The First Choice Shark Cage Diving Operator For:
Join Apex Shark Expeditions in Gansbaai, the Great White Shark Capital, for an unforgettable shark diving adventure. Book your eco-friendly cage diving tour today and encounter great whites, bronze whalers, and more!
Apex Shark Expeditions has been South Africa’s premier shark diving operator for over 26 years, offering small group tours (max 12 guests) in Gansbaai for a personalised experience. Led by founders Chris and Monique Fallows, our team includes renowned marine biologists and photographers, ensuring expert insights and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Our 100% safety record, eco-friendly practices, and TripAdvisor’s top ratings make us the top choice for shark cage diving in Gansbaai.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Small Group Sizes | Discover the ultimate shark diving adventure with our small group sizes. |
| Expert Guidance | Assisted by shark conservationists and specialists acclaimed across the world. |
| Research Collaboration | Works with the University of Miami to further shark research. |
| Flexible Cancellation | Cancellation up to 14 days prior to departure is free of charge. |
You step into the cage, acclimatising to the surroundings, peering through the steel bars into the deep blue for the hint of a shadow. This is it – the moment you have been waiting for all your life. The prospect of coming face to face with the razor-sharp teeth of a shark sends shivers down your spine. You control your breathing, fighting both anticipation and trepidation, scanning the blue, pleading for its arrival, watching the bait fish scatter as a shadow slowly materialises. The sharks approach is measured, cautious, totally befitting an apex predator of such incredible majesty, and wholly contrary to the sensationalist clips on TV.
The commercial hub of shark diving with eight operators working in the area, choosing the best company can be confusing, and this is where we can assist you – by booking the most reputable operator that offers an environmentally-friendly and educational experience. Your trip will be hosted by a marine biologist, plus other experienced guides, ensuring you receive a fascinating insight into these wonderful animals. And should you wish to capture the whole experience on video, an experienced videographer accompanies the trip and can capture your most cherished of memories at a minimal cost.
Whilst the diversity of species make the sharks of Cape Town a must-do, shark cage diving in Gansbaai is a good option if you are staying in Hermanus. We also offer shark cage diving Simon’s Town and shark cage diving Mossel bay.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kleinbaai in Gansbaai – 3 hours from Cape Town |
| Meeting Time | From 06h00, meeting times are subject to change |
| Transfers | Door-to-door transfers arranged upon request |
| Trip Duration | Half-day trips – 3 to 4 hours at sea |
| Guest Capacity | Approximately 35 guests |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Cage | 9 guests |
| Diving Method | Breath-hold. No experience needed. |
| Age Restrictions | None |
| Water Temperature | 53 – 68 ºF – Don’t worry! Our wetsuit will keep you toasty warm |
| Water Visibility | 7 – 65 feet |
| Videography | Yes |
| Included | Light breakfast, tea/coffee, light lunch, snacks and refreshments, dive gear, and a towel |
Shark cage diving in Gansbaai with Apex is a bucket-list adventure, bringing you face-to-face with great white sharks, bronze whalers, and sevengill sharks in the world-renowned Shark Alley. No diving experience is needed—our 6-8 hour tours include a safety briefing, wetsuit fitting, and time in a galvanized steel cage certified by SAMSA and DFFE regulations. Expect exhilarating moments as sharks glide past, with our marine biologists sharing insights into their behavior.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Meet & Greet | Enjoy breakfast or brunch along with an informative talk on the sharks and the area. |
| Time at Sea | Spend 3 to 4 hours at sea, depending on shark activity and sea conditions. |
| Diving Method | All dives are breath-hold, which is comfortable and safe—standard practice in Gansbaai shark cage diving. |
| Supervision | Divers are supervised by a dive master during the cage diving activity. |
| Return to Shore | Enjoy tea, coffee, or soup and a sandwich after the trip. |
| Trip Review | Watch the DVD of your trip. |
All itineraries are subject to change and are based on tides, weather and sea conditions as well as how many departures are scheduled for the day.
Safety is paramount. The shark cages are constructed with 12mm galvanized steel, certified annually by a registered engineer, and comply with DFFE’s code of conduct and SAMSA regulations. The vessel, Slashfin, is custom designed for stability and safety, inspected yearly, and equipped with all required safety gear. With a 100% safety record and a qualified dive master supervising every dive, you’re in trusted hands.
As a response to ethical concerns voiced in research on the implications of cage diving in 2023, we deploy eco-friendly bait and soft decoys to safeguard sharks.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cage Construction | 12mm galvanized steel, certified annually by a registered engineer |
| Regulatory Compliance | Meets DFFE’s code of conduct and SAMSA regulations |
| Vessel | Slashfin, custom-designed for stability and safety |
| Vessel Inspection | Inspected yearly and equipped with all required safety gear |
| Safety Record | 100% safety record |
| Dive Supervision | Qualified dive master present during every dive |
| Ethical Practices | Eco-friendly bait and gentle decoys used to protect sharks |
| Research-Informed Approach | Operations adjusted in response to 2023 research on cage diving ethics |
Apex leads shark conservation in Gansbaai, partnering with the University of Miami and AILERONS for research like baited remote underwater video surveys (BRUVS). Our data collection contributes to global shark population studies, with South Africa hosting 111 shark species, per a 2021 study by David Ebert. We advocate for bronze whaler protection, as noted by Marine Dynamics.
In a world where sharks are in danger from both orcas and climate change, our eco-friendly trips are making a difference in how people see these animals.
Beyond sharks, Gansbaai’s waters teem with Cape fur seals, African penguins, Cape gannets, and whales (Southern Right and Humpback, July-November). Post-dive, explore Hermanus for whale watching or the Overberg’s wine routes, just 45 minutes away. Gansbaai’s coastal trails and De Kelders cliffs offer scenic add-ons for your adventure.
The boat that we use for Gansbaai shark tours is the first of its kind. Designed specifically for shark cage diving, she is built for stability, speed, safety and comfort. The vessel can comfortably accommodate 40 passengers however trips are usually limited to 35 plus crew.
Facilities include designated toilets for males and females; a staircase on either side of the boat provides easy access and a smooth flow of traffic to the upper viewing deck.
A securely designed steel cage is used, which floats on the surface, with divers no more than 1m below the surface. The cage accommodates 8 – 9 guests on a rotational basis. All dives are breath-hold which is comfortable and safe – no experience required!
There are mainly two species of sharks that we cage dive with, the bronze whaler shark aka copper shark and the seven gill shark.
Great white shark sightings in both Gansbaai and False Bay have been well below normal in the past couple of years with sightings of these rare animals unpredictable and sporadic. The Bronze Whaler sharks can attain a length to 3.5 meters. The sleek body has a bronze-grey sheen dorsally with an off-white underside and is slightly arched above the gills.
Other wildlife species such as Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, African Penguins and Whales (July to November) are also likely to be sighted.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦈 Guided Shark Cage Diving Tour | Qualified shark cage diving guides and a marine biologist will accompany you on your tour. They are passionate and eager to share their knowledge with you — not only about sharks, but all the marine wildlife you may encounter. |
| 🥪 Light Meals | Light breakfast, fruit juice, and mineral water are on tap with a variety of snacks. All food is hygienically prepared. |
| 🤿 Dive Gear | Each guest receives dive equipment and a wetsuit that has been thoroughly disinfected, rinsed with fresh water, and dried before use. Equipment is not shared — one set per guest per day. We guarantee a clean, dry wetsuit for every diver. |
| 🧺 Towels | Clean, dry towels are provided. However, to help reduce laundry-related resource consumption, guests are encouraged to bring their own towels when possible. |
| 🧥 Waterproof/Windproof Jackets | Waterproof and windproof jackets are available to ensure comfort during the tour. |
We pride ourselves on offering sustainable eco-friendly marine tourism and adventure with conservation, research and education taking place on every tour we are fortunate to operate.
| What to Bring | Details |
|---|---|
| 🧥 Dress in Layers | It can get very chilly at sea. Bring a warm weather jacket, sneakers or closed shoes, a beanie, and a hat or cap. |
| 🕶️ Polarized Sunglasses | These help reduce glare and increase shark sightings from the boat. They also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. |
| 👙 Swimsuit / Rash Vest | Wear a swimsuit. If you’re prone to the cold, a rash vest adds extra insulation. |
| 🧺 Towel | Bring a towel for after your dive. |
| 💧 Water Bottle | Stay hydrated — bring your own reusable water bottle. |
| 🧴 Lip-ice & Sunscreen SPF 50 | The African sun is beautiful but intense. Protect your lips and skin with high SPF products. |
| 📸 Camera or GoPro | Capture the experience! GoPros are great in the cage. Bring an extra SD card — you’ll need it! |
| 👓 Prescription Dive Mask | Poor eyesight? Wear contact lenses in the cage, or bring your prescription mask if you have one. |
| 💊 Motion Sickness Meds | If you’re prone to seasickness, take Sturgeon or Dramamine — one the night before and one an hour before the trip. |
| 🚫 Avoid Alcohol | For your own comfort, avoid heavy alcohol use the night before — it can increase seasickness. |
| 2025 Price Per Adult | R 3995.00 | BOOK NOW |
| 2025 Price Per child (u/12) | R 2035.00 | |
| 2026 Price Per Adult | R 4400.00 | BOOK NOW |
| 2026 Price Per child (u/12) | R 2240.00 | |
Kids under 5 free of charge! When choosing which Shark Cage Diving operator to use, keep in mind that Great White Sharks are endangered and that YOUR CHOICE DOES MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Includes a free visit to the African Penguin Sanctuary. If no sharks are seen , a voucher for a FREE return trip is issued | ||
BECAUSE YOUR CHOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
Wildlife Sightings Cannot Be Guaranteed.
We Will However, Give You Realistic Expectations before Making A Booking.
During a shark cage diving experience in Gansbaai, you can expect to be taken out to sea in a specialized boat equipped with a cage that will be lowered into the water. Once in the cage, you will be able to observe the sharks up close as they swim around the boat. The cage is designed to keep you safe, and the operators will provide you with all necessary safety equipment and instructions.
The best time of year for shark cage diving in Gansbaai is winter although it’s possible to cage dive all year round. The cooler water temperatures in winter attract large numbers of sharks to the area with water visibility increasing. It's important to note that weather and sea conditions can sometimes affect the water visibility in the summer months on your shark cage diving excursion.
Yes, our cages are 12mm galvanized steel, certified by engineers, and comply with DFFE and SAMSA regulations. Our 100% safety record and experienced crew ensure your safety.
The main species of shark that can be seen while shark cage diving in Gansbaai is the bronze whaler shark, which is known to inhabit the inshore waters. Occasional, we see the Great White sharks which grow up to 5 meters in length, making them a thrilling sight to see up close. It's also possible to see other species of sharks in the area, including the seven-gill shark. While these sharks are not as well-known as Great White sharks, they can also be impressive to see in their natural habitat.
A typical shark cage diving excursion in Gansbaai can last between 6- 8 hours, depending on the operator and weather conditions. This includes transportation to and from the dive site from Cape Town (6 hours), a safety briefing, and time spent on the water in the shark cage. The actual time spent in the cage can vary, with each operator having their own policy on the amount of time spent in the water. However, it's important to note that the time spent in the cage is usually dependent on the number of people on the boat and the shark activity.
Yes, the cages are 12mm galvanized steel, certified by engineers, and comply with DFFE and SAMSA regulations. The 100% safety record and experienced crew ensure your safety.
No experience is required. Our breath-hold dives are beginner-friendly, with full guidance from our dive masters.
Great white sightings are sporadic due to orca predation, but Gansbaai has a 70% success rate. We guarantee shark sightings (bronze whalers or sevengills) and other wildlife.
Bring layers (jacket, beanie), polarized sunglasses, and seasickness tablets. We provide wetsuits, masks, and towels.
June to September offers the best visibility and shark activity, though tours run year-round, weather permitting.
We prioritize shark welfare with soft decoys and eco-friendly bait. Our tours fund conservation research, unlike harmful practices noted in some operations.
Tours depend on sea conditions. If unsafe, we reschedule or issue a voucher. Winter months (April-September) may have rougher seas.
Children aged 10 and up can cage dive, making it a family-friendly adventure.
TOMORROW
Tuesday
27 June 2023
Next trip 28 June
11h45
*Trip status updated daily at 16h00 SAST
