The First Choice Shark Cage Diving Operator For:
Experience the thrill of shark cage diving with Apex Shark Expeditions, the best operator in Cape Town. If you’re asking, “Where’s the best shark cage diving in Cape Town?”— the answer is simple: right here in False Bay, just 45 minutes from the city center. Since 1996, we’ve offered unrivalled shark tours from Simon’s Town in Cape Town, mixing adventure with education. At Apex Shark Expeditions, the culture celebrates the ocean’s apex species, delivering intimate, eco-friendly cage diving trips that showcase Cape Town’s marine wonders. Join us for an unforgettable shark dive with the best in the business.
Simon’s Town – 45 minutes from the Cape Town city center.
Exact meeting times are confirmed the afternoon before your trip.
Door-to-door transfers arranged upon request
Half-day trips – 3 to 4 hours at sea
We offer small and large groups options.
Wildlife Sightings Cannot Be Guaranteed.
We will however, give you realistic expectations before making a booking.
From booking to shark diving, we make it effortless. Trips depart from Simon’s Town, in Cape Town starting from +- 7:00 AM, lasting 3-4 hours. We offer hotel transfers from the Cape Town city center, and our 14-day cancellation policy ensures flexibility. With a 95% success rate, you’re almost guaranteed a shark encounter in our custom cage.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Simon’s Town – 45 minutes from Cape Town city center, 10 minutes from Cape of Good Hope, 2 minutes from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony |
| Meeting Time | The booked time slot is NOT your meeting time. Meeting times are weather dependent and confirmed the afternoon before your trip. Please keep your schedule flexible on the day of your trip. |
| Transfers | Hotel door-to-door transfers available upon request from the city center and surrounding areas |
| Trip Duration | Half-day trips (3 to 4 hours at sea) |
| Guest Capacity | Maximum of 12 guests |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Cage | Accommodates 4 – 5 guests per session |
| Diving Method | Breath-hold or snorkel (no experience needed). Hookah system (air supply) is available upon request. |
| Age Restrictions | No children under 6 years. Children diving is at the captain’s discretion on the day. |
| Water Temperature | 53 – 68 ºF. Don’t worry — our wetsuits will keep you warm! |
| Water Visibility | Between 7 – 65 feet |
| Videography | We provide waterproof pouches for your phone so you can take personalized photos and videos. |
| Included | Light meals, snacks, refreshments, dive gear, and a towel |
Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Guests are welcomed to the Apex Shark Expeditions Center in Simon’s Town, 45 minutes from the city center. |
| Welcome Refreshments | Tea, coffee, rusks, and biscuits are served during a short introduction presentation. |
| Safety Briefing | Onboard, guests receive a safety and sighting briefing before departure. |
| Departure | The boat departs into False Bay for a 25-minute ride, weather and sea conditions permitting. |
| Optional Visit | If conditions allow, there will be a visit to the iconic Seal Island. |
| Anchor and Cage Setup | The boat anchors at the dive site, and the floating shark cage is deployed next to the vessel. |
| Cage and Behavior Briefing | Crew provides safety instructions and information about shark behavior near the vessel. |
| Shark Interaction | Once sharks are sighted, a point of interest is used to keep them near the boat for viewing, identification, and shark diving. |
| Marine Observation | The crew uses ethical, non-invasive methods to monitor and document shark behavior and marine life. |
| Viewing Options | Cage diving is optional — excellent shark sightings are often possible from the boat’s viewing deck. |
| Return | Returns to Simon’s Town harbor. |
| Trip Duration | 3 to 4 hours at sea, depending on the weather and shark activity. |
| Post-Trip Facilities | Tea, coffee, and shark-themed merchandise are available at the Shark Center. Offsite showers available upon request. |
| Wall of Fame | Don’t forget to check out the Wall of Fame — you might spot a familiar face! |
Our shark cage diving takes you into False Bay’s rich waters, home to diverse shark species.
