Shark Biology with Alessandro De Maddalena M.SC

The Great white shark expedition together with the shark biology course is operated by Apex Shark Expeditions. The expedition is hosted by Alessandro De Maddalena, M.Sc., one of the world’s foremost shark experts, who has worked with Apex Shark Expeditions since 2010. The guests will have the possibility of encountering Great white sharks in their habitat and learn about biology, ethology and ecology of these predators. There will also be excellent chances to observe other species of sharks including the Shortfin Mako and the Bronze Whaler shark.

• Location
  Land based in Simon’s Town, Cape Town, and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – South Africa
• Guide
  Alessandro De Maddalena, M.Sc.
• Transport
  Yes
• Duration
  8 days
• Guest Numbers
  11 guests maximum
• Diving
  We use breath-hold or snorkel. No Experience needed for either method.
• Age Restriction
  12 years old
• Water Temperature
  53 – 68 ºF
• Water Visibility
  7 – 65 feet

• Transport from Cape Town airport to Simon’s Town. Night in Simon’s Town.
• Great white / broadnose sevengill shark / bronze whaler shark trip at Seal Island. Transfer from Simon’s Town to Cape Town Airport in the afternoon.                
• Flight to Port Elizabeth. Night in Port Elizabeth.
• Great white shark cage diving trip at Bird Island. Night in Port Elizabeth.
• Great white shark cage diving trip at Bird Island. Night in Port Elizabeth.
• Great white shark cage diving trip at Bird Island. Night in Port Elizabeth.
• Additional day in Port Elizabeth to allow flexibility for weather. On the free day we’ll do a safari at Addo Elephant Reserve.
• Flight to Cape Town. Transport from Cape Town to Simon’s Town.
• Great white / broadnose sevengill shark/ bronze whaler shark trip at Seal Island. Transfer from Simon’s Town to Cape Town Airport in the afternoon.

This itinerary is merely indicative and subject to change at the discretion of the operator

The locations include False Bay in Cape Town, departing from Simon’s Town, and Algoa Bay departing from Port Elizabeth.

We have a variety of accommodation establishments from Airbnb, Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouses and Hotels. Our set package accommodation options are clean, spacious and within the 3 – 4 star grade.

Grosvenor Guest House

Located on the mountainside of Simon’s Town, the Grosvenor Guest House offers guest 4-Star accommodation with stunning views across the bay. Each guest will have their own en-suite room.

Facilities include Wi-Fi (at an extra cost), Satellite TV, a safe, laundry services and a well equipped kitchen.

• Target species
  Great white shark
• Other shark species
  Bronze Whaler shark and broadnose sevengill shark
• Other animals
  Cape fur seal, Southern Right whale, Brydes whale, Humpback whale, Long-Beaked Common dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Ocean sunfish, African Penguin, Chacma baboon, Elephant, Antelope, Lion, Hyena, Warthog, Zebra.
• Diving
  Everyone can cage dive, no scuba qualification is needed. All diving is on snorkel or breath hold.
• Number of participants
  We need a minimum of 6 guests for this trip to depart and a maximum of 11.
• Bad weather days
  Where a shark trip has to be cancelled due to bad weather, there will be no refund, and a half day excursion will be arranged to Cape Point Nature Reserve, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, Table Mountain.
• Sightings
  Sightings of sharks are not guaranteed. The expedition takes place during the peak season for White shark predation on seals in the area. However we are witnessing a dramatic decline in shark numbers off the South African coast, due to fishing activities.

Cost

Upon enquiry

Cost Includes

• Airport transfers and all transport pertaining to the expedition locations
• Domestic flights (Cape Town to Port Elizabeth return),
• 7 night’s accommodation
• Course in biology, ethology and ecology of sharks presented by Alessandro De Maddalena, M.Sc.
• 5 trips (weather permitting) from False Bay and Algoa Bay to observe Great white sharks (and possibly other species of sharks) and to cage dive (snorkelling)
• Wetsuit, hood, booties, mask and weight belt
• Safari in the Addo Elephant National Park
• Snacks and refreshments on board

Cost excludes

• International flights
• Transfers to restaurants
• Transfers not pertaining to the expedition
• Meals

Booking

• A 50% non-refundable deposit via wire transfers upon booking, with balance due 120 days before the start of the expedition

Cancellation policy

• Less than 120 days before start date: 100% of the fee
• No show: 100% of the fee
• No credits will be given for cancellations beyond our control