel or specialist training.
Another key reason is the opportunity to see sharks in their natural environment. Even without the guarantee of great whites, you are still observing wild animals in open water, not in an aquarium or controlled setting, which makes it so fun!
Is It Easy To Go Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town?
Is it easy to go Shark cage diving in Cape Town? Yes! It is incredibly easy to go shark cage diving in Cape Town. I booked about a day in advance, but to avoid disappointment, if it’s something that’s important to you, then try your best to book ahead.
What is Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town Like?
What is Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town like? Going with an established operator like White Shark Diving, based just outside Cape Town, means the trip is well organised and safety-focused. A typical day starts early – I had a 5 am pick up, as it was about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. Upon arrival in Gansbaai, White Shark Diving provided breakfast, followed by a short briefing and a chance to put on a waterproof coat before heading out by boat. The crew explain what to expect, how the cage works, and provides context about the local marine life and current shark activity in the area.
Conditions can vary depending on the weather and season, but the trips generally run year-round. The water is cold due to the Atlantic currents, so thermal gear is provided, and you don’t need prior diving experience since the cage remains at the surface. I honestly didn’t find the water to be too cold – but that may be because of the adrenaline.
Once on the boat, you will get changed into the wetsuits, and then it’s time to go down into the cage…Here you’ll have to hold your breath (if you don’t purchase the oxygen tanks), but the crew will tell you when to dive. It’s a lot of fun, and nothing beats the thrill of sharks swimming towards you with their mouths open!
In total, I think I had around 45 minutes in the cage, which was the perfect amount of time. Afterwards, it was time to take the wetsuits off, which was the hardest part of the entire thing, and then head back to land.
Once on the land, they played us a video that was recorded that day and gave us the option to buy it, did another talk about the sharks and gave us the opportunity to ask any questions, and then it was time to head back.
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What To Take When Going Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town?
What to take when going Shark cage diving in Cape Town? Most equipment is provided, but this is what you need to bring:
- Warm layers (more important than you think). Even on a sunny day, it gets cold out on the water. You’re heading into the Atlantic, and the boat ride alone can be windy and exposed. Make sure that they’re easy to get on and off.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Swimwear (wear it under your clothes). Most operators will give you a wetsuit, but it’s easier if you arrive already wearing your swimwear. It makes it so much easier.
- A towel (quick-dry is ideal).
- Waterproof protection for your phone or valuables.
- Flip-flops or water shoes.
- Motion sickness tablets! I am not someone who gets motion sickness, but even I felt really sick on the boat, and the weather was calm. About 3 people on the tour (of 10) actually threw up.
Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town – FAQ:
Great white sharks are still present in Gansbaai, but sightings have become very rare in recent years due to shifts in the ecosystem and increased activity from orcas in the area.
Yes, sharks are commonly found along the coast of Cape Town, with species like bronze whalers, sevengill cow sharks, and occasionally great whites inhabiting its cold, nutrient-rich waters.
Since the 1940’s, there have been 90 fatal shark attacks in South Africa.
Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town – Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this post all about Shark cage diving in Cape Town. If you’ve ever been Shark cage diving in Cape Town, did you enjoy it? What sharks did you see if you’ve been Shark Cage diving in Cape Town? If you enjoyed this post and would like to read some other similar posts of mine, then these are what I’d recommend below:
