Great white shark cage diving in South Africa is a mix of adrenalin, thrills, fun and education that will change your life– forever! With our qualified guides, you will learn so much about sharks, including the difference between a male and female shark, how to identify a specific shark by its unique dorsal fin and other markings, their hunting and social behaviour, and quickly learn to identify the individual sharks by their very different personalities. Yes, sharks have personalities just like you and I, and an eyeball to eyeball encounter with a shark is incredibly special. It feels as though you and the shark have a personal connection, as if it is looking deep into your soul. It is hard to explain, but you’ll understand when it happens to you – and you will relive the moment forever!
Sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and penguins, as well as several bird species are in abundance in False Bay– and we cannot wait to share it with you.
Welcome aboard!
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.
Our shark cage is constructed with galvanized steel and certified by a registered engineer. Further to this the South African cage-diving industry is regulated by a code of conduct and regulations from Marine and Coastal Management DEAT – Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Our equipment meets all the required safety standards and the experience of our crew ensure that you’re in good hands.
No experience is required to shark cage dive. We use the breath-hold technique as visibility can be limited and eyeball time with the animals’ underwater usually only lasts a few seconds at a time. Our experienced and professional crew will give you direction to ensure maximum shark viewing whilst cage diving. A hookah scuba system is available for certified divers upon request. Please indicate when making your booking.
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.
Yes. The lid is closed once you are safely in the cage however it is easily opened either by yourself or the crew
We advise donning your bathing suit under your clothes when getting dressed for your trip. A second skin may add extra warmth for the guests who are prone to the cold. Wetsuits and all other dive gear will be provided.
We prefer not to use scuba equipment which produces a lot of noise and bubbles under the water. This often keeps the sharks from coming close. You will have a better chance of seeing the sharks if we can communicate the direction the sharks are coming from, especially when the water visibility is poor. However, if you prefer using scuba equipment and you are a qualified scuba diver, we will provide you with a regulator to dive in the cage once everyone else has had their dive.
This depends on the number of guests on the trip who wish to go into the cage. Your first cage dive will be relatively short, just long enough for you to see a shark. Once everyone has had a chance to see the sharks from the cage, you can then return for a second dive, time allowing. You should get 20 – 30 minutes in the cage
The best time of year for Great White Sharks at Seal Island, False Bay is traditionally mid- June to mid-August. The difference between the morning and the afternoon trips is the Great white shark behaviour. The morning trip sees heighted levels of predation which includes seeing Great white sharks breach, whilst the afternoon trip is focused on shark cage diving as the sharks are not actively hunting.
On days when Great whites are not seen, an extraordinary species of shark, the Sevengill has become a frequently encountered species in our area. The Sevengill Shark is an ancient, large, highly predatory shark growing upwards of 10 feet in length. It is a rarely seen Apex Predator whose lineage dates back over 150 million years and diving with one is in effect diving with a modern dinosaur.
Note: 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.
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.
2020 Price per person | R 3,600.00 | |
Return Transfers per person ex Cape Town | R 600.00 | |
2021 Price per Adult | R 3,695.00 | QUICK ENQUIRY |
Return Transfers per person ex Cape Town | R 650.00 |
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.
* Concession prices for South African passport holders.
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site. It rewards top performing hospitality businesses with a Certificate of Excellence. Now in its seventh year, the award celebrates exceptional hospitality and is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on the site.
APEX SHARK EXPEDITIONS HAS WON THIS AWARD SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW.
The award is the result of consistently great reviews from the people that matter the most — our guests.
