The First Choice Shark Cage Diving Operator For:
The Great African Seaforest, stretching over 1,000 km from Cape Town to Namibia, is the world’s only forest of giant bamboo kelp (Ecklonia maxima and Laminaria pallida). This three-dimensional ecosystem hosts over 13,000 marine species, many endemic to South Africa, including charismatic pyjama cat sharks and shy spotted-gully sharks.
Unlike global kelp forests declining due to climate change, this seaforest is expanding, offering a unique opportunity to explore a thriving marine habitat. Its carbon sequestration matches mangroves and seagrass meadows, making it vital for climate stability. Sea Change Project research highlights its role in protecting coastlines from storm surges.
These forests fulfil a similar function to their California counterparts, providing food and shelter for a wealth of marine life, ranging from commercial species like lobster, crayfish and abalone to top predators like the Cape fur seal. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the Great African Seaforest is the variety of shark species that call these pseudo-arboreal environments home. The Great African Seaforests are home to a number of rarely seen shark species, including the charismatic pyjama catshark and the Shy spotted-gully shark.
These Seaforest snorkeling experiences require no previous experience but swimming ability is essential.
It’s a super safe and personalized experience as we have a maximum of 4 persons on the dive.
Experience the awe of nature with our whale watching Cape Town tours, offering front-row seats to the annual migratory journey of these majestic marine mammals. For thrill-seekers, we also provide unforgettable adventures like shark cage diving Gansbaai and shark cage diving Hermanus, where you can come face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most powerful predators in their natural habitat.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour Locations | Millers Point and Windmill Beach, False Bay, Cape Town |
| Protected Areas | Part of False Bay’s Marine Protected Areas |
| Dive Depth | 4–12 metres |
| Underwater Features | Granite channels, underwater boulders, vibrant kelp forests |
| Marine Life | Pyjama cat sharks, puffadder cat sharks, leopard cat sharks, dark shy sharks, reef fish, corals, anemones |
| Visibility | 2–12 metres, depending on weather |
| Walk to Entry Point | 300–500 metres |
| Dive Duration | 40–60 minutes |
| Experience Required | No snorkelling experience needed, but swimming ability is essential |
This seaforest provides food, shelter, and breeding grounds for thousands of species, from commercial abalone and lobsters to apex predators like Cape fur seals. Recent studies by the Sea Change Project (2023) note its biodiversity includes rare invertebrates like nudibranchs and new species discovered regularly. Kelp forests sequester carbon, reduce ocean acidification, and protect coastlines, making them critical for ecological balance. Overfishing and plastic pollution threaten this ecosystem, but our tours promote awareness and conservation.
Archaeological evidence suggests South Africa’s kelp forests were central to coastal communities thousands of years ago, with early art and science depicting marine life. The Sea Change Project notes this cultural heritage underscores the seaforest’s role in human history. Diving here connects you to this legacy, offering a profound experience of South Africa’s natural and cultural wealth.
Apex Shark Expeditions, based in Cape Town, prioritises sustainable tourism and marine conservation. Our small-group tours (maximum four snorkelers) ensure personalised, safe experiences in line with South African environmental regulations. We provide full snorkelling gear and adhere to the Marine Living Resources Act, protecting False Bay’s biodiversity. Our guides are trained to educate on the seaforest’s ecological role, fostering a connection to nature, as inspired by the Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, filmed in these waters.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Simon’s Town |
| Meeting | Time to be confirmed the day before |
| Transfers | Arranged upon request |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dive Certification | Snorkel or freediving – no experience required, swimming ability is. |
| Dive Gear | Full dive gear included |
| Dive Depth | 10 – 35 feet or 4 – 12 meters |
| Water Temperature | 53 – 68 ºF or 13 – 18 degrees Celsius |
| Water Visibility | 7 – 65 feet or 1 – 15 meters |
| Dive Time | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | Meet in Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town |
| Dive Site | Determined by the dive guide based on weather conditions — either Windmill Beach or Millers Point |
| Dive Location | Great African Seaforest, approximately 40 feet deep. Divers walk in from a sandy area before entering the tall kelp forest. |
| Millers Point | Popular recreational dive site in a Marine Protected Area with abundant marine life. Features a giant seaforest with underwater boulders and caves. Possible sightings of four cat shark species: Pyjama Cat Shark, Dark Shy Shark, Puffadder Cat Shark, Leopard Cat Shark. Other marine animals, reef fish, colorful corals, and anemones. Walk from parking: ~500 meters. Dive time: 40-60 minutes. Depth: 4–12 meters. Visibility: 2–12 meters. |
| Windmill Beach | Beautiful recreational dive site in a Marine Protected Area with high biodiversity. Features two large granite rock channels surrounded by the African Seaforest. Weather-protected area due to rock formations. Possible sightings of the same four cat shark species as Millers Point. Walk from parking: ~300 meters. Dive time: 40-60 minutes. Depth: 4–10 meters. Visibility: 2–12 meters. |
| Conditions | All dives are weather permitting and subject to good sea conditions. |
All year – round.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦈 Guided Dive | Guided dive experience |
| 🤿 Dive Gear | Full dive equipment rental |
| 🥪 Refreshments | Refreshment and light snack |
| What to Bring | Details |
|---|---|
| 👙 Bathing Suit | Wear under your clothes for convenience. |
| 🧺 Towel | Bring your own towel for drying off after the dive. |
| 🧥 Warm Jacket | It can get chilly, especially after the dive. |
| 🧴 Sunblock | Protect your skin from the sun with SPF 50 or higher. |
| 📸 Camera | Capture your underwater adventure and memories. |
View the table below for our price list:
| 2025 Price per Adult | R 2200.00 | BOOK NOW |
| Return Transfers per person ex Cape Town | R 900.00 | |
| 2026 Price per Adult | R 2400.00 | QUICK ENQUIRY |
| Return Transfers per person ex Cape Town | R 950.00 |
Wildlife Sightings Cannot Be Guaranteed.
We Will However, Give You Realistic Expectations before Making A Booking.
The Great African Seaforest is a unique kelp forest ecosystem along South Africa’s coast, stretching over 1,000 km from Cape Town to Namibia. It supports diverse marine life, including cat sharks and endemic species, and is vital for carbon sequestration.
No experience is required, but you must be able to swim. Our tours include full gear and expert guides to ensure safety and enjoyment.
You may encounter pyjama cat sharks, puffadder cat sharks, leopard cat sharks, dark shy sharks, Cape fur seals, reef fish, nudibranchs, and anemones. Sightings vary and are not guaranteed.
We operate within Marine Protected Areas, follow sustainable tourism practices, and educate guests on the seaforest’s ecological importance, aligning with South Africa’s conservation laws.
Tours run year-round, with optimal visibility in summer (December–February). Winter months (June–August) offer sightings of humpback and southern right whales.
TOMORROW
Tuesday
27 June 2023
Next trip 28 June
11h45
*Trip status updated daily at 16h00 SAST
