By Courtney Cooper
The History of Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town: From Research to Adventure
Cape Town’s shark cage diving has gone from being a small-scale scientific project to a well-known ecotourism attraction around the world. Much of what is known about Great White Sharks can be traced back to Cape coastline, especially the area surrounding Seal Island in False Bay, Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. In this article, we look at the history of shark cage diving in Cape Town.
We also discuss further shark facts that you might be interested in! Apex Shark Expeditions provides the best great white shark cage diving in Cape Town.
The Origins of Great White Shark Tourism
False Bay’s history with Great White Sharks dates back more than a century. The first recorded Great White Shark attack occurred at Windmill Beach in 1901, establishing the presence of these apex predators. By the 1970s, however, the release of Jaws sparked a frenzy, leading to widespread sport fishing that decimated shark populations. Between 1975 and 1990, approximately 100 Great Whites were caught and killed in False Bay alone.
The tide began to shift in 1988 when George Askew and PJ van der Walt launched the first shark diving operation in False Bay, hoping to find sharks at Seal Island. Despite their initial lack of success, their pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for what was to come.
On August 22, 1996, a breakthrough occurred: the first Great White Shark breach was observed at Seal Island. This moment, involving a shark leaping from the water while chasing a life-jacket decoy. This marked the beginning of the world’s fascination with breaching Great White Sharks. Chris Fallows and Rob Lawrence capitalized on this phenomenon, establishing the first successful shark diving operation in False Bay. Today, several licensed operators run shark cage diving tours from Cape Town.
Seal Island: A Global Phenomenon
Tourists and researchers alike flocked to Seal Island, which is home to 64,000 Cape Fur seals, to learn more about Great White Sharks.
Its unique ecosystem offered a front-row seat to the predatory interactions between sharks and seals. By 2018, over 10,000 predatory events had been recorded by the Apex Shark Expeditions team, forming the basis for more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers.
False Bay boasted the largest average size of Great White Sharks in South Africa, with individuals reaching an impressive 4.5 – 5 meters. Witnessing these majestic creatures became a life-changing experience for many.
Challenges and Changes
False Bay has seen a dramatic decline in Great White Shark sightings in recent years. This decline is attributed to several factors, including climate change, predation by orcas, and the collapse of shark prey populations like Smoothhound and Soupfin sharks due to unsustainable fishing practices.
As Great White Sharks largely left Seal Island, other species began to fill the ecological void. Sevengill sharks were first recorded at Seal Island in 2018, and by 2021, Bronze Whaler Sharks became a new focus for cage diving. These species, known for their inquisitive nature, have provided guests with equally thrilling experiences.
A Marine Wonderland
Shark cage diving trips in Cape Town offer more than encounters with sharks. Seal Island’s vibrant seal colony showcases a range of behaviours, from breeding to playful surfing. The surrounding bay teems with marine life, including mega-pods of common dolphins, Bryde’s whales, and flocks of Cape Gannets. Seasonal visitors like Southern Right and Humpback whales add to the spectacle during their June to November migration.
What began as a research-driven pursuit has blossomed into an adventure that combines ecological education with unforgettable experiences. Shark cage diving in Cape Town celebrates the awe-inspiring biodiversity of False Bay, while ongoing research and conservation efforts aim to secure the future of this remarkable marine ecosystem.
Apex Shark Expeditions provides the best shark cage diving in Gansbaai, as well as, shark cage diving in Simons Town. We also compare Cape Town, Hermanus and Gansbaai shark tours.
