Dive in the great white capital of the world

An adventure of a lifetime that supports shark conservation, too

Last updated: Tuesday, 26 April 2022

White Shark Cage Diving (WSCD) has a 95% success rate on getting eyes on sharks, the staff are all vaccinated, the boat has been refurbished, plus the reviews are stellar. It’s the company of choice to see the ocean’s apex predators in Gansbaai, plus it often runs specials (check its homepage for more).

GET IN THE WATER WITH COPPERS: WATCH VIDEO

 

 

 

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In this cage experience, you can stay under water for a long time thanks to the unlimited hookah system. Credit: White Cage Diving Co

DIVE WITH A GREAT WHITE OR COPPER SHARK

Imagine being in the sea when a massive shape begins to take form in the blue beyond the protective cage and begins to swim towards you. Then they’re there, skimming past, under and around you. It’s thrilling to experience any shark – great white or copper – in its own habitat. 

Copper sharks congregate in large numbers around the boat. Image: WSDC

Winter is the most likely time to find great whites in Gansbaai, while bronze whalers (or copper sharks) have a presence all year round. Coppers grow up to 3.5 metres in length, are highly curious and where you find one, there are likely to be more. They sometimes gather in shivers of up to 40 around the boat. You may also spot the more elusive 7-gill cow shark. 

TOUR WITH A TOURISM AWARD WINNER  

“We saw a lot of sharks and even a seal joined us … experience of a lifetime,” said Nove, S. “I would liken this experience to some of the best adventure experiences of my life,” said Lizette Austin. Both gave these stellar reviews on TripAdvisor.

WSDC has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 6 years running and has held the Traveler's Choice Award for the last 2 years (the award is based on consistently high customer ratings), because it provides its customers with an exclusive and personalised diving experience.

The elusive 7-gilled cow shark is another of the species you can spot. Image: WSDC

YOU’RE 95% CERTAIN TO SEE SHARKS

Gansbaai is about two hours from Cape Town (divers can arrange to be picked up from the city). The small coastal village is where you’re most likely to see a shark, thanks to the proximity of Dyer Island and the 50 000 to 60 000 seals that live on it. Seals are a great white's favorite food.

There’s nothing quite so memorable as being in the water with a shark. Credit: WSDC

Gansbaai is known as the great white capital of the world, but nature is constantly shifting and changing – great whites are now usually only visible during winter (June to August), while other sharks are much more present year round.

The White Shark is a state-of-the-art catamaran. Image: WSDC

The company's boat, White Shark, was refurbished during the pandemic shut-down. She’s a 12-metre, custom-designed, sea-cabin cruiser catamaran built to the exact specifications required in the shark-cage diving industry, ensuring a passenger's safety and well-being at all times. 

WATCH SHARKS FROM THE DECK

It’s an incredible and otherworldly experience to witness these remarkable predators in their natural environment, but you don’t have to get into the water if you’re nervous. You can see the action from the deck, as the sharks are curious and come in to investigate, attracted by the chum. If you do choose to get in, it’s easier than ever to stay underwater since there’s an unlimited supply of air via a hookah air system.

Seeing the sharks underwater is easier than ever now that an hookah air supply system has been installed.

CONTRIBUTE TO MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH

WSDC is a founding member of the Great White Protection Foundation and is actively involved in initiatives, such as the Sharksafe Barrier, to protect the dwindling number of sharks and other marine species on South Africa’s coastlines. Sharksafe Barrier is a sustainable alternative to detrimental shark nets and drumlines that harm thousands of sharks, dolphins, turtles and other marine species every year.

WSDC contributes to research by taking ID photographs of the sharks seen. Image: WSDC

It also contributes to research spearheaded by the University of Stellenbosch’s shark research group that focuses on ID photographs, dorsal fin identification and genetic analysis. These studies are crucial to understanding more about these mysterious sea creatures and the role they play in the marine ecosystem.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA

In 2015 WSDC founded a non-profit organisation, Shark & Marine Research Institute. It focuses on the research of sharks and other elasmobranch species, and has a volunteer programme for budding scientists, biologists and marine-enthusiasts to join as research assistants. 

As a volunteer, you get to study and be involved in ground-breaking research on great white shark behaviour, as well as the diversity and abundance of sharks and rays and marine debris accumulation. It also means you’ll be spending time in one of the world’s most fascinating and dynamic ecosystems. WSDC also is involved in community outreach initiatives, to grow people’s knowledge of and love for the ocean they live with.

SHARK CAGE DIVE TOUR PACKAGES 2022 

Standard shark-cage diving and viewing is R2 200, but look out for seasonal specials on the website. Now’s the time to do this trip. It’s winter, plus there’s a grand special. If you mention CapeTownMagazine, you’ll get R400 off.Private charter promotion is up to 50% off (ask for a price/quote). 

A WSDC tour comprises:

• Optional transport to and from Gansbaai (at an additional cost)

• Light pre-trip breakfast in Gansbaai

• Extensive safety briefing

• Fun-facts and interesting tit-bits about great white sharks

• The scenic boat ride on White Shark

• On-board light snacks and refreshments

• All diving equipment and guidance needed

• Shark-cage dive (and breaching trip, should it be arranged)

• Post-trip lunch and hot beverages upon return

• A record of your adventure is available for purchase on a custom-made, shark-shaped USB.

Please bring:

• Sunscreen (preferably waterproof)

• Bathing costume and towel

• Hat or cap

• Warm jacket

• Camera (optional)

To qualify for a discount, mention CapeTownMagazine.com when booking. 

Age restrictions: Children aged 5 - 12 are allowed on board for shark viewing depending on the weather conditions. Exceptions can be made for younger children to enter the cage, depending on the child's size, strength and swimming ability. A meet and greet can be arranged with our skipper provided the weather conditions are suitable.

WSDC Volunteer Programme: For more information about WSDC’s Volunteer Programme, call or WhatsApp +27 (0)63 680 3063 or email at institute@sharkcagedive.com. Alternatively, visit SMRI’s website.

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

White Shark Diving Co. is open: Monday to Sundays, 8am - 10.30pm
Find it: 9 Kus Drive | Kleinbaai | Gansbaai | Western Cape
Contact WSDC on: 082 559 6858, info@sharkcagediving.co.za, Instagram: @whitesharkco

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MORE OCEAN TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Interested in contributing to the research? Here’s how you can do it.

Find out more about the apex predators of the ocean.

If you love being in the ocean and want to explore various activities, here’s how to stay savvy.

While you’re still in adventure mode, give the seals some love.

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