The First Choice Shark Cage Diving Operator For:
Imagine a one-ton Great white shark patrolling the depths, eyeing the surface, quickening its pace to track its prey; perfectly camouflaged, rising through the waters of False Bay, at forty-five degrees then vertical, flicking its powerful caudal fin to erupt from the ocean before your very eyes; the water exploding like a depth charge, its jaws agape, body pirouetting mid-air as the chase between hunter and hunted unfolds. Believe it – it can happen! The Cape fur seal bounces clear, escaping by inches. Both gladiators crash back to the water, and, through the ocean spray, the seal scrambles to the back of the shark’s head – the position of immediate safety – fighting for its life, but the duel has only just begun; the shark twisting and turning, snapping and biting, churning the surface as the battle reaches its climax. Watching a Great white shark breach on a seal at Seal Island is unforgettable, and, as humans, we tend to choose sides. ……………Who will you root for?
The Great white shark morning tours are an amazing experience, offering you a chance to not only observe breaching Great white sharks, but to also cage dive. The afternoon trips are incredible too, again with exceptional opportunities to observe these wonderful animals as their behaviour changes and they move closer toward Seal Island.
We’ll arrive early at Seal Island as this is the optimum time to view the sharks actively hunting the Cape Fur seals. Our data indicates that half an hour before sunrise to one and a half hours after sunrise is the best time to witness this natural event. The early bird catches the worm and this most certainly applies at Seal Island.
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 departing Simon’s Town is traditionally mid- June to mid-August.
Historically mid- June to July is the peak season for heightened levels of predation. As winter rolls in the seal colony blossoms, the sharks begin to change their behaviour and begin actively hunting Cape fur seal pups. These months are best to view natural predation and breaching events.
On days when Great whites are not seen, the Sevengill shark, an extraordinary species of shark, has become a frequently encountered species in our area. This ancient, large, highly predatory shark grows 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.
Sightings of Great white sharks being unpredictable and sporadic since 2017, we adopt a flexible approach to give the best chance of fantastic and memorable interactions with more than just one species. And all of the species we focus on are large, powerful and active predators sure to give you an incredible once in a lifetime experience.
All trips will be confirmed the day before and will be based on weather conditions rather than species availability.
At Apex Shark Expeditions, we strive to offer the best, most professional and sustainable 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 strive to give you an unforgettable experience rather than just a trip!
40% of all Apex Shark Expeditions guests are repeat guests.
Our small group size of 12 guests only, allows us to provide a superior one on one personal service to you, our guest that is unrivalled in the shark cage diving industry.
| 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.
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 free cancellation 14 days prior to departure will apply.2
Wildlife Sightings Cannot Be Guaranteed.
We Will However, Give You Realistic Expectations before Making A Booking.
