Bird Island

Over the years very few people have had the opportunity to visit Bird Island Algoa Bay. This area is unrivalled for its aesthetic beauty and Biodiversity. The sheer number of different species that can be observed in a single day is astonishing. Whether you are a wildlife photographer, bird watcher, avid whale watcher or shark enthusiast, Bird Island, Algoa Bay is the place to be. The aim of this tour is to unlock the far reaches of Algoa Bay and offer more than a shark cage diving tour by showcasing the biodiversity of this remote Island group. Our guests on board will have the opportunity to encounter and learn about a wide variety of marine species from the endangered African Penguin and iconic Bottlenose Dolphin, through to the magnificent though often misunderstood Great white shark.

This tour is tailored to fit anyone with a love for nature or the marine environment wishing to take the path less travelled

• Location 
  Algoa Bay Port Elizabeth

• Meeting 
  07HOO
  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
  Full day at sea
• Guest Numbers
  10 guests

• Surface Cage  
  3 guests
• Diving
  We use breath – hold. No Experience needed for either method

• Age Restrictions
  12 years old

• 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

This tour is an all-inclusive full day tour that covers every corner of Algoa Bay from April to September.

• We meet at 07H00 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club in the Port Elizabeth Harbour departing shortly after and returning at about 5pm
• Run out into the deep water off Port Elizabeth where high numbers of migratory Humpback Whales pass our coastline
• Make the 80km run across the mouth of the bay stopping to observe any Sardine run action we find along the way
• Visit the historically rich Bird island group where we will conduct our educational shark cage diving experience and enjoy a packed lunch in the shadow of 25000 Cape Gannets (Largest colony of Cape Gannets in the world)
• Run inshore to the Alexandria Dune-field (the longest mobile dune-field in the world) which is our favourite place to observe Bottlenose Dolphin surfing the waves. The pristine backdrop of the dunes makes for some once in a lifetime photographic opportunities
• Visit St Croix Island (home to the largest African Penguin colony in the world)

Climb aboard our 11 meter Butt-Cat called ‘My China’. This vessel is locally built and specifically designed for spending a full day on the ocean with comfortable seating and a shade cover. The catamaran type hull increases stability and comfort whilst cruising and at anchor. The sides of the boat are free of fittings allowing for easy viewing and a viewing platform on top of the cabin provides a 360 degree view with added height for those who are eager to help spotting or get a great view and photo opportunity of any action around the boat. A platform at the back of the boat houses our three-man cage for the shark cage diving section of the tour. 

The Cage

During our recent visits to Bird Island we have taken the opportunity to test and fine tune our three man cage. With recessed hand and foot rails, the cage is both safe and comfortable. 

• Guided Great White 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.

• Light Meal
• Dive gear

• 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.
• Swimsuit. 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.

USD 500.00 per Adult

USD 350.00 per child (12 years old)