Expect to see:
🦈 Bronze Whaler Sharks: Up to 3.3 meters, seen all year-round.
🦕 Seven-gill Sharks: Prehistoric giants, up to 3 meters.
“Where can I see sharks up close in Cape Town?”—Our custom cage, equipped with steel bars for safety and stability, allows you to shark dive safely near Seal Island’s 65,000 Cape fur seals. A 2025 FlyHigh Media study shows 78% of Cape Town visitors seek unique wildlife experiences—we deliver that with every shark cage diving trip.
Our shark cage diving isn’t just about sharks. False Bay teems with Cape Fur seals, Southern Right and Humpback whales, African penguins, and wild dolphins. “What else can I see while shark cage diving in Cape Town?”— Our longer trips, unlike competitors’ rushed outings, let you savor Cape Town’s biodiversity. Post-dive, explore The Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point Nature Reserve and Boulders Beach Penguin colony for a full Cape Town adventure, all part of Apex Shark Expeditions’ holistic approach.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦈 Guided Shark Cage Diving Tour |
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| 🥪 Light Meals |
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| 🤿 Dive Gear |
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| 🧺 Towels |
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| 🌊 Eco-Friendly Mission |
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| What to Bring | Details |
|---|---|
| 🧥 Dress in Layers | It can get chilly at sea. We advise bringing a warm jacket, sneakers or closed shoes, a beanie, and a cap or hat. |
| 🕶️ Polarized Sunglasses | These reduce glare and improve shark sightings. They also protect your eyes from UV rays. We stock affordable pairs if needed. |
| 🧤 Extra Warmth | If you’re prone to the cold, bring a rash vest for additional insulation. |
| 🧺 Towel | Don’t forget a towel — though we provide clean ones, bringing your own helps reduce laundry-related resource use. |
| 🧴 Lip-ice & Sunscreen (SPF 50) | The African sun is harsh! Protect your lips and skin with high SPF sunscreen and lip-ice. |
| 📸 Camera or GoPro | Capture memories! GoPros work great in the cage. Bring an extra SD card. Don’t have one? We offer waterproof phone pouches for a budget-friendly photo/video option. |
| 👓 Prescription Dive Mask | Poor eyesight? Wear contact lenses in the cage, or bring your prescription dive mask. |
| 💊 Motion Sickness Meds | Prone to seasickness? Take Sturgeon or Dramamine — one the night before, and another an hour before your trip. |
| 🚫 Avoid Alcohol Before Tour | Too much fun the night before can mean a queasy day on the water — avoid alcohol to ensure a more enjoyable experience. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦈 Expectations | – When booking shark cage diving in Cape Town, it’s important to have realistic expectations. – If you’re hoping to see a specific shark species, we’ll advise on the best time. – Flexibility gives the best chance of memorable shark encounters. – We focus on large, powerful, active sharks for an unforgettable experience. |
| 🦈 Bronze Whaler Shark | – Seen year-round. – Up to 3.3 meters (11 ft), 305 kg (672 lbs). – Fast-moving, somewhat aggressive near prey. – Usually solitary, but form groups when hunting. – Eats squid, cuttlefish, octopus, fish (catfish, tuna, etc.), rays, and even dolphin carcasses. – Join the Sardine Run in winter, forming bait balls for group feeding. – IUCN Status: Near Threatened. |
| 🦈 Seven-gill Cow Shark | – Common in winter. – Grow to 10 ft. – Prehistoric species with large heads and serrated teeth. – False Bay offers rare shallow sightings with visibility. |
| 🦈 Great White Shark | – Sightings have become rare due to overfishing and orca predation. – Considered critically endangered. – Currently, no operator can confidently offer guaranteed tours. |
| 🦈 Blue & Mako Sharks | – Found in the open ocean beyond Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope. – Bold, curious, and beautiful predators. – Unique diving experience in a scenic environment. |
| 🐬 Common Dolphins | – Seen all year round. – Feed on bait fish. – Occasionally joined by Bottlenose and Dusky dolphins. |
| 🐋 Southern Right Whale | – Spotted from June to November. – Around 3,500 migrate to mate and give birth. – Occasional sightings of Humpback whales. |
| 🐳 Bryde’s Whale | – Endemic species seen year-round. – Shy and usually distant from boats. |
| 🐧 African Penguin | – 3,500 reside at Boulders Beach. – Often spotted feeding in groups. – A few live among the Cape fur seals on Seal Island, which is unusual. |
| 🦭 Cape Fur Seal | – 64,000 seals on Seal Island — Africa’s largest island-based colony. – Shark sightings and sea conditions permitting, the colony offers amazing viewing. – Also home to seabirds like Cape cormorants, Bank cormorants, and kelp gulls. |
| ⚠️ Important Notes | – Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. – Trip confirmations depend on weather, not shark species. – Species and sea condition updates are confirmed the day before your booking. |
White Pointer II is the name of our 35 ft. catamaran. This boat was specifically built for the purpose of working, viewing and shark diving in the waters of the Western Cape. She complies with all safety requirements and 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.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guest Capacity | Maximum of 12 guests – smallest trip size in the industry. |
| Photography-Friendly Design | 360-degree walk-around deck and a fly-bridge for alternate angles. |
| Upper Viewing Deck | Comfortably accommodates 6 guests. |
| Engines | Twin 300 HP, 4-stroke Suzuki engines – quiet, stable, efficient, and eco-conscious. |
| Cabin | Fully enclosed wrap-around cabin with cushioned seats and curved windscreens for optimal visibility. |
| Onboard Amenities | Includes flush toilet and dry storage lockers. |
| Procedure | Details |
|---|---|
| Sanitation | Boat surfaces and high-touch areas sanitized before, during, and after every trip. |
| Hand Sanitizer | Provided and accessible onboard. |
| Equipment Handling | All guest-used items are cleaned throughout; handled only by crew. |
| Crew Qualifications | Trained in first aid, fire-fighting, and undergo monthly safety drills. |
| Safety Equipment | Includes life jackets, first-aid kit, radio, and cellular phones. |
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 the Marine and Coastal Management DFFE – Department of Forest and Fisheries. Our equipment meets all the required safety standards and the experience of our crew ensures 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 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, divers and non-divers pay the same price for the shark trip.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gear Disinfection | Wetsuits, masks, and snorkels disinfected, rinsed, and dried before use. |
| Personal Equipment Use | Each guest gets their own sanitized gear. |
| Post-Use Protocol | Used items immediately placed in disinfectant solution. |
| One-Time Use | Equipment is only used once per day. |
| No Sharing Policy | Towels and gear are not shared among guests. |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Crew Supervision | Experienced crew supervise all shark diving in Cape Town and are trained in first aid and shark behavior. |
| Shark Cage Safety | Floats with approximatley . 30 cm freeboard, secured by thick ropes and flotation devices. |
| Shark Protection Design | Cage is smooth-edged to prevent injury to sharks. |
| Cage Type | Surface cage only — not submersible. Guests can exit at any time. |
| Access | Simple step-off entry from the boat; specially designed doors for easy access. |
| Camera Friendly | Accommodates GoPro; interior has hand and foot bars for filming stability. |
What makes Apex Shark Expeditions the best for shark cage diving in Cape Town? It’s our expertise and passion. With nearly 30 years of experience, we’ve earned a 5-star TripAdvisor and Google rating and a 100% safety record. Our small groups—max 12 guests—ensure personal attention, while our knowledgeable guides offer insights into sharks like the Bronze Whaler, Seven-gill, and Great White sharks. Based in Cape Town, we’re a whole lot closer to Cape Town than Gansbaai operators, saving you half a day travel time, and for the best shark experience ever.
For adventure seekers, we also offer thrilling experiences such as great white shark Gansbaai, shark cage diving Simonstown, and immersive kelp forest diving Cape Town – all guided by expert marine professionals to ensure a safe, unforgettable encounter with the ocean’s most captivating creatures.
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 to long after your experience. 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.
Ready for Cape Town’s best shark cage diving? We’re your gateway to False Bay’s sharks. With small groups, expert guides, and a passion for the ocean, we’ve been Cape Town’s top cage diving company for nearly three decades. Dive in and see why we’re unrivalled.
2025 (Per Traveler)
Return Transfers
Transfers are per traveler. For 3 or more guests, enquire for a group discount.
2026 (Per Traveler)
Children (11-5 years)
Children 4 years and younger – No Charge
Return Transfers
Transfers are per traveler. For 3 or more guests, enquire for a group discount.
Conservation Contribution
Per Traveller
Yes, shark cage diving is easily accessible from Cape Town, with daily tours heading to nearby hotspots like Simon’s Town, in Cape Town itself, and False Bay. It’s a convenient and option for visitors based in the city and surrounds.
Simon’s Town is a mere 45 minutes from the Cape Town city center, 5 minutes from Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and 10 minutes from the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and Cape Point. As this is a half-day trip, one can add a land tour to see these other top attractions.
Extremely close! Sharks often approach the cage within arm’s reach, offering an unforgettable, face-to-face encounter. They often stay around the cage, curious about the boat, the activity, and the noises.
Shark cage diving in Cape Town is a unique experience due to the diverse species of sharks that can be encountered in the waters such as bronze whaler sharks, seven-gill, mako and blue sharks. Another unique aspect of shark cage diving in Cape Town is the location of the dive site, which is close to Seal Island. Seal Island is home to 65 000 cape fur seals, and should weather and time allow, a tour around the island after the shark cage diving trip completes the diversity of marine life one can see on a shark tour.
The duration of a shark cage diving tour can vary depending on the tour operator and the location of the dive site. Most tours typically last between 3-4 hours from start to finish, including travel time to and from the dive site. The number of people on the boat can also vary depending on the size of the boat and the tour operator. Most boats used for shark cage diving can accommodate between 20-40 people. However, some operators, like Apex Shark Expeditions host small groups for an intimate experience with fewer participants.
Shark cage diving in Cape Town contributes to shark conservation in several ways. Firstly, it helps to promote awareness about the importance of sharks in the ocean by allowing people to witness these animals in their natural habitat and appreciate their beauty and importance within the ocean ecosystem. Additionally, Apex records data on the sharks and the environment on every trip we do. This information is provided to the scientific community for research which leads to shark conservation.
If you are interested in supporting shark conservation efforts while participating in shark cage diving in Cape Town, here are a few things you can do:
By taking these actions, you can help contribute to shark conservation efforts while enjoying the thrilling experience of shark cage diving in Cape Town.
Shark cage diving in Cape Town is a safe activity as it is conducted responsibly and with safety measures in place. Most tour operators follow strict safety protocols to ensure that participants have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some precautions that are typically taken to ensure the safety of participants:
It’s now or never!
Apex Shark Expeditions offers 30 years of experience, a 100% safety record, and small groups for personal shark encounters, earning a 5-star TripAdvisor and Google rating as Cape Town’s best.
Expect Bronze Whaler sharks and Seven-gill sharks. “What sharks can I see in Cape Town?”—False Bay’s diversity sets us apart.
“Looking to book shark cage diving in Cape Town?”—call +27790518558 or email [email protected].
Year-round. Water temps range from 14°C to 20°C.
“Which is better for shark cage diving, Cape Town or Gansbaai?”—Our Cape Town location cuts travel time, offers diverse wildlife, and aligns with conservation, all at a great price.
TOMORROW
Tuesday
27 June 2023
Next trip 28 June
11h45
*Trip status updated daily at 16h00 SAST