Safety is our # 1 Priority
Apex Shark Expeditions is committed to protecting staff and guests to ensure safety for every person. As such, we are following all government regulations as outlined here
Book with Confidence Terms
If travel restrictions are implemented by your local government or the government of South Africa to due to COVID 19 (Coronavirus) which means you are unable to travel, then the following will apply:
Free cancellation: 14 days prior departure
Great white shark cage diving in South Africa is a mix of adrenalin, thrills, fun and education that will change your life – forever! With our qualified guides, you will learn so much about sharks, including the difference between a male and female shark, how to identify a specific shark by its unique dorsal fin and other markings, their hunting and social behaviour, and quickly learn to identify the individual sharks by their very different personalities. Yes, sharks have personalities just like you and I, and an eyeball to eyeball encounter with a shark is incredibly special. It feels as though you and the shark have a personal connection, as if it is looking deep into your soul. It is hard to explain, but you’ll understand when it happens to you – and you will relive the moment forever!
Sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and penguins, as well as several bird species are in abundance in False Bay– and we cannot wait to share it with you.
Welcome aboard!
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.
Our shark cage is constructed with galvanized steel and certified by a registered engineer. Further to this the South African cage-diving industry is regulated by a code of conduct and regulations from Marine and Coastal Management DEAT – Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Our equipment meets all the required safety standards and the experience of our crew ensure that you’re in good hands.
No experience is required to shark cage dive. We use the breath-hold technique as visibility can be limited and eyeball time with the animals’ underwater usually only lasts a few seconds at a time. Our experienced and professional crew will give you direction to ensure maximum shark viewing whilst cage diving. A hookah scuba system is available for certified divers upon request. Please indicate when making your booking.
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.
Yes. The lid is closed once you are safely in the cage however it is easily opened either by yourself or the crew
We advise donning your bathing suit under your clothes when getting dressed for your trip. A second skin may add extra warmth for the guests who are prone to the cold. Wetsuits and all other dive gear will be provided.
We prefer not to use scuba equipment which produces a lot of noise and bubbles under the water. This often keeps the sharks from coming close. You will have a better chance of seeing the sharks if we can communicate the direction the sharks are coming from, especially when the water visibility is poor. However, if you prefer using scuba equipment and you are a qualified scuba diver, we will provide you with a regulator to dive in the cage once everyone else has had their dive.
This depends on the number of guests on the trip who wish to go into the cage. Your first cage dive will be relatively short, just long enough for you to see a shark. Once everyone has had a chance to see the sharks from the cage, you can then return for a second dive, time allowing. You should get 20 – 30 minutes in the cage
The best time of year for Great White Sharks at Seal Island, False Bay is traditionally mid- June to mid-August. The difference between the morning and the afternoon trips is the Great white shark behaviour. The morning trip sees heighted levels of predation which includes seeing Great white sharks breach, whilst the afternoon trip is focused on shark cage diving as the sharks are not actively hunting.
On days when Great whites are not seen, an extraordinary species of shark, the Sevengill has become a frequently encountered species in our area. The Sevengill Shark is an ancient, large, highly predatory shark growing upwards of 10 feet in length. It is a rarely seen Apex Predator whose lineage dates back over 150 million years and diving with one is in effect diving with a modern dinosaur.
Note: 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.
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.
2022 Price per Adult | R 3,695.00 | |
Return Transfers per person ex Cape Town | R 650.00 | |
2023 Price per Adult | R 3,995.00 | QUICK ENQUIRY |
Return Transfers per person ex Cape Town | R 700.00 |
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.
* Concession prices for South African passport holders.
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site. It rewards top performing hospitality businesses with a Certificate of Excellence. Now in its eighth year, the award celebrates exceptional hospitality and is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on the site.
APEX SHARK EXPEDITIONS HAS WON THIS AWARD EIGHT YEARS IN A ROW.
The award is the result of consistently great reviews from the people that matter the most — our guests.
Safety is our # 1 Priority
Apex Shark Expeditions is committed to protecting staff and guests to ensure safety for every person. As such, we are following all government regulations as outlined here
Book with Confidence Terms
If travel restrictions are implemented by your local government or the government of South Africa to due to COVID 19 (Coronavirus) which means you are unable to travel, then the following will apply:
Free cancellation: 14 days prior departure
Wildlife Sightings Cannot Be Guaranteed.
We Will However, Give You Realistic Expectations before Making A Booking.